Starbucks prices rising, high speed mortgage payoffs & fastest growing sports brands - Today in Money & Finance 8/1

How Much Will You Pay for Your Daily Latte?
Starting today Starbucks will raise U.S. prices on cappuccinos, lattes and other coffee drinks by about nine cents a cup to help offset soaring costs for milk and other commodities. Starbucks is facing its most challenging time in company history. Its growth is slowing, its stock is down 22% and its competitors are gaining ground. What does the future hold for the java king? Is Starbucks Pushing Prices Too High? l Small coffee shops take on Starbucks as daily prices rise

High Speed Mortgage Payoffs
For borrowers who want to pay off a mortgage faster, there's a plan from the land Down Under that can add a little extra discipline. Home-buyers get a variable-rate, home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead of a fixed-rate loan for their first mortgage. They deposit their paychecks into the account and can draw on it to pay expenses and bills - including the mortgage. Any extra cash above what the borrower takes out is put toward the HELOC.
High speed mortgage payoffs


American Brands Losing Appeal Overseas
New study of top global brands finds Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Nike among U.S. brands that have lost favor with global consumers.
Study finds global consumers less enamored with U.S. brands


Fastest-Growing Brands in Sports
For many teams, increased visibility has meant big business. The Toronto Blue Jays leads baseball with a 127% rise in brand growth over the past three years. The Philadelphia Eagles 113% brand growth leads football, the Cleveland Cavaliers 89% growth leads basketball and the Buffalo Sabres 59% growth leads hockey.
The Fastest-Growing Brands In Sports - Forbes.com


The Next Big Eating Trend: Functional Foods
If you believe the vendors at the annual Institute of Food Technologists convention, you may soon be able to eat and drink your way to better health.
I'll Have the Fish Paste Sushi With the Green Tea Rice - New York Times


13 Emergency Savings Strategies
It's not about deprivation. It's about preparation. Follow these tips to save money without even trying.
Lucky 13 emergency savings strategies - Bankrate


What Your Exterminator Doesn't Want You to Know
When you deal with the pest-control biz, find out if you're the one getting bitten.
10 Things Your Exterminator Won't Tell You - SmartMoney.com