Spending

By Maryalene LaPonsie Many Americans believe they're living within their means -- even while they regularly spend more than they earn. That was one finding of a recent Country Financial survey. But while some Americans may be confused about the real state of their family finances, that is an opportunity for ...

By Martin Crutsinger WASHINGTON -- Americans' income rose in December by the most in nine months, a hopeful sign for the economy after a year of weak wage gains. But consumers didn't spend any more than they had in November. Instead, they ended up saving all their additional income. Economists noted that ...

By Martin Crutsinger WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. workers increased their productivity this summer by the largest amount in a year and half, and they cost their employers less. The trend is good for corporate profits but not necessarily for job growth. The Labor Department says productivity rose at an annual ...