Economy

The prices that gas stations charge for fuel can vary widely. Smaller, independent stations are able to sell the cheapest gas because they undercut competitors by buying unbranded gasoline.

More homeowners are cutting energy costs by installing solar panels, due in part to leasing programs that require no up-front investment. Leasing means less hassle, but may also save you less money.

In North Dakota, falling oil prices have barely caused a ripple. In Alaska, lawmakers are calling it a "fiscal apocalypse." Wyoming is neither panicking nor ignoring the decline in prices.

The big drop in oil prices is a gift to consumers that should propel the U.S. economy, analysts say. But those lower prices are hurting the energy sector, and consumers continue to be cautious.

The Labor Department provided more evidence Friday that the U.S. job picture is finally getting back to normal — nearly six years after the great recession ended. The monthly jobs report showed an increase more than a million jobs over the past three months. The unemployment rate did tick up to a notch, but even that is a positive signal.

For kids to be exposed to reading, families have to have books to read to them, which isn't a given — especially in low-income areas. First Book works to get quality literature into those communities.

Losing your driver's license is a serious penalty, but often it's for nothing to do with unsafe driving. Without one, many who can't afford to pay the fines have a hard time finding or keeping a job.