Nov. 30 is the ceremonial kickoff to the online holiday shopping season this year. That's Cyber Monday.

Try these things, no matter what reform brings.

Don't miss this once-a-year opportunity to get the best health plan.

A space shuttle is no tinker toy. But is it the most complex machine ever built? Curiosity about the complexity of the reusable spacecraft inspired one of the questions in this edition of "Ask AP," a weekly Q&A; column where AP journalists respond to readers' questions about the news.

A space heater that retails for $300 to $600 usually doesn't fall under the label "investment," but for cash-strapped consumers it represents a big outlay with the expectation of a return -- more comfort or lower electric bills -- that will never come.

Your holiday shopping list probably includes gadgets, games and gizmos that illustrate how technology is changing the way we work, play and communicate. So why not throw in a few books about the people and services causing the delight and disruption?

Soften the blow.

The steps you need to achieve your financial goals.

German telecoms provider Deutsche Telekom AG said Thursday it will take over Strato, a German Web hosting company. Deutsche Telekom, based in Bonn, said the boards of both companies had approved the plan but that it still faced regulatory approvals.

Here are the average credit card rates from Bankrate's weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.

Some U.S. Bank debit card customers now have access to the Visa Mobile application, enabling customers to manage their Visa accounts using mobile devices.

Small business owners with cash flow problems might be tempted during yet another difficult holiday season to forgo gifts for clients or customers. Many look at gifts as budget items that just aren't critical.

This holiday season, a leaner budget might clarify which people truly make a difference in your life. The challenge will be figuring out how much to tip them.

Here's how to avoid the chill of overspending and facing unexpectedly high credit-card payments in the New Year.

British police have made the first European arrests connected to the spread of a data-thieving virus thought to have infected tens of thousands of computers worldwide, Scotland Yard said Wednesday.

How to give gifts with past lives -- and not get caught.

Dress up a gift of green and make it multiply.

Former NATO chief George Robertson and movie actress Michelle Yeoh urged world leaders Wednesday to treat traffic accidents as though they were a killer disease.

An attorney for Compuware Corp. testified Tuesday that ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick did not sign a promissory note on a $240,000 loan until IRS and federal agents asked to see the documents.

Consumer advocates on Tuesday urged Congress to move forward on legislation to curb bank practices under which a cup of coffee bought with an overextended debit card can turn into a $40 expense.