With its new iPad, Apple is taking aim at Amazon’s core business and its Kindle book reader. Can the ‘e-tail’ pioneer keep up as books, music and movies go all-download?

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Amazon vs. Apple: Battle of the books

A survey of money managers produces a ranking of businesses with strong leaders, good governance, quality products and services, and solid market returns.

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The world’s most respected companies

The winter games are big business, with advertisers and other sponsors paying huge sums to try to reach the world’s consumers. But the Great Recession may foil their plans.

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Less gold for Olympic sponsors?

Incentives of $100 or more are being offered to open accounts and bring in new business. But budget-conscious consumers should make note of the requirements.

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Open a checking account, get $100

Key tax breaks are mired in limbo, leaving individuals and businesses in a bind. Extensions are expected later, but in these tight times, nothing is certain.

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Congress lets 50 tax breaks expire

Personal checks are heading quickly toward extinction as more businesses refuse to accept them and more consumers opt for electronic transactions.

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Still use checks? Join the dinosaurs

In the next year, the IRS plans to look closely at small-business owners, the self-employed and those with overseas accounts. Here’s how to be ready if an auditor comes knocking.

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Own a business? Beware the tax man

The surest way to reduce your taxes is to convert personal expenditures into allowable deductions. Turn even a hobby into a business and you’ll cut your tax bill.

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The ultimate tax shelter: Owning your own business

Despite a dreary economy, it was a great year to start a business from home, as entrepreneurs identified and filled voids for consumers and other businesses.

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Call them ‘need-based’ businesses

You might think your pets, your kids’ toys and your personal problems are your own darn business. But insurers watch these things — and they could cost you.

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Beware these 5 insurance traps