Back to School: Schools Pass the Hat...And Parents Feel the Crunch
Thanks to cuts in education funding, yearly school supply lists are growing -- and becoming a greater burden on families.
back to school
The Economic Outlook Is Looking Up: Leading Indicators Rise in July
A gauge of future U.S. economic activity improved in July on a drop in new claims for jobless benefits and an increase in housing permits, although the reading still pointed to sluggish growth ahead.
4 Tips to Beat the Back-to-School Shopping Blues
Ready or not, it's time for back-to-school season. Like the Christmas shopping season, it seems to begin earlier every year, and you have to play the game if you want to catch the sales. Or do you? Personal finance guru Jean Chatzky has some surprising advice for parents.
Save a Bundle on Back-to-School with Sales Tax Holidays
When times are tough, every penny counts. That's why shoppers look forward to what has become an annual summer ritual in many states: the chance to avoid sales tax on certain purchases.
June's Weak Retail Sales Darken Outlook for Back-to-School
June's tepid retail sales numbers are already casting a pall over the industry's outlook for autumn -- and they may bode ill for the winter, too.
Older Workers Flock Back to School ... and Student Loans
The best route to a secure job still runs through the classroom, and droves of middle-aged Americans are following it. The proof is in the lending: The fastest growth in the student loan business is among people in their 40s. But are they making a good investment, or a bad bet?
Back-to-School Shopping: Buyers Get a 'C' for Careful
Even before Hurricane Irene interrupted back-to-school shopping, the nation was cautious about spending for the new semester. A teetering economy is affecting the purchasing choices of 75% of families with school-age children, and 70% say they plan to spend the same or less as last year.
How to Save in Back-to-School Home Stretch
The back-to-school countdown is nearing its end, but there's still time for parents to find good deals. Here are four tips on how you can save money while helping your child get ready to hit the books.
Moms' Best Back-to-School Savings Tips
As the new school year approaches, families head to the shops for new supplies. But the back-to-school shopping season can be hard on the wallet. Follow these money-saving tips from moms across the country and you'll have plenty of cash left for apples for the teacher.
Families Turn to Nonprofits for School Supplies
Students are heading back to school, and that means they need supplies that cost money. As the economy remains uncertain, with many out of work, nonprofits are stepping up school-supply drives to help more families with this expense.
School Backpacks to Ease the Load and the Budget
The backpack is the key piece of gear as your kids return to school this fall. What they want is something cool that holds everything; what you want is something durable that's within your budget. The good news: Both of you can get what you want.
Retailers Prepare for Rising Prices in a Down Economy
Retailers forecast that 2011 will be a year spent dealing with inflation, expanding stores and trying to wean shoppers off their markdown habit. Faced with rising costs that are pushing their prices higher, merchants say they have to focus on growing sales, regardless of the economic pressures.
Did Late Back-to-School Shopping Save Sept. Sales?
The retail recovery may be slowly getting back on track, with major store chains expected to post a mild uptick in September sales numbers. Investors will be watching closely for signs of what to expect for the holiday season.
