WBRC - Money

11 best business opportunities for 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:52:00 EDT

Industries such as residential construction, mobile games, and big data will provide the best business opportunities in 2012.

Can you refinance an underwater home without HARP?

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:20:00 EDT

A lot of homeowners with underwater mortgages would like to refinance, but they don't qualify for HARP (the federal Home Affordable Refinance Program). Do they have other options?

Purchases you should always make with a credit card

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:17:00 EDT

Credit cards aren't always bad possessions to have. There are certain perks associated with using credit cards as we make routine or irregular purchases.

Sleep deprived? Try taking a nap at work

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EDT

Sleep deprivation is a huge productivity killer. One solution is to make naps normal at work.

JP Morgan $2 billion loss stirs memories of 2008 crisis

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:20:00 EDT

JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon dubs losses 'egregious,' but market analysts expect that, this time, the damage will not spread to the entire financial system.

Workaholic? Maybe you're really a successaholic

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:23:00 EDT

Think you're an incorrigible workaholic? A Harvard professor suggests you might actually be addicted to success. And that's a good thing.

Sweatwork: Bring your networking meetings into the gym

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:22:00 EDT

A new trend in business has people taking colleagues to the gym instead of out to lunch.

Industries that benefit from broke college students

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:08:00 EDT

These types of businesses have found success by capitalizing on the college demographic.

Should you switch to a lower interest credit card?

Tue, 8 May 2012 09:30:00 EDT

Making a balance transfer may save you money, but it also could hurt you in the long run. Here are six steps to take before switching credit cards.

Fed study rejects standard explanations for housing bubble

Mon, 7 May 2012 13:36:00 EDT

The most popular beliefs as to what caused the U.S. mortgage crisis and subsequent economic collapse are wrong, according to a new study by the Boston Fed.

5 lessons from your worst nightmare

Mon, 7 May 2012 11:09:00 EDT

Want to improve your business? Think of your biggest, baddest competitor and take notes. Here's how.

Start planning now for next year's tax return

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:17:00 EDT

The tax deadline may have passed but planning for next year can start now.

You can own a piece of Facebook for $28-$35 per share

Fri, 4 May 2012 10:29:00 EDT

When Facebook goes public it will cost between $28 and $35 per share, potentially netting the company $13.6 billion, with Mark Zuckerberg making $1 billion by himself.

Insurance tips for homeowners

Wed, 2 May 2012 10:25:00 EDT

Use these simple ideas to save money and get better coverage for your house.

Answers to 10 top money and debt questions

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:49:00 EDT

Figuring out finances can be confusing... but it doesn't have to be.

May Day: Can Occupy Wall Street spring back to life?

Tue, 1 May 2012 10:55:00 EDT

Occupy Wall Street has big plans for May Day, including marches and strikes, but faces big challenges: It is still largely decentralized, and has lost its hold on the support of the public.

Who's watching you on Facebook?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:01:00 EDT

There are many people who could be watching you every move on Facebook. Here are the ones you should look out for.

Credit cards: How to save $400 at the pump

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:06:00 EDT

Credit cards with gas rewards can be a big help in coping with high gas prices. The most effective credit cards could save you $400 at the pump.

Senate staves off postal Armageddon with USPS reform bill

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:59:00 EDT

Postal bill averts 3,700 post-office closings for at least two years, but fails to address deeper, structural problems in how the postal service manages a vast operation.

8 careers that pay less than you think

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:25:00 EDT

If you ever thought EMTs or architects make a lot of money, you'd be wrong.

Postal Service closings? System faces cash crunch. Again.

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:04:00 EDT

Postal Service closings could mean longer lines and possibly slower delivery. But the alternative to Postal Service closings would mean using tax money.

How to be a visionary thinker

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:13:00 EDT

Are you bringing home the paycheck of your dreams? You can get paid well for doing what you love when you tap into the visionary within.

The future of Medicare: Why you should be worried

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:23:00 EDT

Younger generations might want to start preparing for retirement now. Some things may not last that much longer

Building a professional work wardrobe on a tight budget

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:26:00 EDT

Shopping at outlet stores and signing up for mailing lists are just some of the ways you can dress well for work on a budget.

How women can take charge of their retirement

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EDT

Ladies, you don't need a man to take care of your own retirement future. Read on to see how you can do it yourself. It's not too late to start today.

Tax Tip: Where's my refund?

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:54:00 EDT

Looking for your tax refund? The IRS has the answer for where it is, along with a host of other refund-related questions.

10 ways to use your tax refund to improve your finances

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:31:00 EDT

10 ways to use your income tax refund to get out of debt, build a brighter future.

How to finance a home improvement project

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:09:00 EDT

Home improvement projects are popular these days, but getting financing for them can be difficult. So what are your options in today's tight credit market?

Tax Day freebies: Get free Arby's, Cinnabon & more

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:33:00 EDT

Tax Day freebies are being offered by several restaurant chains in honor of the April 17 filing deadline. Here is your comprehensive list of tax day freebies.

Tax Tip: Extensions and payment options

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:38:00 EDT

The IRS wants to remind taxpayers how to request some extra time to file their return and the options they have to pay their tax bill.

Best Buy names the 50 stores to close; Includes 19 in 3 states

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:44:00 EDT

Electronics retail giant Best Buy has named the 50 stores it plans to close as it struggles in the face of tough competition from e-commerce giants such as Amazon.

Tax day horror story: Taking your money... and your identity

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:25:00 EDT

The IRS is making it a top priority to crack down on the burgeoning tax day scam of identity fraud. In 2011 the agency thwarted $1.4 billion in fraudulent refunds.

Tax Tip: Need extra time? File for an extension

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EDT

Even though the tax filing deadline is later than usual this year -- April 17 -- many taxpayers may still need more time to file their tax return.

Best income tax apps for iPad

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:13:00 EDT

Digital Trends lists the best iPad apps for filing or getting help with your federal and state income taxes.

How to handle awkward money situations

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:55:00 EDT

Money conversations with friends or family are always awkward and it's difficult to know what to do in these situations.

Tax Tip: 10 last-minute tax return tips

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EDT

10 last-minute tax return tips

Facebook passwords: Why companies don't use them to see your posts

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:04:00 EDT

Several states are considering laws to bar companies form asking for applicants' social media passwords. But the social-media world is easily mined even without passwords.

Tax Tip: IRS essentials you may need before tax day

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EDT

Taxpayers seeking last-minute help can access several self-help tools on the IRS website to make filing taxes easier.

New CFPB borrower protections proposed

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:07:00 EDT

New rules to provide consumers with greater protections in dealing with their mortgage servicers have been put forward by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

5 excuses not to file taxes that the IRS won't buy

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EDT

When it comes to avoiding taxes, just know that the IRS doesn't accept reasons like not being a U.S. citizen and having a no-income return.

Tax Tip: 3 ways to pay your federal income tax

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EDT

If you cannot pay the full amount of taxes you owe, don't panic. You should still file your return and pay as much as you can using one of these methods.

What it costs to die

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:35:00 EDT

Here's a rundown of what your funeral might cost. Make sure you're prepared so your family won't have to worry.

Tax Tip: Making federal tax payments 101

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EDT

Here are 10 important facts to help you make your tax payment correctly.

Americans spread blame for high gas prices, foresee $4.75 a gallon

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 18:09:00 EDT

Americans foresee, on average, gas prices at $4.75 a gallon within three months. They most blame the oil industry and Wall Street. But they expect politicians to act.

Tax Tip: How to get tax help from the IRS

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 18:08:00 EDT

When tax season is in full swing, the IRS receives millions of calls. For faster service, get the help you need online 24/7 without delay at IRS.gov.

How mystery shoppers save you money

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 18:06:00 EDT

Mystery shoppers visit various establishments. Discover how their efforts will save you money in the long run.

An in-depth guide to HARP 2.0

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 18:04:00 EDT

Known as HARP 2.0, the new rules for the government's Home Affordable Refinance Program are designed to make it easier for certain homeowners to refinance their mortgages.

Tax Tip: 6 tips for people who pay estimated taxes

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 18:04:00 EDT

These six tips from the IRS explain estimated taxes and how to pay them.

Tax Tip: What to do if you can't pay your taxes on time

Thu, 5 Apr 2012 09:54:00 EDT

If you owe tax with your federal tax return, but can't afford to pay it all when you file, the IRS wants you to know your options and help you keep interest and penalties to a minimum.

Tax Tip: Free File still available for last-minute filers

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 17:43:00 EDT

For people who find taxes a little too taxing, IRS Free File offers free software to prepare and e-file your taxes for free.

Pink slime bankruptcy: After the backlash, what's next for beef?

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 17:40:00 EDT

A major beef processor has declared bankruptcy, citing the backlash against 'pink slime.' The economic fallout from pink slime is just beginning.

To splurge, or not to splurge, that is the question

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 10:12:00 EDT

There are some things that are worth the extra money and some that aren't. We'll give you a few examples on when and when not to fork over the extra cash.

Tax Tip: 8 tips to determine if your gift is taxable

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EDT

If you gave money or property to someone as a gift, you may owe federal gift tax.

What to do if you are facing serious tax debt

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 10:36:00 EDT

Take these 8 steps to manage owing more taxes than you can pay.

Tax Tip: Taxpayers get more time to contribute to IRAs in 2012

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 10:18:00 EDT

Here are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about setting aside retirement money in a traditional IRA.

Reasons to avoid Facebook

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EDT

If you think you'll be able to get in on Facebook's stock, you should think again.

Finance tips for single women

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Don't bend to the old convention or be a statistic. Take control of your financial well-being today. It's not too late!

If Supreme Court scraps health-care law, who wins politically?

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:37:00 EDT

Harsh questioning from the Supreme Court majority has touched off new political calibrations over Obama's health-care law. In some ways, Democrats could be the winners.

Tax Tip: Injured or innocent spouse tax relief

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EDT

You may be an injured spouse if you file a joint tax return and all or part of your portion of a refund was applied to your spouse's past due financial obligations.

Top 5 apps for job seekers

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:48:00 EDT

E-recruitment is becoming increasingly popular; find out about five apps to streamline your application process.

Tax Tip: Tax refunds may be applied to offset certain debts

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EDT

The Department of Treasury's Financial Management Service, which issues IRS tax refunds, can use part or all of your federal tax refund to satisfy certain unpaid debts.

S&P: Home prices fall to new low

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 15:32:00 EDT

U.S. home prices fell again in January, dropping to their lowest level since the housing crash occurred, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.

Goodbye, anonymity: Latest surveillance tech can search up to 36 million faces per second

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:07:00 EDT

Hitachi Kokusai Electric has built a high-performance facial recognition surveillance system that can identify a face in an image from a database of 36 million in one second.

Supreme Court health-care hearing: How bad does it look for Obamacare?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:19:00 EDT

Based on justices' questions during the Supreme Court health-care hearings, the fate of 'Obamacare' is in peril.

Tax Tip: 8 tax-time errors to avoid

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EDT

If you make a mistake on your tax return, it can take longer to process, which in turn, may delay your refund. Here are eight common errors to avoid.

Gas prices now just one thin dime from climbing to $4 a gallon

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:22:00 EDT

Gas prices jumped 5 cents a gallon last week on average, even as oil prices stabilized a bit. When gas prices reach $4 a gallon, motorists begin to change their habits.

Spring cleaning for your pocketbook: 8 ways to make your finances shine

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:38:00 EDT

Get the mothballs out of your financial closets this spring with tips to spruce up debt and money.

How to get the most money back on your tax return

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:45:00 EDT

These tips will help you get a larger refund this year, and can teach you how to pay less taxes going forward.

Buying a home now cheaper than renting

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:14:00 EDT

If you've been thinking about buying a home, consider this: In virtually every city in America, it's now cheaper to buy a home than to rent.

How to detect and avoid work-from-home scams

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:27:00 EDT

Working from home can be a dream or a nightmare. Read on to discover what to watch out for.

Employers are beginning to ask job applicants for their Facebook logins

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:03:00 EDT

With people revealing more and more personal information on the web, employers are starting to ask job applicants to disclose their Facebook account information.

Taxable events you didn't know you were creating

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 09:41:00 EDT

Understanding the implications of these events can help you plan your finances and, in some cases, save you from paying taxes altogether.

Hispanics may drive housing recovery

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EDT

When the housing market finally rebounds, Hispanic buyers will play a major role, according to a new report.

Job qualifications you need in 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:42:00 EDT

With many looking to develop their existing skill set and strengthen their position in the job market, it is important to consider both academic and non-academic qualifications.

SchoolFeed: The Facebook app everyone needs to avoid

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EDT

Online yearbook service SchoolFeed uses deceptive practices to boost its numbers and hijack your Facebook data.

Financial Savvy for Women 101

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:23:00 EDT

Even in 2012, women have different financial needs than men. Here's what to know.

Top-paying part-time jobs

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:52:00 EDT

Find out how much these part-time jobs pay and how easy they are to get.

Tax Tip: IRS' Fresh Start initiative helps taxpayers who owe taxes

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EDT

The IRS has expanded its "Fresh Start" initiative to help struggling taxpayers who owe taxes. The following four tips explain the expanded relief for taxpayers.

Pinterest is blowing up... with cries of copyright infringement

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 10:11:00 EST

Pinterest's potential is huge, but does the platform pave the way to copyright infringements?

Tax Tip: 4 tax credits that can boost your refund

Mon, 5 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST

Here are four refundable tax credits you should consider to increase your refund on your 2011 federal income tax return.

How to tell if you're cheap or frugal

Wed, 9 May 2012 10:25:00 EDT

Here are a few distinct character differences between those who understand value and those who don't.

Fast Food Burger Wars: 7 reasons Wendy's surpassed Burger King

Mon, 7 May 2012 10:38:00 EDT

The battle of the burger giants has recently taken a turn after nearly 40 years. Find out why.

620, 680 or 720? What credit score do you need for a mortgage?

Thu, 3 May 2012 10:09:00 EDT

What kind of credit score do you need to qualify for a mortgage? A new survey of bank executives by the Federal Reserve provides some answers.

Americans spending a bit more as gas prices fall

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:21:00 EDT

Americans are starting to see some relief from higher gas prices, a change that could revive the economy in the months ahead.

Tax Tip: How to claim the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Fri, 9 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST

If you are a small employer with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, then there is a tax credit that may put money in your pocket.

Tax Tip: Online resources for small businesses and self-employed

Wed, 1 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

If you're a small business or a self-employed individual who needs answers to tax questions, check out the IRS's Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center.

How to get an extension on your taxes

Fri, 6 Jan 2012 14:14:00 EST

There are times that, no matter how hard you try, you just can't get your taxes filed on time. If that's the case, then you will need to file for an extension.

The cloud: A security solution for small business

Mon, 2 Jan 2012 10:17:00 EST

Although natural or manmade disasters aren't common, even a relatively minor disruption could grind your business to a halt. Here's what to do to ensure this doesn't happen.

Use Google Alerts to keep stay on top of your industry

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 16:23:00 EST

Google Alerts was designed to provide users with information about a specific topic without requiring them to scour the web continuously.

Internet sites go global with free language translations

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:59:00 EST

I would like to have my website appeal to foreign buyers. I would also like to sharpen my foreign language skills. Do you have any suggestions?

How to win: 4 lessons from FarmVille’s CEO

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 16:21:00 EDT

This phenomenal success of Zynga is not (or not only) a matter of luck, but of carefully applied principles that Mark Pincus likely learned at Harvard and in his business jobs.

Lower oil prices ease load on consumers and Obama

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:08:00 EDT

A threat that's been hanging over the economy is starting to look a lot less menacing.

News Summary: Homebuilding, factory output rise

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:00 EDT

By The Associated Press HOUSING STARTS RISE: U.S. homebuilding rose to nearly a three-year high in April. Builders broke ground at a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 717,000 homes, the Commerce...

Figures on government spending and debt

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:00 EDT

Figures on government spending and debt (last six digits are eliminated). The government's fiscal year runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.

Wheat soars on dry weather; crude and gold sink

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:00 EDT

By The Associated Press Wheat futures soared 5 percent as dry weather in the U.S. brought worries that the crop wouldn't be nearly as large as traders had expected.

US economy picks up after early spring slump

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:48:00 EDT

Maybe the U.S. economy's strength this winter wasn't just weather-related after all.

Dollar and precious metals at a glance

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:38:00 EDT

Key currency exchange rates Wednesday, compared with late Tuesday in New York:

Greek turmoil leads to losses on Wall Street

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:38:00 EDT

More turmoil in Greece caused fallout across the financial markets.

Fed: Several members could support further easing

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:38:00 EDT

Federal Reserve policymakers are open to further efforts to stimulate the U.S. economy if growth falters or threats escalate.

Greek fears push 10-year Treasury rate to 2012 low

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:28:00 EDT

By The Associated Press Fears that Greece will drop the euro pushed a key Treasury yield to the lowest level this year.

Delta says frequent fliers saw different fares

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:18:00 EDT

Delta Air Lines may have charged some frequent fliers higher fares than other customers for almost three weeks because of a computer glitch.