What to look for before you book

It's May. Memorial Day and the end of the school year are in sight. Suddenly, you're thinking about a summer vacation. A little advance planning — and some insider tips — can save you a lot of money. Whether you're booking airfare, a car or a hotel, there are questions you should ask. More

Big banks sell off mortgage servicing rights

Millions of homeowners around the country have received an unexpected message from their banks: Goodbye. More

6 tips to manage student loan debt

Finding a job in a slow-growing economy is daunting enough without new financial obligations. More

When cellphones become a problem in the workplace

Q. The issue of employee cell phones is driving me crazy. I manage a small medical clinic with 15 staff members who interact with patients all day. Initially, I trusted them to use good judgment about personal calls, but that didn't work. More

Make a good social media splash

You've been preparing for that job interview for weeks. You're wearing your best suit and tie. You walk into your interviewer's office, look the person in the eye and shake hands firmly. More

Jamie Dimon’s fortress may not save him

A fortress balance sheet may not be enough armor to protect JPMorgan's CEO from the building chorus of criticism. More

Retire loan or keep investments?

Q. I own my home and have no mortgage or note. I have no debts except a student loan of about $11,000, and I can pay that off right now. I've always wanted to be debt-free, and I could write a check tomorrow and do that. More

Squeaky wheel still gets results

Got a gripe? Whether it's a faulty cellphone, a cranky washing machine or a designer dress that falls apart, inevitably something goes wrong with something you've bought. What do you do? More

Coupons suffer paper cut as use falls

The number of coupons used by Americans to stock their pantries plummeted in 2012, down 17 percent. After surging during the Great Recession, the old-fashioned savings tool seems to have lost favor among consumers. Or has it? More

Bidding wars among real estate trends this spring

Homeowners who endured years of declining home values will discover that the game has changed in their favor this spring. Low mortgage rates are attracting more buyers. More

Tips for job-seeking college grads

For new college graduates, competition for top jobs is fierce. But parents and other veteran employees with workplace experience can help by sharing their knowledge. More

Penney’s tries to get back into the game

It's probably been a long time since you shopped at J.C. Penney. That's the case for most of us. But for the sake of its employees and shareholders, it needs to figure out how to bring buyers back. And soon. More

Study: Mortgage deduction rates vary widely

The mortgage interest deduction, widely viewed as a tax break for a broad slice of middle-class America, benefits the residents of some states far more than others, according to a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts. More

Time for kids to give back to quash debt

Q: I am 59 years old and about $25,000 in debt. My bank account has a negative balance of $800. I fell into this mess by helping family, and now I'm wondering how to get out. I don't make enough to cover all my bills, and most of the time, I can't even afford groceries. I work 30 hours a week. More

Politely decline when boss pushes spouse’s diet supplements

Q: The head of our department has been pressuring employees to purchase products from her husband, who recently began selling diet supplements through a multilevel marketing company. More