As we pass the five-year anniversary of the start of the economic recession in December 2007, many observers focus on what was lost: • 8 million jobs • 146,000 employer businesses • 17.5 percent average individual earnings

(MCT)—Winter weather has a way of waging war against the light-packing efforts of even the most seasoned traveler. The extra bulk that comes with sweaters, scarves, earmuffs and mittens can make carry-on containment nearly impossible. By wearing as much as possible on flight days and including a few efficiently-packed essentials, you can do your part to keep luggage logistics under control.

(MCT)—Nearly 44 percent of American households are one emergency away from financial ruin. That means they don’t have enough savings to cover basic living expenses for three months if something unforeseen happens such as losing a job or falling sick,

As the real estate market creeps back to life, many tenants may be wondering if they can break their lease if their landlord puts the rental property up for sale.

(MCT)—Pruning is good for a plant — but only if you do it properly and at the right time. “Know the characteristics of the plants you intend to prune,” says retired Virginia Cooperative Extension agent Jim Orband in Yorktown, Va.

(MCT)—Using a crate as part of a management and teaching program for puppies and young adult dogs is not a new concept. But like any training tool, it can be misused, and end up doing more harm than good. ...

The economy may be recovering, but some of the changes wrought by the Great Recession may be long-lasting. Anyone planning for retirement, no matter what their age, needs to take those changes into account, says financial advisor Philip Rousseaux, a member of the esteemed Million Dollar Round Table association’s

(MCT)—The number of deductions you can take on your 2012 tax filing might surprise you. But many tax filers may miss out on some deductions simply because they do not know they exist.

(MCT)—Valentine’s Day is supposed to be all about love, thoughtfulness, and maybe a few decadent treats. But did you know what’s really involved in getting some of the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts to your loved one? It’s not always so rosy. This year, Do Your Part as you send flowers, prepare dinner, or even deliver the sweetest of gifts.

(MCT)—Quick, how much does it cost to mail a first-class letter? What once was an iconic number seemingly tattooed on our brains — a dime, a quarter or even 33 cents — has somehow been lost amid the many other digits in our lives: the cost of a gallon of gas, your Facebook friend total or any number of more pertinent numbers in these decreasingly U.S. mail-reliant times.

(MCT)—Welcome back, 2007. Remember the house-flipping, the easy mortgages and job-hopping? Well, those days are over, but the stock market is back to levels last seen five years ago.

(MCT)—In the strange-but-true category, a recent study shows transferring fecal matter from one person to another works better than current medical therapies to eradicate bacteria from the serious bowel infection Clostridium dificile colitis.

(MCT)—QUESTION: I’m planning a vacation to Naples, Italy, in the near future and would like to use my Apple iPad 2 while I’m there. Is this possible? Do I need any special instructions?

(MCT)—Domestic airfares have been climbing steadily since 2009, and there was no letup last year. But the uptick in ticket prices was not as steep as in the last few years.

(MCT)—Many times when we talk about “going green” we think about how much green it will cost us. However, there are many ways to live a healthier life and be gentler on the environment without spending a single penny. Here are five simple ways to Do Your Part and not only are they all free — some solutions will also save you money.