Lifestyle & Trends - Money & Finance

Five ways to ensure your older car costs less to keep running

Hanging on to a car - and taking care of it - can definitely save you money versus taking on a new-car payment. The key to maximizing your savings on an old car is actually to spend a little on regular maintenance. Follow these simple steps to ensure good maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs. Read More

Five things small businesses can do to make marketing pay off

In shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small business, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return. In fact, figuring out "what works" is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners. Read More

Older car maintenance care: Five ways to keep your older model car running longer

When was the last time you drove a new car off a dealer's lot? Can't remember, huh? With many Americans cutting their budgets and waiting to replace their older cars, the average age of a car on the road is now about 9.4 years. Read More

Shopping tips to save big on back-to-school supplies

The back-to-school lists mean one thing - it's time for parents to start shopping. But shopping doesn't have to mean you spend every cent you have in your pocket. Read More

Helping Asian Americans reach their retirement goals

The financial downturn has affected most Americans in some way, and Asian Americans are no exception, a new survey reveals. In fact, eight out of 10 Asian Americans polled by Prudential Financial, say their savings and investments have been negatively impacted in recent years. Read More

Back to school means insurance-review homework for parents

The ring of the school bell signals a lot of things for your children, but it should also be a good reminder to you that you may need to review your insurance policies. One reason is that your family dynamics probably change during the school year - older children leaving the house for college, younger children starting school or your teenager getting her driver's license, for instance. Read More

Layaway: It's back and easier than ever to use

In decades gone by, layaway was a staple for budget-conscious customers in retail stores across the country, but its popularity waned as credit cards became more available and consumers sought alternate finance methods to buy clothing and necessities. With household budgets tighter than ever due to the recent recession, layaway is once again emerging as a viable shopping tool. Read More

Life insurance FYI for 'Generation Y'

Those younger than 40 often give little thought to life insurance products early on, as they are more inclined to wait until they reach specific life stages. But buying life insurance can be easier and less costly when you're young. Read More

Protect your ride for best resale value

As inclement weather and uncontrollable conditions hit the roadways, it's essential not to let the environment wreak havoc on your car's resale value. It's hard enough avoiding flying debris and ravaged roads, let alone keeping the kids' muddy cleats off your leather seats. And while you might not hear praise for all of that hard work, it's important to keep you and your car's resistance to the elements top of mind during the peak car buying and selling season. Read More

Overwhelmed by debt? Know your options

If you find yourself in a financial hole you can't get out of, it's important to know you have options. Being in debt can cause people to continue to make payments that they can't afford or can barely afford without much hope of ever eliminating the debt. If you find yourself in this position, there are a few routes you can pursue to free yourself from overwhelming debt. Read More