Articles
5 Attitudes Americans Hold About Christmas
Jim Gold on December 22, 2015
Christmas is coming, like it or not. Here’s a look at how Americans feel about the holiday.
Christmas Day and You Forgot the Ham, or Ran Out of Toilet Paper? Don’t Panic
Jim Gold on December 22, 2015
Here’s what’s open on Christmas Day. This year, the options go beyond 7-Eleven and Chinese restaurants if you need something, or want to eat out.
Shopping for a New Job in 2016? Retail Posts Grow, Change
Jim Gold on December 22, 2015
The retail industry employs nearly 16 million people to sell food, clothing, home furnishings and general merchandise to consumers and will be hiring through 2024, officials predict.
Why Are Americans Ditching Broadband Internet?
Karla Bowsher on December 22, 2015
The percentage of American homes with broadband has fallen from an all-time high of 70 percent in 2013 to 67 percent this year. What is going on?
Taxpayers Will Have More Time to File in 2016
Karla Bowsher on December 22, 2015
Taxpayers will have a few extra days to file federal income tax returns next year — and in some states, the deadline will be later than in others. Find out why.
The 5 ‘Worst of the Worst’ Cars for 2015
Karla Bowsher on December 22, 2015
Smaller, low-budget models dominate Consumer Reports’ rundown of vehicles to avoid. Discover which cars made the list.
5 Money Lessons We Learned From ‘Star Wars’
Krystal Steinmetz on December 21, 2015
The epic space saga may take place “in a galaxy far, far away,” but there’s a lot “Star Wars” can teach you about money management.
Stop Letting Your Kid Win at Board Games
Krystal Steinmetz on December 21, 2015
‘Tis the season for the board game, but psychologists urge you not to throw the game just to make your kid feel good. That can teach the wrong lesson.
Hate Restaurants’ Automatic Tipping Policies? This Trend Will Please You
Krystal Steinmetz on December 21, 2015
A federal tax change is prompting restaurants to alter the way they charge large groups for gratuity. Many diners will be happy, though servers might suffer.
Company Orders U.S. Employees, Workaholics Included, to Take Vacation
Krystal Steinmetz on December 21, 2015
An Italian company, grappling with how to get its U.S. workers to take a real break, puts in place a mandatory vacation policy.
Teens May Soon Be Barred From Tanning Beds
Krystal Steinmetz on December 21, 2015
Rules proposed by the FDA would make indoor tanning beds available only to people older than 18 and require more warnings of cancer risks for adult users.
These Stores Will Stay Open Late on Christmas Eve
Karla Bowsher on December 21, 2015
Retailers are relying on special store hours to help draw in last-minute shoppers amid steep competition this year. Find out who will be open late.
Gas Prices Slip Below $2, but Will the Trend Continue?
Karla Bowsher on December 21, 2015
More than two-thirds of U.S. gas stations already are selling gas for less than $2 per gallon. Find out whether prices will remain low in 2016.
Day After Christmas Is the New ‘Black Friday’
Karla Bowsher on December 21, 2015
Dec. 26 could be the busiest day of the year for shopping. Find out why people are heading to the malls on that day.
What’s in Pepsi’s New ‘Healthier’ Vending Machines?
Krystal Steinmetz on December 21, 2015
If you want a candy bar and a soda, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
12 of the Worst Gifts You Can Give This Year
Karla Bowsher on December 18, 2015
Consumer Reports asked people which gift they would least like to receive. And the winner — or more accurately, loser — was the same as last year.
What the New Federal Tax Break Law Means for You
Karla Bowsher on December 18, 2015
President Obama is expected to sign what one news agency characterizes as “the closest thing to a grand bipartisan tax bargain in years.” Find out how the changes may affect you.
How Your Next Trip to a Theme Park May Be Different
Karla Bowsher on December 18, 2015
Several U.S. theme parks are responding to the threat of potential terrorism and mass shootings. Find out what they are doing.
11 Last-Minute Gifts That Don’t Seem Last Minute
Nancy Dunham on December 18, 2015
These are the kind of gifts that come in handy when an unexpected guest shows up around the holidays. Keep a stash of these on hand for when the need arises.
LifeLock to Pay $100 Million to Settle FTC Contempt Charges
Krystal Steinmetz on December 17, 2015
In what the FTC described as a ‘particularly troubling’ case, the government accuses the identity theft protection firm of deceptive advertising and failing to protect customers’ data.
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