PERSONAL FINANCE


Protect personal information while on vacation

2013-05-24 00:23:43

Planning a summer getaway? Don't forget to put 'watch out for ID thieves' on your checklist.


Questions of pay, disclosure arise for mom bloggers

Questions of pay, disclosure arise for mom bloggers

2013-05-23 00:27:13

Thousands of mom bloggers have been embraced by brands they endorse, but there are issues in how they work together.


Before it's too late, check on homeowners' coverage

2013-05-17 00:23:38

Among some of the survey findings by InsuranceQuotes.com, 41% of policyholders incorrectly believed standard insurance covered mold damage.


PNC Bank to close 10 branches in Pittsburgh region

2013-05-15 00:15:26

Pittsburgh's biggest bank is closing more local branches as customers increasingly embrace electronic banking.


Credit score confusion common

2013-05-14 00:01:11

A new survey shows consumers need to do a better job of understanding credit scores.


Office Coach: Carefully deflect sales pitch from boss

2013-05-12 00:23:01

How to handle a boss that tried to convince you to buy home party products, and being mistreated by bigoted co-workers should be addressed.


Good Question: Fiscal spring cleaning a big but worthwhile task

2013-05-12 00:22:01

Spring is the perfect time to go through old records and shred information that is no longer needed - and to clean up your credit report.


Workzone: Work-search expert says grads must learn firm 'more important' than job

Workzone: Work-search expert says grads must learn firm 'more important' than job

2013-05-12 00:21:19

New college graduates have been working on their leadership skills, but now it is more important to be a team player and a problem solver.


Shop Smart: Longer-term car loans can really cost you

2013-05-12 00:03:33

With the average cost of a new vehicle now around $30,000, it's no surprise that car loans are getting longer and longer.


Post Your Problems/Lawrence Walsh: Don't make a move without checking first

2013-05-09 00:14:24

Although May is National Moving Month, this advice is good all year long.


Workzone: Workers may benefit from bringing out their color

2013-05-05 00:25:18

Understanding your personality color -- and the colors of those you deal with -- will enhance your career and your relationship with others.


Office Coach: Don't let recent firing overshadow past successes

2013-05-05 00:22:04

A good work history should overshadow firing. Plus, being passive-aggresive is not the way to deal with office situations.


Shop Smart: 8 cancer screenings to avoid

2013-05-05 00:19:59

Consumer Reports recently shone a light on oversold cancer screenings that might confuse rather than clarify.


Increasing amount is paid in overdraft fees to banks

2013-04-28 00:21:53

Annoying overdraft fees bounced higher last year despite efforts by regulators and consumers to fight them.


Shop Smart: Readers rate top diet plans

2013-04-28 00:14:23

Consumer Reports tapped its large readership to rate 13 diets representing two categories, commercial plans and do-it-yourself plans.


Elder Law: Don't put off well-designed estate plan

2013-04-28 00:07:02

Most people are procrastinators, especially in dealing with matters of finances and death. But make sure you have an estate plan ready.


Office Coach: Abusive boss similar to bad spouse

2013-04-28 00:03:15

Employee is free to leave abusive boss whenever she likes -- no one should tolerate that kind of treatment.


Balancing Act: Develop office rapport in the long run

2013-04-28 00:02:03

Want to network with the CEO of a public company or the president of a university? Start running.


Post Your Problems/Lawrence Walsh: Leaky valve means big bill

2013-04-25 00:19:16

In retrospect, Janis Belkowski said she should have hired a plumber to repair a leaking outside faucet.


African-Americans face challenges raising financially responsible children

African-Americans face challenges raising financially responsible children

2013-04-25 00:13:34

Sabrina Lamb, an author and financial literacy educator urges parents to teach their children about responsible finances.


Conference to feature 'in your face' financial advice

Conference to feature 'in your face' financial advice

2013-04-23 00:12:37

Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary to speak at an investor conference to help Pennsylvanians learn to grow, protect their assets.


The Color of Money / Better late than never

2013-04-22 00:03:42

Here's what to do if you owe back taxes, or couldn't file your personal return on time this year.


Shop Smart: Chocolate's best costs a pretty penny

2013-04-21 00:06:19

To find the ultimate chocolate experience, taste testers at ShopSmart nibbled on thousands of boxed bonbons.


Product recalls: Magnet sets and heated jacket liners

2013-04-21 00:01:14

What you need to know about some of the latest recalled products.


Shop Smart: Three easy steps to keep food safe

2013-04-14 00:26:43

Nothing we eat is 100 percent safe, but there are easy ways to cut your risk of getting sick.


Office Coach: Arrival of boss's wife a major event

2013-04-14 00:19:29

Owner/boss' wife chips in, but upsets the employees.


Workzone: Entrepreneurs may not fill bill of owner

Workzone: Entrepreneurs may not fill bill of owner

2013-04-14 00:19:06

The key to buying a business is research, research and more research.


Good Question: Several factors affect choice to buy, rent

2013-04-14 00:15:28

Question: I'm considering moving from my current apartment. Is it better to rent or buy a home?


Balancing Act: Female leaders creating appealing workplaces

2013-04-14 00:05:49

Want to see what the future could look like for working mothers? Look inside a company run by one.


Post Your Problems/Lawrence Walsh: IRS has its own take on the Dirty Dozen

2013-04-11 00:22:52

The Dirty Dozen, which the IRS compiles every year, lists a variety of scams that crooks use to separate taxpayers from their money.


Allegheny County nonprofits provide free tax assistance

Allegheny County nonprofits provide free tax assistance

2013-04-09 00:18:09

A coalition of nonprofits operates sites throughout Allegheny County to provide free tax assistance to low-income individuals and veterans.


Office Coach: Office layout can improve atmosphere for workers

2013-04-07 00:16:21

Workplace physical layout has created a lot of problems. Also: How to enter the workforce after years caring for a special needs child.


Shop Smart: A list of the best used cars for model years 2003-12

2013-04-07 00:11:46

To help shoppers choose the best used car for their money, Consumer Reports compiled a list of the top used cars.


WorkZone: Options for what defines workspace have expanded

WorkZone: Options for what defines workspace have expanded

2013-04-07 00:04:00

The coworking movement goes beyond traditional offices -- to places like 21st Street Coffee and Catapult in Garfield.


A high tax withholding rate to force savings is a bad strategy

A high tax withholding rate to force savings is a bad strategy

2013-04-04 00:27:03

Some people use federal withholding as a forced savings plan, contending they aren't disciplined enough to save on their own.


Giant Eagle fine-tunes its self-checkout procedures

Giant Eagle fine-tunes its self-checkout procedures

2013-04-03 00:03:31

The grocer is among the retailers tinkering with self-checkout technology as it limits those aisles to loyalty card users.


One nest is best: Consolidating 401(k) and IRA accounts recommended

One nest is best: Consolidating 401(k) and IRA accounts recommended

2013-04-02 00:22:23

Many financial advisers say it could be better to combine old company retirement accounts or roll all of the old accounts into an IRA.


Shop Smart: Tide is the choice for laundry detergent

2013-03-31 00:17:34

When it comes to laundry, Tide rules. But Consumer Reports' tests found lots of subpar performers. Here are the details


WorkZone: Pranksters, don't be foolish; Take company culture into account

2013-03-31 00:08:48

Pranksters beware: That joke you've got planned for a cubicle mate may be no laughing matter.


Philadelphia area businessman still believes in video stores

Philadelphia area businessman still believes in video stores

2013-03-31 00:02:13

Everybody knows video stores are dead. Dead as an idea and dead as a business. Except Miguel Gomez.


'Financial Self-Defense for Seniors' offers tips on financial security

2013-03-30 00:02:54

A nonprofit group is offering a free guide to help protect older Americans at risk for financial abuse.


Beyond stocks, bonds: 'Third Pillar' can offer more investment diversity

2013-03-28 00:24:07

A growing number of financial advisers have recognized that the traditional concept of portfolio diversification has become too narrow.


Post Your Problems/Lawrence Walsh: The trouble with windows

2013-03-28 00:06:11

A Mt. Lebanon woman thought a pellet gun or a rock created the "large hole" in the outer pane in one of her double-pane kitchen windows.


If interest rates rise, bonds could suffer

2013-03-27 00:37:53

Longterm bonds may not be a safe bet if interest rates start heading back up.


Shop Smart: Good deals are easy to come by when you know where and when to look

2013-03-24 00:24:55

It's easier than ever to score deals on clothing and accessories, says ShopSmart, a magazine from the publisher of Consumer Reports.


Elder Law: Approach Medicaid nursing home coverage with care

2013-03-24 00:21:36

For seniors, Medicaid is a very important resource covering more than 65 percent of all nursing home care.


Giant Eagle steps up its price war

2013-03-21 00:37:35

The grocer is going all out in competitive market with lower costs and customized coupons.


EQT Corp. adds to natural gas station in Strip District

EQT Corp. adds to natural gas station in Strip District

2013-03-21 00:36:21

Part of EQT's effort to increase demand for the natural gas that it's extracting from the Marcellus Shale appears to be paying off.


Retirement confidence remains at low level

2013-03-20 00:08:33

Despite the economic recovery and Wall Street's rebound, Americans aren't feeling more optimistic about retirement.


Can mobile coupons influence how people shop?

2013-03-19 00:28:32

New research finds the proper use of mobile coupons could significantly pump up unplanned grocery spending.


Workzone: How far can business go in restricting smokers?

2013-03-17 00:21:20

More businesses and institutions are creating policies that restrict employees and visitors from smoking on their property.


Office Coach: New manager should ask for authority

2013-03-17 00:13:47

Question: I was promoted to a deputy director position, but am not included in any activities. How can I stop being a token deputy?


Shop Smart: A list of the best websites for free stuff

2013-03-17 00:12:45

We all love free stuff -- and the Internet is bursting with giveaways and coupons that let you nab cool things without spending a penny.


Balancing Act: Face time vs. flexibility

2013-03-17 00:08:11

Can a collaborative culture be created without impeding work/life balance?


There's a tax option for non-relatives living under one roof

2013-03-14 00:44:03

Non-relatives can be claimed as dependents on federal taxes -- even those keeping a boyfriend or girlfriend at home.


Post Your Problems/Lawrence Walsh: Permit parking delights North Point Breeze residents

2013-03-14 00:25:31

The residents of North Point Breeze had a problem with commuters monopolizing the parking spaces in front of their homes all day long.


Typical Pennsylvania wage is too little to pay the average rent

2013-03-13 00:12:25

An estimated 56 percent of Pittsburgh-area renters cannot afford to meet the expenses for a two-bedroom apartment.


Housing sales bounce back in Pittsburgh region

Housing sales bounce back in Pittsburgh region

2013-03-10 00:28:04

Residential housing in the Pittsburgh region staged a strong rebound in 2012 from the low point following the nationwide housing crash.


Shop Smart: Approved upright, cannister vacuums

2013-03-10 00:22:06

Consumer Reports' tests of more than 100 vacuum models show that when it comes to cleaning, trendy vacuums can be more than skin-deep.


Money 101: How students can get a grip on their finances

Money 101: How students can get a grip on their finances

2013-03-10 00:21:59

Gene Natali Jr.'s "The Missing Semester" teaches high school and college students how to manage money, save and use credit responsibly.


Pittsburgh Business Calendar for the week of 03/10/13

2013-03-10 00:19:41

Business meetings, seminars and events this week:


Good Question: Ways to use your tax refund wisely

2013-03-10 00:17:15

Question: I will be receiving a significant tax refund. What's the best use of the money?


Balancing Act: Can't find time for play? Try scheduling it

2013-03-10 00:11:25

If your resolutions for 2013 include achieving a better work-life balance, your calendar holds the key to your success.


Workzone: Bond, trust impact morale

Workzone: Bond, trust impact morale

2013-03-10 00:09:51

Even when workers are passionate about their jobs, they won't be engaged in the workplace unless they click with bosses and trust execs.


Office Coach: Complaints won't get you a promotion

2013-03-10 00:06:53

Complaining is not a wise move. Your objective is not to overturn the previous decision, but to influence the next one.


Office Coach: Wife of the boss an unwelcome new hire

2013-03-03 00:23:48

Our boss's wife was recently given a position in our department, clearly against the company's nepotism policy. What would you suggest?


Shop Smart: Credit card perks highlighted

2013-03-03 00:08:59

Many credit card users can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by using credit cards -- and they may not even know it.


Workzone: Top court to hear U.S. Steel case appeal

Workzone: Top court to hear U.S. Steel case appeal

2013-03-03 00:08:35

Employees of U.S. Steel's Gary Works in Indiana want to be paid for the time it takes them to put on protective clothing their jobs require.


Post Your Problems/Lawrence Walsh: EZ Home Exteriors responds to criticism

2013-02-28 00:14:26

When a customer told contractor Brien Murphy that she would not pay a $3,270 balance, he had two options.


Shoppers' shifting values will lead to more green, fair, quality purchases

Shoppers' shifting values will lead to more green, fair, quality purchases

2013-02-26 01:16:36

The sharing trend that became popular with Zipcar is likely to expand to other aspects as consumers focus less on conspicuous consumption.


Workzone: In U.S. workplaces, 'late' still a four-letter word

2013-02-24 00:27:48

"When you have somebody who is not being punctual, it sends the message that they don't care, they aren't respectful," one CEO says.


Balancing Act: 'Encore careers' a second act for many workers

2013-02-24 00:26:27

Most Americans are crafting their own version of meaningful work in their later stages of life.


Elder Law: Tap resources for institutional care

2013-02-24 00:23:22

The probability that a person will need some form of institutional care increases as we age. How will we pay for it?


Shop Smart: Tricky ad claims that companies use

2013-02-24 00:21:50

Some advertisers have a way of stretching the truth to get consumers to open their wallets.


Dateline Pittsburgh for 02/24/13

2013-02-24 00:20:53

People on the move


Office Coach: Readers weigh in on office attire

2013-02-24 00:12:29

After receiving a complaint about female co-workers who wore revealing outfits, I asked readers to share their views on professional attire.


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