Personal finance advice, ideas - Money Magazine

Is Wal-Mart recovery-proof?

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:37:21 EST

Throughout the recession, wealthier households "traded down" and started to shop at Wal-Mart for the first time. As a result, the world's largest retailer saw its market share in general merchandise rise as the economy went south. Wal-Mart's stock jumped 20% in 2008, but this year its shares are down about 8%, as investors anticipate a recovery that could get shoppers -- especially the company's new upscale clientele -- thinking about more than everyday low prices.

Making up your employer's match

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:57:45 EST

Question: My company currently matches my 401(k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of salary. But starting in January my employer plans to do away with the match due to the poor economic conditions. I'm still early in my career and don't want to cut back on my retirement savings, so I plan on picking up the slack. I wonder, though, whether I should contribute an additional 5% of salary to my 401(k) or put the extra savings into a Roth IRA. What do you think? --Wes, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

How to give when the giving gets tough

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:02:48 EST

Nancy Mccauley Branstetter, a former communications executive at Ford Motor Co., is passionate about a cause that feels especially urgent lately: helping disadvantaged children and families who live in the economically stricken Detroit area.

Will your hometown be a boomtown again?

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:16:01 EST

Since the crash, we've gotten used to thinking of real estate as a market shaped by national forces: Interest rates went down, Wall Street and homebuyers went nuts, regulators fell asleep at the switch, and -- voil� -- we had ourselves a bubble.

Money's new More Money blog

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:48:50 EDT

When marriage means medical bills

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:48:47 EST

5 reasons banks don't get it

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:00:13 EST

You might think your bank would be rolling out the red carpet for you right now. Barely a year ago the biggest players nearly obliterated themselves and the economy with freewheeling lending practices and needed your tax dollars to bail them out. And with investment banking and commercial lending shaky for now, banks need your retail business more than ever.

5 ways to pump up your income

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:38:34 EST

Wish you had a little more money in your wallet these days? Who doesn't?

Best gifts for the outdoorsy type

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:44:52 EST

Your favorite nature lover will appreciate these affordable woodsy offerings.

Best gifts for the foodie

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:42:16 EST

Choose one of these culinary gift ideas for the kitchen lover in your life.

Holiday gift guide

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:08:35 EST

Make money in 2010: Your home

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:01:16 EST

After three years of slumping house prices, the end of the real estate bust may finally be in sight. Home sales are rising, inventories are shrinking, and most economists believe values nationwide will hit bottom in the second half of the year -- but not before falling another 5% to 10% first.

The future of car safety is here

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:07:33 EST

New features can alert you to danger before you even know it's there.

'I have the best job in America!'

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:45:36 EST

Meet 10 people lucky enough to have the top careers on Money's list.

Year-end tax moves

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:40:55 EST

There's plenty to distract you from financial planning this time of year, from cheering on your favorite football team to daydreaming about Thanksgiving dinner. But you don't want to let some end-of-year deadlines slip by without taking steps to minimize taxes and maximize savings. Especially in this economic climate, a little extra cash can go a long way.

Pay less to stay warm this winter

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:40:06 EST

This year you can score a rare recession-induced break on your energy bill: The combination of a weak economy and a production boom has dropped the cost of heating with natural gas to a six-year low and is keeping a lid on other heat sources as well. But you can still save more. These questions will help you figure out the most cost-effective ways to keep out the cold.

Best digital cameras

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:55:23 EST

Capture holiday memories with these snazzy shooters - and still have money left for the turkey.

Marrying finances

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:56:02 EST

When Kimerby and Tony Simmons were married last month at a vineyard in the foothills outside Atlanta, they participated in the African-American tradition of jumping over a broom - an act symbolizing their entrance into a new phase of life together.

Least stressful jobs

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:52:42 EST

Feeling overworked and overwhelmed? Maybe it's time for a career change.

How to spend $10k

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:54:45 EST

It's a challenging time to find the best places for your extra cash.