EILEEN ALT POWELL

Associated Press Writer
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'Friends' group backs Yemen economic development

Nations concerned about the growing strength of al-Qaida and other Islamic extremists in Yemen called Friday for economic, social and political reforms to stabilize the country.

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Consumers turn to bartering for goods, services

As the economy slows, a growing number of consumers are trying to find a wider market for their goods and services by offering to barter them.

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Americans worry about funding a long retirement

Americans worry that inflation and the rising cost of health care are increasing the risk that they will run out of money in retirement, according to a study released Monday.

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Study: Retirement savers make costly 401(k) mistakes

Despite extensive efforts to educate workers about saving for retirement, many employees are not doing a good job of managing their company-sponsored 401(k) accounts, a new study indicates.

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Study finds increases in nursing home, assisted living costs

Costs for nursing homes, assisted living facilities and some in-home care services have increased for a fifth consecutive year, and could rise further if a shortage of long-term care workers isn't resolved, a new study indicates.

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Workers Worry Over Retirement Readiness

Rising health care costs and the faltering economy are making consumers worry that they won't be able to save enough for a comfortable retirement.

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Service Sector Contracts in March

The Institute for Supply Management said Thursday that the nation's service sector — which includes retailers, the hotel business, insurance and various social services — contracted in March, but not as much as the month before. Still, worries deepened about soaring prices for raw materials.

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Manufacturing Sector Contracts in March

The U.S. industrial sector contracted for a second consecutive month in March, though at a slower pace than in February, as manufacturers grappled with weakening order books and rising prices for raw materials.

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Index Suggests Economy Weakening

A gauge of future economic activity dropped in February for the fifth consecutive month, suggesting that the weakening U.S economy could, indeed, be slipping into recession.

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Retiree Couple Needs $225K for Medical

A couple retiring this year will need about $225,000 in savings to cover medical costs in retirement, according to a study released Wednesday by Fidelity Investments.

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Job Worries Sink Consumer Confidence

Consumer confidence plunged in February as Americans worried about less-favorable business conditions and job prospects, a business-backed research group said Tuesday.

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Health Costs Loom Large for Retirees

Many baby boomers are not going to be able to maintain their standard of living in retirement, not only because they're not saving enough but also because they face skyrocketing health care costs.

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Economy Nearly Stalled in 4th Quarter

The economy almost stalled in the final quarter of last year with a growth rate of just 0.6 percent, its worst year since 2002.

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Survey: Americans Delay Spending IRAs

Americans who have money stored in Individual Retirement Accounts tend to hang on to it for use in the later years of their retirement, according to a study being released Monday.

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Column: Job Hunters Need Updated Resumes

If you're worried about losing your job as the U.S. economy weakens, it's time to update your resume in case you need to hunt for new employment.

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Consumers Retrench As Economy Weakens

Joi Freemont, a dentist in suburban Atlanta, doesn't have to look further than her appointment book to tell that people are worried about money.

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Late Tax Law Changes Affect Some Workers

Americans who claim tax credits for child care expenses, college costs or home energy updates may have to wait a while for their refund checks from the IRS this year.

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Do-Not-Call Registry Headed for Renewal

It wasn't very long ago that Americans often had lunch and dinner — and sometimes even breakfast — interrupted by phone calls from sales people.

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Service Sector Growth Slows in December

The nation's service sector grew in December at a pace slightly slower than the month before, providing more evidence that the U.S. economy is struggling because of higher oil prices and a tight credit market.

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Deal With Holiday 'Debt Hangover'

As the credit card bills start rolling in this month from the recent holiday season, many consumers are going to get that queasy feeling that they've overindulged. There are antidotes for "debt hangover," experts say, but they require putting payment strategies in place — and sticking to them.

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Consumer Confidence Rises in December

The nation's consumers grew slightly more confident in December despite underlying concerns about the health of the U.S. economy.

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Experts Urge Financial Protection Steps

The stock market goes up 200 points one day, and down 200 the next. Inflation is heating up, credit is tight and there's talk that the economy may fall into recession.

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Many Celebrate Charity for Holidays

Christmas may be fast approaching, but Cynthia McKay isn't interested in receiving any presents — unless they're cartons or cans of dog food or cat food.

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Extra Mortgage Payment May Not Be Best

While some families are struggling to pay their mortgages, others are in the enviable position of considering whether to make an extra payment this year.

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Service Sector Expands Further in Nov.

The nation's service sector showed further expansion in November, but at a pace slower than the month before and below analysts' expectations.

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