Feb 03, 2012 08:53AM

States seek currencies made of silver and gold

A growing number of states are seeking shiny new currencies made of silver and gold.

Feb 03, 2012 09:56AM

The best cities for job hunting

FORTUNE -- Dear Annie: I just got a pink slip from the bank where I've worked as a marketing director for the past 12 years, and which is now undergoing a total restructuring, so I'm pondering what my next move should be. Opportunities are limited in the smallish East Coast city where I live (the bank I'll soon be leaving is the single biggest employer in town) and, having moved here solely to take the position I'm now losing, I'm not particularly attached to this area. Our kids are away at college now, our mortgage is paid off, and my wife, who is a pediatrician, really could work anywhere. So we're open to the idea of moving -- but where would I have the best chance of finding a new job? I'm also wondering, do many employers still pay moving expenses for new management hires, or is that a thing of the past? ? Footloose

Feb 03, 2012 03:27AM

Home repairs: Which jobs come first?

Lean times call for budgetary triage. But while you should clearly opt for orthodontics before Disneyland, the choice is tougher when it comes to home maintenance.

Feb 03, 2012 02:36PM

Beat stress for less

This year the end of the holidays probably didn't bring the usual stress relief; there are still worries about unemployment, a flailing housing market, and a volatile stock market, all of which may be taking a toll on your health.

Feb 03, 2012 03:21AM

Finally, a foreclosure settlement (Maybe)

States have until late Monday to agree to the latest draft deal aimed at relieving homeowners struggling with mortgages bigger than their home's value.

Feb 02, 2012 07:12PM

Funds that invest in REITs add diversification to portfolio

Funds that invest in real estate investment trusts rose an average 7.5% last year, beating the Standard & Poor's 500 index's 2.1% gain.

Jan 26, 2012 05:04PM

Investing: A good fund for your kids? Maybe a midcap

Good funds for child investments take many shapes, but often the best choice is midcaps.

Jan 19, 2012 08:16PM

Europe stocks ripe for picking? If you look hard enough

Low prices on Europe stocks are a good thing, but finding a gem takes a lot of sifting.

Jan 12, 2012 08:51PM

Investing: Look beyond utilities for dividends

You can still find decent dividend-paying stocks. You just have to look further afield.

Jan 05, 2012 06:41PM

Dogs talk! Bonds beat stocks! Dealing with the unexpected

Sometimes the unexpected happens, and it changes your perception of the world. Bonds beat stocks over 30 years? Who expected that?

Feb 03, 2012 10:00AM

5 Ways to Predict a Trend

Spotting a trend ahead of the competition can give you a big leg up. But how do you know what a trend is before it develops? Here are five ways you can spot trends while they are still on the horizon.

Feb 03, 2012 10:00AM

The Winning Game Plan for Your Home-Based Business

To make your home business successful, you need a game plan. Start your home business on the right foot with a plan that addresses these three issues.

Feb 02, 2012 10:00AM

3 Steps to Crafting Your 2012 Marketing Plan

Does your business have a marketing plan? You can probably survive without it, but if you really want your business to surge ahead, you're going to want to create one. Learn these three basic steps for creating a marketing plan.

Feb 02, 2012 10:00AM

The Most Important Force Behind Change

Whether you're a big corporation or small business, getting employees to embrace change doesn't come easy. Find out what skills a leader needs in order to implement changes with less resistance.

Feb 01, 2012 10:00AM

5 Ways Small Businesses Can Improve Their Ads

Small businesses don't have the luxury of being able to test numerous marketing campaigns since they are usually working with a very tight budget. These five tips can help small businesses improve their advertising techniques without spending a lot of money.

Jan 31, 2012 04:00PM

Claiming an adult child as a dependent on your taxes

Your unemployed adult child is living in your basement. Does that mean you can claim him as a dependent on your tax return?

Jan 23, 2012 04:32PM

College students face stiff competition for financial aid

Cuts in state and federal funding for financial aid mean more students will be competing for a smaller pot of money. Tips on how to apply.

Jan 20, 2012 07:59AM

2011 tax-filing season has started: Some tips to remember

Tips for taxpayers, including details on IRS Free File and other filing options.

Jan 09, 2012 04:35PM

E-payments rapidly phasing out paper checks as an option

Increasingly people will have no choice but to accept electronic payments for everything from retirement benefits to tax refunds.

Jan 02, 2012 03:53PM

Don't let scandals stop charitable giving

After a year in which several well-known charities have become immersed in scandal, you might be tempted to stop giving. Don't.