On Dec. 23, Congress passed a measure that allows for an extension of a two-percentage-point payroll tax cut. When is the tax scheduled to increase again?

As the new year begins, continuing economic pressures have enhanced the attractiveness of voluntary benefits for both employers and employees.

Leaving behind a year of bruising legislative battles, President Barack Obama enters his fourth year in office having calculated that he no longer needs Congress to promote his agenda and may even benefit in his re-election campaign if lawmakers accomplish little in 2012.

Walgreen CEO Greg Wasson said Friday chances are probably "slim to none" that the drugstore operator will reach an agreement with pharmacy benefits manager Express Scripts before their current contract ends Saturday.