The latest Real Clear Politics national poll gives Obama a 7.8 lead, and Greg Mankiw (Harvard University, Department of Economics) questions why the current Intrade market places a two-thirds probability on an increase in marginal tax rates in 2009:

The Earned Income Tax Credit enjoyed marked success bringing low-income women into the labor force in recent years. At the same time, labor force participation by low-income or less-education men stagnated, and declined among young black men.

Microsoft may just have acknowledged that digital distribution of software, long (relatively) used for distribution and sales of games, may just be ready to hit the big time. In an understated announcement on a newsgroup, by an MVP, Microsoft has announced it is going to halt the sale of boxed copies of its Quicken competitor, Money Plus.

Rapidly Growing Medical Costs, Declining Pensions and Medical Subsidies, Longer Life Spans Make 401(k) Plans Critical Saving Vehicles for U.S. Employees, Regardless of Additional Sources of Income

In a decade of an alarming credit crunch, rising cost of food, skyrocketed costs of living and an alarming debt for entertainment, most young people struggle to understand the basics of personal finance. This is from personal experience, observation and according to the results of a recently published government poll.

(Washington DC) June 3, 2008 In honor of Independence Day, best-selling author, Matthew Lesko is inviting everyone to join him online July Fourth at www.UncleSamLive.com when he hosts his first National Treasure Hunt, answering any and all questions about finding financial independence using government programs.

NY Advices Financial Experts on Going Back to School, Gaining Technical Expertise, and Applying Transferable Job Skills.

A new study claims that we can buy happiness with money.

In this high-risk monetory environment, wouldn't it be great if you could hire a financial manager who takes care of all your needs so you have a little less to worry about? Unfortunately, most of us do not have such luxury!! Luckily though, there's a new online tool that can prove to be a one-stop portal for all your money-management needs, including loans, credit-cards, insurance and more!

Pershing Square Capital Management's founder Bill Ackman told regulators in a letter today that the two biggest U.S. bond insurers face combined losses of over $23 billion from bonds they've insured, and should be forced to stop paying dividends.

Bankruptcy or insolvency should be the last resort for any borrower. You should explore other options like individual voluntary arrangements, debt consolidation, etc., before filing an application for bankruptcy. If you are debt-ridden but hopeful for the future then there is no need to take such an extreme step by filing for bankruptcy if there are betters way for debt consolidation and relief.

Choosing a credit card can be almost as important as choosing the proper mortgage or the right car loan. Believe it or not, if you want to save money and get the most value from that little piece of plastic in your wallet you really need to give some thought as to which credit card is right for you.