How To Detect Counterfeit Money

In order to stay ahead of counterfeiting, the United States government redesigns paper money on a fairly regular basis. The latest installment, a new $100 bill, is slated for unveiling on April 21. The last bill to be redesigned was the $5 bill, issued March 13, 2008. Most notable among recent design changes are the […]

Public Pension Funds Adding Risk

States and companies have started investing very differently when it comes to the billions of dollars they are safeguarding for workers’ retirement. Companies are quietly and gradually moving their pension funds out of stocks. They want to reduce their investment risk and are buying more long-term bonds. But states and other bodies of government are […]

Places to Retire On Social Security Alone

Avenida Mader and Plaza de Armas, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. One of the most compelling reasons to consider retiring to another country is the opportunity to reduce your cost of living, maybe dramatically. As one American I know who retired to Boquete, Panama put it recently, “Back in Tucson, Arizona, where I’m from, my monthly Social […]

More Apple iPhone News and Rumors

With the rising popularity of the touchscreen smartphone, people are always interested in hearing about more Apple iPhone news and rumors. What will the next-generation iPhone bring to the table? A Brief History of the iPhone There were many questions raised when Apple announced that it would be entering the cell phone market with some […]

Third-Hand Smoke

WASHINGTON (AFP) – You know smoking is bad for you. You know inhaling someone else’s smoke is bad for you. Now a US study says third-hand smoke — tobacco residue clinging to surfaces — is also bad for you. When a cigarette burns, nicotine is released in the form of a vapor that collects and […]

Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday shoppers: 4 million per minute Online traffic surges 43% as Americans hunt for bargains from the comfort of their desk or home. NEW YORK — Not satisfied with your holiday weekend shopping? Don’t worry, it’s Cyber Monday. It is the day that e-tailers will furiously push big discounts, free gift cards, free shipping […]

BEST DEVELOPED MARKET BANKS – 2009

NORTH AMERICA Bermuda Butterfield Bank Canada Scotiabank United States J.P. Morgan Chase EUROPE Austria Bank Austria Belgium KBC Group Denmark Danske Bank Finland Pohjola Bank France BNP Paribas Germany Commerzbank Greece Eurobank EFG Italy Intesa Sanpaolo Luwxembourg Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat Netherlands Rabobank Norway DnB Nor Protugal Banco Espirito Santo Spain Santander Sweden […]

4 Urgent Home Fixes Before You Retire

A leaking roof, a burst pipe or a skyrocketing electric bill are headaches no matter when they happen, but when you’re on a fixed income and unprepared, they can become a financial crisis. Most people 45 and older want to stay in their home as they age, says AARP. If you’re among them, plan for […]