South Hampton Roads Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition

The consumer is more optimistic, but spending still is restrained and frozen foods are "hot" again at supermarkets. Jim Chesko reports.

Beware of last-minute changes when closing on a mortgage ... we have tips on fitting in after starting a new job ... and we'll tell you what it will cost you to raise a child to age 17. Jim Chesko reports.

There are signs that the home-refinancing surge is waning ... workplace wellness programs could mean extra bucks for employees ... and there's been increased demand for Scotch whisky. Jim Chesko reports.

Online shoppers apparently aren't as frugal as we thought ... home-financing demand takes a dip ... and workers who are offered transfers to another city find that employers have gotten stingier. Jim Chesko reports.

Even after their kids graduate college, a lot of parents find it tough to cut the financial cord ... a growing number of Americans are cutting the coax cord ... and customer satisfaction with airlines improves. Jim Chesko reports.

The third-quarter hiring outlook isn't great, but it's not bad either ... if you're a long-term investor, this may be a good time to do a little stock-shopping ... and we check out some rather unusual mutual funds. Jim Chesko reports.

Many nurses and teachers are coping with confusing changes in their retirement plans ... some help in reining in energy consumption - and reducing your bill ... and, what do you do if you land a job but get a lowball salary offer? Jim Chesko reports.

What will the hot jobs be six to 10 years down the road? ... Tips to get you ready for changes in banks' overdraft policies ... And a drugstore giant returns beer and wine to its shelves. Jim Chesko reports.

Job-cut announcements bottom out, but there are still a lot of people who've been out of work for quite a while ... AT&T dials up some new wireless data plans for smartphone customers ... and a fast-food giant unveils a beefy new snack wrap. Jim Chesko reports.

It looks like more of us will be using vacation time this summer ... e-prescriptions continue to become more common ... and the FCC wants to help us avoid "wireless-bill shock." Jim Chesko reports.

Beware of nest-egg fraudsters ... insuring teen girl drivers is getting more costly ... and if you're looking for a summer vacation rental, proceed with caution. Jim Chesko reports.

Gold may still jump higher, but is it a good investment? ... America's warehouse-club industry is thriving ... and a lot of farmers' markets may be missing a key ingredient: real farmers. Jim Chesko reports.

Consumer confidence gains a little traction ... employers get more aggressive in trying to retain workers ... and summer flights get more expensive. Jim Chesko reports.

There are certificates of deposit that let you take advantage of higher rates down the road ... those new 3D TVs are pretty neat, but do you need to rush out to buy one? ... and how safe is your community pool? Jim Chesko reports.

The key to getting more financial aid for college is understanding how the formula works ... we have tips for new college grads renting their first apartment ... plus, how your smartphone can help you plan and book trips. Jim Chesko reports.

A slew of new consumer laws and programs could help new college grads get off to a good start on financial matters ... we'll tell you what the financial-overhual legislation might mean for consumers ... and stay-at-home dads find it's tough trying to return to work

Many homeowners are focusing on smaller renovation projects ... online restaurant-reservation competition heats up ... and the summer vacation outlook brightens. Jim Chesko reports.

It looks like home prices might start to bounce back soon ... reverse mortgages are becoming more attractive ... and if you're shopping for new clothes, you may soon see higher prices. Tom Ortuso reports.