gifts

For investors who open a brokerage account and buy stocks, there's more to be had than just the promise of better investment returns. Some of America's best-known firms also offer perks to their shareholders -- and not just big-money shareholders, either.

Earlier this month, Apple's marketing department pitched iPad 2 as a great gift for Valentine's Day. But with the iPad 3 a mere three weeks from release, we have to call foul. A dozen roses may not last that long, but no one's buying a $499 flower arrangement.

Chances are, you'll be more generous with your honey this Valentine's Day than last. Consumer spending on the holiday is expected to exceed last year's levels, according to the NRF and American Express.

It's stressful enough when your kids' holiday wish is filled with high-tech gadgets that aren't in your budget. What's worse is breaking down and buying them at the last minute because you couldn't think of better alternatives in your price range.

With the economy still on life support, many Americans are planning on tightening their Christmas budgets this year. Not the super rich, however. Families with discretionary incomes of $250,000 and up are planing on boosting their holiday spending by 7% to an average of $2,708, according to a new survey.

Gift-buying trends revealed at the New York International Gift Fair showed that consumers are still focused on value, but less leery of spending. Signs of the brighter mood were everywhere, from the color palettes to the growth in personal pampering products.

A temporary change in the tax code is creating a sweet opportunity. Through 2012, the amount you can give in tax-free gifts jumps from $1 million to $5 million. In this video, Kevin Sanderford, principal of Colorado West Investments, explains how you can take advantage of this "two-year window."

January's retail and food services sales rose a sharp 7.8% from January 2010 and 0.3% from December. For the most part, merchants and manufacturers worked to line up wares that consumers want at prices that attract those who are now more frugal.

When Cupid slings his arrow, it can hit you right in the wallet. What's the economically challenged lovebird to do? Well, luckily, a sense of humor is still free. Here are some tips -- and some what-not-to-do's, including some of Ed Begley's ill-fated money-savers.

Guys -- planning to get your honey a nice box of chocolates this Valentine's Day? According to a new study, you'd be better off scheduling weekly sex, because women prefer sex over chocolates. The study, by Saatchi Wellness (an offshoot of the PR firm Saatchi & Saatchi) and Time Inc.'s Health...