April 2011 Headlines

Tax Expert: Five Steps to Take Before April 15

Tax expert Daniel Pilla says the fear associated with filing your income taxes can be avoided by following a few easy steps.

Foreclosed! America's Churches Losing Buildings

America's mortgage crisis has also struck many churches across the country as congregations are losing their buildings at an alarming rate.

Rising Food Prices Fueling Global Problems

Global food prices have hit an all-time dangerous level, creating shortages and greater demand around the world, tough news for many still struggling economically.

Staycations: Getaways that Don't Break the Bank

To save money, many families are once again checking out the value of "staycations" or smaller vacations closer to home.

Pending Home Sales Up, Market Still Down

More Americans signed contracts to buy homes last month but analysts say it's still not enough to signal a rebound in the housing market.

Consumer Spending and Incomes Both Rise in March

Americans earned and spent more in March, but much of the extra money went toward more expensive gasoline.

Fed Says Economic Recovery Still on Track

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says he expects a moderate economic recovery to continue this year.

No More Secrets? Bernanke to Meet the Press

In a bid for greater transparency, the Federal Reserve chairman is scheduled to hold  the first press conference in the central bank's 98-year history.

Home Prices Falling in Most Major U.S. Cities

A new report shows that from January to February, there were declines in home prices in 19 major cities across the U.S. 

Money Fund: The 'Age of America' Ending

The International Monetary Fund says the so-called "Age of America" is coming to an end.

Gas Theft on Rise as Pump Prices Climb

Crooks aren't just driving off without paying for gas -- they're targeting individual cars and even businesses.

Gold, Silver Hit Highs; Dollar Heads for Record Low

The price of gold hit an all-time high at just under $1,518 per ounce early Monday and the price of silver shot up more than eight percent to $49.82, just slightly below its all-time high of $50.35 that it hit in January of 1980.

Forbes' Rich Karlgaard Predicts Economic Boom

With growing third world markets and an insatiable need for oil, many wonder if the U.S. has passed her prime. Forbes' publisher Rich Karlgaard doesn't think so.

Toyota: Car Production Disrupted Until Nov or Dec

President Akio Toyoda apologized to customers for the delays due to the March 11 disasters that damaged suppliers in northeastern Japan, affecting automakers around the world.

Friendly Skies to Get Friendlier this Fall

Air travel frustrates many daily. However, the government is riding to the rescue with new passenger protections that could actually put money back in your pocket.

Expert Blames High Gas Prices on Falling Dollar

Analyst Richard Hastings told CNBC that one reason gas prices are rising is because the dollar is depreciating.

Just How Serious Are America's Money Problems?

The country's rating is now listed as "Stable." But the S&P says there's a  chance it will downgrade that rating to "Negative" in the next two years.

Drivers Look to Cut Corners as Gas Prices Rise

In six states, gas prices are now averaging above $4.00 a gallon. Consequently, many consumers are literally taking to the streets in search of the cheapest price. 

Gold Hits $1,500 Price for First Time

Gold hit another milestone Tuesday as the price for the precious metal crossed the $1,500 per ounce mark.

Gas Prices Continue to Rise Across the Country

Gasoline prices across the country continue to rise as the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded has reached $3.83 with no end in sight.

Author: Recession a 'Wake-Up Call' for Church

The U.S. is seeing the toughest economic times since the Great Depression. Some may wonder -- is God trying to tell us something?

Bank of America: Brit Oil Prices Could hit $160

Bank of America Merrill Lynch predicts there's a 30 percent chance British oil could reach $140 - perhaps even $160 a barrel, next year.

Panel Appointed to Review Tax Rules for Ministries

A Christian financial group has appointed a commission of church leaders to study tax-exempt rules for ministries.

D.C. Holiday Delays Federal Tax Filing Deadline

American taxpayers get an extra three days to file their federal tax returns this year.

Need a Job? McDonald's to Hire 50,000

On April 19, the fast food chain will hold a hiring blitz to fill a variety of full-time and part-time crew and management positions at its 14,000 locations nationwide.

Consumer Spending Increases 0.4 Percent in March

Consumers spent more in March on furniture, electronics and at restaurants, but also paid more for gas.

Americans Driving Less as Gas Prices Skyrocket

For five consecutive weeks, Americans have purchased less fuel as fuel prices jump.

Calif. to Set Ambitious Renewable Power Standards

California Gov. Jerry Brown plans to sign the country's most aggressive alternative energy mandate in the U.S. on Tuesday.

Rising Oil, Gas Prices Could Slow Economic Growth

Rising oil and gas prices are beginning to hurt the U.S. economy, analysts are warning.

U.S. Corn Reserves Expected to Fall to 15-Year Low

Rising demand for corn from ethanol producers is pushing U.S. reserves to the lowest point in 15 years.

Portugal Stocks Up on Aid Plea but Outlook Unclear

The European Union and the International Monetary Fund are working on a rescue package for Portugal that some experts estimate could cost close to $130 billion.

AAA: Cost of Driving on the Rise

The high cost of driving is continuing to climb. The American Automobile Association says driving now costs an average of 59 cents a mile.

Oil Prices Could Skyrocket if Unrest Hits Saudi Arabia

Former Saudi oil minister Sheik Yamani warned Tuesday the price of oil could rise to $300 a barrel if the unrest in the Middle East spreads to Saudi Arabia.

Service Sector Expanded in March at Slower Pace

The U.S. service sector expanded in March for the 16th straight month, although growth slowed from the previous month's pace, which was the fastest in more than five years.

Toyota Says it will Shut North American Plants

A Toyota Motor Corp. spokesman says it's inevitable that the company will have to shut down its North American factories due to shortages of parts from Japan.

Banks, Credit Card Issuers Warn of E-mail Breach

Several large companies have started warning customers to expect fraudulent emails that try to coax account login information from them.

Study: Children Inherit Giving Habits from Parents

Parents have major influence on wether their children will grow up to become charitable-minded adults, a new study by Grey Matter Research revealed.

Unemployment Rate Falls to Two-Year Low

The unemployment rate in the U.S. has fallen to 8.8 percent, the lowest rate in two years, according to the Labor Department.