The Color of Money Starting a Business? Some Survival Tips October 31, 2006 • Many people dream of quitting their jobs and going into business for themselves. But only a quarter of small businesses survive for 10 years, according to the Census Bureau. What are some of the keys to making a small business work?
Economy Imports, Technology Hurt Low-Skilled Workers' Pay October 31, 2006 • Not all Americans have benefited equally from the strength of the U.S. economy over the past decade. But low-skilled workers have been hurt the most as they face competition from imports and automation.
Economy Housing Prices Fall: Time to Move to Omaha? October 30, 2006 • Screenwriter and author Richard Dooling talks about his op-ed that appeared in Sunday's New York Times. Dooling offers up Omaha, Neb., as an option to avoid housing bubble panic.
Business 'Tis the Season for 'Christmas Creep' October 29, 2006 • It's only October, but evidence of the upcoming holiday season is already appearing in stores. Bill Cody talks with Liane Hansen about the phenomenon known as "Christmas Creep" and whether it has any impact on consumer spending.
Economy Rising ARMs May Upset Housing Market October 27, 2006 • Adjustable-rate mortgages, ARMs for short, have been a popular way for people to buy a home. The loans will adjust to higher rates in the next two years, and that has many experts making dire predictions about the housing markets.
Bankers Worry About Predatory Lending Law October 27, 2006 • A new law designed to protect military families from predatory lenders is facing criticism. The measure was signed into law last week. But some mainstream bankers are concerned the law will affect them unfairly.
Falling Home Prices Tempt Bargain Hunters October 26, 2006 • As home prices fall sharply in some areas, potential buyers are tiptoeing back into the market, enticed by the growing inventory of cheaper houses. But economists say that in some places, renting remains a more sensible option.
Federal Officials Warn of Stock Account Hacking October 25, 2006 • Federal officials are investigating reports that hackers, often located in foreign countries, are using spyware to access U.S. customers' online stock accounts.
Education Signs That College Tuition Hikes May Ease a Bit October 24, 2006 • The double-digit tuition hikes of recent years have slowed, though tuition is still rising faster than the inflation rate in some places, according to the College Board. The group has released its new report on tuition increases at U.S. public and private universities.
The Color of Money How to Find a Personal Financial Planner October 24, 2006 • When it comes to finances, Day to Day personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary says an expert opinion is always welcome. Singletary talks with Alex Chadwick about the benefits of a financial planner, and where you might find one.
World Ultra-Discount Stores Proliferate in Japan October 24, 2006 • Japan's 15-year economic downturn has produced ultra-discount shops, selling a wide-variety of no-brand goods. They're proliferating in a country considered one of the most expensive places on earth.
Miami Plans Island Home for Mega-Yachts October 24, 2006 • A worldwide boom in the construction of mega-yachts leaves a shortage of places to dock them. A $480 million development in Miami's Biscayne Bay would be able to accommodate 50 boats up to 465 feet long.
Business Skilling Awaits Sentence in Enron Case October 21, 2006 • Five years after the collapse of Enron, the energy trading giant, former employees are hoping to receive some measure of justice on Monday, when former top executive Jeffrey Skilling is sentenced in Houston.
Business Industry Braces for Blowback from 'Blood Diamond' October 20, 2006 • The upcoming Hollywood thriller Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, focuses on the illegal gem trade. The diamond industry has already launched a sophisticated campaign designed to blunt any damage the movie might cause to holiday sales.
Economy More Homeowners Defaulting on Mortgages October 19, 2006 • New data shows that a rising number of homeowners nationwide are defaulting on their mortgages. Alex Chadwick talks to Marketplace's John Dimsdale about the future of new homebuilding.