Staff Picks

Last Monday, many new regulations, all directed at protecting credit card users, went into action. With the introduction of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act, Washington has listened to consumers and put some strict guidelines in place to help protect them. We'll go through all of the regulations enacted by the Credit CARD Act, and what exactly they mean for you, and your wallet.

Each year, the U.S. tax code seems to grow in complexity as existing rules are amended or new rules are implemented. As taxpayers, we know these changes can mean a fatter refund... or an unexpected bill come tax time. See the changes having the greatest impact on 2009 returns.

These days, most of us could use a little extra cash. I've discovered five ways you can fatten your wallet, in as little as a few minutes, by simply signing up for services most of us use everyday.

For many, the romantic appeal of owning a large tract of land is quickly gone once the reality sets in. Along with a hefty bank note, acreage usually takes large amounts of both time and money to maintain. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that many landowners have a few tricks up their sleeve to help offset these costs -- and many of them allow the owner to profit without having to do much (or any) work.

There are literally hundreds of credit reporting sites that offer a free credit report, but just about all of them have strings attached. As you'll see, that "free" report could end up costing you hundreds of dollars. Here's how to avoid the pitfalls and receive a truly free report.

Drastic times call for drastic measures, especially these days. But when it comes to raiding your 401(k) in order to pay bills or buy things, it's incredibly important to understand the consequences first.

Good habits are the key to financial security. If you want to put yourself in position to weather any financial storm, you need to understand and follow only four good habits.

It's the tale of an American icon and one of the biggest buyouts in history. Here's what investors can learn from this remarkable story.

Noted economist John Maynard Keynes once famously remarked that "trees don't grow to the sky" -- a phrase all investors should keep in mind when investing. After all, we know markets will always fluctuate, and that's why this key to a strong portfolio is so important.  

Beat up companies with falling prices are a hallmark of great investors like Warren Buffett and others. Be wary of these companies, some of these companies will keep on falling until they reach zero.