Dollars and Sense

For years, the prevailing wisdom behind doling out allowances to kids has been that the practice helps children learn about budgets, which, in turn, leads to better spending habits when they grow up — assumptions that may not be true.

Are you single and ready to mingle? You may want to head to the Midwest.

Kelley Blue Book’s first-ever ‘Total Cost of Ownership Award Winners‘ considered factors like purchase price, fuel expenditures and expected maintenance and depreciation to come up with the cars it says have the lowest-projected overall cost of ownership. The big winner in the brand category? South Korean automaker Kia.

Just about everyone was hit hard by the bad economy and had to change their lifestyles in at least some small way. Now that we’re all attempting to regain our footing, there’s actually one group of people having a harder time doing so than everyone else.

If you’re so happy with your bank, wireless provider and pay TV service that you didn’t switch providers last year, a new study says you’re in the minority.

Remember the summer of 2008 when the highest gas prices on record occurred and the price for a gallon of fuel hit $4.11?

If you have a dozen Valentines — or just want 12 people to love you — Krispy Kreme is here to help. When you buy a dozen donuts at one of its franchises from now through February 14, you’ll get a dozen free Valentine’s cards, and each one is good for a free donut!

If you had to put 20 percent down to buy a house, would you be able to do so? A new study from the Center for Responsible Lending at the University of North Carolina says most people wouldn’t — and it could have dramatic and negative effects on the struggling housing market.