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Today’s headlines
Robert Trigaux
Putting a price on corporate America's sins of slavery
Attention: big American companies. If you have roots, however indirect, in the early days of this country, get ready for a knock on your door from 36-year-old Deadria Farmer-Paellmann.

Helen Huntley
On money
Business frequent-flier miles aren't taxable -- not yet

Counselor, collector
Credit counseling agencies offer debt-ridden consumers guidance and alternatives to bankruptcy. But here's a little-known fact: The credit card industry foots much of the bill and gives agencies a commission on debts they recover from clients.

Loose change
SPEND OR SAVE? A majority of Americans getting a tax refund say they plan to spend it. In a nationwide poll by Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp., 62 percent of respondents said they'll use their refund to buy everyday items or pay off debts. Twenty-three percent said they'll put their refunds in savings.

Debt repayment businesses burgeoning
Dozens of newcomers have popped up, lured by the promise of debt-collection commissions from creditors. But questions have been raised about the integrity of some, and government agencies are cracking down.

How to reduce the cost of driving
In Florida, it's an almost unavoidable fact of life: You need a car to survive. Almost unavoidable fact No. 2: It's expensive to own and maintain a vehicle. To help keep costs down, consider these tips.

An unremarkable quarter for Florida municipal bonds
The average fund returned less than 1 percent in the first quarter of 2002.