Political landscape changes with improving economy

Economy, Government & Policy News and Information on Yahoo! Finance Economy, Government & Policy News and Information on Yahoo! Finance

Political landscape changes with improving economy May 25th 2013, 20:13 Alleged misbehavior by the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies gives the GOP something else to talk about and investigate as the economy clearly, if slowly, recovers on President Barack …Media files: Political landscape changes with improving economy (image/jpeg) Gold faces more pressure as inflation stays tame May 25th 2013, 13:37 By Jan Harvey LONDON (Reuters) – Gold prices are looking even more vulnerable after April’s price crash, as rampant inflation expected from successive rounds of monetary easing fails to materialise. The … Improving economy changes political landscape May 25th 2013, 13:13 Alleged misbehavior by the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies gives the GOP something else to talk about and investigate as the economy clearly, if slowly, recovers on President Barack …Media files: Improving economy changes political landscape (image/jpeg) Improving economy alters political landscape May 25th 2013, 07:10 Alleged misbehavior by the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies gives the GOP something else to talk about and investigate as the economy clearly, if slowly, recovers on President Barack …Media files: Improving economy changes political landscape (image/jpeg)

Your Daily digest for Yahoo! Finance – Personal Finance

Yahoo! Finance – Personal Finance Read latest personal finance articles about loans, saving & spending, lifestyle, insurance, taxes, career & education, retirement, and real estate. Try our calculators for setting your savings goals for a car, down payment for a home, education and other needs as well as mortgage calculator to determine monthly payments for a home. Search glossary to better understand financial terms and their meanings.

6 tips on managing your 401(k) plan effectively May 23rd 2013, 23:34 The run-up in stock prices this year could tempt even the most hands-off investor to wade into their 401(k) and make some changes. The Dow Jones industrial average, Nasdaq and Standard & Poor’s 500 indexes … Average US mortgage rates rise for 3rd week May 23rd 2013, 23:23 Average U.S. mortgage rates rose for the third straight week, hitting their highest levels since mid-March, but still remained close to record lows. Here’s a look at rates for fixed and adjustable mortgages … New rules for labeling meat go into effect in US May 23rd 2013, 23:13 Shoppers in the U.S. will soon have more information about where their meat comes from after new federal labeling rules went into effect Thursday. The rules require labels on steaks, ribs and other cuts … Tobacco farmers notch legislative victory May 23rd 2013, 23:04 Tobacco farmers long on the defensive notched a victory Thursday when the U.S. Senate fended off efforts to eliminate the federal insurance program for the embattled crop. The vote, coming as the Senate … Senate votes to cut crop insurance aid for wealthy May 23rd 2013, 22:06 The Senate on Thursday voted to limit the amount of government subsidies the wealthiest farmers receive when purchasing crop insurance. The vote was one small victory this week for critics of a massive, … House backs variable rate student loans May 23rd 2013, 21:53 Dismissing a veto threat from President Barack Obama, lawmakers in the House passed legislation that links student loan rates to the ups and downs of the financial markets in a vote largely along party …Media files: 5be2cc344737b511320f6a706700aa33_original.jpg Dear Class of ‘13: You’ve been scammed May 23rd 2013, 21:32 How the College-Industrial Complex drove tuition to outrageous highs. Smooth confirmation hearing for Pritzker May 23rd 2013, 20:54 President Barack Obama’s nominee for commerce secretary was questioned briefly about her ties to a subprime mortgage lender that failed in 2001 and her role as a beneficiary of family offshore trusts in …Media files: d821752c462db011320f6a706700201b_original.jpg 6 Money-Saving Strategies That May Cost You in the Long Run May 23rd 2013, 20:51 Not everything we do to save money really saves us money. For instance, as all savvy shoppers know, if you clip coupons when grocery shopping, sometimes you’re still better off buying a cheaper brand elsewhere … 7 Fun Ways for Retirees to Make Extra Money May 23rd 2013, 20:34 Retirement can be a difficult transition for many of us. We spend 8 to 10 hours per day working hard, and it’s tough to just stop working completely. Of course, we all have plans and projects that we have … News Summary: US mortgage rates up, but still low May 23rd 2013, 19:36 RATES RISE: Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose this week to their highest levels since mid-March. Even with the gains, they remained close to historic lows. THE NUMBERS: The average rate for the … JPMorgan names Barry Sommers to head consumer bank May 23rd 2013, 17:49 JPMorgan Chase said it has appointed Barry Sommers, under whom the bank expanded its services to wealthy clients, to head its Chase consumer bank business. Sommers, 44, who previously served as chief executive … US rate on 30-year mortgages rises to 3.59 pct. May 23rd 2013, 17:49 Average rates on fixed mortgages rose for the third straight week, hitting their highest levels since mid-March. Still, mortgage rates remained close to historic lows, a trend that should help sustain …Media files: 697398144461a811320f6a706700d841_original.jpg Pritzker’s ties to thrift, tax haven eyed May 23rd 2013, 17:22 President Barack Obama’s nominee for secretary of commerce is facing scrutiny in the Senate for her ties to a subprime mortgage lender that failed in 2001 and as a beneficiary of family offshore trusts …Media files: d821752c462db011320f6a706700201b_original.jpg Jobs, housing data show economy has some muscle May 23rd 2013, 16:52 The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to resilience in the labor market despite belt-tightening by Washington. The improving employment picture is …Media files: 2013-05-23T123650Z_1_CBRE94M0Z2000_RTROPTP_3_USA_original.jpg (image/jpeg) Skills Gap: Health Care Needs Data Experts May 23rd 2013, 16:16 Hospitals, health insurers and pharmaceutical companies are all looking to harness big data, but finding the workers isn’t always easy. In some cases, companies are making acquisitions to bring talent …Media files: 100740036-108987274.240x160_original.jpg 5 Scholarships for In-Demand College Majors May 23rd 2013, 14:51 Selecting a college major can be one of the easiest – or most difficult – decisions a person can make in their lifetime. Some of you have known you’ve wanted to become a veterinarian since the day you … Most NY school district budgets OK’d by voters May 23rd 2013, 13:02 New Yorkers voting on school budgets for next year have approved nearly all of the proposals containing tax increases within state-imposed taxing limits. Budgets that proposed bigger tax increases mostly … What Advice Can Parents Give a New Grad for the Work World? May 23rd 2013, 12:48 If your child has recently graduated from college and is now looking for – or has hopefully found – her first “real” job , you may want to impart great wisdom to her. It’s a difficult time for … Carney: Criticism of IRS response ‘legitimate’ May 23rd 2013, 12:47 President Barack Obama’s spokesman says the White House is facing “legitimate criticisms” for its shifting accounts about who knew what about the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of conservative …Media files: d625cdd8280a9c11320f6a706700d7b8_original.jpg Keeping your credit score high in retirement May 23rd 2013, 12:00 As retirement approaches, it’s time to review your collection of credit cards to make sure they’re still working for you, and to keep debt low Deutsche bosses seek to win over skeptical shareholders May 23rd 2013, 11:28 Deutsche Bank’s bosses tried to convince skeptical shareholders at a lively annual meeting on Thursday that the bank was on the right track again after facing a host of legal problems. Co-chief Executives …Media files: 2013-05-23T112804Z_1_CBRE94M0VVI00_RTROPTP_3_GERMANY_original.jpg (image/jpeg) Why the Housing Market Won’t Drive the Recovery May 23rd 2013, 11:21 Housing is good but not great and unlikely to be a leading force in a robust recovery, according to a group that is one of the industry’s leading voices.Media files: 100669147-163168934.240x160_original.jpg Soon-to-Retire Couple Balances Travel Dreams With Portfolio Longevity May 23rd 2013, 11:00 The bucket strategy helps tee up near-term distributions and set long-term allocations. House to vote on variable-rate student loans May 23rd 2013, 07:34 House lawmakers are ready to pass legislation that links student loan rates to the financial markets. It’s already drawn a veto threat from President Barack Obama. The measure set to pass Thursday would … Emails Suggest IRS Targeting Developed by Lower-Level Workers May 23rd 2013, 00:16 WASHINGTON—Emails and other documents released Wednesday suggest the Internal Revenue Service’s procedures used to target conservative groups for added scrutiny were developed by lower-level employees. …

Your Daily digest for Economy, Government & Policy News and Information on Yahoo! Finance

Economy, Government & Policy News and Information on Yahoo! Finance Economy, Government & Policy News and Information on Yahoo! Finance

UK small firms increase complaints about lending squeeze May 20th 2013, 00:09 LONDON (Reuters) – The number of small companies complaining about bank loans to Britain’s top financial arbitrator rose sharply last year, supporting persistent claims by companies they are being denied … Obama urged to make economy a bigger, bolder topic May 19th 2013, 14:08 Five months into President Barack Obama’s second term, allies and former top aides worry that his overarching goal of economic opportunity has been diminished, partly drowned out by controversies seized …Media files: Obama urged to make economy a bigger, bolder topic (image/jpeg) Independent Scotland open to Cyprus-style bank risks, says Britain May 19th 2013, 10:11 An independent Scotland would have a vastly oversized financial sector that would leave it vulnerable to a Cyprus-style banking crisis, Britain’s finance ministry says. Before a referendum due in September …Media files: Scotland’s Finance Secretary Swinney gestures during his draft budget address in debating chamber of Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (image/jpeg)

Your Daily digest for Yahoo! Finance – Personal Finance

Yahoo! Finance – Personal Finance Read latest personal finance articles about loans, saving & spending, lifestyle, insurance, taxes, career & education, retirement, and real estate. Try our calculators for setting your savings goals for a car, down payment for a home, education and other needs as well as mortgage calculator to determine monthly payments for a home. Search glossary to better understand financial terms and their meanings.

Factbox: Key players in the IRS scandal May 18th 2013, 00:54 Three congressional committees and the Department of Justice are investigating the Internal Revenue Service’s scrutiny of conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status as the scandal distracts from President … Pew survey questions Gen X, baby boomer savings May 17th 2013, 20:52 A research report by the Pew Charitable Trusts says younger baby boomers and Generation Xers face an uncertain retirement because of reduced savings, high levels of debt, and losses during the Great Recession. … Two states say 2014 Obamacare insurance costs on low side May 17th 2013, 19:57 In a boost for President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform law, two states in the Northwest said on Friday that insurance companies submitted applications to sell policies on the states’ health insurance …Media files: 2013-05-17T195712Z_2_CBRE94G1IK200_RTROPTP_3_USA-HEALTHCARE-COURT-RULING-OBAMA_original.jpg (image/jpeg) Retirement tests if Beckham built lasting brand May 17th 2013, 17:54 David Beckham’s pecs are at least as much a part of his brand as his kick; his brand of shoes ultimately more lucrative than the game he’s giving up. Listed as the world’s highest-earning athlete for 2013, …Media files: 51fc8a526e340a10320f6a706700063b_original.jpg Ousted IRS chief regrets treatment of tea party May 17th 2013, 17:41 The ousted head of the Internal Revenue Service apologized to Congress on Friday for his agency’s tougher treatment of tea party and other conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status. He said they resulted …Media files: e20359458c241d10320f6a7067007984_original.jpg 4 Tips for Negotiating an Apartment Lease May 17th 2013, 17:16 Finding the perfect apartment that fits your budget can be tough – especially in today’s economy, where rental rates have increased by around 9 percent since 2009, according to a recent report by Reis … Class of 2013 Grads Average $35,200 in Loans, Credit Card Debt May 17th 2013, 16:41 Class of 2013 grads average $35,200 in loans, credit card debt 10 Easy Ways to Save for a Down Payment May 17th 2013, 16:40 The down payment is often the toughest hurdle to clear when buying a home. Whether you’re opting for a Federal Housing Administration mortgage loan with just 3.5 percent down, or shooting for a conventional … How to Get Your Finances in Order Before a Divorce May 17th 2013, 16:16 Many people going through a divorce experience a combination of emotional and monetary concerns. Fortunately, they can minimize the latter by taking a hands-on approach to organizing their finances. Once … Gen X and Late Baby Boomers Face Bleak Retirements May 17th 2013, 14:53 Unless Gen Xers and late baby boomers are able to make big changes in their savings, spending and debt habits, they are on track to become the nation’s first generations to fare more poorly than earlier … Will Retirement Stress You Out? May 17th 2013, 14:42 Many people think they will no longer have stress in retirement. Safely crossing the finish line into retired life is the end goal of years spent working and saving, and we deserve to leave our troubles … Put College Savings to Work After Graduation May 17th 2013, 14:14 Cashing out the money left in 529 plans, tax-advantaged college savings accounts, immediately after graduation doesn’t make sense for all graduates. There’s no better way for students to keep their money … Outgoing IRS chief apologizes for ‘foolish mistakes’ May 17th 2013, 13:50 The outgoing head of the Internal Revenue Service apologized on Friday for “foolish mistakes” made at the U.S. tax agency which he said resulted from a heavy workload, not a partisan mission. … Tea party tax returns show activism on a budget May 17th 2013, 13:35 Dozens of tea party groups and other conservative organizations of the kind subjected to improper scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Service operated with small budgets and rarely displayed overt partisan …Media files: fac721ff8a061310320f6a7067005478_original.jpg Representative Camp says IRS scandal has exposed ‘rotten’ tax system May 17th 2013, 13:29 A leading congressman said on Friday that an Internal Revenue Service scandal had exposed deep problems with the federal tax system, saying it needed to be overhauled. “Trimming a few branches will … Beckham’s role after retirement to remain global May 17th 2013, 13:27 After David Beckham’s long and distinguished soccer career ends on an artificial turf field in northwestern France, his life promises to be perhaps even more glamorous than it already has been. Nearly …Media files: e2c04cf96d9c0710320f6a7067007421_original.jpg What Makes a Small Business? Depends Who You Ask May 17th 2013, 13:17 How do you promote America’s small businesses? First, you decide what a small business actually is. And as it turns out, no one agrees on that definition. Lawmakers spend a lot of time talking up the virtues … How to See the World and ‘Arbitrage’ Your Retirement May 17th 2013, 12:45 In the financial world, arbitrage is a trading strategy that earns profit by exploiting price differences between markets. By that definition, Dan Prescher is a sophisticated arbitrageur. The 58-year-old …Media files: 2013-05-17T124544Z_1_CBRE94G0ZGC00_RTROPTP_3_USA-WEATHER_original.jpg (image/jpeg) Planning Your Second Career May 17th 2013, 12:35 A second career can provide opportunities whether you are worried about outliving your retirement savings, or you want to stay productive and do something meaningful later in life. What Congress should ask IRS, but probably won’t May 17th 2013, 11:58 The House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee on Friday will hold the first of three hearings on the Internal Revenue Service “Tea Party” targeting scandal. Tax experts hope the hearings … IRS says head of tax-exempt division to retire May 17th 2013, 11:58 The head of the Internal Revenue Service’s tax exempt/government entities division plans to retire, the IRS said on Thursday, marking the second personnel change at the agency after a scandal involving … How You Can Tell If the IRS Is Eyeing You May 17th 2013, 10:46 Being audited is scary. Not knowing if you might be is almost as bad. Here are telltale signs the IRS looks for when it decides who is a candidate for examination.Media files: 100743674-irs-redlight-gettyp.240x160_original.jpg Study: Happy kids get better jobs as adults May 17th 2013, 10:00 Money may not be able to buy you happiness, but happy children are more likely to grow up and earn more than their unhappy peers, according to a new study. The multiyear study, which was published in November … Will car loan payoff improve credit score? May 17th 2013, 10:00 Dear Driving for Dollars, Will my credit score go up if I pay off the remaining balance on my car loan? — Stacey Dear Stacey, Paying off an installment loan — a loan that is for a fixed amount for a … Refi reverse mortgage, keep wife in house May 17th 2013, 10:00 Dear Dr. Don, I got a reverse mortgage on my home, but my wife was not on the loan. I was hoping to add her name through refinancing the reverse mortgage. But, I’ve called some places and have been told … Average US Retirement Age Is 61–And Rising May 16th 2013, 20:50 The average retirement age has risen to 61, from 57 just two decades ago. And it seems to be rising, with non-retired American now planning to retire at 66, up from 60 in 1995, according to the Gallup …Media files: 100744346-168445719.240x160_original.jpg

Your Daily digest for Yahoo! Finance – Personal Finance

Yahoo! Finance – Personal Finance Read latest personal finance articles about loans, saving & spending, lifestyle, insurance, taxes, career & education, retirement, and real estate. Try our calculators for setting your savings goals for a car, down payment for a home, education and other needs as well as mortgage calculator to determine monthly payments for a home. Search glossary to better understand financial terms and their meanings.

Obama picks budget official to run troubled IRS May 17th 2013, 02:03 President Barack Obama picked a senior White House budget official to become the acting head of the Internal Revenue Service on Thursday, the same day another top official announced plans to leave the …Media files: 9e49d03a503ef610310f6a706700e2c0_original.jpg Gen X on track to be worse off than Boomers in retirement, study finds May 17th 2013, 00:58 Gen X on track to be worse off than Boomers in retirement, study finds US mortgage rates rise; still near historic lows May 16th 2013, 23:57 Average U.S. mortgage rates rose this week but remained near historic lows. . Here’s a look at rates for fixed and adjustable mortgages this week and over the past year: EBay developers working on possible apps for Google Glass May 16th 2013, 23:25 Developers at eBay Inc are working on potential applications for Google Inc’s Glass project, opening up the possibility that shopping and broader commercial activities might be conducted through the wearable …Media files: 2013-05-16T232506Z_1_CBRE94F1T2400_RTROPTP_3_GOOGLE-GLASS_original.jpg (image/jpeg) That feel-good credit score may still disappoint May 16th 2013, 22:00 If you ever failed to pay a bill that was subsequently sent to a collection agency, it can still hurt you even if you pay it off. That’s because any blemish can stay on your credit report for up to… US rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.51 pct. May 16th 2013, 21:37 Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose this week but stayed near their historic lows. Cheaper mortgages have helped the economy by spurring more home-buying and refinancing. Mortgage buyer Freddie …Media files: b1ba77ba6b9dfe10310f6a706700f091_original.jpg 4 Reasons Gen X Will Struggle in Retirement May 16th 2013, 21:06 Members of Generation X are on track to replace a median of just half of their current salary in retirement. That’s a far smaller proportion of income than early baby boomers (82 percent) and depression … 2nd IRS official to leave amid tea party scandal May 16th 2013, 20:54 As second top Internal Revenue Service official has announced plans to leave the agency amid the controversy over the targeting of tea party groups. An internal IRS memo says Joseph Grant, commissioner …Media files: 9e49d03a503ef610310f6a706700e2c0_original.jpg Only 2 of 13 small SUVs do well in crash tests May 16th 2013, 20:24 Only two of 13 small SUVs performed well in front-end crash tests done by an insurance industry group, with several popular models faring poorly in the evaluations. Subaru’s 2014 Forester was the only …Media files: 8cc0009b6e8d0b10320f6a7067004dfb_original.jpg Most small SUVs do poorly in frontal crash tests May 16th 2013, 20:15 Only two of 13 small SUVs tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety scored well on a front-end crash test. IIHS crashed the SUVs into a 5-foot-tall barrier at 40 mph and measured how the structure … News Summary: IRS process a nightmare for groups May 16th 2013, 18:14 LONG WAITS: It often takes a year or more for nonprofit organizations known as “social welfare organizations” to get tax-exempt status, which requires them to prove they’re not primarily devoted … Retirement healthcare costs decline: Fidelity May 16th 2013, 17:57 Healthcare costs put a big squeeze on retiree pocketbooks, but the grip may be relaxing a bit. A 65-year-old couple retiring this year will need $220,000 to pay for healthcare for the rest of their lives, … Humana selling Concentra lab business May 16th 2013, 17:55 Health insurer Humana is selling a toxicology and clinical lab business, a division of its Concentra health care provider, to Quest Diagnostics Inc. Quest, a medical lab operator, did not say Thursday … How loyalty programs influence the way you shop May 16th 2013, 17:45 Loyalty programs at supermarkets used to be as simple as getting access to the cheaper advertised prices on store shelves. But as companies fight to hold onto customers amid intensifying competition, they’re … Ouster of IRS official isn’t ending investigations May 16th 2013, 16:26 Don’t look for the outcry over the Internal Revenue Service’s improper targeting of tea party groups to subside with the ouster of the agency’s acting commissioner. Three congressional committees are investigating, …Media files: 04a788fa503ef610310f6a7067009d4f_original.jpg Buying a House When Inventory Is Tight May 16th 2013, 16:04 How home buyers can make their offers more attractive in markets with relatively tight inventories of homes for sale. Why I Rolled Over My 401(k) to an IRA May 16th 2013, 15:59 Last year, I left my corporate job and rolled my 401(k) over to an IRA. This was a great decision for me because the stock market did tremendously well over that period. When you retire, you need to figure … How To Start Saving For Retirement May 16th 2013, 15:55 If you establish these money-saving habits and patiently allow your wealth to build, you will be taking some huge steps forward in making your financial future more secure. Class of 2013 Job Seekers: Buy, Sell or Hold? May 16th 2013, 13:57 Once college graduates unzip their gown and take off their mortarboard cap, they enter into the bloated ranks of overeducated but underemployed job seekers pounding the pavement, armed with similar skill … What’s Your Job Offer Really Worth? May 16th 2013, 13:16 When it comes time to deciding on a job, it boils down to the opportunity and what you’re offered. If you get more than one job offer, consider each carefully. It’s impossible to compare one job offer … Friends, Prostitutes Comingle on Social Networks May 16th 2013, 12:45 Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and the policing of the new red-light district. Will insurance cover cancer genetic testing, preventive surgery? May 16th 2013, 11:21 Will insurance cover cancer genetic testing, preventive surgery? A Rare Bird: The Tax-Efficient Alternative May 16th 2013, 11:00 Gateway enhances a long-short strategy with tax efficiency. Credit card interest rates for May 16, 2013 May 16th 2013, 10:00 Interest Rate Roundup Mortgages CDs Auto Loans Home Equity Credit Cards Find the best credit card offers available. Credit Cards 13.02% (all fixed) 15.24% (all variable) Credit card rates were unchanged … What’s the fastest way to boost my credit? May 16th 2013, 10:00 Dear Debt Adviser, I make pretty good money, but my credit score is low. What’s the fastest way to raise my score? I’ve looked for help through credit repair places, but I haven’t decided whether they’re … Keep my job and get full Social Security benefits? May 16th 2013, 10:00 Dear Retirement Adviser, I typically make about $55,000 a year. I will turn 66 years old in September 2014 and will retire the following year. Can I get Social Security starting in January 2014 and avoid … Roth IRA withdrawal penalties? May 16th 2013, 10:00 Dear Tax Talk, I withdrew $38,000 from my Roth IRA last year due to unemployment to pay living expenses, medical premiums and bills. Is there a way to avoid paying an early withdrawal penalty? — Janet … CD rates for May 16, 2013 May 16th 2013, 10:00 Interest Rate Roundup Mortgages CDs Auto Loans Home Equity Credit Cards Compare CD rates nationally and in your area. CDs 0.25% (1-year CD yields) 0.78% (5-year CD yields) Rates on certificates of deposit … National mortgage rates for May 16, 2013 May 16th 2013, 10:00 Interest Rate Roundup Mortgages CDs Auto Loans Home Equity Credit Cards Find the best mortgage rates in your area. Mortgages 3.71% (30-year fixed) 0.34 (average points) Mortgage rates climbed for the second … Mortgage rates jump for 2nd week in a row May 16th 2013, 10:00 Mortgage interest rates popped up again this week. 30 year fixed rate mortgage 3 month trend The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to 3.71 percent compared with 3.6 percent last week, according … Auto loan rates for May 16, 2013 May 16th 2013, 10:00 Interest Rate Roundup Mortgages CDs Auto Loans Home Equity Credit Cards Find the best auto rates in your area. Auto Loans 4.12% (60-month, new car) 4.69% (36-month, used car) Auto loan rates were flat … A Flurry of Fed Speakers to Guide Wall Street May 16th 2013, 01:01 Thursday’s markets will navigate data on jobs, housing and inflation, but traders may be most interested in the words of Fed speakers.