MainStreet.com

9 Tips for a Safe July 4th

Althea Chang

Here's how to celebrate safely.

A Sunscreen Secret that Saves Money

Althea Chang

As long as it contains these ingredients, the sunscreen brand may not matter.

Modest Earners Get Student Loan Relief

The Associated Press

A new income based repayment program by the Department of Education will make it easier for some to repay their student loans.

Recall Watch: Baby Floats and Cribs

Althea Chang

Certain flotation devices and cribs could pose risks.

Scam Busters: Midas Sued for Bait-and-Switch

Althea Chang

Some Midas shops allegedly charged customers for unnecessary repairs.

Small Biz Growth Secret: Creative Partnerships

Sharon McLoone

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are finding that creative partnerships are the path to success in this ailing economy.

Unemployment At 9.5%: 467k Jobless in June

The Associated Press

Employers cut a larger-than-expected 467,000 jobs in June, driving the unemployment rate up to a 26-year high.

The Key to Paying for Grad School

Miranda Marquit

Grad students have a hard time than undergraduates when it comes to funding an education.

Extreme Real Estate: Remote Locations

Mark David

This week we show you houses that are far away from it all.

7 Real Estate Agent Red Flags

Mark David

With every good real estate agent comes a bad one, so here are some things to look out for.

Recall Watch: Dunkin Donuts Drink Gets Spiked

Althea Chang

Dunkin Donuts has stopped selling certain drinks due to a supplier’s salmonella concerns.

Cookout with Caution: Grocer Recalls Beef

The Associated Press

The Kroger Co. is recalling ground beef sold in some of its grocery stores.

Acetaminophen Bans Could Cost You

Althea Chang

If the FDA were to pull combination cold treatments you could pay more for pain relief.

Shaq Loses $2.8M on Miami Mansion

Jason Notte

NBA star Shaquille O'Neal sold his waterfront home in Miami last week for $2.8 million less than he paid for it.

4th of July 2009: Less Bucks, Fewer Bangs

The Associated Press

Lack of bucks means less bang for many cash-strapped cities.

Husband vs. Wife: How Much Allowance?

Marek and Lori Fuchs

She says: the kids should get a lump sum. He says: let's start saving for bail.

A New Factor in Credit Scoring?

Should your credit score give equal weight to where you live and how many phone numbers you have?

A Deduction Just for Educators

David Perry

If you're a teacher, chances are you spend some out-of-pocket money on your students. Make sure you keep track of what you spend for tax time.

7 Ways to Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Mark David

Here are seven things to do when looking for the right real estate agent.

2 Factors that Can Dictate Insurance Rates

Randy Diamond

GEICO, America’s fourth largest car insurer, promises big savings if you switch your auto policy.

Don't Leave Earth Without This!

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

Many people mistakenly assume that wills are just for those with a lot of assets, but everyone needs one.

Hot Vacations: Road Tripping, Couch Surfing

Althea Chang

Vacationers are opting for road trips, staying with friends and family or remaining closer to home.

11 Ways to Cut Costs Without Layoffs

Lan Nguyen

There are ways to cut costs without laying off workers, enabling you to take full advantage of an economic rebound when it happens.

Mortgage Aid Program Continues to Move Slowly, As Homeowners Try to Hang On

ProPublica

President Obama expressed disappointment with the progress of his mortgage modification program.

How Far Does $5K Go in Your Hometown?

Miranda Marquit

The stretchiness of your dollar depends on where you live.

5 Ways to Look Your Best for Less

The Associated Press

Despite the recession, you don't have to spend a lot to look your best.

Why Blue Post Office Boxes are Disappearing

Althea Chang

Mailboxes on street corners are dwindling, forcing snail mailers to travel further out of their way.

How to Handle Your Real Estate Agent

Jeff Brown

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, here's some basic guidelines in dealing with a real estate agent.

Don't Overpay for this Insurance

Randy Diamond

There is a decent chance you may be paying too much for homeowners insurance.

Who’s Hiring Part-time: American Family Insurance, ATC Healthcare & Aaron’s

Bobbi Dempsey

Looking for part-time work? You’re in luck. Here are three companies with part-time openings available right now.

The New Employee’s Guide to Flex Spending

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

Flex Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health insurance plans allow employees to utilize pre-tax dollars to pay for approved medical expenses.

Nail Guns Pose Unexpected Injury Risk

Althea Chang

Tool manufacturer Dewalt is recalling thousands of framing nail guns that could unexpectedly eject nails.

Recent Grad? Keep That Student Bank Account

Brian O'Connell

If you're a recent graduate, holding onto that student bank account might offer up some sweet incentives.

Password-Free Phones Pose ID Theft Threat

Jason Notte

A survey says more than a third of IT workers don't use passwords to protect information on their phones.

Recall Watch: More Bad Beef

Althea Chang

After 24 reports of illnesses, about 380,000 pounds of beef products are being recalled due to a risk of E. coli contamination.

Is the New iPhone a Fire Hazard?

Ben Pappas

Is your iPhone too hot to handle?

Scam Busters: Acai Berry Weight Loss Refunds

Althea Chang

One açaí supplement seller has been ordered to issue $350,000 in refunds for hooking consumers into expensive monthly orders.

Madoff Sentenced to 150 Years

The Associated Press

Bernard Madoff has received the maximum sentencing of 150 years for his involvement in a ponzi scheme.

Reverse Mortgages: How Government Benefits Change

Althea Chang

Here’s how payouts from a reverse mortgage can affect eligibility for government-funded health benefits for seniors.

8 Ways to Trim Vacation Travel Costs

Stacy Baker

Traveling for summer vacation doesn’t have to be a budget breaker if you employ some simple strategies that cut costs, not convenience (or fun).

Who’s Hiring Full-Time: AutoZone, Kaplan Higher Education & Rave Motion Pictures

Bobbi Dempsey

Take a look at these companies that are currently hiring full-time.

MainStreet’s Most Popular Stories of the Week

Ben Pappas

In case you missed anything, here is a recap of our 5 top stories from this week.

Laid Off? How to Get COBRA

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

If you lose your job, COBRA will help you maintain your ever important healthcare coverage.

Is a Fee-Only Financial Planner Worth It?

Consumer Reports

A fee-only planner can help ensure you that advisers aren't influenced by how much they would earn by selling you investment products.

Baseball Luxury Boxes: A Buyer's Market

Jason Notte

The recession has forced Major League Baseball teams to boost the perks and cut the prices for VIP fans.

7 Beach Essentials, $25 or Less

Stacy Baker

Hit the beach in style with these functional must-haves that help you enjoy the surf and sun, without leaving you cash poor.

5 Dumbest Things on Wall Street: June 26

Gregg Greenberg

Boeing, Boeing, Gone; Medarex's Quick Study; Altria's Smoke Screen; Exit Nortel; Bye, Bye Bernie.

Michael Jackson: Even Stars Have Deep Debt

The Associated Press

Though he sold 61 million albums in the U.S. alone, Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" died awash in about $400 million in debt.

4 Ways to Make Money on a Day Off

Stacy Baker

Turn something you love to do when you’re not on the job into an idea that makes you money outside the office.

Hot Recession Proof Career: Occupational Therapist

Randy Diamond

Occupational therapy is a real profession, even if it doesn’t get the same recognition as other health professions like nursing and physical therapy.

A New Employee’s Guide to Fringe, Other Benefits

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

Whether you’re looking for a new job or were just hired, here is a guide to potential fringe benefits to ask for when negotiating your contract.

Hurricane Season: How to Be Prepared

Randy Diamond

Insurance and weather experts are concerned that many residents of hurricane prone areas are not prepared this year.

Gas Prices Finally Give, Oil Prices Dip

The Associated Press

Retail gasoline prices retreated this week for the first time in nearly two months and benchmark crude prices tumbled about 4 percent.

How to Check Your Financial Health for Free

Brian O'Connell

Americans looking to figure out just where they stand financially don’t necessarily need to hire a pricey financial planner.

Gov’t to Hand Out $25B in Green Car Loans

ProPublica

The Department of Energy will announce that it will begin handing out sums from a $25 billion loan program for the development of fuel-efficient cars.

MySpace, Twitter Display Danger of Coolness

Elizabeth Blackwell

MySpace, Facebook and Twitter are helped and hurt by the cool factor.

Does the Recession Mean Better eBay Deals?

Miranda Marquit

Recently higher prices and bidding competition has turned some buyers off of EBay, but with the recession leading to fewer bidders and competition amongst sellers, auctions may have become easier to win again.

11 Barbecue Must-Haves, $30 and Under

Stacy Baker

Barbecues are the quintessential summertime social activity and there are plenty of budget-friendly options for your next outdoor soirée.

Extreme Real Estate: Going Off the Grid

Mark David

Going “off the grid” is defined as living in a self-sufficient manner without relying on some or any public utilities to provide water, electricity or heat.

Recall Watch: Contaminated Cookie Dough

Althea Chang

Several types of Nestle prepackaged cookie dough are being recalled due to a risk of food-borne illness.

Fast Cash: Prepaid Credit Cards for Teens

Jeff Brown

With school out, millions of teenagers are loose upon the land, many of them traveling about with wads of spending money.

Obama Plans to Trim College Aid Form

The Associated Press

A new college aid form will reduce the burden on the millions of students and families who apply for federal financial aid every year.

Stimulus: Mixed Blessing for Transit Systems

ProPublica

Federal stimulus funds have swooped in to prevent service cuts to healthcare and education, but no such remediation has been granted to public transit.

Smart Spending: 5 Safe Splurges

Miranda Marquit

Tired of pinching every penny? It’s not a crime to treat yourself every once in a while.

The New Employee’s Guide to Retirement

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

About 43% of American employees have individual retirement plans, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Apple Apps Create Sci-Fi iPhone

Jason Notte

Companies are creating future-forward uses for Apple's iPhone -- from universal remotes to payment scanners.

This Social Security Play Means More Money

Althea Chang

If you can afford to wait, you can put off Social Security benefits to get bigger payments later in life.

The Hidden Costs of Amazon's Kindle

Althea Chang

Book downloads from the Amazon Kindle store to multiple devices could cost more than you bargained for.

Husband vs. Wife: About Those Store Credit Cards

Marek and Lori Fuchs

Should you close all those store credit cards, or keep them open?

Beat The Office Fridge!

Kate Barreira

Want to bring your lunch to work but don’t have a fridge? We have a solution.

Got a 401(k)? Pay Taxes? Read This.

David Perry

A 401(k) is a great way to save for retirement, so if your employer offers one, you should make the most of it.

Cheap Movie Rentals: Netflix vs. Redbox

Althea Chang

Online DVD rentals through Netflix vs. dollar movies from Redbox kiosks.

British Air's New Biz Class Service

David Armstrong

British Airways today has started taking bookings for “bespoke’’ business-class only service between JFK International Airport and London’s vestpocket City Airport.

A New Employee’s Guide to Medical, Dental Benefits

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

When you start a new job, one of the most important aspects of your benefits package is your medical coverage.

Help! My Friend Is Part of a Pyramid Scheme

SavvySugar

There's some so-called business opportunities out there that are just too good to be true, so beware.

Family Finance: Should Grads Pay to Stay?

The Associated Press

While parents are adjusting to the dynamics of living with their now-adult children, they may find they have a chance to teach a lesson in personal finance.

Why the Price of Milk is Set to Double

Althea Chang

The price of a gallon of milk next year could be double the current price after dairy farmers slaughter cows to save money.

Study: Detroit Gains Ground in Auto Quality

The Associated Press

At a time when Detroit is desperate to turn out cars and trucks that people want to buy, the top two brands in a J.D. Power study were foreign cars.

What To Do When Unemployment Runs Out

The Associated Press

Government figures show that about 49 percent of the people receiving unemployment insurance ran out of benefits before they got new jobs.

Intuit Handles Small-Biz Books for Free

Jonathan Blum

Microsoft has made it official: It no longer wants to be a small-business accountant. As of June 30, it will stop selling Microsoft Money Plus.

Is Each New Stimulus Job Worth $92,136?

Michael Schreiber

It costs about $92k in government spending to create one job for one year. Is there a better way?

New FICO Credit Score Model Takes Hold

Brian O'Connell

There’s a new sheriff in town, credit score-wise, and the impact on banking consumers could be substantial.

Maker of Recalled Cat Food: We've Had No Complaints

Althea Chang

Nutro Products claims it's received no complaints on cat food it voluntarily recalled from 11 countries.

Small Biz Loans: What Banks Really Want

Sharon McLoone

It's tough getting a small business loan. But if you know what the banks are looking for, you're a step ahead.

Who's Hiring Part-Time: U-Haul, Hanley Wood & Olive Garden

Bobbi Dempsey

Looking for a part-time job? We got you covered.

Makeovers Bring Confidence to Job Seekers

The Associated Press

As workers continue to lose their jobs, many are getting wardrobe assistance that they hope can help them land work.

The New Employee's Guide to Transit Benefits

MainStreet.com Staff Writers

Many employers offer pre-tax commuter and transit benefits, and some cover expenses completely.

The Pros and Cons of a Staycation

Jeff Brown

As Americans pinch pennies, the word “staycation” is popping up more and more.

Online Network Your Way to a New Job

The Associated Press

Some tips on how to use online networking to search for employment.

Obama Strikes Deal for Cheaper Prescriptions

Althea Chang

Drug companies promised to provide $80 billion in drug discounts over the next 10 years.

Lower Your Student Loan Payments

Althea Chang

In case of financial hardship, you might be able to drastically lower your student loan payments.

3 Ways to Avoid Going Bankrupt

Elizabeth Blackwell

General Motors and General Growth have filed for bankruptcy. You can learn from their mistakes.

Save on Your Taxes with New IRA Rules

Althea Chang

New rules, effective in January, will open up Roth IRAs to more people.

IVF Savings: Consider Shared Egg Donation

Eleni Himaras

Couples looking to get pregnant are splitting the cost, and the donated eggs, with another couple.

Loophole Used to Seize Protected Benefits

The Associated Press

Lawmakers have been pressing the Treasury Department to close the social security loophole with new regulations.

Road Trip! More Buses Offer Wifi, Cheap Fares

Althea Chang

Buses are looking more attractive these days, with low fares and free Internet access.

Who's Hiring Full-Time: Publix, Rent-a-Center, Pier 1

Bobbi Dempsey

We bring you several job openings from around the country, plus our bonus cool job of the week!

Reverse Mortgage: Ways to Get Paid

Althea Chang

When you've qualified for a reverse mortgage, how should you structure the payments?

Weekend Project: Tune Up Your Air Conditioning

Consumer Reports

Here's how to clean and tune up your air conditioning before you start cooling off this summer.

MainStreet's Most Popular Stories of the Week

Ben Pappas

Our five most read stories this week, presented for your Friday afternoon enjoyment.