Bad Behavior: Men, Women and Credit Card Debt
Tracking how men and women used credit cards over the course of a year revealed some striking differences -- and proved that both sexes could manage their debt a lot better.
spending
Consumers Cut Back Credit Card Use in March
Americans cut back on using their credit cards in March, suggesting many were reluctant to take on high-interest debt to make purchases.
Our Most Embarrassing Money Moments Revealed
Nearly everyone has had cringe-worthy moments relating to cash -- with strangers, friends, co-workers, even family. A new survey reveals the most common, and the most painful.
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Spending Plan
Obama sends Congress a $3.8 trillion spending blueprint that seeks to tame runaway deficits by raising taxes further on the wealthy and trimming Social Security.
U.S. Consumers' Spending Up in February, Data Show
U.S. consumer spending rose in February and income rebounded, further signs economic activity accelerated in the first quarter.
Consumers Give U.S. Economy a Lift Before Election
Consumer confidence surged in October to its highest level in nearly five years. Americans were encouraged by recent declines in the unemployment rate. And they responded by spending more on cars and trucks, at retail businesses and on goods produced at U.S. factories.
U.S. Consumer Spending Rose 0.8 Percent in September
Americans increased their spending in September at twice the rate that their income grew, a sign of confidence in the economy. Still, consumers made up the difference by saving less for a third straight month, a troubling trend.
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 ...
Retailers Report Slower Sales Growth in Sept
Americans slowed down their spending in September as they took a pause after wrapping up their back-to-school buying, according to monthly reports from major retailers released Thursday.
US Consumer Credit Falls Unexpectedly in July
Americans cut back on their credit card use in July for the second straight month, suggesting many remain cautious in the face of high unemployment and slow growth.
Twentysomethings: It's Time to Declare Financial Independence
As we prepare to celebrate our nation's independence, let's take a moment to think about our individual declarations of financial independence. If you're still ruled by debt, fiscal confusion, and reliance on others, here are a few tips for breaking free.
Rules to Save By: Jean Chatzky Reveals Her Simple Money Tips
During more than two decades of helping people learn to manage their money, Jean Chatzky has picked up a host of financial maxims that she falls back on over and over again. Why? Because they make sense. They're funny. They're memorable. And they work.
Super Bowl Spending Is Up ... and It's Good
Retailers and consumer products companies are on charging downfield toward a touchdown on Super Bowl Sunday. Consumer spending related to the big game is expected to reach an all-time high this year, with the average watcher projected to shell out $63.87 on Super Bowl-related merchandise.
Recalibrating Your Holiday Tipping for These Tight Times
While the high rollers are hitting the stores and the financially shaky are pinching pennies to pay the bills, many people in between are struggling with another seasonal debate: How to handle holiday tipping this year.