In these three must-visit destinations, fall is shoulder season - which means fewer crowds and lower prices.

Question: I have a budget of $10,000 for a stock simulation I'm doing for a business and personal-finance class. What stocks should I invest in to make the most money in four months? -- Matt

Caring for an ailing or aging parent is never easy, but the challenges only multiply when Mom and Dad live far away.

1. Loyalty is overrated

Jim Maguire describes himself as being ahead of his time, and he's hardly bragging. In 2002, Maguire -- who managed software projects for large companies -- was consulting in Germany when he discovered "the next big thing."

Shawn and Mary Kate DeRose live comfortably on a combined $133,000 income. They pay their debts, save for retirement, even have room to splurge on dinners out and high-end gym memberships.

A major league pitcher dreams of throwing a perfect game. High schoolers eyeing the Ivy League study furiously in hopes of earning 2400 on the SAT. Meanwhile, Chris Peplinski is pursuing his own brand of flawlessness: an 850 credit score.

Ready to embark on the quest for an 800 credit score?

Can these arches stay golden if the economy tumbles again?

You've heard iPhone users gripe about their mammoth monthly charges -- but it's not just those with the fanciest smart phones who are paying a bundle. "The average consumer overspends by $300 a year," says Schwark Satyavolu of BillShrink.com, which helps consumers save on expenses. Knocking that much off your tab isn't hard, experts say: You can do it by changing your plan, your carrier, or the way you use your phone.

The Zuckerbergs have yet to marry their finances.

Book a hotel in a popular destination and you know what to expect: a bed, a mini-fridge, and a big bill at checkout. In Europe's big cities, for example, you can easily spend anywhere from $150 to $300 a night (hotels in Florence average $205).

Get tips from your peers on how to solve your thorniest money challenges.

Money sent your questions to leading financial experts. Here's their best advice.

Stand up to the pesky charges -- from checked-bag costs to retirement plan expenses -- that bug you the most.

Bill Gross, co-chief investment officer of Pimco and manager of the planet's biggest bond mutual fund, has some so-so news and some bad news.

You can save a lot more than the average person without feeling deprived.

What city swelters with average July temperatures over 105 degrees?

Residents who buy houses in these cities see their incomes go furthest.