The volatility of natural gas may make your pulse race, but now’s the time for investors to jump in, before demand heats up with the season. Be on the lookout, though, for a price drop, which could be chilling.

Most people don’t find out their insurance was inadequate until it’s too late. Here’s how to gauge the strength of your safety net before life does it for you.

Continuing jobless claims rise to 6.7 million. The UK’s national debt is downgraded. Manufacturing in the Philadelphia region remains weak. Investors gobble up shares of OpenTable after the online restaurant reservation system launches its IPO.

Jobless claims have peaked, says a member of the bureau charged with declaring when US recessions begin and end. And in every recession since 1974, the peak in jobless claims has come within weeks of the bottom.

Inflation erodes buying power faster for older Americans, but there are ways for those entering their retirement years to push back against the squeeze.

Before being taken in by all the ‘now’s the time to buy’ chatter, keep in mind that there’s a flip side to the conventional wisdom about homebuying.

The Fed lowers its forecast for growth and foresees a slow recovery for jobs. Crude rises above $62 as inventories decline. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner says the banking sector is improving.

Strategies that make sense for poor families don’t help rich ones at all. Here are the do’s and don’ts for every income level.

Deciding to get out of debt is easy; actually getting started is a bit harder. But the real test is sticking with your plan. Here’s what makes an effort succeed.

College isn’t getting any cheaper, but these 21 tips can give you a jump on preparing to pay for it.