Business & Technology, business and economy, science and technology, consumer issues, personal finance, business

The job market is undeniably challenging, but there are some bright spots, according to research conducted by Robert Half International for its 2010 Salary Guides. In accounting, professionals who specialize in tax and compliance are in demand, for example.

The National Retail Federation is moving to get out ahead of the anticipated frenzy of Black Friday shopping by issuing guidelines to help retailers deal with crowd-control issues.

Dear Debt Adviser,

Please explain how to use "payment for deletion," or PFD. My grandson can now pay off his debts with a collection agency for the full amount. How can he make sure the collection agency will send a PFD letter to the credit bureaus so his credit report looks good again?

-- Julie

Dear Grandma Julie,

If you're hoping to pad your wallet by getting a part-time job for the holidays, good luck. Retailers are planning a conservative little Christmas when it comes to hiring seasonal workers.

Wouldn't it be great if the Internal Revenue Service were looking for you to give you money?

For nearly 108,000 taxpayers nationwide, that's exactly the case.

The agency is holding federal income tax refunds totaling about $124 million that it tried to distribute this tax season but were returned as undeliverable.

Southways, a 13-acre former Pillsbury estate on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota that stalled while listed on the market at more than $50 million, is now being offered for sale at auction.

Chances are, in any company that employs two people, one of them is disgruntled.

So, take that and extrapolate it to a company with hundreds or thousands of workers, then throw in the Internet and what do you get?

Your nest egg is looking healthier these days, but it could still use a makeover.

A leaking roof, a burst pipe or a skyrocketing electric bill are headaches no matter when they happen, but when you're on a fixed income and unprepared, they can become a financial crisis.

Specifications for the 2010 Subaru Outback 3.6R Premium four-door crossover utility vehicle.

Engine: 3.6 Liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder, 256 horsepower.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic.

Overall length: 15 feet 8 inches.

EPA passenger/cargo volume: 105/34 cubic feet.

Weight: 3,634 pounds.

Towing capability: 2,700 pounds.