Topic: U.S. Department of the Treasury

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
Seven retirement questions you need to answer

Retirement planning isn't easy. Nearly half of Americans don't feel financially prepared to live to age 75, according to a survey from Northwestern Mutual. But the process is a lot less burdensome if you break the task down into simpler parts. Here are seven questions to ask as you plan for your long-term financial security in retirement.
US tax time: A later deadline and other tax facts

Thanks to a holiday in Washington, D.C., the federal tax-filing deadline this year is April 17, two days later than usual. The extra time provides an opportunity to peruse some random tax-related facts.
Five budget realities no politician will talk about (not even Ron Paul)

Ron Paul deserves credit for making the boldest proposals of any candidate in the presidential race. The astonishing reality of the federal government’s budget situation, however, is that even his plans might not be enough to keep Uncle Sam out of bankruptcy. While President Obama offers a $3.8 trillion budget that optimistically might cut the federal deficit to $575 billion by 2018, federal data suggest the United States is already broke. The Federal Reserve estimates that the net value of all private assets, including real estate, stocks, bonds, businesses, cash, etc., is $57 trillion. But the Treasury Department estimates the federal government’s net worth is a negative $61 trillion. Here are five budget realities that no candidate wants to acknowledge:
Clint Eastwood Chrysler Super bowl commercial: Facebook fans respond

If you didn’t see it aired on TV during halftime of the Super bowl Sunday, you’ve likely heard about it by now: The Clint Eastwood Chrysler commercial. Amid all the debate on the ad's perceived political stance, we took this question to our Facebook fans: After watching this video, do you think Chrysler came out with a pro-Obama commercial, or a patriotic commercial? We’ve culled their 127 comments and grouped the best here.

All Content

Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
Federal Reserve official: If Congress dawdles, economy will fall 3 percent

Congress must sort out a raft of fiscal issues before Jan. 1, or it will cost the US economy dearly, said New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley.
G8 summit: Euro crisis and possible 'Grexit' overshadow agenda

The G8 leaders hosted by Obama at Camp David have several global issues on their minds: Syria, nuclear proliferation, famine. But the eurozone debt crisis is once again the dominant concern.
How Greek economic woes could help US consumers

Fears that Greece may default on its debt are spurring interest in US Treasury bonds, driving down interest rates on mortgages and auto loans – but not (alas) for credit card debt.
Iran nuclear talks: negotiators cite progress ahead of Baghdad meeting

Two days of UN-IAEA talks in Vienna signal some flexibility on both sides ahead of key nuclear meeting in Baghdad next week.
Ina Drew retiring after JPMorgan losses. Will she get $14.7 million?

Ina Drew, at the center of JPMorgan's stunning loss, was among its highest-paid executives. Proxy statement says Ina Drew would be entitled to nearly $14.7 million if she met 'full-career eligibility.'
Seven retirement questions you need to answer

Retirement planning isn't easy. Nearly half of Americans don't feel financially prepared to live to age 75, according to a survey from Northwestern Mutual. But the process is a lot less burdensome if you break the task down into simpler parts. Here are seven questions to ask as you plan for your long-term financial security in retirement.
Forgiving mortgage loans would save taxpayers money, say Fannie Mae papers

Mortgage loans giant Fannie Mae supported principal reductions for some struggling homeowners in 2009
Spain enters recession; Dow and S&P 500 fall

Spain reentered a recession Monday, renewing fears about Europe's economic stability and sending stocks lower. The Dow fell 14 points to close at 13213; the Standard and Poor 500 index had its first monthly loss since November.
'Fiscal cliff' threatens economy on Dec. 31, Bernanke warns Congress

At year-end, a range of tax cuts are set to expire, potentially dampening consumer spending. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday there's not much he can do if Congress doesn't act.
Senate staves off postal Armageddon with USPS reform bill

Postal bill averts 3,700 post-office closings for at least two years, but fails to address deeper, structural problems in how the postal service manages a vast operation, rivaled only by Wal-Mart in total employment.
Social Security fund: Cash gone in 2033

Social Security fund will run out three years earlier than earlier projections due to boomer retirements, weak economy. If Social Security fund runs out, retirees will get 75 percent of promised benefits.
Last-minute tax filing mistakes: 11 things to avoid

Last-minute tax filing can lead to plenty of costly mistakes. If procrastination got the better of you this year, here are 11 last-minute tax filing blunders to avoid.
Tax deadline: 5 quick tips to avoid an IRS audit

The IRS fails to get 1 of every 6 tax dollars its entitled to, so it's on the lookout for fraud. But there are steps you can before Tuesday's tax deadline to reduce the risk of an audit.
Secret Service Colombia scandal: Agents working too hard, or not hard enough?

Twelve US Secret Service agents were sent back to the US from Cartagena, Colombia, after allegedly drinking heavily and consorting with prostitutes. Is the long-veiled agency struggling with an increasingly complex mission?
US tax time: A later deadline and other tax facts

Thanks to a holiday in Washington, D.C., the federal tax-filing deadline this year is April 17, two days later than usual. The extra time provides an opportunity to peruse some random tax-related facts.
Stocks' worst day in 2012: Dow loses 213

The Dow slipped 213 to 12715, its biggest drop of the year and third triple digit loss in four days.
30-year mortgage rate under 4 percent

30-year mortgage rates fall slightly to an average 3.98 percent, near record low of 3.87 percent that 30-year mortgages hit in February.
Plug-in car woes: Fisker Delaware plant in doubt

Plug-in car manufacturer Fisker says it may have to look at production sites outside Delaware if it can't get a federal loan. Its new plug-in car, the Atlantic, might be built overseas, the CEO says.
Wall Street closes out best first quarter in 14 years

Wall Street sees dramatic gains for indexes in first quarter of 2012: Dow climbs 8 percent; S&P rises 12 percent; Nasdaq is up 19 percent.
Falling commodity prices lower stocks

Falling commodity prices pushed stocks lower Wednesday. The Dow fell 71 points to close at 13126, and all three major indexes lost at least a half percent.
The New Economy
US corporate tax rates must come down

Come April 1, America's corporate tax rates will be the highest in the developed world. That's bad policy for the United States.
Obama's energy policy takes center stage as $4 gas prices loom

Obama's energy policy will be the subject of the president's three-stop tour starting Wednesday. He wants to deflect criticism that he's not doing enough to fight rising gas prices.
Stocks rise on Apple dividend

The Dow rose 6 points to close at 13239 on a dividend from Apple, a deal for UPS and the promise of greater demand for U.S. Steel.
S&P closes above 1400, a four-year high

Stock indexes rise to four-year highs as more good economic news rolls in. Dow rises for seventh day in a row.