By JACKIE CROSBY, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Matt and Eva Johnson considered their college degrees as an investment in a better quality of life. Instead, the $69,000 in debt from their private-school education has become a financial albatross they never anticipated.

Nearly killed off a decade ago by compact discs and digital music downloads, the mighty vinyl record is fighting its way back onto turntables across America.

Toe-tappers snapped up nearly 1 million records last year, a 15 percent increase and the highest level in three years, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

As consumers stare down record prices for gasoline and food, Wal-Mart's low-price image continues to trump Target's trendiness.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced this week that sales at stores open at least a year rose 3.9 percent overall -- 4 percent at its stores and 3.6 percent at Sam's Club outlets.

The consuming masses may be worried about making ends meet, but the luxury hotel spa industry is finding new ways to attract business. They're reaching out to corporations.