What to look for before you book

It's May. Memorial Day and the end of the school year are in sight. Suddenly, you're thinking about a summer vacation. A little advance planning — and some insider tips — can save you a lot of money. Whether you're booking airfare, a car or a hotel, there are questions you should ask.

Hobo or Boy Scout? Quiz tells the score

It's one of the most important numbers influencing life as we know it, and I don't mean your ZIP code, dress size or how much you spent on Mother's Day gifts for your wife. I mean your credit score, which, besides determining how much credit you get and how much you pay for it, also dictates your insurance rates, ability to rent an apartment and very likely what version of Windows you can purchase.

Expectations high for Microsoft's next Xbox game system

-- It's almost time for a new Xbox.

Big banks sell off mortgage servicing rights

Millions of homeowners around the country have received an unexpected message from their banks: Goodbye.

6 tips to manage student loan debt

Finding a job in a slow-growing economy is daunting enough without new financial obligations.

College a bad financial bet for some, study says

College can be a bad financial investment, and a fair number of people actually should not go to college, according to a new study.

Embarrassed by your past? Improve your online reputation

The embarrassing tweet. The drunken party photos. The DUI arrest. The messy divorce or business scandal.

Jamie Dimon’s fortress may not save him

A fortress balance sheet may not be enough armor to protect JPMorgan's CEO from the building chorus of criticism.

Make a good social media splash

You've been preparing for that job interview for weeks. You're wearing your best suit and tie. You walk into your interviewer's office, look the person in the eye and shake hands firmly.

When cellphones become a problem in the workplace

Q. The issue of employee cell phones is driving me crazy. I manage a small medical clinic with 15 staff members who interact with patients all day. Initially, I trusted them to use good judgment about personal calls, but that didn't work. Next, I asked them not to carry cellphones unless they were expecting an important call. Suddenly, every call became "important."

Retire loan or keep investments?

Q. I own my home and have no mortgage or note. I have no debts except a student loan of about $11,000, and I can pay that off right now. I've always wanted to be debt-free, and I could write a check tomorrow and do that.

Report: Yahoo’s board approves $1.1B purchase of Tumblr

Yahoo! Inc.'s board has approved a $1.1 billion acquisition of Tumblr Inc., a service that hosts 108 million blogs, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the matter.

A year after IPO, Facebook aims to be ad colossus

New York — It was supposed to be our IPO, the people's public offering.

New smartphone app provides Michigan park information

Okemos — A new smartphone application has been developed that will provide users with information about Michigan's parks and other recreational ...

New state law requires one form for authorization of medicine

Lansing — A new Michigan law calls for the creation of a universal form doctors can use when patients need prior authorization for coverage of ...

Organic food companies gain Washington clout

Washington — The organic food industry is gaining influence on Capitol Hill, prompted by its entry into traditional farm states and by increasing consumer ...

Revamped 'AMC' and 'OLTL' are off to a good start online

Both seemed a bit less claustrophobic in their first streaming week, but otherwise their old selves, thanks to many returning actors.

Briefs: Unemployment down in Michigan, 39 other states

Solid hiring helped push down unemployment rates in 40 states last month, the most since November. The declines show job markets are improving in most of the ...

Unemployment falls in 40 U.S. states, rises in 3

Washington — Solid hiring helped push down unemployment rates in 40 U.S. states last month, the most since November. The declines show job markets are ...

Dow Chemical to pay $1.2 billion in price-fixing case

Michigan-based Dow Chemical Co. was ordered by a federal judge to pay a $1.2 billion judgment in a urethane price-fixing case after losing its bid to undo a ...

Gauge of U.S. economy's future health up in April

Washington — A measure of the U.S. economy's future health rose in solidly in April, buoyed by a sharp rise in applications to build new homes and ...

Consumer sentiment in U.S. rose in May to highest since 2007

Consumer confidence rose in May to the highest level in almost six years as an advancing stock market and cheaper gas prices helped lift Americans' outlook on ...

McDonald's makes move to streamline menu

The Angus burger is going away, and it may not be the only McDonald's dish on the chopping block.

Home-buying frenzy stokes fears of bubble

Just a year since the U.S. housing market hit bottom after the biggest plunge in eight decades, signs of excess are re-emerging.

Exec who popularized fish sticks dies at 96

Phoenix — E. Robert Kinney, a former chief executive of General Mills who earlier in his career was instrumental in popularizing fish sticks, has died. He was ...

Briefs: Michigan farmers report less frost damage

Michigan fruit tree growers who suffered devastating freeze losses one year ago seem to have sustained less serious damage from this week's late frost.

Nominee impasse poses problems for labor board

Washington — Senate Republicans said Thursday they would not support five nominees to the National Labor Relations Board, raising the possibility the troubled ...

American Airlines to seat people traveling light earlier

If you’re traveling light, you can board earlier on American Airlines. The airline said Thursday that people carrying just a personal item that fits under the ...