lifestyle

How the American Dream Is Keeping Us Broke

She lived in New York City, worked as a waitress and model, and saved almost $500,000 before turning 30. Her secret? It's the one that keeps the really wealthy in the money.

New Year, New You: 6 Low-Cost Aids for Your Fitness Program

If you're looking for some assistance on your journey to better health -- inexpensive assistance, of course, because so many of us have resolved to get our finances in shape, too -- here are a few smart, low-cost items that can help you get on track to a new body in the new year!

Brand Name vs. Store Brands: How to Get the Best Bargain

Supermarkets stock dozens of options for any given food item, and if you're trying to save money, generic or store brands usually offer a better deal -- but not always. So, which products will get you the most bang for your buck?

8 Ways That Money Can Buy Happiness

"If money doesn't make you happy, then you aren't spending it right." So say researchers who have studied decades of research on the connections between money and happiness. How can you be sure to spend your money in a way that maximizes happiness? Follow these eight steps.

We're Watching Less Network TV: Guess What We're Doing Instead

Fresh data from ratings tracker Nielsen shows an alarming drop in television viewership. ABC, Fox, CBS and NBC have combined for a 9 percent drop in viewers in the coveted 18-to-49 age bracket since the fall season began. Media executives are worried, and rightfully so.

Money Mic: How My Dad%u2019s Life Insurance Saved Our Family

According to a nationwide study, 57% of respondents own life insurance, but only 28% feel extremely confident in their understanding of life insurance. Today, Alden Wicker shares a very personal story from her childhood, which drove home to her just how important it is for parents to have life insurance.

11 Health Gimmicks You Should Stop Wasting Your Money On

Americans are obsessed with get-healthy-quick schemes. Too bad most of these fads aren't worth their weight in salt -- or your hard-earned dollars. Here's Business Insider's list of some of worst so-called health trends that are wasting your money today.

'Santa' Showers $100 Bills On Storm-Hit N.J., N.Y.

A wealthy Missouri man posing as "Secret Santa" stunned New Yorkers, handing $100 bills to many in Staten Island who had lost everything to Superstorm Sandy. The Kansas City businessman is giving away $100,000 this holiday season.

Lottery Winners Share Lessons, Risks of a Giant Powerball Prize

For the winners of the $500 million Powerball jackpot, past winners of mega-lottery drawings have some sound financial advice: Stick to a budget, invest wisely, learn to say no and be prepared to lose friends while riding an emotional roller-coaster of joy, anxiety, guilt and distrust.

10 of the Ugliest Celebrity Bankruptcies in History

There's nothing quite like America's obsession with celebrities -- unless, of course, you consider our obsession with celebrity failures. After all, the shine of a rising star is always eclipsed by the blazing fire caused by a big bank account going up in smoke.

Pop Quiz: Try On the World's Most Expensive Halloween Costumes

Most of the time, the goal of a good Halloween costume is to get maximum effect for minimum cost. But if you're interested in going for a big splurge this year and are looking for a little inspiration, we humbly offer a peek at the most expensive costumes in history.

13 Ways Americans Throw Away Money

Blame the government or blame the economy, but Americans should also blame themselves for their declining net worth. We waste over half a trillion dollars each year -- and that's just for areas with available data. And what do we waste that money on? Read on ...

The 10 Cheapest Cities in America

It's hard to say exactly what makes one area more expensive than another but when it all comes down to it, it's cheaper down south.Southern metros ruled the Community of Economic Research's top 10 list of cheapest cities this quarter, with Harlingen, Texas being the cheapest of them all.