While we're doing a lot of things "right" these days (such as paying more attention to our credit card statements, shopping more frugally, and redefining our vision of retirement), we're still making quite a few mistakes. And some of them can be costly -- like these five common consumer...

Crude oil prices are at a two-and-a-half-year high, and if prices edge up further -- and stay there for a period of time -- this would not only be a drag on economic growth both here and globally (wreaking further damage on everything from hiring to housing to tourism), but it would also impact...

Did your roof collapse under the heavy weight of the snow? Did lightning strike your guest house? You probably know that insurance can protect your home and possessions during damaging weather (which we've had a lot of this year), but did you know that you may claim tax deductions for weather...

Where can you find the best Presidents Day sales -- beyond cars and electronics? We asked retail expert, Dan Butler, the National Retail Federation's VP Merchandising and Retail Operations. Here's his take -- and your expected savings (and here's our list of stores offering deals this weekend):

January's employment report was grim, showing just 36,000 jobs added to the economy. And while everyone is blaming the weather for the poor report, the truth is that this recovery, in its early stages, is sluggish at best. In fact, of the 13.9 million Americans who were unemployed last month, about...

With political tensions in Egypt on the rise, there are not only long-term worldwide ramifications -- particularly if the crisis continues and cannot be contained -- but shorter-termer implications for you and your wallet. According to commodity expert, Eric Bolling, a former commodities trader...

By accounts, last night's State of the Union address was one of the more inspirational, optimistic speeches given by President Obama. (There were no boos or nasty shout-outs, as in speeches past). But what does all the rhetoric (62 minutes' worth) mean to you and your future? Here's some of what...

These days, it seems as if everyone's trying to squeeze every penny out of us. From banks to colleges, American consumers are being nickeled and dimed like never before. Here are some of the biggest offenders, and your best defense against them: Banks As banks try to shore up their balance sheets...

With home values down 26% since the market's peak in 2006, and mortgage rates still at historic lows, it's a great time to buy a home, says Zillow's CEO, Spencer Rascoff. I recently caught up with him in New York City, and he shared his buying tips: 1. Arm Yourself with Knowledge Take full...

With grocery bills expected to rise 2%-3% this year -- due to an overall spike in commodity costs, from wheat to soybean to corn to oil -- there's never been a more important time to save. Here's how: Avoid impulse buys Did you know that half of all shoppers go the grocery store three or four...