WASHINGTON — The Consumer Confidence Index rose in January to its highest level in eight months with Americans growing a little more confident about the job market and business conditions. The Conference Board said Tuesday its Consumer Confidence Index climbed to 60.6 this month, up from 53.3 in December. The reading was better than economists expected, but far from the 90 level that signals a healthy consumer mindset.
WASHINGTON — For people who just can’t enough of the Internal Revenue Service, the federal tax collection agency is coming out with a new phone app. The app, called IRS2Go, allows taxpayers to track their tax refunds and get tax tips form the IRS. It’s free, and available for people who use iPhones or Androids.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The British monarchy saga “The King’s Speech” leads the Academy Awards with 12 nominations, including best picture and acting honors for Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush. Also nominated for best picture Tuesday were “Black Swan”, “The Fighter”, “Inception”, “The Kids Are All Right”, “127 Hours”, “The Social Network”, “Toy Story 3”, “True Grit”, “Winter’s Bone.”
With mortgage financing harder to secure and job futures remaining unpredictable, renting has become the suitable option for many people seeking short- or long-term shelter.
We refinanced our home to get a better rate. The amount borrowed was exactly the same as the old loan balance, and yet the new loan is a little larger. How come?
Economists say 2011 is the year of the “jump ball economy” – “so many consumer decisions are up in the air,” says James Chung, president of Research Advisors.
