Ever buy a round-trip plane ticket only to find the same trip available for $100 less two days later? Amy Scott navigates websites that help you grab the last-minute bargain – even when it's too late.
This week, economics editor Chris Farrell talks researching socially-responsible mutual funds, tips on giving money to a trust and the inside scoop on doing a "short sale" of your home.
Frugality is a virtue. Tess Vigeland explores the wisdom of cutting your costs with the Economides, America's cheapest family (and yes, that's their real name).
There's a burglary in the U.S. every 15 seconds. That's good news for the home security industry, but what system is right for your needs? Jeff Tyler goes alarm shopping.
In rural Kentucky where Deirdre Gibson grew up, many families struggle to make ends meet. But, as she reports, they're still willing to pay the big bills that go with high school prom, graduation and other rites of passage.
Thirty years after a galaxy far, far away transformed the summer blockbuster and prompted sales of $14 billion in merchandise, its fans are celebrating at a convention in L.A. Jeff Tyler checked it out.
The Creation Museum opens Monday in Petersburg, Ky. Its displays are predicated on a belief in creationism. Commentator and physicist Lawrence Krauss says don't go. You shouldn't pay to see bad science.
Coca-Cola announced today it's buying Glaceau, maker of SmartWater and VitaminWater, for $4.2 billion. Coke clearly thinks Glaceau can fortify its bottom line. Steve Tripoli tells why.
In the past decade India's consumption of plastics has grown 12% percent a year — almost double its average economic growth rate. With that trend comes a nonbiodegradable business opportunity. Miranda Kennedy reports.
A new study reveals that while American men are working harder than the generation before them, they are earning less. Families are keeping pace because two-income households are now the norm. Jeremy Hobson reports.
The auto industry is launching an advertising blitz that urges consumers to buy trucks and SUVs before higher fuel standards possibly take effect. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
Relief may soon be on the way for consumers burned by credit card mumbo-jumbo. Tess Vigeland talks to Bankrate.com's Greg McBride about changes proposed by the Federal Reserve.
After being turned away by the London Stock Exchange earlier this year, the NASDAQ has found a willing transatlantic partner in Stockholm's OMX exchange. And we'll probably see more consolidation ahead says economist Andrew Hilton.
British online gaming company BetonSports has made a deal with the feds. It'll pay a whopping fine and admit to several felony charges and help prosecutors make a case against its former CEO. Stephen Beard reports.
The fizz is going out of soda profits, but Coca-Cola has a plan B. There's news today that the soft drink maker will shell out $4.2 billion for bottled water giant Glaceau, best known for its smartwater and vitaminwater brands.
Companies that make, um, intimacy products are getting creative about how they market them to women, whose attitudes about sex are more open than ever. And courting the ladies is really paying off, Stacey Vanek-Smith reports.
Lucas Films couldn't help but notice that people are creating all sorts of unauthorized Star Wars mash-ups on YouTube. So they're releasing hundreds of video clips on their own site, hoping to draw all those eyes over to their advertisers. Jeremy Hobson reports.
A new study reveals that while American men are working harder than the generation before them, they are earning less. Families are keeping pace because two-income households are now the norm. Jeremy Hobson reports.
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is taking over the country's airwaves. His government already controls many media outlets there — on which he broadcasts live up to 40 hours a week — and now he's taking over its most-watched TV network. Dan Grech reports.
The global economy's in its best shape in years says the OECD, but the news isn't as good for the U.S. That balanced growth is thanks to other economies filling in where ours is sagging. Steve Tripoli has more.
Every time you use Google, it keeps your search data stored. Not with your personal information, but E.U. regulators say the search giant might be in violation of privacy rules there anyway. Maija Palmer explains.
An awful lot of employees seem to, cough cough, call in sick the Friday before a long holiday weekend like this one. And lots of other summer Fridays too. So how are workers really using their sick days? Ashley Milne-Tyte checks up on 'em.
Two days of cabinet-level talks with China have come to a close, and the list of accomplishments is short. It's no coincidence, then, that congressional calls for sanctions just got louder. John Dimsdale reports.
After sweeping to power last fall and promising to clean up Washington, Democrats on Capitol Hill struggled for months to pass any lobbying reform legislation. Today the House finally took action. Steve Henn reports.
For the first time in more than 25 years the Federal Reserve has proposed new rules about credit cards and how consumers can find out what they need to know. It's called Regulation Z, and Tess Vigeland has the details.
Prices usually go up with demand. But there was a strange wrinkle in the home-sales figures announced today. Sales were up, but prices were down. Jill Barshay reports.
A group of British investors is pouring more than $120 million into England's newest tourist attraction: Dickens World. Our man in London, Stephen Beard, went for a sneak preview.
We appreciate your comments, but Kai's been getting it right when pronouncing the German carmaker's name. Here's another attempt to get us all on the same page.
The Energy Department has updated its inflation calculations and what was reported earlier as a record high for gas prices is no longer so. Kai Ryssdal found out the new target price.
Animal testing in science and medicine has its limits — both ethical and practical. So scientists are working to develop experimentation that's cheaper, faster and, sometimes, more accurate. Janet Babin reports.
Forecasters believe that China will outstrip the U.S. as the globe's top manufacturer in just a dozen years. But China's growing domestic market could even things out in the long run. Jeremy Hobson reports.
The British fashion house famous for its black, white and red check is ready to launch a rapid expansion in the States. American shoppers can look forward to 10 new Burberry retail stores this year, Stephen Beard reports.
Wealthy investors are running out of things to buy and that's created a market for some unusual hedge funds. They don't always make it off the ground, but the violin fund may actually be going places, says James Mackintosh.
As athletes continue to make headlines for crimes and other behavior not befitting their role model status, pro sports leagues are starting to tighten the reigns of player conduct. But real change will come slowly, says David Carter.
Manufacturing giant GE is touting its green credentials, saying sales of energy-friendly products are on the rise. But what about those still-dirty diesel locomotives? The company says it's taking a "balanced" approach.
Robert Reich got a lotta mail about his suggestion to tax private equity earnings as income. Seems folks think fund managers would just move that money offshore instead. He says if that's the case, they should follow their cash and get the heck out.
Home Depot holds its annual shareholder meeting in Atlanta this morning. Last year's was one of the most, well, we'll call it "interesting" of all time. Can the new CEO whip the meeting and the company back into shape? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The state of Texas wants to test high school athletes for steroids. Trouble is, lawmakers there can't agree on how to cover the costs and a proposal to tax football and basketball tickets isn't winning over a lot of fans. Jill Barshay reports.
Alan Greenspan yesterday warned that he fears China's skyrocketing stock market is due for a dramatic correction. That sent prices down on Wall Street and in Europe, but investors in Shanghai barely seemed to notice.
The EEOC issued new guidelines yesterday on what might constitute illegal discrimination against workers with family obligations. The agency hopes the guidelines will help people balance family and work life, Pat Loeb reports.
To look around on Wall Street you'd think we were back in the days before anybody knew what a dot-com bust was. Commentator Ben Stein says investor enthusiasm is misplaced.
The minimum-wage increase has ended up in the Iraq war funding bill. So Democratic lawmakers are in a bind: To raise the minimum wage they'll have to vote for the war. Jeremy Hobson reports.
A lot of people see the Standard & Poors index as the most accurate snapshot of the market. But it's a very different index and market than the last time it reached record numbers. Alisa Roth reports.
Halliburton, the world's biggest oilfield services company, officially opened its new headquarters in Dubai and sent out a call for local investors. Jill Barshay reports.
As foreclosed homes flood the market, lenders are looking to get their money out as soon as possible. One way to do that is at auction. Jane Lindholm checked out the bidding where lots of homes were on the block.
Syria and Israel's dispute over the Golan Heights has restricted trade for decades. But they do offer an olive branch, or rather, an apple cart. Seasonal demand for apples brings a temporary truce each year. Orly Halpern reports.
Kai Ryssdal reviews some of the comments we've received about — among other things — baseball, motherhood, good corporate behavior and . . . improving our pronunciation.
Summer travelers, be prepared for more airport delays than ever. The FAA has a plan to help reduce delays, but analysts say the root of the problem will remain: There's only so much pavement. Janet Babin explains.
Using cell phones across Europe is about to become much more affordable — as much as 75 percent cheaper. It's all part of the movement to bring E.U. member states closer, says Stephen Beard.
Just when you thought one of the greatest benefits of shopping online was never having to say "I'm just browsing thanks," more companies are discovering that virtual salespeople can boost Internet sales. Mike Rhee has the story.
Many small companies have struggled to cover the costs of following the Sarbanes-Oxley accounting rules, but exempting them could encourage the type of accounting fraud the law is intended to fight. Steve Henn reports.
Britain's BG Group is poised to close a historic deal to supply Palestinian natural gas to Israel. It would develop a large gas field off the coast of the Palestinian-controlled Gaza territory. But some big questions remain, Stephen Beard reports.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. — and China and India and Russia — are rising so fast they've easily canceled out a dip in Europe, according to a recent U.N. report. So maybe the E.U.'s onto something with its emissions trading market, says Glenn Hubbard.
The two government-sponsored mortgage companies face a slew of new rules because of recent high-profile scandals. But the political winds in Washington aren't favorable. Jeremy Hobson reports.
Two everyday bathroom products are everyday weapons in prison. So researchers at Johns Hopkins have designed razors and toothbrushes that can't be sharpened into makeshift knives. Steve Tripoli has details.
British oil giant BP has been told by the Russian government that it might lose its rights to a major natural gas field in Siberia any day now. Stephen Beard reports.
The House is digging into renewal of a $98 billion farm bill that includes funding for everything from food stamps to sugar tariffs. Early attention is going to farm subsidies. John Dimsdale reports.
We all know companies operating in China benefit from low-cost labor. But from the perspective of Chinese workers, things are looking up. New labor protections are on the way. Scott Tong reports.
Funeral services for Jerry Falwell were held in Lynchburg, Va., today. Commentator Adrian Wooldridge says there was a side to Falwell that deserves some attention — that of religious entrepreneur.
As Treasury Secy. Henry Paulson met with his China counterpart, more reports of unsafe Chinese products surfaced today. Kai Ryssdal talks with China expert Ted Fishman about the U.S.-China relationship.
Procter & Gamble says it's doubling the strength of its detergents so it can reduce packaging and water use. But Pat Loeb reports that success will depend on whether consumers can change their behavior.
The social networking site recently booted 7,000 users and turned over contact data to authorities — but only after being subpoenaed. And a quick search reveals the purge didn't get everyone. Pat Loeb reports.
Beijing has sent its biggest-ever trade delegation to Washington for a summit on the trade deficit, debt, tarriffs and money policy. But don't get your hopes up for sweeping changes. Jeremy Hobson reports.
China's red-hot economy has become cause for political consternation here in the U.S., but it's also pumping up fears of a bubble bursting at home and leaders there are feeling some pressure. Scott Tong walks us through it.
Big sweepstakes prizes aren't just for the big kids anymore. One company is making it cost-effective for small and mid-sized businesses to offer prizes potential customers might give up their personal information to win. Sean Cole has the contest details.
GlaxoSmithKline stocks have continued their nosedive following release of a study that links the drugmaker's No. 2 seller to increased risk of heart attacks. But things could turn around. The FDA isn't taking action yet, Stephen Beard reports.
Only 10 days until the start of hurricane season. FEMA today is expected to tell Congress it's ready, but not everyone shares the agency's certainty. John Dimsdale reports.
EMI has agreed to a buyout offer from private equity firm Terra Firma. The timing of the news was surprising, says Billboard's Lars Brandle, but it seems the record company had some other bad news to bury.
Alcatel-Lucent introduces a product today that lets IT departments communicate with the company laptops wherever they are. That means if one is stolen, they can freeze and protect the data. There's just one catch, Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.
The new immigration bill being debated on Capitol Hill would give more weight to aspiring immigrants' education and skills. But many in the business world say it still won't deliver the workers they need. Steve Henn reports.
Film maker Robert Greenwald has turned his talents toward making politically-charged videos funded by private groups and donors. It's a new phenomenon. There's money to be made. And, maybe, some campaigns to be won. Andrea Gardner reports.
Britain could soon become the first western government to issue bonds that comply with Islamic, or Sharia law. And that could mean billions in extra capital flowing London's way. Stephen Beard reports.
New York City's electric company is getting ready for a much needed upgrade. And it figured how to get the federal government to foot part of the bill. Jill Barshay reports.
It's been 26 years since gas prices, if put in today's dollars, were as high as they are today. And yet we're using it like it still cost $1.35 a gallon. Oil-price expert Tom Kloza talks with Kai Ryssdal about what's going on.
China's decided what it wants to do with some of its $1.2 trillion in foreign reserves: Buy into the high-powered U.S. private equity firm Blackstone. Our man in Shanghai, Scott Tong, explains the deal to Kai Ryssdal.
Last week's compromise on immigration reform remains tenuous as critics attack it as too easy on illegals from one side, unfair to them from the other. But the deal stands its first test on Capitol Hill today, John Dimsdale reports.
