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Outsized U.S. stock gains may not be in the cards for 2015

The Federal Reserve still has its punchbowl out there as it tries to keep the economic growth party going, but investors in U.S. stocks might see less of a kick from it next year than they've seen in the past.

Nov 21, 2014 11:53 AM EST


Think holiday shopping’s ‘soulless?’ This Japanese trend can fix that

The times when Black Friday and Cyber Monday were one-day events are long gone. Data from search engine giant Google show that close to 90 percent of shoppers have turned these days into “mini-shopping-holidays,” rather than one-day events. But the Japanese, known for turning shopping into a fine art, may be pointing the way to yet another new trend in shopping.

Nov 21, 2014 11:49 AM EST


Medicare, ACA care and how to navigate during enrollment

This is enrollment season for two huge public health insurance programs: Medicare and the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchanges. For older Americans, the overlapping sign-up periods can lead to confusion and enrollment errors.

Nov 20, 2014 3:00 PM EST


A guide to figuring out your real cost of college

Many parents will not learn how much they must pay for their children's college education until financial aid packages arrive this spring. By then it may be too late to get a better deal.

Nov 17, 2014 12:13 PM EST


Five takeaways on retirement from the midterm elections

Retirement policy wasn’t on the ballot in last week's midterm elections. But the new political landscape could threaten the retirement security of middle-class households.

Nov 13, 2014 1:27 PM EST


How to give the gift of college this holiday season

Saving for college can be tough, but many families do not tap a potentially generous resource: relatives and friends.

Nov 10, 2014 10:35 AM EST


Conquering fear, finding purpose: The secrets of an encore career

“You must do the thing you cannot do,” Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote. It’s the only way to overcome the fears we all face in doing something new, she thought, and take a leap into the unknown.

Nov 05, 2014 10:56 AM EST


U.S. students need more help dealing with loan companies

U.S. students are still largely on their own to protect themselves when they are struggling to repay their debt, despite the government's condemnation of some education loan servicers' unfair, deceptive and illegal practices.

Nov 04, 2014 10:38 AM EST


For workers who drive, no more excuses for shoddy mileage logs

More than 40 million Americans earn money while driving around in their cars, making them eligible for a valuable business mileage deduction from the Internal Revenue Service.

Nov 03, 2014 7:39 AM EST


U.S. services sector growth slows, pending home sales miss forecast

U.S. services sector activity dipped to a six-month low in October, pointing to some moderation in economic growth early in the fourth quarter.

Oct 27, 2014 11:47 AM EDT


U.S. new home sales at six-year high; recovery still fragile

Sales of new U.S. single-family homes rose to a six-year high in September, but a sharp downward revision to August's sales pace indicated the housing recovery remains tentative.

Oct 24, 2014 2:37 PM EDT


The COLA crunch: Why Social Security isn't keeping up with seniors' costs

Social Security’s annual inflation adjustment is one of the program’s most valuable features. But it’s time to adjust the adjustment.

Oct 24, 2014 2:23 PM EDT


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