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Free music that's legal: Where to find it.

Rather than shell out money on iTunes or illegally download your favorite artists' albums, keep an eye out for free music offered by music magazines and blogs, digital content vendors, and retailers.
Wal-Mart won't build D.C. stores if living wage bill passes

Wal-Mart says it won't build three stores it had planned for the D.C. area if lawmakers approve a bill that would force the retailer to pay its employees at least $12.50 an hour. Wal-Mart had been planning to build six stores in Washington.
Why earnings will be 'better than expected'

Most earnings reports will say results were 'better than expected,' but Karlsson is skeptical that's the truth of the matter.
Student loan rates battle: How the Senate's plans could affect you

Student loans are center stage today as the Senate votes on a Democratic plan to return interest rates on federal Stafford loans to a fixed rate of 3.4 percent for another year. Meanwhile, some senators are backing a bipartisan proposal to tie interest rates on student loans to the Treasury. How would the two plans affect students?
Kroger buys Harris Teeter for $2.5 billion (+video)

Kroger buys Harris Teeter, combining two of the larger food retailers in the United States. Kroger buying Harris Teeter means the Ohio-based super market chain can gain a foothold in the southeastern US.
Tesla Motors joins the NASDAQ-100

Tesla will be included in the NASDAQ-100 next week, becoming the only automaker listed in the index. It means Tesla is being recognized by the financial world as a legitimate force rather than a potentially unstable newcomer.
Ford F-250 'wins' title of most stolen car in America

The Ford F-250 pickup has become the favorite vehicle of US car thieves, according to a new report. The Ford F-250 knocked the Cadillac Escalade from the top spot.
Make your car last: 7 tips

A new car begins to lose value the minute you drive it off the lot. But with these seven tips, you can limit trips to the mechanic and increase your vehicle's resale value.
Stop buying convenience foods. Save money.

Convenience foods like vendor sandwiches and pre-made salads can save a minute or two of your time, but the financial costs far outweigh the time saved.
Latvia picks up the euro. It won't change much.

Latvia's entry into the Eurozone will not affect exchange rates or monetary policies, Karlsson says.
Stocks rise for fourth straight day

Stocks edged higher Tuesday as investors bought companies that fare best when the economic outlook is bright. Gains in stocks were led by riskier parts of the market.
Deals to beat the heat: Discounts on grills, swings, and more.

Furnishing your backyard or patio for the summer? Take advantage of deals on lounge chairs, BBQ grills, and outdoor pools at retailers this week.
Three questions to ask when setting your own salary

Entrepreneurs should set their minimum salary based on a number of factors, including what the company's revenue is like during both the ups and the downs and what their lifestyle demands.
Kroger to buy Harris Teeter Supermarkets for $2.44B

Kroger, the country's largest traditional supermarket operator, has agreed to buy Harris Teeter Supermarkets for about $2.44 billion in cash, boosting its presence in southeastern and mid-Atlantic markets. Kroger will pay $49.38 for each of Harris Teeter's shares.
Twinkies comeback: same cakes, longer shelf life

Hostess Brands says when Twinkies return to stores, they will have a shelf life of 45 days, compared to their previous 26. Twinkies are scheduled to hit the shelves again next week.
Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti offer best customer service, study says.

While Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti ranked at the top of a customer satisfaction survey, Scion and Mitsubishi dealerships trailed behind other brands at the low end of the spectrum.
Asiana Airlines crash: Shares plunge as airline faces scrutiny (+video)

Asiana Airlines is facing intense scrutiny after its Boeing 777 flight crashed Saturday in San Francisco. Although shares of Asiana Airlines dropped to their lowest level in three years, an aviation safety expert says he is optimistic about the airline's future.
Smart tax reform could shrink the government.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.) could not only push forward a more fair, pro-growth tax code but also shrink the government's role in the economy, Marron says.
Golden Corral dumpster meat video prompts investigation (+video)

Golden Corral dumpster, shown in a video posted by an employee, had food in serving trays sitting outdoors. The Golden Corral dumpster video raised sanitation concerns and got a manager fired, but the company claims the employee's father tried to sell the video for thousands.
The ballad of the flexible budget

It's essential you allow yourself to be flexible with your budget, Hamm says. Recognizing that some portions of your budget (like mortgage payments) should be fixed while others (like food) change from month to month can save you from the stress of trying to stick to a rigid budget.