The financial deterioration in American households from 2008 to 2009 -- and the economic insecurity it brought about -- was the worst in a generation, according to a new index created to measure financial hardship. (Yesterday)

Two state agencies have announced new guidelines for reverse-mortgage lenders aimed at protecting older homeowners from getting bad advice or being duped by fraudulent operators. (Yesterday)

As the economy headed south last year, consumer complaints about companies and individuals ripping them off headed higher, according to an annual survey of state and local consumer help agencies. (Yesterday)

Consumers striving to keep cool are helping to raise the price of coal. Lee Hendricks, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Pittsburgh's average temperature for June was 2.4 degrees above normal, and that July so far has brought six days in which the temperature was 90 degrees or higher. (07/27/2010)

Don't dawdle using up the gas discounts you earned at the grocery store. Giant Eagle this month tightened its rules and set a shorter expiration period for rewards earned through its fuelperks! program. (07/27/2010)