personal finance

The Cost of Getting Married

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 24, 2009

Taxes can go up after tying the knot, especially for low-income couples. more >>

Audio: Strategies for Successful Maternity Leave

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 23, 2009

Planning ahead and staying in touch make for an easier transition to working motherhood. more >>

Gen Y: Influenced by Parents and Materialism

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 22, 2009

20-somethings play a role in their parents' shopping habits, too. more >>

Gen Y: Empowered, Engaged, Demanding

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 21, 2009

A new book argues that marketers have to speak differently to 20-somethings. more >>

"Frugalista" Debate: One Blogger Stakes Claim

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 18, 2009

A trademark fight over the use of a recession-era word begins. more >>

The Power of Free Stuff

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 17, 2009

Is offering products and services at no cost a good retail strategy? more >>

The Dangers of Free Trial Periods

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 16, 2009

This customer got trapped into paying for something she didn't want. more >>

Audio: Preparing Financially for Disasters

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 15, 2009

What to grab in case you need to leave your home quickly. more >>

Do Company Logos Matter to Consumers?

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 14, 2009

New research suggests loyal customers don't want change. more >>

Sarah Strohmeyer Answers Reader Questions

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 11, 2009

The author of this month's book club selection responds to queries on women and money. more >>

Audio: The New Credit Card Rewards

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 10, 2009

New rewards programs give customers incentives to pay off debt. more >>

How to Fight Health Insurance Denials

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 9, 2009

Unexpected bills shouldn't go unchallenged. more >>

Fearing Divorce, Mom Finds Inner Frugalista

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 8, 2009

In this Alpha Consumer book club selection, personal finance drives the plot. more >>

California Fires Create Money Disasters, Too

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 4, 2009

In an emergency, be sure to take these key documents with you. more >>

Companies Aren't Giving Women What They Want

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 3, 2009

A new book says retailers should focus on saving women time, not giving them shopping sprees. more >>

Why Renters Insurance Is Worth Its (Low) Cost

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 2, 2009

Many young people don't pay for it because they mistakenly think it's too expensive. more >>

Chief Executives' Debt Predicts Company Debt

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - September 1, 2009

A new study finds that company finances are linked to CEOs' personal habits. more >>

The Challenge of Taking Out Life Insurance

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 31, 2009

A simple quest can take longer than you expect. more >>

Keep Back-to-School Shopping Costs Down

By Zach Miners - Education - August 28, 2009

Retail federation predicts a back-to-school spending drop, but you don't have to settle for less. more >>

Testosterone's Role in Investing Decisions

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 28, 2009

The sex hormone plays a bigger role than gender when it comes to financial decisions. more >>

Audio: How To Find Affordable Child Care

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 27, 2009

Working with other parents can reduce the cost of daycare. more >>

Why We Are Still Better Off Than Our Parents

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 26, 2009

Despite the downturn, Americans still report a higher standard of living. more >>

Annie Leibovitz: Why Fame and Debt Often Mix

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 25, 2009

The photographer, as well as Michael Jackson and Thomas Jefferson, showcase celebrity money challenges. more >>

Americans Still Lack Savings, Despite Cuts

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 24, 2009

New survey shows a lack of emergency funds, even though Americans are budgeting. more >>

Starbucks Cuts Some Prices, Raises Others

By Kimberly Palmer - Alpha Consumer - August 21, 2009

Consumers ask themselves: How much is my latte worth? more >>