Money & Financial News

Tips to stay financially afloat
(ARA) - With job loss at its highest rate in more than two decades and financial systems crumbling, Americans are dealing with the aftermath of a perfect storm of economic events. According to a new survey, one in four people (25 percent) say they're worried about losing their jobs in 2009, and there is no better time for consumers to batten down their financial hatches to prepare for that possibility.

More tax breaks for homeowners in 2009 and beyond
(ARA) - Homeownership and green improvements will be more affordable for more Americans in 2009, thanks to several provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The changes will put more money in taxpayers' pockets and allow homeowners to save thousands of dollars over the next several years.

Smart strategies to increase home sale profits
(ARA) - The proposition of selling a home is getting better with each passing day according to a recently released report from the National Association of Realtors. If you need to sell your home, a few smart strategies can help you increase your profits.

Selling your home? Online tools level the playing field
(ARA) - Modern home selling has gone way beyond the "for sale" sign on the front lawn. Nearly 90 percent of home buyers look online when shopping for a home, according to the National Association of Realtors. So your home-selling efforts need to cruise the Information Superhighway at top speed.

Save money without sparing romance
(ARA) - Champagne, roses and chocolate-covered strawberries spell romance, but all can fade fast. A more innovative and enduring (not to mention budget-conscious) method for adding romance is to bring it outdoors. In fact, your own backyard can be a much more cost-effective and intimate date night.

Simple Ways to Be Green and Save Green When You Shop
(ARA) - In the early days of the "green" movement, some practical-minded Americans may have considered an eco-friendly lifestyle a costly luxury they couldn't afford. Now, however, people are increasingly viewing green habits as cost-cutting measures they can't afford to pass over.

Five Recession Solutions for Your 401(k)
(ARA) - Do you cringe every time you open your 401(k) statement? If you're feeling the temptation of pulling your money, you're not alone. But before you do so, you need to think strategically.

Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle
(ARA) - With vehicles staying on the road longer than ever, the harsh conditions of the daily drive can take their toll over time. Americans spend more than 100 hours a year commuting to and from work according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. As the amount of time a vehicle stays on the road increases, so does the amount of maintenance required to keep it running.

'Yes You Can' Afford Plastic Surgery … Despite the Ugly Economy
(ARA) - With unemployment at an all-time high, it is becoming a necessity for Americans to put their best face forward. More of us are turning to less costly, non-invasive cosmetic "touch ups" to look competent and feel confident, whether in the workplace, or pounding the pavement.

Special valuables require special insurance
(ARA) - If you're remodeling or redecorating this season, you're probably also buying some goodies to spruce up your home -- like an antique dining set, original artwork or a high-end oriental rug.

Home Inspection Helps Ensure Dream Deals Don't Turn into Nightmares
(ARA) - You found your dream deal on a foreclosed home, but will that great price tag come with a different kind of higher cost? Buying a repossessed property, short sale or a home offered at a bargain price -- because of its condition -- can mean you're assuming much higher risks.

Relationship recession survival guide
(ARA) - Summer is all about spontaneous getaways, romantic interludes and young love, but the current economic condition can take its toll on your relationship. With financial stresses at an all time high, it's often easy to put your romance on the backburner. In fact, 43 percent of U.S. couples say the recession has caused them to argue more often and primarily about finances, according to a recent survey by PayPal.

Summer can be expensive -- maximize your money
(ARA) - The summer months can bring big expenses. The weather is nice, your wardrobe needs a short-sleeved update, you've got vacation time to travel and extra daylight hours to tackle home improvement projects on your list. With so many potential expenses, it's important to maximize your money.

Caregivers helping with finances urged to switch to direct deposit
(ARA) - Half of American caregivers make health-related decisions for a loved one, and a new government survey finds an equal number are now helping to manage the finances of a parent, friend or other person needing their care -- adding to caregivers' levels of stress and anxiety.

Tips for moms to save time, money and energy
(ARA) - As a mom, you're always looking for ways to save time, money and energy to keep your house running smoothly. It's not always easy to find time in the day for all the things you need to do, from balancing the family budget to running errands to shuttling family members between activities.

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