congress

Are American Shoppers About to Lose a Big Tax Break?

With Black Friday just a few days away, shoppers across the nation are getting their wallets and pocketbooks ready to rumble. What many don't realize, though, is that the federal deduction on sales tax that was part of the shopping equation for them in previous years may disappear come January.

Congress to America: Sorry. Gone Fishin'

Did you lose money on last month's Facebook IPO? How about on Groupon or Zynga? Perhaps something seemed a little off when you logged on to your brokerage account and either couldn't place an order or couldn't get confirmation that your order was placed? Congress couldn't care less.

Americans Love to Hate These Professions -- and No Wonder

Congressmen, lobbyists, and car salesmen have some of the worst reputations for honesty and ethics, as do business execs, stock brokers and real estate agents. And there's a reason why: The rules of their games are stacked against good behavior.

Why Your 2012 Tax Bill May Jump By $8,000

Thanks to yet another lapse by Congress, more than 20 million taxpayers may pay a tax in 2012 that was originally designed to hit only the ultra-rich. It may not happen -- but you should plan ahead for it in case it does.

Congress Tries to Police Itself on Insider Trading

Aware that most Americans would like to dump them all, members of Congress hope to regain some sense of trust by subjecting themselves to tougher penalties for insider trading and requiring they disclose stock transactions within 30 days.

Elected Insiders: Why the STOCK Act Matters to You

Four times in five years, lawmakers have introduced the Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge Act to bar senators and representatives from investing based on knowledge they gained in the course of their duties. Three times, the STOCK Act has died in committee. Will the fourth time be the charm?

Get Ready to Pay Thousands of Dollars More in Taxes

Lawmakers have gotten in the habit of waiting until the last minute to extend many tax breaks, but last year, they ran out of time. Now, unless Congress acts soon, millions of Americans are face changes that could leave them sending thousands of dollars a year more to the IRS.

2011's Biggest Financial Heroes and Villains

In a year saturated with big financial headlines, identifying the fiscal heroes and villains is bound to be an exercise in oversimplification. But DailyFinance is going to try: Herewith, we present our picks for the best and the worst of 2011.

More People Like Their Banks Than the Government

Despite the din from the Occupy Wall Street crowd, not everybody dislikes financial institutions -- at least, not their own. A new poll shows a much higher approval rating for our banks than we give to the folks in Washington.