American interest in alternative fuel technologies stems from concerns about the environment and also from this country's dependence on foreign oil. With more than 2 billion vehicles expected to be on the roads worldwide by the middle of the century, a little anxiety is understandable. To meet this growing global demand for energy, scientists are developing alternative transport fuels that you may pump into the tank of your car some day.

Long before the sweltering summer humidity dissipated, before the leaves changed into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows and before football games and halftime shows were the weekend entertainment, Americans were planning ahead for upcoming holiday expenses.

You're finalizing wedding plans and are eager to sip champagne with your guests. But are you and your fiance prepared to marry your financial lives together once the "I do's" are said, and you've returned home from your honeymoon in paradise?

Given the current economy, it is no surprise that Americans are stressed out about making ends meet, which is affecting their work and personal relationships. Nevertheless, many are optimistic and say they are committed to persevering with their personal finances, according to a new survey.

Organization, discipline and a sense of purpose. They sound like qualities a football team would stress in preparing for the next weekend's opponent, but they can also be virtues in helping you achieve your financial goals.

Concerned about the credit crunch? It's understandable if you are, since financial experts are broadly predicting that the crunch is only going to get worse, even for those with unblemished credit reports. In this economy, it's more important than ever to be pro-active about monitoring your credit score.

Retirees are turning to voluntourism as a way to get around tight travel budgets and give back to the community at the same time.

The New Year brings a new list of to-do projects, and at the top of your list is the desire to turn your bathroom into an elegant and luxurious space. But renovation projects take time, money and a lot of energy -- and you're short on all of them. Instead of a major overhaul, try these simple upgrades.

It's hard to get excited about the holidays when it costs more to buy a Christmas tree than it does to fill up your gas tank. Making plans for the holiday season is more stressful when you're on a tight budget, and it's easy to find yourself down in the dumps when you'd rather be decking the halls.

The holiday season is a memorable time associated with fun, family and lots of presents. As you consider what to give the people on your gift list, why not try something different this year? Hand-crafted gifts stand out.