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Internet giant Google's better-than-expected earnings results reveal that the online advertising market is bouncing back after being knocked down by the recession. The company pocketed a record $1.64 billion over the last quarter.

IBM also beats estimates and raises its outlook for 2009 to at least $9.85 per share, versus a prior forecast of at least $9.70. Despite the better-than-expected results, IBM shares slip in after-hours trading.

The government warns that everyone needs a swine-flu shot this winter, yet the media warn that there might not be enough vaccine -- and that getting the shot might even increase your chances of getting sick. If you're confused and scared, you're not alone. With that in mind, we provide real advice on how to protect yourself and your family.

The recession is stoked deep-seated fears about a declining middle class, as families have found themselves squeezed for decades by stagnant incomes and rising expenses. That's why the chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel monitoring the TARP bailout funds given to banks says, "I believe that the middle class is under terrific assault."

Bearish economist David Rosenberg warns that the stock market has gotten ahead of the recovery, with investors paying bigger premiums for equities even as earnings growth prospects continue to lag. That leaves us with a seriously overvalued market.

While you'd be better off if you started saving in March, Spend On Life has pulled together 10 ways to avoid Christmas credit card debt, which it estimates will net you $750 toward Christmas gifts in the next two-and-months.

One of our writers had the chance to interview with one the field's foremost experts on Alzheimer's and financial behavior, Dr. Daniel Marson J.D., Ph.D., professor and director of the Alzheimer's Disease Center in the Department of Neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who recently completed a new study on this topic. View the details on his findings.

More than 11 million families are saving for college using a 529 savings plan. Those plans have suffered big losses along with the rest of the stock market, creating a dilemma for parents whose kids are headed to college in the next five years. How do you invest your 529 funds today to make up for recent losses, yet not put yourself at risk of losing even more as college fast approaches?

More than 5.5 million window coverings are being recalled after several children strangled in the cords and other near-strangulation incidents were reported, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The government's "Cash for Clunkers" program to revive the stagnant auto sector yielded a flurry of car sales; BloggingStocks contributor Joseph Lazzaro asks why not expand the program to cover home appliances?