Weekly Update: Even if the difference in the value of our portfolios is slight, Chris reminds me that in a horse race, it only matters whose nose crosses the line first. Full story »

Last year, I sold some clothing and DVDs that I didn't want any more on eBay. My friend said I'm supposed to declare this as income on my tax return. Tell me this isn't another way for the government to get my money. Full story »

I think gold has nowhere to go but down. Are there other commodities that still have upside?  Full story »

Once you have pinched enough pennies, you will want to keep track of them. Full story »

Motorists are paying the highest prices for gas since October 2008. Retail gasoline prices rose today on an expected increase in demand and as more expensive spring and summer blends of gasoline make their way to the pumps. Full story »

I just got my credit card bill under the new format. My balance is $8,400 and it said it will take me 28 years to pay this off with payments of $219 a month. This just doesn't seem right. My interest rate is 20 percent. Full story »

I borrowed $12,000 from my 401(k) a year ago and just lost my job. Now I think I have to repay it. I don't have the money. What are my options? Should I take out a bank loan, or just pay whatever taxes and penalties come with this?  Full story »

Want to save money on furniture, a computer, maybe a musical instrument? The Freecycle Network, which helps people and organizations reduce waste by recycling unwanted items, might be the answer -- and yes, the stuff is free.  Full story »

In the latest measure of bank strength, two of Greater Cleveland's 14 largest banks have seen their ratings drop from a year ago. The region has three banks with the lowest rating -- exactly what AmTrust Bank had before it failed last year and was acquired by New York Community Bank. Full story »

We had a balance on our Capital One card. The due date was Feb 3. We paid off the balance Jan. 22. I just received another statement for $20-plus. When I called, I was told that was interest that accrued on the account. I went ahead and paid it. Is this legal for the companies to do when you pay off your account? Full story »

The Question: I'm retired. I just sold my home and bought a condo with cash. With the remaining $180,000, I was thinking of an annuity. Nothing else looks attractive. I get a small pension and Social Security that covers most of my regular expenses. I have about $40,000 liquid in CDs and a money-market fund for emergencies. Is there something else besides an annuity that I should consider? Should I do an annuity with some of the money and something else with the rest? Full story »

Laundry detergent can take a significant bite out of your budget. One way to save and still have clean clothes is to make your own detergent.  Full story »

More people think it's OK to cheat on taxes, but more also say a fear of being audited influences how honest they are. Full story »

Regarding the Strongsville woman who was angry about being charged $2.20 a month for having an unlisted number, you know you can avoid that. You can have your number listed under a different name at no charge. A friend of mine did this years ago. It seems ridiculous, but it's almost as good as being unlisted. The phone company doesn't care what name you list your number under. Full story »

My wife and I each have 401(k)s through our employers. We each get a match that's identical (25 percent of the first 5 percent). Is there an advantage financially, tax-wise or legally to putting all of the money we can afford to save for retirement in one account? Or are we better off splitting the two?  Full story »