10 Tips for Selling Your Home in the Sluggish Winter Months

the real estate market's seasonal pattern will insert an additional hurdle in front of home sellers this winter. Since many home buyers with children plan their purchases around the scholastic calendar—starting their search in the spring, signing a contract in the summer, and moving in by late August—sales activity tends to erode as the days grow colder before bottoming out in January or February. That means anyone selling a home over the holiday season will have more than just long lines at the mall to contend with.

15 Cities for People Who Hate Driving and Long Commutes

In the cities on our list, commutes are shorter than average, and a great many of them are on foot, bicycle, or via public transportation. The list is heavy on college towns, for a few good reasons: Such places are good fits for nondrivers because they are often compact and dense, and they often have liberal populations that demand more investment in public transportation.

Tips for Buying the Perfect Digital Camera

Shopping for a digital camera once seemed simple: get the most pixels for the money. But megapixel mania is over. Now, buyers must discern extraneous features.

10 Tips to Save on Holiday Gifts

Given the shaky job market, holiday budgets are tighter this year. So to avoid the winding lines and sold-out merchandise, here are 10 tips to save you time and money as you kick off your holiday shopping.

America's Best Places to Live 2009

In selecting our Best Places to Live for 2009, U.S. News took a thrift-conscious approach: We looked for affordable communities that have strong economies and plenty of fun things to do. The cities we selected are as distinct as America itself—ranging from a quaint suburb to a live-music mecca.

More Personal Finance News

From the Blogs

Planning to Retire »
Fidelity: Average 401(k) Balance Rebounds

Employers also begin to resume 401(k) matches

The Home Front »
Why Foreclosures Rise Even as the Economy Expands

The Mortgage Bankers Association says that home loan delinquencies have set a new record.

The Best Life »
Attractive and Functional Design Solutions for Aging Homeowners

Evolving design standards and new products produce safer and better-looking homes.

Fresh Greens »
7 More Ways to Save Money and Go Green This Thanksgiving

Here are some eco-friendly tips that can save you cash this holiday season.

The Best Life »
Why Long-Term Care is So Hard to Provide

New proposal, part of health-reform plans, shows why it's so hard to devise an affordable solution.

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Places

Search for the perfect place for you and your family.

Best Careers

Careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction.

Car Rankings & Reviews

Make an informed choice when shopping for your next car.

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Slide Shows

10 Hard-Hit Housing Markets Ready to Rebound

Even with home prices still falling at the national level, a number of markets are gearing up for a rebound.

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