Although gas prices have declined in recent months, inflation isn't dead. In fact, history suggests that over time gas prices will continue their inexorable march upward. That's why prudent consumers should consider ways to trim their auto fueling costs now.

Bank analysts and pundits often disagree when estimating the number of financial institutions that will fail in the near future. Some expect nearly 200 banks to go belly up in the next two years; others expect less than 50 bank failures by the end of 2010. Most would agree, however, that people who maintain deposits at banking institutions face some level of risk, a risk that can be mitigated by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance.

Knowing about money — how to earn it, use it, invest it and share it — is a critical life skill. Unfortunately, such skills are often given short shrift in our education system and homes. Recent surveys have highlighted an astonishing level of ignorance in today's teenagers when questions about simple financial concepts are raised. For example, one survey found that only 26% of teens understood credit card interest, and only one in three could read a bank statement or balance a checkbook.

As mortgage concerns spread throughout the economy, many financial institutions are charging new fees — and increasing the level of existing charges — to lessen their exposure to volatile markets. As a consumer, it's prudent to know about these various fees and how to avoid at least some of them.

It sounds like a great idea: Have the IRS directly deposit your tax refund into one or more individual retirement accounts (IRAs). In fact, the IRS touts this provision of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 as a way to speed up retirement contributions. The whole process is automated and simple.