Feb 04, 2012 07:46AM

GE Catches Renewed Investor Attention As U.S. Economy Picks Up More Steam

Almost suddenly, General Electric (GE) has caught renewed investor attention as the latest stream of fresh government data emitted signals that the economy is finally turning the corner towards a strong recovery.

Feb 04, 2012 04:34AM

With Indictments, IRS Will Get More Data From Swiss

The indictment of the Wegelin, the oldest Swiss private bank, moves the global banking transparency battle from bows and arrows to nuclear weapons. Do Swiss bankers' nerves fray after Wegelin indictment? Yes, no question.

Feb 03, 2012 07:19PM

When A Housemate Is A Dependent (And A Tax Break)

Could Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) snag a tax break for supporting her slacker boyfriend who?s moved in with her on NBC?s 30 Rock? Maybe. If your boyfriend, grandma or unemployed brother is crashing on your pull-out couch, you might be able to claim them as a dependent on your federal income tax return. Yes, it?s not just children, or even relatives, that can count as dependents, but unrelated friends whom you support and who live with you. The idea is these folks aren?t filing tax returns and taking a personal exemption for themselves. So you add them to your return as a dependent, taking a dependent exemption, and share the wealth.

Feb 03, 2012 03:50PM

NY Times Is Wrong About Maximizing College Aid Chances

Today's article on the New York Times website, "Expert Advice on the Best Ways to Secure Financial Aid,"  is a glaring example of more bad college advice. To say that parents should, "Embrace the fact that there is no 'secret,' no magic way to increase your aid chances," is misleading at best.

Feb 03, 2012 03:01PM

Daily Wrap: 2/3/2012

A big rally is underway after a surprisingly good jobs report. According to the government unemployment fell to 8.3% last month, the lowest in 3 years. That news sent the Dow to it's highest level since 2008. At around 1 this afternoon the Dow was up almost 1.2%, the Nasdaq was up 1.6% and the S&P 500 is up nearly 1.4%.

Feb 03, 2012 08:53AM

States seek currencies made of silver and gold

A growing number of states are seeking shiny new currencies made of silver and gold.

Feb 03, 2012 09:56AM

The best cities for job hunting

FORTUNE -- Dear Annie: I just got a pink slip from the bank where I've worked as a marketing director for the past 12 years, and which is now undergoing a total restructuring, so I'm pondering what my next move should be. Opportunities are limited in the smallish East Coast city where I live (the bank I'll soon be leaving is the single biggest employer in town) and, having moved here solely to take the position I'm now losing, I'm not particularly attached to this area. Our kids are away at college now, our mortgage is paid off, and my wife, who is a pediatrician, really could work anywhere. So we're open to the idea of moving -- but where would I have the best chance of finding a new job? I'm also wondering, do many employers still pay moving expenses for new management hires, or is that a thing of the past? ? Footloose

Feb 03, 2012 03:27AM

Home repairs: Which jobs come first?

Lean times call for budgetary triage. But while you should clearly opt for orthodontics before Disneyland, the choice is tougher when it comes to home maintenance.

Feb 03, 2012 02:36PM

Beat stress for less

This year the end of the holidays probably didn't bring the usual stress relief; there are still worries about unemployment, a flailing housing market, and a volatile stock market, all of which may be taking a toll on your health.

Feb 03, 2012 03:21AM

Finally, a foreclosure settlement (Maybe)

States have until late Monday to agree to the latest draft deal aimed at relieving homeowners struggling with mortgages bigger than their home's value.