death

Every investor should be asking their portfolio companies what succession plans they have to replace their CEOs in the event of a tragedy like that which befell Micron Technology CEO Steve Appleton last week. Because unfortunately, many companies don't have any plan at all.

A court ruling Monday stubbed out an FDA attempt to plaster extremely graphic warning labels on cigarette packs. The decision has reignited a debate over which right trumps which: The right of the government to warn Americans about the health risks of smoking, or the First Amendment rights of tobacco companies.

Some people take fun to the extreme, engaging in pastimes that put their health -- and even their lives -- at risk. Insurance companies refer to such activities as "hazardous vocations," and charge higher premiums to those who engage in them. One way or another, these hobbies will cost you.

Having a plan in case of a major life crisis is important and, according to State Farm's Financial Plan B survey, 81% of us know it. But only 45% of those surveyed said they've actually planned ahead for that crisis. If you have a plan, it may not be a solid as you think. And if you don't, here's how to begin creating one.

At times, 2011 has felt like a parade of natural disasters: Earthquakes and tornadoes and floods, oh my! But wait, there are more coming. Hurricane season has just begun, and the forecasts for 2011 aren't pretty. Before the next one hits, we look back at the nation's 10 costliest hurricanes.

Infighting among heirs is on the rise, thanks to the weak economy, the increase in blended families and a host of other factors. Probably the biggest is simply poor planning. Life is complicated enough, so don't bequeath a battle to your family. Here's some straight talk about a touchy topic.

This isn't an ugly mother-in-law story. Actually, I loved my mother-in-law, and her death at 85 was painful -- far more painful than it really needed to be because she hated to talk about what she considered her personal affairs -- especially when it involved money. And the rest of us didn't want...

The impending death of BP's blown-out oil well will bring one piece of the catastrophe that began five months ago to an anticlimactic end. But it is an important milestone for the still-weary residents of the Gulf Coast.

Last year saw a sharp decline in on-the-job injuries in the United States, mainly because there were fewer jobs. Workplace fatalities due to injuries plunged 17% to 4,340 in 2009, The Wall Street Journal reported. That's the lowest since records began 18 years ago. The economy lost 4.7 million...

Here's news from the business world and other money matters to watch out for Thursday (last updated at 8:02 a.m. Eastern time): Mattel Accused Of Espionage: Toys are a profitable and competitive business, but do they involve espionage? MGA Entertainment reportedly believes so, alleging Barbie-doll...