Despite a dreary economy, it was a great year to start a business from home, as entrepreneurs identified and filled voids for consumers and other businesses.

The bullies who nearly ruined the economy are now trying to kill a proposed agency that would protect US consumers. Don't let lawmakers sell you out again, folks.

Another Depression may have been averted, but the bailouts compromised our future. We need to know how the economy fell into such a deep hole.

The 30-stock index represents the market to many people. But few of the stocks are worth buying, and a third should be dumped fast. If you don't own them, why follow them?

Two companies with very different tales to tell -- Ford and Australian mining startup Lynas -- show why investors shouldn't rely solely on easy-to-manipulate earnings reports.

Money market mutual funds are paying a pittance. Look to local banks, laddered CDs and short-term bond funds to achieve higher yields.

A proposed law would start every American on a path toward saving. Would such a program provide a helpful leg up -- or be just a costly handout?

Stock and commodity prices are soaring as speculators pour cheap US dollars into red-hot markets. Policymakers are plotting how to contain the damage.

Whether you're sorting through a dear departed's things or helping an older loved one downsize, you'll need these tips for separating trash from treasure.

With sly buys and shrewd loans, the Oracle of Omaha made billions in the credit crunch. You can learn from his moves -- and buy a handful of stocks with him.

Putting more in your 401k, buying a house or car, or giving to charity are among the moves that, if made by Dec. 31, will help shrink your tax bill next spring.

Housing prices in many metropolitan areas ticked higher in August, though it's too early to say that a bottom is in. These indicators foretell where home values are headed.

These mutual funds, screened for year-to-date performance and low fees, are walloping the S&P 500. But be careful about joining them in midstream.

Financial success stories abound for the original Women in Red, and their triumphs have inspired thousands. Here's a look at where their journeys have led.

Thinking of buying all your favorite stocks with just a grand? Forget it. For your own safety, you'll need a different approach. Fortunately, there's free help.

A rejected claim is the beginning, not the end. Here's a step-by-step guide to battling your way through the appeals process.

Submitting a claim doesn't have to be painful, drawn-out experience. Follow these tips to get a quicker response from your insurer.

Some insurers are dumping consumers who file too many or the wrong type of claims. Here are four scenarios when you should pay out of pocket.

Don't take it lying down. With laws spelling out your rights, and with standard appeals processes in place, you stand a chance of fighting back and winning.

Use these 23 tips to help carry out your wishes, whether you're rich or just hanging on.

At most companies, the folks who set fees, pick funds and oversee money managers aren't required to have investment training or expertise.

Bankruptcy may seem like strong medicine, but debtors in the US have it relatively easy. Public humiliation, years of re-education, even jail await deadbeats abroad.

The best time to pick up long-term winners is during a short-term correction near the beginning of an economic recovery.

A new study ranks the retirement systems of 11 nations, and the findings aren't all that good for Americans.

You might think your pets, your kids' toys and your personal problems are your own darn business. But insurers watch these things -- and they could cost you.

Qualifying for Social Security benefits may take more time and effort than you think, and missteps can be costly. Here's a road map, along with 7 pitfalls to avoid.

If you find yourself out of work and facing the end of your health insurance coverage, here's what you need to know about this safety net.

In some cases, filing a claim for auto or homeowners damage just isn't worth it. In addition to getting socked with higher premiums, you could find it harder to get coverage later.

In the courts, our pets are usually valued like pieces of property. But in some cases the owners of dead pets have been consoled by large amounts of cash.

Your home, auto and medical coverage could be better than you think. Here are 11 scenarios for which you might be pleasantly surprised to learn you can file a claim.

StockScouter, MSN Money's stock-picking tool, identifies companies capable of sustaining momentum as the economy lifts out of the recession.

Wal-Mart's entry has added to the already-growing competition as cost-conscious consumers shy away from contracts. But look closely at what prepaid plans offer.

Looking around for a better auto insurance deal? Your financial history usually plays a bigger role in determining your rates than your driving record does. Also closely watched is where you drive.

Cheap stocks have been roaring ahead as the market recovers, but bargains remain. Insiders and experts led us to these, including bailed-out Citigroup and once-hot Sirius.

The recent rally is impressive but historically not surprising. The Fed's money printing continues, and investor risk-taking has resumed. This all calls for caution.