The banking landscape has changed dramatically over the past year and a half. And whether you've been a banking customer for 30 years or are just looking to open your first account, you may find that choosing a bank - or knowing if you're with the right bank - is more difficult than ever.

You're not the only one looking forward to your vacation or business trip. Identity thieves relish your travel time too, because your vital, personally identifying information may be more exposed when you're traveling than when you're at home or work. Before you head to the airport or start out on your long road trip, take some precautions to safeguard against identity theft - even when you're not at home.

If you or your child is college-bound this fall, don't forget to review your insurance. Doing your homework now could save you money and headaches in the future.

The economy might be doing a little better, but many families are taking a conservative approach to investing money. And planning for the future - retirement, educational expenses, a new car or house or maybe a long-anticipated vacation - requires careful strategy to make sure you have the money you need, when you need it.

If you're a working-parent family with school-aged children or younger, you know first-hand the price of child care. Child care costs are not only high, but are rising, according to a report released by the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.

This back-to-school season promises to be costlier than ever for many American families. Not only will they spend more for personal supplies for their children, families are also being asked to help school districts battle budget shortfalls by supplying basics like toilet paper and trash bags.