More Americans are waking up to the idea of citizen consumerism -- a fitting topic on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when our thoughts turn to social consciousness. Could the concept of making more of our purchases purposeful go mainstream in the same way that the green buying movement has?
Although the end of 2011 is near, it's not too late to make sure you don't owe more to the IRS than you need to on April 15. Here are some tax-smart moves to make before you head out to that New Year's Eve party.
You don't have to be a billionaire -- nor a jolly, white-bearded figure out of folklore -- to make the holiday season remarkably sweeter for a stranger. Or a lot of strangers. Over the past few years, ordinary people across the country have been taking up the calling of Larry Stewart, the original Secret Santa.
The holidays are a time to give, but the current economy is really hurting charities. Still, just because money's tight doesn't mean you have to give up on giving: There are several new ways to be generous without opening your wallet -- and some even save you money when you donate.
When most of us buy life insurance, we're thinking about one thing: Making sure our families are taken care of after we're gone. But in this season of giving, you might also want to think about setting up a policy to take care of your favorite charity.
As the season of giving brushes elbows with the cabal of commercialism, we're presented with an ideal "teachable moment." Here are seven ways to show material boys and girls that saving -- and giving -- can be just as rewarding as getting.
For over a century, the Salvation Army's red kettles have reminded holiday shoppers not to forget charity during the season of giving. But this year, you don't need cash on hand to give, because there's something new in the kettle: a card reader and a mobile donation app.
Whole Foods is asking its shoppers to help a good cause -- with "LIFE Jackets." They're reusable cup sleeves to protect your hands from hot beverages, and all proceeds go to Kenyan women and special-needs children.
A breast cancer diagnosis can be like an earthquake in the life of the patient and her family, but the medical community is there to help guide them. What's often hard to find is a monetary lifeline for those in danger of getting washed away by the financial tidal wave that can follow.
