Healthy food, fast and cheap (USA Today)

The usual January diet drill has an unusual proponent in 2010: the fast-food industry. Many of the nation's largest fast-food chains — better-known for their often fatty, high-calorie foods — are loudly touting diet and low-calorie offerings. Familiar brands from Taco Bell to Starbucks to Dunkin' Donuts are rolling out new products and ad campaigns in an attempt to lure calorie-conscious consumers during the month when the $170 billion fast-food industry typically sees sales slide. USA Today reports.

FAQ on new credit card rules (Kiplinger)

Striking a blow for freedom and transparency, consumer-friendly rules mandated by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 take effect on February 22, Washington’s Birthday. Not sure what this means to you, this article by Joan Goldwasser of Kiplinger should help.

Five ways to improve your credit

Whenever—wherever—you’re trying to get credit, your credit score plays a part. Trying to rent an apartment? Your landlord may well check your credit score. Need a car loan? Your dealer or bank will check your credit score. Buying a house? Your mortgage interest rate will be affected by your credit score.

With so much resting on your credit score, you can’t afford to ignore it. Here are some basics to help you understand what to look for and why courtesy of Charles Schwab.

How good is your 401(k)?

Americans increasingly rely on their 401(k) plans for retirement, yet typically understand little about how their plans work, or how they compare with offerings at other companies. Is your 401(k) cheap or expensive? Does it offer good investments or mediocre ones? A generous match or a stingy one? And most important: Will your 401(k), and the way you take advantage of it, get you through retirement without running out of money? Business Week discusses a novel concept by BrightScope, a San Diego start-up.

How to fix your finances in 2010 (WSJ)

To help you accomplish your many New Year's ambitions, here's a year's worth of personal-finance aspirations, timed to major holidays to raise your chances of success.

Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide - Save Money, Eat Better, Help The Environment

Not sure how long that Costco sized salsa bottle will last? Can it be frozen for later use? I was referred to this site by a reader and wanted to share it with my readers. Check out StillTasty.com and learn how long foods last and what you can do to maximize its shelf life.

Condoms and canned goods

What's the last thing people want in a recession? More kids, apparently. According to data-tracking firm the Nielsen Co., dollar sales of products in the "family planning" category, which include condoms and over-the-counter female contraceptives, were up 10.2%. In fact unit sales were up 1.5%, which indicates that consumers are willing to pay higher prices today to prevent crib expenses tomorrow. This is an article run my Time Magazine in mid-2009, but it's full of observations and advice. Read more, click here.