O’Connor: College graduates getting a B.A. in IOUs

It's commencement season, which is the time when middle-aged crabs like me offer our sage wisdom to you, our graduating young 'uns. We do this not only out of a sense of duty but also because we are deluded enough to think you might pay attention.

O’Connor: A vintage problem: What to give mom?

Mom is back! After a significant drop-off during the Great Recessepression, Mother's Day spending is set to jump by 11 percent this year, according to a new survey by the National Retail Federation, which averages out this year's spending to $168.94 per person.

O’Connor: Prune finances while waiting for spring thaw

While we’re waiting for the daffodils to defrost, we must as well get in the seasonal mood with a little spring cleaning. And just like the floors and windows, your finances will most likely benefit from a little scrubbing, too.

Investing in gold will test your mettle

The luster seems to be dimming for gold as an investment, now that the price of the precious metal, prized by such financial wizards as King Tut and Glenn Beck, is down 17 percent this year to around $1,400 an ounce, and off by 26 percent from its August 2011 high of $1,895.

Nicest loan-shark around: The IRS?

Before you start selling blood or break into the kids’ piggy-banks, first try taking out one of the lowest-rate loans available: a tax payment plan from the IRS.