Money: November 2007

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Ford, Honda lead safest-cars list

Wider availability of rollover-preventing stability control swells an insurance group's annual list of top safety picks.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Make money off China's nightmare

Fueling the nation's industrial machinery takes a lot of imported raw materials. Now you can profit from buying into the suppliers that China needs to avoid getting squeezed.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Dow falls 218 as credit fears slam stocks

Goldman Sachs downgrades Citigroup, saying its financial woes may get worse. Hewlett-Packard reports a 28% profit gain. General Motors slumps on fears of rising auto loan delinquencies. Retail stocks fall on Lowe's earnings miss.Target earnings and Fed minutes are due Tuesday.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

No shelter from the housing storm

Money-market funds aren't looking like an investor safe haven from Wall Street's credit crisis after all. Meanwhile, a judge's ruling gives home lending another reason to seize up.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Dow falls 211 as late selling batters stocks

The Dow falls below its August closing low, and the S&P 500's 2007 gains are wiped out as late-day selling crushes a rally attempt. The Nasdaq has lost 10.4% since Oct. 31. Crude oil falls back. Credit and housing worries continue to sap investor confidence.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Corning and 9 other hot stock picks

The world's biggest maker of optical fiber appears on an MSN Money list of stocks with strong prospects. Here are StockScouter's top suggestions for investors.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Report: Americans getting poorer

In anew analysis of after-tax income,the United States ranks 15th among the world's richest countries. But wage comparisons for 'average workers' are tricky.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

$100 fill-up coming to a pump near you

Motorists in many parts of the country are paying the highest post-Labor Day prices ever this November.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Court upholds $1 billion award to Motorola

Read full story for latest details.

Home prices continue to fall

Housing price drops, driven by soaring foreclosure rates, accelerated during the three months ended September 30, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Buy value funds while they're down

We look at three whose managers stand consistent in their approach, even as growth stocks' returns have dwarfed theirs. Their patience and persistence will pay.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Bush names new IRS chief

Read full story for latest details.

Santa may skip Wall Street this year

Sing it with us: "You needn't watch out. You might as well cry. You might as well pout I'm telling you why. Santa Claus ain't coming to town."

Retailers' most annoying tricks

Got a pet peeve about stores and sales? Join the crowd. Here are a dozen of the most common complaints among hundreds posted on MSN Money's message boards.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Empty your closets, fill your pockets

Your garage and attic may be brimming with stuff you could sell instead of store. Here's the lowdown -- with 17 tips -- on how to turn clutter into cash.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Land ho! Now's the time to buy

If you act quickly, you can get into companies with hard real-estate assets before the coming herd of overseas investors does. Land also offers some protection against a bigger market downturn.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Dow falls 121 as fear slams financial stocks

Despite a higher dollar and falling crude oil, financial stocks slump. Wells Fargo's CEO sees the worst housing market since the Depression. JC Penney gives a blue forecast for the full year. Starbucks shares fall nearly 8% on a weak 2008 forecast.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

2 terrific go-anywhere foreign funds

These funds take advantage of the full market spectrum in opportunities around the world. Their fees are reasonable, but watch out -- they can be volatile.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Oil tries for $100, then retreats

Oil prices nearly touched a $100 a barrel Wednesday on declining U.S. supplies, a falling dollar and refinery outages, but later retreated after failing to breach the elusive triple-digit mark.

Why medical debts shouldn't count

For many, the road to ruined credit is pockmarked with medical collections, often for tiny amounts or billed in error. The truth is that medical debt rarely indicates whether a borrower ishigh risk.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Mortgage rates continue decline

Mortgage rates continued to fall as the weak housing market remained a drag on the economy, Freddie Mac reported Wednesday.

Black Friday halo dims as '08 jitters erupt

While millions of bargain-hungry Americans count down to Black Friday, experts are already looking beyond what's expected to be a mediocre holiday season to how retailers do damage control in 2008.

Federal Reserve battles recession fears

With oil prices approaching $100 and the yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note briefly dipping below 4 percent Wednesday, Ben Bernanke and his fellow Federal Reserve policymakers find themselves in a serious quandary.

Judge denies Wal-Mart's effort to seal documents

A judge rejected Wal-Mart's motion to block the public from seeing court documents in its dispute with the state of North Carolina over possible tax evasion, according to a report Wednesday.

Foreclosure rescue: Saving a home

When Darlene Stutzman visited the offices of the East Side Organizing Project, a community advocacy group in Cleveland, she didn't know if she'd be able to keep her home.

Feds' budget tricks hide trillions in debt

Every year, tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars are quietly added to the national debt -- on top of the deficits that we hear about. What's going on here?

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

GM, Ford stocks tumble alongside market

Read full story for latest details.

One investor's optimistic Thanksgiving

The market's rough, but there's a lot of hope in the world economy.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Coffee clash at McDonald's

The fast-food chain wants to move full steam ahead into the growing market for specialty coffees with cappuccinos and other espresso drinks. But first it must bring reluctant franchisees on board.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Help your wife plan her widowhood

Most men die before their wives, and their demise often leaves their spouses in poverty. But taking these 10 steps now could ensure a better life for your wife after you're gone.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Giving thanks for the mess we're in

Later this week we are to take time out of our busy lives, share a big meal with family and friends, and give thanks. Well, when that time comes you might want to consider thanking the following.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Lawyers bill $700M for Enron work

Read full story for latest details.

The Airstream: One sleek mod pod

I have long fantasized about owning an Airstream.

GMAC eyes acquisition for troubled lending unit

Read full story for latest details.

5 stocks just shy of stardom

The MSNMoney CAPS community can help investors identify which companies among the thousands of pretenders might be tomorrow's market luminaries.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Why gold's going straight to $1,000

Gold is about to soar to new highs, and here are four compelling reasons why. Take a look at four gold-mining stocks that could make your portfolio gleam.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Despite Friday's gain, November's been a loser

The Dow finishes up 67 points in a volatile session. November has been the year's toughest month. FedEx says high oil prices hurt profits. Kohl's, AnnTaylor and Starbucks all see a weak economy slowing their businesses. A Fed governor says investors shouldn't bet on an interest-rate cut.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Is a fake Christmas tree the 'green' choice?

You may think you're saving a tree, but the plastic alternative has problems too. While the debate rages on, we've got some better ways to help the planet this Christmas.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

New Facebook ad system causes complaints

Read full story for latest details.

Cerberus: Lawsuit flies in face of agreement

Read full story for latest details.

Year-end moves to trim your '07 tax bill

The holidays -- a season of giving and joy -- are almost here. It's also time to make important moves to cut your 2007 taxes. (Keep those receipts when you give.)

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Stocks come back from steep losses

Whipsawed all day, the Dow finally finishes with a 52-point gain. The Fed sees slower growth in 2008. Freddie Mac writes down $8.1 billion. Crude oil closes above $98. Hewlett-Packard beats The Street. Nordstrom results top Wall Street's estimates.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

How to score 'Black Friday' deals

With a little research and some savvy strategies, you can save a substantial amount of money, especially by going online before the big Christmas shopping day.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

What $100 oil would cost you

Even if the price of oil doesn't breach the $100 mark, its recent rise is starting to bite - at the pump, the airline ticket counter and possibly in your home.

Dow at 7-month low

Stocks slumped Wednesday, with the Dow closing at a 7-month low, as worries about the credit and mortgage market and higher oil prices hit investors hard ahead of what for many will be a long holiday weekend.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Entrepreneurs who make it work -- at home

Millions dream of starting their own businesses at home. StartupNation looks at 100 of the best -- the most financially successful, the most innovative, the most adventurous and the downright wacky.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Dow falls 361; investors batter bank stocks

A falling dollar and growing worries about the health of banks and mortgage lenders clobber stocks. Morgan Stanleytakes a $3.7 billion charge for subprime-mortgage losses; AIG reports a profit drop. Cisco's earnings disappoint, and shares fall 9% in after-hours trading.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Try Crocs on for size

I'm selling Capital One and Starbucks.I'm buying Crocs with the proceeds.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Catching the falling dollar

When Peter Bowe first went to Iraq, his Baltimore Dredge Enterprises only narrowly beat out European rivals to sell dredges the government needed to desilt dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and maintain dry docks near Basra. By the time the company started shipping its machines in 2006, a weakening dollar had made its price more competitive.

Hidden taxes you pay every day

When you're making a PBJ sandwichor an airline reservation, you're coming into close contact with invisible charges that make goods and services more expensive.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

As oil nears $100, why isn't gas $5?

Crude is up more than 25% since spring, but gasoline is cheaper now than it was back then. However, you're going to pay more at the pump -- and soon.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Visa files for IPO

Read full story for latest details.

How $100 oil would cost you

Even if the price of oil doesn't breach the $100 mark, its recent rise will soon start to bite - at the pump, the airline ticket counter and possibly in your home.

Bad CEOs who walked away rich

Charles Prince, who lost his job after leading Citigroup to the edge of a financial abyss, leaves a rich man -- but not nearly as lavishly rewardedasother failed executives.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Fed chief caves in to Wall Street

Ben Bernanke is a wuss and his Fed, like that of his predecessor, can't abandon reason fast enough. It surrenders to Wall Street's demands regardless of consequences.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Yahoo scolded for helping China imprison dissident

In a congressional hearing, CEO Jerry Yang defends the Internet company's human-rights commitment but says Chinese laws must be followed.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Banks said to agree on $75B credit fund: report

The nation's three biggest banks have agreed on the structure of a backup fund of at least $75 billion in an effort to help stabilize the credit markets, according to a person involved in the discussions, The New York Times reported Saturday.

E*Trade sees bigger debt write-downs

E*Trade Financial Corp. said Friday the value of its holdings of securities backed by home mortgages has fallen significantly, and as a result expects to take "significant write-downs" in the fourth quarter.

Bank of America expects hit from loans

Read full story for latest details.

Tech slump pushes Dow down 550 for week

Qualcomm's disappointing forecast continues a big tech sell-off. An IBM drubbing and credit worries push the Dow down nearly 224 more points. Wachovia says it lost an additional $1.1 billion in October on bad subprime-mortgage bets. Crude oil finishes up $96.32.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

How global warming could cost you

While there is considerable debate on what is causing global warming, there is little doubt it is happening. And the impacts are not just environmental but also financial.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Still waiting to cash in on Iraq's oil

With the war in Iraq now estimated to cost the United States nearly $2 trillion over the next ten years, many taxpayers are probably wondering what happened to all that oil money that was supposed to help pay for the war.

The cost of eating green

Local is the new organic -- and a great way to cut your carbon footprint. But unless you get creative, you'll end up paying more.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Jobless returning troops blame government

Read full story for latest details.

Wall Street doesn't want you

After an era of innovation in financial services that benefited the middle class, The Street has abandoned individual investors in favor of big institutions and wealthy private traders. It's time for big changes.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Marathon Oil among 10 stocks to buy now

The nation's fourth-biggest integrated oil company tops an MSN Money list of stocks poised for gains. Here are StockScouter's best investment ideas.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

PetroChina: The world's first $1 trillion company

The state-controlled oil company goes public and knocks ExxonMobil from its perch as the world's biggest company in terms of market cap.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Preying on investors' subprime fears

When market manipulators sense weakness, they make their move and make tons of easy money. Here are four recent examples of insiders winning at the expense of everyday investors.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Stocks storm back from big losses

Heavy buying in financial stocks helps pull the Dow and S&P 500 back from deep ruts. Techs are the market's weak link after Cisco's warning of weaker orders. Fed boss Bernanke sees economic growth slowing. Disney earnings don't impress.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Prince Alwaleed: Why Chuck had to go

In the midst of staggering losses and intense public scrutiny, former Citigroup CEO Charles O. Prince III could always count on the support of the company's biggest individual shareholder: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz al Saud. Less than a month ago, the Saudi prince, who owns 3.6% of the company, even dismissed a sharp drop in earnings as a "mere hiccup."

Dow drops over 200 points

Stocks fell sharply Friday, with the Dow ending over 200 points lower, as mortgage-induced losses at Wachovia and Fannie Mae riled traders already nervous that the woes could spread to the wider economy.

How to profit from a 'police state'

The booming security business now employs as many as one-fourth of American workers. Here are four companies poised to make a bundle from our penchant for protection.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Mortgage rates continue to slip

Mortgage rates eased in response to the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates, Freddie Mac reported Thursday.

10 companies buying back their stock

Share repurchases are a reliable indicator that a stock is likely to head higher. When combined with positive ratings from our CAPS players, you have a potentialinvestment opportunity.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Kenneth Cole may be out as CEO

Kenneth Cole took his company to the top of the fashion heap with clever advertising slogans like "To be aware is more important than what you wear," only to watch his business stumble.

Dow jumps 118 after crude oil hits $97

Energy, technology and financial stocks power a late-day rally. Crude jumps on supply fears and dollar weakness; analysts see oil hitting $100 soon. Gold soars above $820. Yahoo loses in the market and on Capitol Hill. GM takes a huge charge.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Sinking dollar, rising portfolio

When you're traveling abroad, it's easy, if unpleasant, to grasp the impact of a sinking dollar. Now that the euro is at an all-time high against the greenback, dinner for two at a modest Paris caf will set you back $200.

America's economic boom turns 25

Despite two brief recessions, the nation's growth machine has kept humming right along. And experts across the political spectrum agree on what's worked.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

All the right moves: Profit in 2008

Tumbling home values. Soaring energy prices. A topsy-turvy stock market and a gazillion other financial worries, not the least of which is whether we'll spend the coming year mired in recession.

Should you freeze your credit report?

A freeze makes it tough for anyone, including you, to get credit in your name. It's harder for scammers to beat than a simple fraud alert, but is it worth the effort?

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

A seasoned pro scoops up mortgage stocks

As mortgage insurance stocks have gone into freefall over the past month, speculation has been intense about whether a deep-pocketed investor would step in and start buying, in the belief that the stock prices had fallen too far.

Is your money manager overcharging?

Financial-services fees of 1% to 2% might not sound like a whole lot -- until you convert those percentages to dollars. You could be shelling out thousands that you don't need to.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

China bans export of 'date rape' drug toys

China's government has suspended exports of toys covered with a toxic chemical that have been subject to recalls in many countries after sickening children, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

The Fed digs us a deeper hole

Was last week's interest-rate cut an act of desperation? Absolutely. Meanwhile, it's obvious that using an applause meter to run the central bank is a terrible idea.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

The day after: Citi's earnings take deeper hit

A day after announcing it would write down up to an additional $11 billion related to subprime securities, Citigroup Inc. revised its third-quarter earnings lower to reflect a bigger hit due to the mortgage meltdown.

Mortgage reform bill picks up key backing

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., has secured two key Republican endorsements on his legislative plan to reform the mortgage industry, avoiding a potentially bruising political fight this week.

Internet 'dunce' specializes in adventure

His home business started with online sales. It could soon take him on safari, out skydiving or into orbit.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Ford workers to vote on tentative UAW pact

Read full story for latest details.

Snoloha shows slackers can cash in too

Inspired by Jimmy Buffett, the founder finds a niche selling the laid-back lifestyle.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Entrepreneurs who make it work -- at home

Millions dream of starting their own businesses at home. StartupNation looks at 100 of the best -- the most financially successful, the most innovative, the most adventurous and the downright wacky

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Big holiday deals unwrapped early

Anxious retailers are already clamoring to outdo each other with bigger and better Black Friday-like deals, threatening to make Black Friday itself a non-event this year.

Dow off 52 on financial stock weakness

The blue chips swoon after Citigroup says it will take up to $11 billion in write-offs; CEO ChuckPrince resigns. Google jumps on more news of its plans for getting into the mobile-phone business. Time Warner CEO Dick Parsons will step aside at year-end.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Gone fishin' -- and into his own business

The founder of Murphy Outdoors is a successful baby boomer who turned computer skills and a love of fishing into a home- and lake-based business.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Innovation begins at home

These mothers (and others) of invention capitalize on their creativity with unusual products and services.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

The smallest 'green' buildings in America

Sweet Onion works hard to limit the environmental impact of every step it takes to produce its product: 3-D architectural models.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Subprime bailouts: Chump check

Not everyone is happy about mortgage lenders' latest efforts to help troubled borrowers.

Wacky ways to make it in business

Canine cocktails, 10-foot drill bits, hair snoods and murder mysteries lead a wild pack of 10 winners in the Wackiest category.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Cabinetmaker hits pay dirt with worms

An entrepreneur tops StartupNation's list of the Grungiest home businesses by mixing carpentry skills and composting know-how.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

The Fed's newest chief is a wuss

Ben Bernanke's Fed, like that of his predecessor, can't abandon reason fast enough. It caves in to Wall Street's demands regardless of long-term consequences.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Nashville Lappy Hour mixes dogs and drinks

A mortgage banker wins the Wackiest category after unleashing a zany promo event.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Citi faces $11 billion write-down

CEO Chuck Prince resigns after the company suffers huge mortgage losses. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin is named chairman.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Technology drives network of nurses for hire

The top financial performer of StartupNation's Home-Based 100 is a network of thousands of health professionals -- overseen from a handful of homes.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Boomers mix business with passion

The 10 top entrepreneurs in this category harness their interests, hobbies and expertise to build businesses far from the corporate world.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

By popular choice, 10 flat-out favorites

Pets, pens, kids wear and more. Networking helped these 10 winners shine in a reader vote conducted by StartupNation.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Your 5-minute guide to love and money

It's hard enough managing money alone. Throw in another person and financial sparks will fly -- but these 24 tips can help.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Chesapeake Energy among 10 stocks for today

The nation's third-biggest producer of natural gas appears on an MSN Money list of stocks poised for gains. Here are StockScouter's top investment ideas.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Child Shield takes aim to protect children

The most innovative of our home-based business winners champions a serious cause: protecting children from kidnappers and molesters.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Harmless office chitchat - or poisonous gossip?

Dear Annie: I started a new job about a year ago, as part of a product-development team with about 30 other people, and I like it a lot, except for one thing. My co-workers spend an awful lot of time gossiping about each other. While some of the chitchat is harmless ("So-and-So is wearing a nice tie today" or whatever), much of it is really negative and potentially damaging to the people being talked about. At times I think all this scuttlebutt is poisoning the atmosphere around here, and I know a couple of my colleagues agree with me, but we're at a loss as to what to do about it. Any suggestions? -Speak No Evil

Banks tighten lending standards

Read full story for latest details.

Wanted: CEO of major corporation

Here's what I find most shocking about the departures of CEOs Stan O'Neal of Merrill Lynch and Chuck Prince of Citigroup: Neither company had a successor.

Home businesses that go global

These 10 at-home shops reach around the world with charter flights, bikinis, Paris apartments, covers for golf clubs and more.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Are you in your own personal recession?

Forget the nation's economy for now; how's yours? Take a look at the three main indicators of economic health -- and make some changes if you're in trouble.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Cash in your oil profits now

Natural resources will be one of the best-performing sectors in the long term, but $95 for a barrel of crude is almost certainly a bubble price.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Marriage means updating vital papers

When you become a husband and wife, you also should become a beneficiary of your spouse's estate. These 10 steps will help get you started.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Home-based hits that do big business

With specialized products and expertise in areas like nursing and building, the 10 Best Financial Performers in StartupNation's list are cashing in.

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[Source: MSN Money Latest Articles]

Time Warner CEO Parsons to resign

After a more than five-year stint running media conglomerate Time Warner, chairman and chief executive officer Richard Parsons announced Monday that he will resign as CEO as of Jan. 1, 2008.

Dell buys data storage company for $1.4B

Read full story for latest details.

The making of a UPS driver

It's 9:45 A.M., and at 93 degrees and 1,000% humidity, Saddle Brook, N.J., feels more like the Serengeti than suburbia. I'm in a doorless truck, wearing high-waisted shorts, facing a day full of handcarts and heavy boxes. When I arose at 5:45 this morning - an hour I haven't seen the daytime side of since ... ever - the day had something of the adventurous about it. Like more of my Generation Y peers than one might expect, I'd never worn a uniform, or even properly nine-to-fived it for that matter, and here at last was my chance.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

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