Monday, July 06, 2009

Contrarian Chronicles

What's next: Inflation or deflation?
Bill Fleckenstein

Isn't the 'winner' clear by now? Not to some people, who've overlooked the evidence that's been in place for some time.


The Basics

7 ways your money is changing
7 ways your money life is changing © Image Source/Getty Images

Don't expect the economy to get 'back on track.' It's a new track, folks, and here's how to navigate it.


The Basics

When a parent steals your identity
Liz Pulliam Weston

This crime is not as rare as you might think. And the betrayal (and damage) goes beyond the financial. Here's how it can happen -- and how to tell if it already has.


Friday, July 03, 2009

Extra

Money tips from the Founding Fathers

For this Independence Day, here are words of financial wisdom -- to and from some of the Americans portrayed on US currency.


Thursday, July 02, 2009

The Basics

Repaying student loans gets easier

A new program links payments on federal student loans to income and forgives balances after 25 years. Those working in public service could have loans forgiven after 10 years.


The Basics

Is it safe to bank by cell phone?

Thanks in part to banks' big investments in security technology, you're probably not dialing for disaster with mobile banking. But there are still ways to get stung.


StockScouter

50 sizzling stocks to buy in July

StockScouter, MSN Money's stock-picking tool, identifies companies with momentum and capable of helping investors outperform the market.


The Basics

Do smart women marry money?

It sounds easier to find a rich man than to find your own way financially. But I've got a 2-step plan that will make you both richer and happier.


Extra

Which are the worst states for tickets?

As the traditional summer driving season peaks, a drivers'-rights group ranks the states on driver friendliness. New Jersey? Fuhgeddaboudit.


Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Extra

Credit card rates, fees soar as new law looms

Caught between rising default rates and new legislation that will cap interest rates, banks are protecting profits by charging even their better customers more.


Extra

Don't get clobbered by inflation

If prices begin to rise, inflation-protected investing strategies could help take the ache out of a bruised portfolio.


The Basics

Survival guide for breadwinner wives

Women who earn more than their husbands are hardly rare, but that doesn't mean it's a comfortable role for them (or their spouses). Here are 3 tips to make it easier.


Company Focus

10 top stocks to buy on the pullback

Many stocks have already gone on sale, but how do you know what's a bargain and what's a sinking ship? Start by asking 6 questions.


Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Extra

No business like 'Going Out of Business'

A Texas carpet shop changes its controversial name, but the haggling goes on and on. Now the store is advertising 'total liquidations.'


Mutual Funds

Think recovery in year's second half

The bottom is in, so you should stick with stocks -- even if they pull back -- and lighten up on bonds. That's what I'm doing in my ETF portfolio.


The Basics

Can your lifestyle hurt your credit?

Lenders might be monitoring your behavior via your credit card spending -- and certain purchases could cost you.


Simple Strategies

8 dividend stocks for a dull market

As the market rally slows, take a look at stocks that will keep paying even when their prices aren't rising. Here's a screen to help you find them.


Monday, June 29, 2009

Extra

Search goes on for Madoff's money

As Mrs. Madoff relinquishes cash, furs and jewelry, a court-appointed trustee pursues more than $10 billion from investors who withdrew sums from Madoff accounts.       


Contrarian Chronicles

Realty fervor takes aim at reality

The real-estate balloon has deflated, but there's still plenty of hot air surrounding home prices. Let us now appraise industry lobbying efforts to lift valuations.


Extra

Funds to profit from falling dollar

Long term, the greenback is headed down. Insulate your wealth against its decline with the right mutual funds.


The Basics

Your 5-minute guide to protecting your identity

Here are 22 steps to protect yourself from identity theft -- and 8 ways to clean up things if you become a victim.


The Basics

Escape a debt, face the IRS

Congratulations. You just talked a lender into reducing or canceling a troublesome debt. The bad news? Now you may have a tax problem.


The Basics

7 ways to save your profits from the tax man

The tax code actually can help you increase your investment profit. Here are some tips for maximizing gains, including advice on how to time purchases and sales.


The Basics

On the move? Watch for deductions

If your move is job-related -- and you meet a couple of requirements -- you're eligible to write off a large portion of your moving expenses. Here's a rundown.


The Basics

Great with credit, lousy with money

Credit scores are important, but having great scores doesn't mean you're doing everything right. If you fall for any of these 3 myths you could still get hurt.

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