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The Color of Money Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary and other contributors write this regular feature on factors affecting your money.
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The Color of Money

Goodbye For Now, But Please Stay Frugal

The personal finance columnist makes her final appearance on Day to Day. She reflects on past conversations and looks forward to her new book: The Power to Prosper: 21 Days to Financial Freedom.

Goodbye For Now, But Please Stay Frugal

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Credit Scores; E-Banks; Debt Relief

Questions from listeners yield advice on why good customers are seeing shrinking credit lines, how to avoid getting a bad credit rating, using e-banks (make sure they're FDIC-insured) and whether to trust debt-settlement companies (hint: you can do most of it yourself).

Credit Scores; E-Banks; Debt Relief

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Are Recession-Proof Jobs Also Disappearing?

Some jobs may not sound glamorous, but they may be more recession-proof than others. Look in these industries: health care, computers, teaching, office management.

Are Recession-Proof Jobs Also Disappearing?

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Opinion

It's Still Important For Teens To Find Work

Remember the days of flipping hamburgers and babysitting for a little extra cash as a teenager? Our personal finance contributor explores why it's important for teens to work and how they can find a job in these tough economic times.

It's Still Important For Teens To Find Work

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Making Quality New Year's Resolutions

Try not spending money on anything extra for a month and you'll rack up savings, says our personal finance contributor. She advises people to keep a cash reserve and remember that every day is a new day to get your finances together.

Making Quality New Year's Resolutions

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Asking For Help During The Holidays

Christmas this year comes as many Americans are unemployed, broke and behind on their mortgages. Our personal finance contributor has advice on how to ask for assistance if you're in financial trouble during the holiday season.

Asking For Help During The Holidays

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The Best Way To Sell Your Stuff

Our personal finance contributor says one way to increase your budget is to sell those unneeded items stored in your garage or closet. She offers tips on the most lucrative way to do this.

The Best Way To Sell Your Stuff

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Color of Money: Online Financial Consultants

Most people could use a personal financial analyst at one point of another. Now there are Web sites that will tell you what to do with your money — for free. Personal finance expert Michelle Singletary browsed around to see which sites are worth using.

Color of Money: Online Financial Consultants

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Don't Regift Used Items And Other Holiday Tips

If you have debt on your credit card, forget giving gifts says our personal finance contributor. Regardless, start with a budget and consider the benefits of non-monetary gifts.

Don't Regift Used Items And Other Holiday Tips

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Tips For Saving Money Through The Winter

Colder weather means a different kind of budgeting. Heating and lighting costs are only some of the issues to consider. Our personal finance contributor shares easy ways to save energy and money and even avoid family feuds.

Tips For Saving Money Through The Winter

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When Unemployment Is The Best Option

Unemployment is at its highest level in years. How does one decide if it's better to collect unemployment than to take part-time work? Personal finance contributor Michelle Singletary offers answers.

When Unemployment Is The Best Option

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Read That Benefits Package Carefully

It's the time of the year when you can make changes in your employee benefits. It's open enrollment season. Health care and other costs are going up, and there are a lot of changes in the benefits insurers are offering.

Read That Benefits Package Carefully

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Finding Hope For Homeowners

The new FHA Hope for Homeowners program is aiming to help people save their homes from foreclosure. But before signing up, there are some costs to consider. Our personal finance contributor breaks down the basics of the program.

Finding Hope For Homeowners

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Coping With The Latest Financial Struggles

How will the latest bailout bill impact your home? Is it sensible to keep a home as an investment? Our personal finance contributor answers listener questions about the current economic situation.

Coping With The Latest Financial Struggles

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