dollars and sense

The season of giving could lead to a year of financial distress, as a recent survey indicates that holiday generosity is making more Americans bro-ho-ho-ho-ke by the beginning of the new year.

Regardless of the American economy’s checkered enthusiasm, it appears as if consumers are currently aboard the fast track to higher taxes and rising prices on things like health care and grocery items scheduled to come around at the turn of the new year.

The chances of gas prices falling below the $3 mark anytime in the near future might seem unlikely, but analysts say that it could come close. Fuel costs, already dropping, are expected to continue to do so for the rest of the year.

The people at Wealth-X recently put some of the wealthiest people in the United States under their discriminating microscope in an attempt to flush out the richest people in each state. In order to qualify for their glorified rich list, individuals must be worth at least $30 million, a requirement easily met by all of the people on this year's list.

Fast food sales are on the decline in China, as many popular junk food retailers in that part of the world have reported puny earningsin the third quarter.

Marketers all over the world are using social media more and more to sell their products, but new research shows that it may be more advantageous for them to utilize Pinterest rather than Facebook to lure in clientele.

While many analysts predict that holiday shopping will remain on the conservative side yet this year, a new survey suggests that more people intend to give the gift of giving to none other than themselves.

Earlier this week, the investment ratings firm Morningstar released their annual list of the year’s best 529 college-savings plans.

Walmart plans to unleash a new no-fee prepaid debit card by American Express later this week called Bluebird that will be offered nationwide at some 4,000 Walmart stores and through the Bluebird website.

They say the best time to look for a new job is when you already have one. Turns out there might actually be something to this phenomenon: New research suggests that the longer you're out of work, the harder it gets to find a new job.

In an attempt to be a forethought on the shopping lists of parents this holiday season, Toys R Us has announced plans to match the prices of their competition. The company’s new “price-match guarantee” will be extended to all products from Toys R Us and Babies R Us retail outlets.