It's The Economy Stupid

It's The Economy Stupid

$1.3 trillion deficit spurs finger-pointing

The non-partisan budget office predicts the second highest year ever for red ink.

Unemployment to stay above 9% 

Also: 

• More on the national debt
• Obama confronts economy
• Jobless claims up again

Survey finds top credit-card company

U.S. consumers pick American Express as their favorite for the fourth straight year.  

Banks that rank at the bottom 

Also: 

• Some cards can hurt credit
• Best cards for miles
• Worst savings accounts

Why buying bonus miles isn't worth it

Paying to double or triple your frequent-flier miles is usually a waste of money.  

A few exceptions, though 

Also: 

• Tips for redeeming miles
• Best and worst airports
• American Airlines' new fee

Costliest mistakes of first-time homebuyers

Borrowing more than you can afford can send your monthly housing cost into the stratosphere.

'Payment shock' 

Also: 

• Home buying tips
• Mortgage calculator
• Renters on the rise

How Barnes & Noble fell so far so fast

The giant chain once struck fear into the hearts of independent booksellers, but is now up for sale.

'Air of desperation' 

Also: 

• American Apparel tanking
• Leadership fears at HP
• E-readers compared