For most consumers, the purchase of an automobile is one of the largest budget items, ranking only behind a home mortgage or other real property.

The investment is significant over an extended period of time — monthly principal payments, interest paid to the lending institution, premiums for automobile insurance, and extended warranty coverage.

One aspect of vehicle ownership that many consumers fail to consider is repairs…

Responding to the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression, the United States Treasury Department — under the direction of Secretary Timothy Geithner — on October 22 announced comprehensive actions intended to restore trust and confidence in America’s financial system. Geithner applauded the work of Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg, who developed the reforms for executive compensation…

Lehman Brothers. Merrill Lynch. AIG. Washington Mutual. Wachovia. Fannie Mae. Freddie Mac. It was one year ago this month that many of the world’s largest and oldest financial institutions crumbled under the weight of poor lending practices and mismanagement. The United States dollar was in free fall as these firms were either bankrupt, bought, or bailed out. A new U.N. report says fundamental problems still…

States across the nation are receiving disbursement funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA) for investments in such areas as crime and public safety, education, energy and environment and infrastructure.The federal stimulus plan approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in February 2009 totaled about $787 billion. In Ohio alone, nearly $774 million has been allocated…