AMT: Tick-Tock
Another year is quickly coming to an end and once again Congress hasn't done anything yet to give millions of people relief from the alternative minimum tax. If they end up doing nothing, those 23 million folks will get hit with the "wealth" tax - about 19 million of them for the first time. The AMT was originally intended for the wealthy few when it was created nearly 40 years ago. But because Congress never indexed for inflation the amount of income exempt from AMT and because it disallows a lot of popular tax breaks, tens of millions of middle-class taxpayers could get hit.
AMT: Millions left in the dark about their 2007 tax bill -CNNmoney


Double-Digit Rise in Heating Costs Expected
Consumers will likely pay record prices to heat their homes this winter, with a particularly big jump expected in heating oil bills.
Winter heating costs could rise an average 10.5% - USATODAY.com


How to Play the Real Estate Bounceback
The housing market may be melting down, but here are 10 cities that have just about hit rock bottom - and offer opportunities for savvy investors to get in while the getting's good.
How to play the real estate bounce-back - Business 2.0


Banks vs. Credit Unions - Which Is Better for You?
Credit unions aren't just for a niche group of steel workers or teachers anymore. In fact, these nonprofit, member-run financial institutions are more accessible than ever before - and they can be a much better place to stash your cash than traditional banks.
Credit Unions Offer a Smart Banking Option - SmartMoney.com


Put More Cash in Your Pocket
Current returns of 7% to 10% are within your reach, and you can get these yields without taking extraordinarily high risks. Here are some places you can get that.
Put Cash in Your Pocket - Kiplinger.com


Look Who's Watching Your Health Expenses
In a bid to control spiraling health-care costs, a growing number of employers and health insurers are turning to services that essentially audit an employee's health care and look for ways to both improve outcomes and save money. But critics contend that some of these programs intrude into the private relationship between patients and their doctors.
Look Who's Watching Your Health Expenses - WSJ.com


Blu-ray or HD DVD: Which Side Are You On?
The two competing high-definition DVD formats are gearing up for the Christmas season. HD DVD has taken the lead on the hardware side, but Blu-ray has taken a big lead in sales of movie titles.
Blu-ray or HD DVD: Which Side Are You On? - WSJ.com


America's Most Powerful Pundits
In a crowded field, these talking heads carry the most weight. They include Roger Ebert, Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs and Geraldo Rivera, Rosie O'Donnell and Al Franken.
The Top Pundits In America - Forbes.com