Investment advisers see some bright spots

Nearly 60% of independent advisers think a double-dip recession is unlikely over the next six months, and more than 60% expect the S&P to increase in the same period, according to a survey released recently by Charles Schwab.

But don’t go betting the farm on these optimistic findings just yet.  A look at the results from January’s survey of advisers shows that they aren’t necessarily the best augurs. In that earlier survey, 49% of advisers expected inflation to increase in the ..read more

More Money Wednesday roundup: Audit avoidance & freelancers' safety net

Down to the wire for paying taxes? The IRS realizes it's been a tough year. If you can't cough it all up by April 15, here's a step-by-step on prioritizing payments. [Boston Globe] Green thumb or not, there is no denying it is cheaper to grow your own produce than it is to pay exorbitant prices at the supermarket. If you are an intrepid money-saving soul, find out how a novice gardener can get started with some peas and tomatoes. [MintLife.com] The ..read more

More Money Thursday roundup: Five fees to dump & why blondes make more dough

Personal finance from around the web:

Tax day is fast approaching, and if you haven't filed yet, it's probably making you grumble. The Washington Post debunks five myths about your taxes. [The Washington Post] And would you tattle on someone you know is cheating on his taxes? The IRS hopes you will. If you have specific and credible evidence, you could score a payout. [WalletPop] Maybe a dye job should be part of your investment portfolio. Not only do blondes have more fun ..read more

More Money Tuesday roundup: iPad pricing & rising bankers' salaries

Personal Finance from around the web:

Workers in financial services don't appear to be suffering as much people employed in other businesses. Average weekly salaries for bankers and the like have spiked in recent months, leaving the rest of us behind. [EconomPic] Steve Jobs's introduction of the iPad can teach us a lot about the danger of getting tricked by the manufacturer's suggested retail price. [MintLife] Thinking about visiting a coin-counting machine to get rid of the jar full of change on your ..read more

More Money Monday roundup: Sharing a job & avoiding real-estate bubbles

Personal finance from around the Web:

Remember that bond-fund manager who got ousted from TCW in a dispute that, uh, reeked of pot and porn? Well, on Tuesday his new firm will be launching two new mutual funds. [DoubleLine Funds] An 8.2 percent rise in NAR pending home sales index indicates that more Americans are looking to buy homes. [The Atlantic] In return for a small pay cut, employees could avoid layoffs with work-sharing (and gain some free time). [It's Your Money] Want a ..read more

Score a great deal on luggage

What to look for

The best bags are made of high-quality nylon (ballistic or Cordura), which resists tears while providing give. Another sign of quality: a lifetime warranty that also covers damage caused by airlines, says packing expert Doug Dyment. Finally, to avoid hefty checked-bag fees, opt for a bag with combined height, width, and depth under 45 inches, the biggest carry-on allowed on most domestic flights.

Our pick

The Briggs & Riley 21-inch Transcend, at right, meets the criteria above ..read more

More Money Thursday roundup: Gordon Gekko fails & 401(k) matches return

Personal finance from around the web:

The 401(k) match is making a comeback, a new survey by Fidelity reports. Forty-four percent of employers who slashed or eliminated matches during the recession now say they've restored them or will do so in the next 12 months. [BusinessWire] April is Financial Literacy Month, and the Move Your Money campaign wants you to remember the virtues of community banks and credit unions. [Move Your Money] Wall Street's Gordon Gekko was a wildly successful investor. Michael Douglas, ..read more

More Money Tuesday roundup: Your $8 billion profit & economic optimism

Personal finance from around the Web:

On Thursday the House cut Sallie Mae and other private lenders out of the federal student loan business; on Friday, Sallie Mae's shares hit a 52-week high. How did that happen?  Here are some theories. [Student Lending Analytics Blog] Seventy-seven percent of working Americans have less than $100,000 in savings and investments. Twenty-seven percent have less than $1,000. [AllFinancialMatters] Who says the bank bailout has been all bad for taxpayers? It looks as if we'll make ..read more

More Money Tuesday roundup: IRS bribery failure & bad Roth IRA advice

Personal finance from around the Web:

Did you travel for work to a different state? Well, chances are you owe income taxes in the state where your job is. If that state isn't already collecting taxes from you, it might start. [Economix] According to a recent research paper, the ratio of 40-year-olds to twentysomethings in the U.S population might affect stock market returns. [CXOAG Investing Notes] Looking for comprehensive data on exchange-traded funds? Here are some useful resources for ETF research. [IndexUniverse.com] Duh tax tip ..read more

More Money Tuesday roundup: Madoff's sons protest & the Bank of Facebook

Personal finance from around the Web: Bernie Madoff's two sons ask a judge to dismiss civil complaints against them because they are just two more victims of their father's terrible crimes. Judging from the tone of one blogger's response, they should expect some pushback. [DealBreaker] In January, reporters from NPR's Planet Money bought $1,000 worth of toxic assets. Will they make money with this distressed mortgage-backed security? They've gotten  one-third of their money back so far. [NPR] Right-sizing Detroit might be the ..read more

Next Page »