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The 6 Biggest Busted Bets of 2012

As pundits and politicians rush to sew the year up into a neat little bundle, we decided to look at 2012 from a slightly different angle. Here is our list of the year's worst bets -- six developments that seemed like sure things in January, but were bust by December.

Election 2012, As Seen From a Poll Worker's Seat

Usually, reporter Bruce Watson covers events like today's election from a journalistic distance. This time, he'll be a bit more hands-on, as a first-time poll worker. To do so, he'll be balancing two agendas: Making sure that everybody who wants to vote is able to, and making sure that every vote is legitimate.

UK Bank That Hid Iran Dealings Is Fed Up With 'F---ing Americans'

From 2001 to 2010, British bank Standard Chartered conspired with Iran to hide roughly 60,000 transactions involving at least $250 billion. And when they were called out by New York regulators for the possibility that this might have been illegal, their response was blunt ... and profane.

Where Do the Most Spoiled Children in the U.S. Live?

Raising children is expensive, and depending on where you live, it can be much more so. We've examined the seven most costly child-rearing cities, and cross-checked them with a livability study to see if parents are really getting what they're paying for.

U.S. Gasoline Prices Are Now Cheaper Than a Year Ago

After dropping for most of the month, gas prices are now lower in much of the U.S. than they were a year ago. That hasn't happened in more than two years, and it could be part of a larger decline in gasoline prices that could lift consumer confidence ahead of the summer driving season.

107 Days: That's How Long It'll Take to Pay Your Taxes

More than three months of your hard-earned wages are going straight to your tax bill this year. Americans will spend an average of 29% of their income on federal, state and local taxes in 2012, the Tax Foundation announced Monday.

Who Are the Nation's Biggest Suckers? Lottery Players

As bizarre as it sounds, 21% of American adults agreed with the statement: "Winning the lottery represents the most practical way [for me] to accumulate several hundred thousand dollars." Those 21% couldn't be more wrong.

A Boat, A Scot, and the World's Most Expensive Whisky

In honor of its 125th birthday, Glenfiddich -- the world's top-selling single malt scotch is auctioning off the most expensive whisky in the world. Only eleven bottles exist of Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve, a 55-year-old scotch.

The 5 Bank Stocks Facing the Biggest Legal Risks

Aftershocks from the financial crisis are still hitting U.S. banks: They're getting sued over everything from bonds stuffed with fraudulent home loans to improper foreclosures to credit card fees. Here are the five banks with the most to lose from those lawsuits.

Poor and Elderly: The 5 Worst States to Grow Old In

It's a tough time to be old in America, and it's worse than you may realize: According to a recent report, on average, if government benefits were taken out of the equation, the elderly would have far less income than they'd need to survive. Here's where the problem is worst.

Linsanity Trips Time Warner Cable: Can it Rebound?

There is no shortage of winners when it comes to the surprising ascent of basketball star Jeremy Lin: the Knicks; Madison Square Garden Inc.; the fans; the NBA; Linsanity T-shirt sellers. But the loser has been Time Warner Cable, and its losing streak could last awhile.

Top 4 Staffing Stocks for an Improving Economy

The U.S. economy has suddenly shifted into a higher gear, and "help wanted" signs are popping up at many more companies. That's great news for the whole staffing industry, but these four firms could benefit more than most.

As Facebook Files for Its IPO, a Look Back

On Thursday, Facebook finally filed for its IPO. As the site that made it possible for you to reconnect with your third-grade girlfriend moves into the next phase of its life, we decided to look back at some of the high points in Facebook's brief but captivating history.

NYSE Merger with Deutsche Boerse Blocked by EU

The EU has blocked the Deutsche Boerse's planned merger with NYSE Euronext, a deal that would have created the world's largest financial exchange operator, because the venture would have had a near-monopoly in the trading of European derivatives.

Doing Good to Do Well Gets a Legal Boost in California

You might not yet have heard of "B corporations" -- these companies with the dual missions of boosting social good and generating profits are a relatively new idea. But thanks to a recent California decision to make that social mission legally binding, the idea is poised to really take off.

All Couples Are Not Created Equal in the Tax Code

Equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans is often viewed as a moral issue, or a religious one. But in many ways, it's a financial issue, as well -- one that leaves same-sex couples paying thousands of dollars more every year to the IRS in taxes.

The 10 Worst States to Retire In: They're Frosty and Costly

TopRetirements.com has named the 10 worst states in which to retire based in factors such as taxes and climate. Every retirement is unique, but before you end up living out your golden years chilly and underfunded, check out this list.

OWS Prepares to Occupy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It's been a rough few months for the social justice activists of Occupy Wall Street. But on Sunday and Monday, the movement will take to the streets again to honor one of America's most famous protesters: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Why You Need to Be Your Own Stock Analyst

Sell-side analysts are often criticized for acting too slowly when it come to downgrading companies and lowering estimates. That means if you rely on the experts, you'll be reacting late too.

Don't Skimp on Your Divorce: Lesson from a N.Y. Bigamist

Of all the regrets commonly expressed by the recently divorced, "I'm sorry I didn't pay my lawyer more money" is probably last on the list. But for one New York woman, the decision to go cheap on the legal fees led to a nasty surprise as she found herself with two husbands.

Stocks in 2012: Up, Up, But Not Away

The stock market's stomach-churning roller coaster will keep running, but unlike last year's flat finish, Wall Street experts anticipate stocks will end 2012 on a high note, with the S&P 500 up by 7%.

Bad Holiday Sales Leads to Sears, Kmart Store Closings

Sears Holdings on Tuesday reported a sharp drop in holiday sales compared to a year ago, and said the results will force it to close 100 to 120 Sears and Kmart stores. The company said the stores to be closed have yet to be identified.