
Nov 19 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Much like , competition for seasonal work is proving to be exceptionally brutal this holiday season. A recent survey of more than 1,000 hiring managers revealed that employers plan to hire more than 40 percent fewer seasonal employees this year than they did in 2007.

Oct 28 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
So maybe money’s been tight lately. tight. If the thought of meeting your family’s needs or bankrolling the holidays in the coming weeks is leaving you with a pit in your stomach, here’s an idea: Embrace bartering.

Sep 18 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
The federal government’s Cash for Clunkers program ended in late August. If you’re still driving an older car around town, what should you do now? 10 Tips columnist Laura T. Coffey offers advice to help you keep your vehicle — and b
Aug 10 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Despite crackdown efforts, work-at-home scams are on the rise in this slumping economy. Some scams, such as Google Money Tree, can be especially insidious because they may seem legitimate. 10 Tips columnist Laura T. Coffey explains how to protect yourself.

Aug 4 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Many families spend at least $2,000 a year on sports-related expenses for their children. 10 Tips columnist Laura T. Coffey shares advice to help you save money in this costly category as the new school y

Jul 29 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
OK, all you bargain hounds out there, here’s a little rhetorical pop quiz for you: As the economy keeps sagging, is your arsenal of deal-finding skills growing? Even if you pride yourself on nabbing good buys on a regular basis, do you — yes, even you — sometimes drop the ball?

Jun 23 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
In icky economic times like these, many of us have this much in common:
Jun 3 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Sending children away to summer camp can be hard on everyone involved, especially at first. But the camp experience is something that has helped countless kids make new friends, learn new skills and come home brimming with newfound confidence. And if you’re a parent who works full time, this move also can give you untold relief from stress about child care in the summer months.
May 18 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
All moms are working moms, and all moms face the challenge of prioritizing how they spend their time. Time management becomes absolutely critical, though, for mothers who must devote 40 to 50 precious hours a week to a job. For women in such situations, it’s crucial to streamline and simplify pretty much every imaginable area of life.

Apr 27 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
The squirmy puppy in the cardboard box was so adorable. The fluffy kitten on display at the pet store touched you with her paw. The docile bunny rabbit seemed like such a nice Easter surprise.
Apr 20 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Even in the best of times, teenagers face plenty of hurdles when they look for summer jobs. Would-be employers often worry that they’ll be undependable, late and generally flaky — and teens must convince prospective bosses that they’re actually reliable and responsible.
Apr 6 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Yes, the state of our economy is depressing. Yes, job losses are stressful and painful. Yes, it’s much harder to survive when money is exceptionally tight.

Mar 16 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
We’ve all heard of the “freshman 15” — a reference to the amount of weight some students seem to gain during their first year of college. But what about the “recession 15”?
Feb 23 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
With the economy continuing to flounder and layoffs mounting, more and more people are finding themselves on an unexpected side of the desk: The side where the interviewee sits.
Jan 26 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
The numbers aren’t even a little bit cheery. The nation’s unemployment rate has jumped to its highest point in 16 years, and more than 2.5 million jobs were lost in 2008. Job losses of that magnitude haven’t been seen since 1945.

Jan 12 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
So here we are, living through what may be the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Are you still clinging to spending habits that would make your Depression-era relatives gasp in horror?

Dec 31 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Are you, like millions of people across the globe, in the habit of breaking your New Year’s resolutions shortly after you make them?
Dec 12 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
As Mark Twain put it, “Climate is what we expect; weather is what we get.” Ain’t that the truth.

Oct 7 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
The economy is tanking. Bleak financial headlines are bombarding us every day. And on top of everything else, gasoline prices continue to be painfully high.
Oct 1 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Pssst … are you reading this column from your desk at work right now? If so, here’s a little pop quiz for you. Are you intrigued by the idea of:
Sep 23 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Are you a bargain hound who loves to find budget travel deals? Are you trying to mastermind a vacation that will work for your entire family – kids included?
Sep 17 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Who knew that buying a baby stroller could be almost as complicated as buying a car?
Sep 9 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
It sounds so simple: Donate your used vehicle or boat to charity, avoid the hassles associated with selling it, and score a tax deduction at the same time. Everybody wins, right?
Sep 2 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
A college education certainly isn’t cheap, and neither are all the costs associated with college: a dorm room or apartment; transportation; textbooks; beer.
Aug 27 - By Laura T. Coffey, msnbc.com contributing editor
Wait a minute – aren’t banks supposed to help you save your money?