Lifestyle & Trends - Money & Finance

Layaway: It's back and easier than ever to use

In decades gone by, layaway was a staple for budget-conscious customers in retail stores across the country, but its popularity waned as credit cards became more available and consumers sought alternate finance methods to buy clothing and necessities. With household budgets tighter than ever due to the recent recession, layaway is once again emerging as a viable shopping tool. Read More

What you should know about credit before you go car shopping

Before you set foot on a dealer's lot or peruse the auto section of the newspaper, take these steps to ensure you're in a position of power when it comes time to negotiate your auto loan. Read More

Savings heat up with solar-powered water heaters

Thanks to the federal tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. It's a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be. Read More

Shopping tips to save big on back-to-school supplies

The back-to-school lists mean one thing - it's time for parents to start shopping. But shopping doesn't have to mean you spend every cent you have in your pocket. Read More

Five things small businesses can do to make marketing pay off

In shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small business, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return. In fact, figuring out "what works" is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners. Read More

Helping Asian Americans reach their retirement goals

The financial downturn has affected most Americans in some way, and Asian Americans are no exception, a new survey reveals. In fact, eight out of 10 Asian Americans polled by Prudential Financial, say their savings and investments have been negatively impacted in recent years. Read More

Overwhelmed by debt? Know your options

If you find yourself in a financial hole you can't get out of, it's important to know you have options. Being in debt can cause people to continue to make payments that they can't afford or can barely afford without much hope of ever eliminating the debt. If you find yourself in this position, there are a few routes you can pursue to free yourself from overwhelming debt. Read More

Why some Americans are looking at a new place for their retirement accounts

With the stock market in the doldrums, and flurry of bank failures and subsequent federal bank bailouts, increasing numbers of retirement savers are choosing credit unions for their individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Read More

Protect your family's home, even after you are gone

Caring for your family is something you do every day of your life. But there might come a time when you won't be available. Mortgage life insurance is a life insurance product designed to help your survivors pay your mortgage after you pass away. Read More

Personal branding: A new focus in job searching

Career development professionals are creating new strategies to help clients increase the chances of getting noticed among the throngs of job applicants vying for positions. Personal branding is the process of distinguishing the essence of an individual's relevant career attributes and communicating them consistently throughout the resume and interview. Read More

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