Cheaper Oil Drives Import Prices Down in April
U.S. import prices fell in April due to a drop in oil costs, a positive sign for household finances that also pointed to benign inflation pressures.
household finances
This Couple Bounced Back From $160,000 of Debt in 3 Years
For most people, tackling the average $8,000 we carry in credit card debt seems like an unbearable task. What if you had 20 times as much to worry about?
Fewer U.S. Taxpayers Expecting Refunds This Year
Fewer Americans are expecting the financial boost of a tax refund this year, an American Express survey shows.
'Do We Need a Prenup?' Why You Really Should Discuss It
To many couples, following a romantic marriage proposal with a pragmatic discussion about a prenuptial agreement feels like you're predicting a divorce. But the conversation can have real benefits for the health of your union and your finances.
Financially, You're Back to 1992 (but It's Not As Bad As It Sounds)
It's official. Money-wise, you're right back where you were 20 years ago. But if that news makes you want to cry -- or yawn -- hold on a moment: There are some interesting details behind the headline numbers.
Your Child Is Sick. You Need to Work. What Now?
Sooner or later, your kids will come home with something that lands them in bed, sick. For parents, caring for a child's aches and pains often leads to household financial distress. Working parents face the additional challenge of finding a substitute caregiver while they're away. Here are five ways to get prepared before the common cold comes calling.
Financial Lessons for Parents from 'Downsized'
In the season premiere of reality-television show "Downsized," which airs Tuesday, things are looking up for the Bruce-Rumsey family of nine. In an interview with The Price of Fame, family members tell us they've made mistakes. Here's what you can learn from their story.
5 Ways to Clean Up Your Laundry Budget
Doing the laundry is bad enough without having to spend a pretty penny on energy and detergent. Here are five tips on how to keep the chore from taking your wallet to the cleaners.
U.S. Families Lag Behind Chinese in Household Savings
Far fewer U.S. families are saving money for emergencies and education than their Chinese counterparts, according to a University of Missouri study released Thursday.
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.
Where Do You Go for Cash in a Pinch?
Most Americans rely on other sources besides their savings accounts when hit with an unexpected expense, according to a poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. The moral of the story? Americans need to save up more for emergencies.
Before Market Slide, Americans Were Losing Confidence
Even before the latest stock-market plunge, U.S. consumer confidence was already sliding downward, according to a Fannie Mae survey released Monday. Some 70% of respondents say the economy is heading in the wrong direction.
10 Financial Planning Tips for New Parents
The stork has arrived, bringing a beautiful baby girl or boy into your life. It also brought a ready-made drain on your wallet. The list of costs is seemingly endless: diapers, health care, child care, education, clothing, and much more. Here are some family-planning tips to keep your finances from interfering in the joy of parenting.
Financial Tradeoffs Parents are Making for Their Families
Every parent knows that having a child isn't cheap. The average cost of raising a family has grown higher than ever, and parents are making some sacrifices to pay it. Here are some of the common tradeoffs new mothers and fathers are making.
Will Your Finances Be Better in 2012? Most Think Not
When it comes to the the state of their family finances, Americans seem to be moving toward the "acceptance" stage. Some of us think our own household scenarios will get better in the coming year, some of us dread things getting worse, but mostly, we expect more of the same.