It’s back-to-school time and the challenge this year is to fit clothes and supplies into budgets that have been hit hard by the cost of a gallon of gas.
 

Though it’s smaller than a Yugo and slower than a moped, Ernie Rapoza doesn’t mind any of his Commuta Car’s shortcomings, because a gas-powered vehicle would need to get about 200 miles to the gallon to be as thrifty as his all-electric automobile.

Try finding a job in this economy and you might get laughed out of town — in which case you could become a comedian.

Beth Fulton used to cringe when she heard, “What’s for dinner?” “I don’t love to cook, but it’s part of my job description,” the mother of six said. “You slave over this food, and when the kids go ‘ew’ after one bite, you’re ready to send them to their rooms for life.”

Facing fees of up to $50 to check in a piece of luggage when flying, some travelers have turned to shipping services to get their bags to their destination.

Mike Berger, editor at Griffin Report of Food Marketing, said more people are using services such as Roche Bros. and Peapod because they like the convenience.

Food imported from China has not always been positively discussed in this column. Now, however, I would like to discuss some really positive things that are going on in the Chinese food sector, pioneered by one company that understood what consumers wanted and reacted accordingly.

Most consumers are expected to spend less and stick to discount stores this back-to-school shopping season, reported a recent study.

Entrepreneurship can be rewarding -- but it’s not without its pitfalls, and it’s not a quick fix for your problems.

The photo giant is putting more into its digital line, and its second-quarter numbers look promising.
 

Weekly business rail, with a tip on speeding up your PC, the PR move of the week, tips on enhancing your career and more.

David Rice has some advice for U.S. citizens planning to attend this year's Olympics in Beijing: Don't go digital.

Selina Cunningham has several credit cards, but she still prefers to use cash for purchases.

As anyone who prefers Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts can attest, not all coffees are created equal. Or, as Jaresiah Desrosiers, manager of Kiskadee Coffee Co. in Plymouth, Mass., puts it: “Coffee isn’t just coffee.”

Let's just say it: Once you get into your 30s you're no longer an aging child, but a full-fledged adult with college in the past and a career and probably a family in the present. And while retirement may still be the same number of years away as your present age, it will be here before you know it.