As the debt-ceiling discussion winds down in Washington and everyone laments over the meaning and mutual downside of compromise, the economy is still in trouble. But we learned some lessons along the way. Here are some key points from the debacle.

When people play fast and loose with their taxes, they often leave their spouses -- and ex-spouses -- in the dark. Until now, those innocent wives and husbands had only two years to file for relief, even if they didn't know about the problem until it was too late. Now, the IRS is eliminating the deadline.

You practically have to be an accountant to manage your family's health care these days. The good news is, some lawmakers seem to recognize this and are working toward changes to one program that should be well received by employers, employees and doctors alike.

If you haven't been paying close attention to the action on Wall Street this week, here's what you missed. From Dunkin' Donuts' IPO to Netflix's earnings, we'll break down the numbers to show you what it means for your money.

Job growth is weak, Wall Street's big guns are backtracking on their predictions of no double dip and pessimism reigns. So Ask the Expert checked in with one expert for his refreshingly candid take on what's happening, what isn't and why on the hiring front.

To buy or not to buy an iPad? The bargain-hunting website DealNews.com took a contrarian position on the question, publishing "Ten Reasons Not to Buy an iPad for Students." But the arguments in favor of the iPad's growing role in academic life have some merit too.

In DailyFinance's new video series, My Three Cents, personal finance columnist Regina Lewis discusses tips and trends affecting today's consumer market. This week's focus: continuing trouble at the U.S. Postal Service.

It's been an exciting week on Wall Street. Not only did investors get a taste of how earnings are stacking up for companies like Apple and Chipotle, Zillow's stock really took off during its first day of trading. We asked Chris Hill from The Motley Fool what the numbers really mean.

Setting anything to automatic has its good and bad points. A 2006 law designed to increase retirement savings allows companies to auto-enroll employees in 401(k) plans: A closer look reveals some interesting pros and cons.

While not everyone whose marriage ends rushes out to break ground on a new home, some real estate agents say divorcing spouses make up at least a third of their clients. With the economy impacting divorce trends and marital splits pushing spending trends, should economists be watching divorce rates when they chart the economic outlook?