Our Business News

It’s the holiday season and the time to share our bounty with those less fortunate. An added bonus to the joy of giving is the ability to deduct the contributions on our tax returns. In order to enjoy a write off for a contribution, you must be able to itemize deductions and the donation must be made to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. Donations to individuals and families do not qualify. Several years ago the IRS clamped down on the requirements to take the deductions for charitable giving, so if you are making cash donations, please observe the following: You need [...]

Coinstar’s (CSTR) Redbox said on Wednesday that it will launch a beta version of its Netflix (NFLX) rivaling service in partnership with Verizon Communications (VZ) by the end of the year. Redbox Instant will be available via a monthly subscription package starting at $ 8.00 later this month. The disc and digital service will include agreements with Hollywood studios, including EPIX, Viacom’s Paramount Pictures (VIA) and Loins Gate (LGF), covering thousands of movies, including the 2012 blockbuster The Hunger Games. “We are building a compelling entertainment choice through our ability to support both physical and digital distribution of movies that [...]

Online shopping is a convenient way to scratch off names on your gift list, but it also leaves you vulnerable to scammers. “People the most at risk for fraud are those looking for deals and doing things outside their normal behavior,” says Dave Aitel, CEO of Immunity Inc., which protects companies from hackers. He says shopping on recognized websites like Amazon.com are safe, it’s when you head to the unheard of lesser-known online stores that can put you at risk. . While most of the retail websites are legitimate, scammers design websites to look like real sites and trick shoppers [...]

‘Tis the season for making some extra money, and this is a time when, if you are looking for full-time work and haven’t had any luck, you can make a little extra money to get you by for the next few months.  Seasonal jobs, mostly in retail, are a great way for college students and also retired individuals to make a little extra fun money for the holidays. Some of these positions will also be full-time, if that is something you are looking for. Plus, think of the discount when you work at these stores! **EMAIL FFJOBHUNT@NEWS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COMPANIES [...]

It’s easy for us to forget among the mashed potatoes, parade and football on Thursday to remember what the holiday is all about: giving thanks. The 2012 news cycle has been jammed pack with political, economic, global and weather-related events that have impacted our bottom line. The job market is showing signs of recovery, but it still remains weak while Wall Street continues to fluctuate as it searches for solid direction. We survived a long campaign season, a Supreme Court battle over health-care reform and are now waiting to see if lawmakers can work together to come to an agreement [...]

For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For others, it’s the most stressful and dreaded. The holiday season is filled with parties, gift buying and giving, food making and family visits that can lead to increased stress and blood pressure levels. “With money concerns, family conflict and a general chaotic schedule, there is no doubt the holidays are quite stressful,” says Michale Smith, the chief medical editor at WebMd. “People spend about 42 hours a year on holiday activities. That’s a lot of time to fit into a busy schedule.” Between all the wrapping, caroling, baking and [...]

TOKYO Japan’s Softbank said on Wednesday it plans 700 billion yen ($ 8.8 billion) if capital expenditure in the year to next March 31. Softbank, which announced this month it would buy a 70 percent stake in Sprint Nextel Corp, the third-largest U.S. carrier, said it plans capex of 550 billion yen ($ 6.9 billion) in following year to March 2014. (Reporting by Mari Saito; Editing by Michael Watson)

SAN FRANCISCO Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer said Monday that Windows Phone 8 — the company’s new mobile operating system — will see its global rollout begin this coming weekend. The launch will include new phones from Nokia Corp. , Samsung and HTC. In the U.S., carriers AT&T , Verizon and T-Mobile will carry Windows Phone 8 devices. No specific launch date was given on the Lumia 920 from Nokia that will be exclusive to AT&T in the U.S., beyond Ballmer saying it will happen in November. All of Microsoft’s 65 retail stores in the U.S. will carry all devices using the platform, Ballmer said.

NEW YORK For many U.S. companies, the earnings period has been scary enough. For those with big overseas operations, it has been a horror show. Corporate America overall is struggling, with year-over-year earnings expected to decline for the first time in three years. But in a big switch from last year, a high proportion of overseas business is no longer a ticket to big earnings – and, in fact, has been a hindrance. “It’s how the worm turns,” said Uri Landesman, president at Platinum Partners in New York. “Right now, the U.S. is not super-exciting, but relatively speaking, it’s doing [...]

“The Boomer” is a column written for adults nearing retirement age and those already in their “golden years.” It will also promote reader interaction by posting e-mail responses and answering reader questions. E-mail your questions or topic ideas to thefoxboomer@gmail.com. No matter how spooky the economic climate may be, Americans still want a scare this Halloween season. The National Retail Federation estimates the number of people celebrating Halloween this year to hit 170 million with spending to climb to a record $ 8 billion. With my first grandson recently turning 1, I thought about what tricks or treats I could [...]