On the money: Simple steps this year can improve finances

On the money: Simple steps this year can improve finances (Billings Gazette)
NEW YORK - What's the most important step you can take in 2006 to improve your personal finances? If you're not sure, here are some suggestions from financial planning experts around the nation.

Energy Impact on Global Economy Is Understated (The Conference Board)
The energy shock to economic growth will be felt worldwide through the increasing global imbalance between high investment and low consumer spending, according to an analysis by The Conference Board.

Yield on six-month bill rises first week in seven (Miami Herald)
Brazil's domestic borrowing costs rose for the first week in seven at an auction of six-month bills on expectation a weakening currency may fuel inflation.

Rise in commodity prices driven by soaring energy costs: report (Investment Executive)
The shock of higher energy prices to economic growth will be felt worldwide through an increasing global imbalance between high investment and low consumer spending, suggests a U.S. think tank.

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press)
Ford Motor Co . is likely to sell more than its target of 900,000 F-Series pickups this year, company president Jim Padilla said Wednesday.

Sun adds support for open source Java database (Java World)
December 19, 2005 Sun Microsystems is incorporating its open source Java DB database into the latest version of the Sun Java Enterprise System. The company also announced that a plug-in for Java DB will come with NetBeans IDE 5.0, an upcoming version of its software development environment.

Contributing unequally to kids is all right - sometimes (The Plain Dealer)
I have been helping my kids contribute to Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

E-LOAN Announces 'Top Five Year-End Personal Financing Tips' (PR Newswire

E-LOAN Announces 'Top Five Year-End Personal Financing Tips' (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
E-LOAN , an online consumer direct lender, today announced their "Top Five Year-End Tips" to help consumers find easy ways to save money as they get ready for the New Year.

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

Sun adds support for open source Java database (Java World)
December 19, 2005 Sun Microsystems is incorporating its open source Java DB database into the latest version of the Sun Java Enterprise System. The company also announced that a plug-in for Java DB will come with NetBeans IDE 5.0, an upcoming version of its software development environment.

The Truth About Fuel Economy RatingsIf your new car's actual

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

Energy Impact on Global Economy Is Understated (The Conference Board)
The energy shock to economic growth will be felt worldwide through the increasing global imbalance between high investment and low consumer spending, according to an analysis by The Conference Board.

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

E-LOAN Announces 'Top Five Year-End Personal Financing Tips' (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)
E-LOAN , an online consumer direct lender, today announced their "Top Five Year-End Tips" to help consumers find easy ways to save money as they get ready for the New Year.

Energy Impact on Global Economy Is Understated (The Conference Board)

Energy Impact on Global Economy Is Understated (The Conference Board)
The energy shock to economic growth will be felt worldwide through the increasing global imbalance between high investment and low consumer spending, according to an analysis by The Conference Board.

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press)
Ford Motor Co . is likely to sell more than its target of 900,000 F-Series pickups this year, company president Jim Padilla said Wednesday.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Contributing unequally to kids is all right - sometimes (The Plain Dealer)
I have been helping my kids contribute to Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

Yield on six-month bill rises first week in seven (Miami Herald)
Brazil's domestic borrowing costs rose for the first week in seven at an auction of six-month bills on expectation a weakening currency may fuel inflation.

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-12-19 09:35 GMT: AFX NEWS BRIEFING: Mergers and acquisitions highlights to 09:20 GMT (Interactive Investor)
BEIJING (AFX) - China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co Ltd and private equity firm Carlyle Group have signed an agreement to inject 6.6 bln yuan into China Pacific Life Insurance Co Ltd (CPIC Life).

Sun adds support for open source Java database (Java World)
December 19, 2005 Sun Microsystems is incorporating its open source Java DB database into the latest version of the Sun Java Enterprise System. The company also announced that a plug-in for Java DB will come with NetBeans IDE 5.0, an upcoming version of its software development environment.

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used Car
Carfax provides guidance and tips to help you spot vehicles with potential water damage.
Editors of MSN Autos

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used CarCarfax

Flood Damage: Don't Get Soaked When Buying a Used Car
Carfax provides guidance and tips to help you spot vehicles with potential water damage.
Editors of MSN Autos

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-12-19 09:35 GMT: AFX NEWS BRIEFING: Mergers and acquisitions highlights to 09:20 GMT (Interactive Investor)
BEIJING (AFX) - China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co Ltd and private equity firm Carlyle Group have signed an agreement to inject 6.6 bln yuan into China Pacific Life Insurance Co Ltd (CPIC Life).

Energy Impact on Global Economy Is Understated (The Conference Board)
The energy shock to economic growth will be felt worldwide through the increasing global imbalance between high investment and low consumer spending, according to an analysis by The Conference Board.

How Will America's Big Two Automakers Survive?
After decades of market share losses, look for a leaner and more focused Big Two.
Ann Job

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press) Ford Motor Co .

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press)
Ford Motor Co . is likely to sell more than its target of 900,000 F-Series pickups this year, company president Jim Padilla said Wednesday.

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! News)
It promises to be a busy week for the markets, including a Federal Reserve policy meeting on Tuesday and a bevy of economic data throughout the week. In fact, the data are becoming increasingly important to Fed decisions. In the coming months, the strength or weakness of the numbers will be critical in Fed deliberations on when to stop tightening interest rates. In particular, policymakers will

U.S. Oct. Consumer Credit Falls as Auto Loans Drop (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Borrowing by U.S. consumers unexpectedly fell in October as plunging auto sales reduced demand for financing, a Federal Reserve report showed today.

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-12-19 09:35 GMT: AFX NEWS BRIEFING: Mergers and acquisitions highlights to 09:20 GMT (Interactive Investor)
BEIJING (AFX) - China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co Ltd and private equity firm Carlyle Group have signed an agreement to inject 6.6 bln yuan into China Pacific Life Insurance Co Ltd (CPIC Life).

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

Sun adds support for open source Java database (Java World)
December 19, 2005 Sun Microsystems is incorporating its open source Java DB database into the latest version of the Sun Java Enterprise System. The company also announced that a plug-in for Java DB will come with NetBeans IDE 5.0, an upcoming version of its software development environment.

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press) Ford Motor Co .

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press)
Ford Motor Co . is likely to sell more than its target of 900,000 F-Series pickups this year, company president Jim Padilla said Wednesday.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

BEA lays out road map to unify its portal products (Java World)
December 12, 2005 BEA Systems plans to unite its WebLogic Portal and AquaLogic Interaction products by developing a series of common components and services that will be used in future versions of the products, the company announced during the BEA World conference in Beijing.

Matching Kids' Pay With IRA Deposits (Los Angeles Times)
Question: I have been helping my kids fund Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

(AFX UK Focus) 2005-12-19 09:35 GMT: AFX NEWS BRIEFING: Mergers and acquisitions highlights to 09:20 GMT (Interactive Investor)
BEIJING (AFX) - China Pacific Insurance (Group) Co Ltd and private equity firm Carlyle Group have signed an agreement to inject 6.6 bln yuan into China Pacific Life Insurance Co Ltd (CPIC Life).

U.S. Oct. Consumer Credit Falls as Auto Loans Drop (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Borrowing by U.S. consumers unexpectedly fell in October as plunging auto sales reduced demand for financing, a Federal Reserve report showed today.

CSK Auto Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results (The Auto

CSK Auto Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results (The Auto Channel)
PHOENIX--Dec. 5, 2005--CSK Auto Corp. , the parent company of CSK Auto Inc., a specialty retailer in the automotive aftermarket, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

Detroit's 'Big Three' Automakers Launch New Incentive Programs
General Motors, Chrysler and Ford announce new programs in efforts to boost slackening year-end sales.
Perry Stern

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press)
Ford Motor Co . is likely to sell more than its target of 900,000 F-Series pickups this year, company president Jim Padilla said Wednesday.

U.S. Oct. Consumer Credit Falls as Auto Loans Drop (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Borrowing by U.S. consumers unexpectedly fell in October as plunging auto sales reduced demand for financing, a Federal Reserve report showed today.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

2006 NAIAS Coverage
The Official Web Site of the North American International Auto Show.
Editors of MSN Autos

Sun adds support for open source Java database (Java World)
December 19, 2005 Sun Microsystems is incorporating its open source Java DB database into the latest version of the Sun Java Enterprise System. The company also announced that a plug-in for Java DB will come with NetBeans IDE 5.0, an upcoming version of its software development environment.

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance)
On tap: The Federal Reserve meets to set monetary policy, November retail sales, industrial production, and consumer prices, and more

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! News)
It promises to be a busy week for the markets, including a Federal Reserve policy meeting on Tuesday and a bevy of economic data throughout the week. In fact, the data are becoming increasingly important to Fed decisions. In the coming months, the strength or weakness of the numbers will be critical in Fed deliberations on when to stop tightening interest rates. In particular, policymakers will

Contributing unequally to kids is all right - sometimes (The Plain Dealer)
I have been helping my kids contribute to Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

The Truth About Fuel Economy RatingsIf your new car's actual

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance)
On tap: The Federal Reserve meets to set monetary policy, November retail sales, industrial production, and consumer prices, and more

CSK Auto Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results (The Auto Channel)
PHOENIX--Dec. 5, 2005--CSK Auto Corp. , the parent company of CSK Auto Inc., a specialty retailer in the automotive aftermarket, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

BEA lays out road map to unify its portal products (Java World)
December 12, 2005 BEA Systems plans to unite its WebLogic Portal and AquaLogic Interaction products by developing a series of common components and services that will be used in future versions of the products, the company announced during the BEA World conference in Beijing.

The Truth About Fuel Economy RatingsIf your new car's actual

The Truth About Fuel Economy Ratings
If your new car's actual fuel mileage does not match the fuel economy numbers on the window sticker, it's not necessarily your car's fault.
Ann Job

IIHS's Top 10 Safety Picks
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety picks the ten safest cars of the 2006 model year.
Perry Stern

Matching Kids' Pay With IRA Deposits (Los Angeles Times) Question:

Matching Kids' Pay With IRA Deposits (Los Angeles Times)
Question: I have been helping my kids fund Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! News)
It promises to be a busy week for the markets, including a Federal Reserve policy meeting on Tuesday and a bevy of economic data throughout the week. In fact, the data are becoming increasingly important to Fed decisions. In the coming months, the strength or weakness of the numbers will be critical in Fed deliberations on when to stop tightening interest rates. In particular, policymakers will

BEA lays out road map to unify its portal products (Java World)
December 12, 2005 BEA Systems plans to unite its WebLogic Portal and AquaLogic Interaction products by developing a series of common components and services that will be used in future versions of the products, the company announced during the BEA World conference in Beijing.

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance)
On tap: The Federal Reserve meets to set monetary policy, November retail sales, industrial production, and consumer prices, and more

Test Drive: Project Gotham Racing 3
Editors at MSN Autos take Microsoft's latest driving game out for a spin.
Perry Stern

Contributing unequally to kids is all right - sometimes (The Plain Dealer)
I have been helping my kids contribute to Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

Top Luxury Cars on MSN Autos
The most popular luxury cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle pages during the third quarter of 2005.
compiled by MSN Autos

U.S.: Why Economic Growth Is Galloping (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! Asia News)
Consumers and businesses have lots to spend as they get financially stronger

U.S. Oct. Consumer Credit Falls as Auto Loans Drop (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Borrowing by U.S. consumers unexpectedly fell in October as plunging auto sales reduced demand for financing, a Federal Reserve report showed today.

CSK Auto Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results (FinanzNachrichten)
CSK Auto Corp. (NYSE: CAO), the parent company of CSK Auto Inc., a specialty retailer in the automotive aftermarket, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press) Ford Motor Co .

More Nation/world business (Detroit Free Press)
Ford Motor Co . is likely to sell more than its target of 900,000 F-Series pickups this year, company president Jim Padilla said Wednesday.

BEA lays out road map to unify its portal products (Java World)
December 12, 2005 BEA Systems plans to unite its WebLogic Portal and AquaLogic Interaction products by developing a series of common components and services that will be used in future versions of the products, the company announced during the BEA World conference in Beijing.

Preview: 2006 Porsche Cayman S
Porsche's new mid-engine coupe builds on the Boxster S, but kicks it up a notch in the performance department.
Mike Meredith

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! UK & Ireland Finance)
On tap: The Federal Reserve meets to set monetary policy, November retail sales, industrial production, and consumer prices, and more

Contributing unequally to kids is all right - sometimes (The Plain Dealer)
I have been helping my kids contribute to Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

U.S. Oct. Consumer Credit Falls as Auto Loans Drop (Update1) (Bloomberg.com)
Dec. 7 (Bloomberg) -- Borrowing by U.S. consumers unexpectedly fell in October as plunging auto sales reduced demand for financing, a Federal Reserve report showed today.

Matching Kids' Pay With IRA Deposits (Los Angeles Times)
Question: I have been helping my kids fund Roth IRAs since they were about 15. They are now 21 and 22 and in college. They don't earn a lot, but I try to match what they earn and deposit it into their Roth IRAs.

CSK Auto Corp. Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results (The Auto Channel)
PHOENIX--Dec. 5, 2005--CSK Auto Corp. , the parent company of CSK Auto Inc., a specialty retailer in the automotive aftermarket, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2005.

Vital Signs for the Week of Dec. 12 (BusinessWeek Online via Yahoo! News)
It promises to be a busy week for the markets, including a Federal Reserve policy meeting on Tuesday and a bevy of economic data throughout the week. In fact, the data are becoming increasingly important to Fed decisions. In the coming months, the strength or weakness of the numbers will be critical in Fed deliberations on when to stop tightening interest rates. In particular, policymakers will