Consumer Borrowing Drops, So Do Gas Prices

Government and Economy

Consumers Unexpectedly Trimmed Borrowing in October
WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. consumers unexpectedly cut back on their borrowing in October as the economy sunk deeper into recession. The Federal Reserve says consumer credit fell at an annual rate of 1.6 percent in October. That compares with a 3.1 percent growth rate logged in September

Kashkari: Taxpayers Will See Return From Bailout
WASHINGTON (AP) - Taxpayers will get money back from the government program providing up to $250 billion in capital to banks around the country, said Neel Kashkari, the director of Treasury's Office of Financial Stability.

Frank: Disaster in Auto Industry Failure
With an air of deepening crisis, the chief executives of the Big Three automakers returned to Capitol Hill in search of a bailout and some are making dire predictions if the Big Three are turned down.

Return to $1 Gas? Energy Prices Evaporate
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Oil prices hit four-year lows Friday as employers cut the highest number of jobs in 34 years. The continuing decline in prices is so dramatic and so sudden that it is raising the prospect that gas prices could soon fall below $1 a gallon.

Benefit and Labor Issues

Employers Cut 533K Jobs in November, Most in 34 Years
WASHINGTON (AP) - Skittish employers slashed 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years, catapulting the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent, dramatic proof the country is careening deeper into recession.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Holiday Office Party
Holiday office parties can offer a respite from gloomy economic tidings, but employers need to take steps to avoid issues if things go wrong at them.

Doing Business

Don't Lose Control of Your Business

If you started an extended vacation today, how would your business look upon your return? Small business owners may shudder at the thought, but consider how much control you really have over your business..

Reducing Costs Through Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency can help reduce operational costs for your business. Things to consider include determining what energy consumption can be modified, researching new efficiency options and finding out what tax breaks are available.

Sales and Marketing

Cheap Marketing Over the Holidays
Holidays are a great time to connect or reconnect with customers so make the most of this time of year and get out there and market.

Your Unique Value Proposition
Increase your conversion rates with this quick and easy process for writing a powerful and unique value proposition.

Best Design Practices for Your Small Business Website

There are definitely some best practices to follow when designing your website. This list is a good start on finding the best Web site platform and design elements for your businesses audience.

Banner Ads and Mobile Screens

Given their small size, mobile content ads have to work especially hard. Here is an overview of the best practices for designing small ads with big impact.