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The cost of feeding a family of four in 2013
The USDA regularly monitors what it costs to feed a family of four in the U.S. This morning on "Early Start," we're getting a new look at exactly how much Americans shell out for food every week. Christine Romans shares details.
It costs a family of four about $21 a day for food, and on a weekly basis the thrifty plan is $146. On a more generous plan, families are looking at spending $289 a week for grub.
The USDA crunches these numbers so it has a guideline for nutrition assistance, or food stamps.
There are some common sense ways to make the low-cost food plan work, including:
* Avoid buying pre-cut, pre-washed or instant food.
* Canned or frozen vegetables can be cheaper than fresh.
* Cook meals that stretch, like stew and casserole
* Plan your meals.
How much do you pay for groceries every week? Share your tips for big savings on the grocery bill in the comments below.
What are the best-paying jobs for 2013 college graduates? Christine Romans on new survey
Imagine: You're fresh out of college or maybe even still in college. Tou get your first job offer, and low and behold your starting salary is $93,500.
What college major led to that amazing starting salary?
On "Early Start," CNN's Christine Romans reports on a new survey from the Nat. Assoc. of Colleges and Employers lists the best paying college majors for the class of 2013.
Rich get richer as bottom 93% see net worth fall – Christine Romans reports
During the first two years of the economic recovery, the rich got richer, while the lower 93% of Americans saw their mean household net worth fall 4% to $133,000. According to Pew, the wealthiest 7% saw their mean household net worth jump 28%, hitting more than three million dollars in 2011.
Researchers attribute the uneven recovery to the fact that affluent households own more stocks and other financial holdings that have been growing in worth. At the same time, the housing market, which is the biggest investment for many people in the lower 93%, has remained flat.
Christine Romans details the report results and discusses the impact a fake Associated Press tweet had on the market in today's Minding Your Business segment.
VIDEO: Careercast.com lists best and worst jobs in America – Christine Romans reports
Careercast.com asks this question every year: What are the worst jobs in America? What are the best?
Well the list is out, and it looks like newspaper reporters officially have the worst job in America, with a median income of about $36,000 a year.
The study takes into account things like income, industry outlook, stress and physical demands in its rankings.
The top 5 list of worst jobs include:
1- Newspaper reporter
2- Lumberjack
3- Enlisted military
4- Actor
5- Oil rig worker
Now that we know about the worst, what about the best? Being an actuary tops the list, with an income around $87,000 a year.
The top 5 list of the best jobs include:
1- Actuary
2- Biochemical engineer
3- Software engineers
4- Augiologist
5- Financial planner.
Read more from the Careercast.com study: The worst jobs of 2013 here.
President Obama's budget: What could be cut?
President Obama is scheduled to release his budget proposal today. It's expected to include $25 billion in wasteful spending cuts, based on recommendations from an extensive report by the government accountability office.
Christine Romans previews President Obama's proposed budget and what programs could be included in $25 billion in cuts.
MYB: J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson out after troubled tenure – what went wrong?
NEW YORK (CNNMoney)The Ron Johnson era is over at J.C. Penney.
The troubled department-store chain announced late Monday that Johnson is stepping down and leaving the company after just a year and a half. He is being replaced by his predecessor, Mike Ullman, who led the company for seven years prior to Johnson's arrival.
Christine Romans looks on reasons why J.C. Penney sales plummeted under the direction of now-fired CEO Ron Johnson.
READ MORE: J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson out after troubled tenure
MYB headlines: Japan fights deflation, fallout at Lululemon and $1.6 million for a baseball card
Japan moves to fight deflation, fallout at Lululemon for yoga pants issue, baseball card goes for $1.6 million.
MYB headlines: Rumors that Apple is starting new iPhone production, SEC relaxes rules for Twitter and Samoa Air fares based on your weight
Christine Romans reports on the day's big business headlines, including:
* Rumors that Apple starting new iPhone production
MYB headlines: Stockton, Calif. declares bankruptcy, and survey shows country with highest income tax rates
Christine Romans on the move by Stockton, Calif. to declare bankruptcy, and a look at countries with the highest income tax rate.
MYB: China cools housing market, report shows U.S. jobs slow to recover
CNN's Christine Romans reports on China's move to slow the country's housing market, and a new report showing jobs recovery in U.S. is slow.
