Slash Energy Bills by 20%

Alternative-energy providers supply power at cheaper rates.

Late-start, self-employed – what’s the retirement plan?
I’m a 50-year-old self-employed man with no children who makes about $60,000 a year after taxes and has $20,000 in an IRA, $100,000 in home equity and $30,000 in debts. What is the fastest way for me build up my retirement fund? – Kevin B., Albany, New York

Hiring outlook to slow in coming months
Less hiring managers predict they’ll be taking on new employees in the fourth quarter, and more say they’ll be reducing the number of workers on staff, according to a survey by CareerBuilder.com.

A Marginally Less-Secure World
North Korea’s tests notwithstanding, some emerging markets are still a good bet.

Best B&Bs for leaf-peeping
Leaf peepers, start your engines. As the sugar maple, elm, oak, and birch transform themselves into stark, raving beauties, millions of tourists are descending upon the Northeast to watch the changing hues.

Income for life? Lump sum? A better option
My husband is 45 and has worked for the same company for 27 years. He has been given a separation package that requires him to make complicated retirement decisions, the main one being whether he should take his company pension in monthly payments for life or as a lump sum. What should he do? Help!!! – Val, Tonawanda, New York