Economizer

After what 2011 has done to our finances, it can be hard to justify shelling out big bucks for a bottle of French Champagne for New Year's Eve. But if the idea of toasting in 2012 with a cheap sham leaves you pained, don't worry: There are plenty of superb sparkling options out there that won't bust your budget.

With unemployment high and wages stagnant, now's a rough time to be entering the job market. Historically, when a harsh economy awaits, young people tend to run for cover in grad school. It's a smart strategy -- unless you pick the wrong field of study.

With the bankruptcy proceedings of American Airlines parent company AMR having just gotten under way, it's too early to tell what it might mean for employees. But past bankruptcies offer a roadmap for what can happen to workers anywhere when their employer goes under -- they often end up holding the short end of the stick.

You love Grandma, but you're not feeling that floral jumpsuit she gave you. And that gift card from Omaha Steaks won't quite work: Auntie forgot you're a vegetarian. Here are a few tips to help you ditch this season's gifting goofs.

You don't have to pay a fortune, or rely on financial aid, to attend a top-quality private college or university. These 10 have the lowest sticker price among Kiplinger's best values in private universities and liberal arts colleges.

Good news: Retirees will get a 3.6% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment in 2012 -- their first boost since 2009. Bad news: The average benefit is $1,229 a month, about the equivalent of working for minimum wage.

An APA poll a few years back revealed that 80% of Americans expect to be stressed during the holiday season. One source of that stress? The unexpected costs that creep up on us in December. Here are some tips to sidestep some of those pricey problems.