3 tips: Maximizing card rewards

American Express will be eliminating double reward points on some merchandise starting in October, according to a recent announcement. And one expert we talked to said it’s only a sign of what’s to come in reward-card programs.

Slim pickings for real estate vultures
As signs mount of a slowing real estate market, the “vultures” are beginning circle. But home prices may still have to fall further to create the bargains they crave.

‘My nephew is a rotten apple - what’s my obligation?’
QUESTION: My brother’s boy was a decent kid until he got to high school. Now he’s always getting into trouble - trouble that’s been costing his parents a small fortune to bail him out of.

It’s About Time Warner
Forget AOL. It’s the media giant’s other businesses that are keeping me in the stock.

Ace your class, save some cash
A high grade point average in college may help you make the college dean’s list. But it also could save you money, which is no small feat when you or your parents are paying $20,000 or more a year to secure a bachelor’s degree.

The World Is Flat
Here’s what the flat yield curve means for your finances — from mortgages to CDs.

Time to Buy
The Nasdaq Composite’s steep drop has put it deep into buying territory.

Time to Dump Your AmEx Card?
The company just announced changes to its charge cards and rewards program.

Art of the Deal
There are less risky ways to capitalize on the recent energy and commodities mergers.