It's time once again for our economics editor Chris Farrell is to help you sort out what's smart, what's stupid and what's the "Straight Story." CEO compensation continues to rise…up, up, and away. Chris is ready to pop the balloon.

President Reagan had his version. And now Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry has his. This week Senator Kerry released his own version of the misery index, and is asking American voters: Are you more miserable now than four years ago? We decided to ask economist Mark Zandi about the politics of misery, and whether voters should pay attention to this economic attitude.

The federal income tax deadline is mere days away. Some will get a refund, some will owe. But for some - it means BIG business. On this week's installment of our regular series, we take a peek at a tax preparer's life in the high season.

In 2003, the latest information available, a record number of bankruptcies were filed. Heather Szerlag tells what it's like and how to get back on the path to financial security.