dropcard.com - business news

At this time of year, we all like to spend a little extra. Instead, everyone's having to cut back. Yet that won't get the economy moving again. 

If, like many of us, you've taken stinging losses, these still-great giant funds can help you rebuild. Yes, they're down -- most things are -- but their quality still shows.

As the Oracle of Omaha pours money into utilities, other investors can't help but wonder whether that's a smart move for them, too. Here's why Warren Buffett loves the sector.

Tough enough to protect the world but vulnerable in the area of personal finance, military personnel often fall prey to payday lenders. Here's how to avoid that trap.

Cities and towns can buy HUD's worst properties for a buck each and use grant money to rehab them -- or simply raze neighborhood eyesores.

Fears mount about GM's viability. Retail sales look weaker after Circuit City's bankruptcy. Starbucks  earnings disappoint, but McDonald's shares jump on strong October sales. Goldman Sachs slides on worries its finances are deteriorating. AIG gets more government help.

One week after announcing big store closures and job cuts, the company is entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection -- and hoping to survive the holiday shopping season. Meanwhile, in other news of the grim economy: DHL Express announces major cuts to operations.

Small companies account for more than 40% of the nation's payroll - and as the economy worsens, their staffing cuts reverberate through local communities.