California creating mortgage fraud task force

California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, saying that years of unscrupulous lending still haunts the state, is creating a 25-person task force to target...

Small firms learn size doesn't matter to hackers

It took all of three minutes for the hacker to break into the small accounting firm's computer system.

Complex frequent flier programs' points go to waste

The nation's first frequent flier program launched 30 years ago this month and, by most accounts, the programs have only gotten more complicated...

Plans scrapped for mall next to Santa Anita Park

Developer Rick Caruso has thrown in the towel on longstanding plans to develop an outdoor mall next to horse-racing mecca Santa Anita Park in Arcadia.

Advice: For start-ups, hiring a lawyer is often optional

Dear Karen: I'm starting a business. What can I do myself and when do I need a lawyer?

Best option for car shoppers: Postpone buying

Attention all car buyers: The era of cut-rate financing, generous cash-back offers and big discounts is coming to an end.

Pentagon weapons buyer quietly visits California to discuss bomber planes

Deep in the Mojave Desert, surrounded by tiers of barbed-wire fence, the nation's largest defense contractors work in secrecy designing and building...

Scam Watch: 'Free' trials, fake stock offerings, dishonest movers

Here is a roundup of alleged cons, frauds and schemes to watch out for.

If you must buy a car now, here's what to do

Rising prices and a looming vehicle shortage make this summer one of the worst times in years to go car shopping. But if your vehicle is on its last...

FCC commissioner's move to Comcast shows the revolving door is still spinning

No political adage gets a more vigorous workout than the one about how the real scandal in Washington isn't what's illegal, but what's legal.

Auto insurance premiums for young drivers vary widely

If you're younger than 25 and planning to buy car insurance, you can save big by shopping around.

Hang on to your tax data

Dear Liz: I've seen some writers suggest that people can destroy financial and tax information after three years. Let me tell you my story....

Photographer's hideaway in upper Laurel Canyon

Lush greenery and water features make this contemporary home in upper Laurel Canyon a tranquil hideaway with an indoor-outdoor flow that invites...

Feeling at home as the top agent in his real estate office

The gig: Frank Bruno has been the No. 1 real estate agent at the Keller Williams office in Hollywood Hills since 2006.

Investing: United Technologies has many moving parts

Question: What's your opinion of United Technologies Corp.?

Many homeowners are refinancing their mortgages to shorter terms

Want to refinance into a seven-year fixed-rate mortgage at 2.99%? Or how about 10 or 15 years fixed in the mid-3% range?

Landlord is entitled to access to rental unit — with notice and for specific reasons

Question: I have just bought an apartment building with four units and am a first-time landlord. The previous owner gave me a set of keys for...

Skepticism grows over products touted as eco-friendly

To Marina Meadows, green may be the new white.

California unemployment edges below 12%

California's unemployment rate fell below 12% for the first time since August 2009, but weak job gains showed that the economic recovery was still...

California ski resorts had an unusual problem this season — too much snow

California ski operators often complain that they don't have enough snow. This year, they're complaining that they had too much.