Suffering the biggest bank failure in US history, Washington Mutual Inc agreed to sell off all its deposits for $1.9 billion to JP Morgan Chase and Co.

Seattle-based Washington Mutual is one of the largest thrift of the United States. Since September 15, however, it has been facing customer withdrawals of around $16.7 billion and has been in an “unsound condition” with “insufficient liquidity” according to the Office of Thrift Supervision. This led to federal regulators seizing Washington Mutual and JP Morgan Chase buying up its deposits for $1.9 billion.

Washington Mutual had been struggling for some time against losses of $19 billion which it incurred on failed mortgage loans. The bank finally collapsed after its credit rating was slashed to junk status and potential suitors passed on making a bid after it was compelled to put it self up for sale last week.

JP Morgan Chase and Co. is the third-largest bank of United States in terms of assets. According to the terms of the deal, the New York-based bank will not acquire the liabilities of the lender including claims of shareholders as well as subordinated and senior debt holders.

The collapse of Washington Mutual comes close on the heels of the financial market meltdown which saw Wall Street giants either pass into bankruptcy or into other hands to avoid a similar fate.

Many among us are tied down to out desks all day and rarely find the time to take quick jog or used the office-gym. Daily reports on the health hazards of a sedentary lifestyle do not help matters either. Here are a few simple ways to exercise at work and stay fit –both physically as well as mentally.

Try to park your vehicle as far away from the office building. This will ensure that you walk some distance at least twice a day. If your office is nearby cycle or walk your way to work.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator for a quick workout and a healthy heart. During office breaks, walk around the halls or on streets surrounding your office. This will improve blood circulation and help you to concentrate better on your work.

If possible, exchange your regular office chair for an exercise ball. This will not only improve your posture while sitting and working on the computer but also give your core muscles a work out without you having to go anywhere.

Make it a point to visit your co-workers at the office instead of sending messages or emails. Not only will your body benefit from the movement but your boss will be happy to see you so busy.

Take regular half-hour breaks to do some neck exercises or simple lift light weights or books during any free time. Finally, do not forget to keep yourself well hydrated with lots of fluids and remember to tuck in at regular intervals on healthy snacks.

Rising living costs as well as a general slow down in the economy has meant that personal savings are at an all time low. Many families find themselves living from one pay check to another with meagre or no savings at the end of the month. Here are a few tips which might help you to make start saving and spending wisely.

The first step would be to draw up a budget oh all expenses at home. This will include costs of food, utilities, gasoline, children’s needs as well as other living expenses. Leave aside at least 5 percent of your monthly income for savings. However if you can save more than that, so much the better.

Draw up a list before you go shopping for food or other grocery items. This will not only help you to be more organized but will save you from the practice of buying something which you do not need.

Stay away from designer labels and expensive brands. Try to look for quality products at discount stores and for items not affecting health, try shopping at flea markets or second-hand stores.

Keep phone bills down by taking a pay-as-you-use connection. This will help you to keep off unnecessary or long calls and also let you keep track of how much you are spending.

Instead of going for expensive cable connections, get a basic cable line or rent DVDs at a fraction of your monthly cable bill.

Finally try to save on fuel costs by walking or cycling for short distances. For longer commutes, pool up with other car owners or go for a convenient form of public transport.

Chrysler LLC has announced that it will be laying off around 250 salaried employees at the end of this month in an attempt to cut costs after incurring losses for successive quarters.

On Thursday night Chrysler spokesperson revealed that the first stage of job cuts will affects 250 workers and is expected to begin from Friday. This is part of the company’s overall plan to cut around 1000 white collar jobs in total in order to bring about sweeping cost cutting measures. In an effort to get employees to leave voluntarily, Chrysler has been offering buyouts and early retirement packages but has been able to meet only three-fourths of its restructuring goals.

The job cuts come in the wake of continuing losses incurred by Chrysler due to falling sales of its vehicles which plunged as much as by 24 percent in the first eight months of this year. This forms part of a nation-wide decline in demand for autos as spiralling gasoline costs and an overall price rise have limited the spending power of consumers. They are thus turning more towards hybrid and fuel efficient vehicles and away from trucks and sports utility vehicles which dominate Chrysler’s line-up.

McCormick reported an increase in sales in the third quarter as customer preferred to spend on flavorings and groceries for home-cooked meals rather than eat out.

McCormick is the leading spice and seasonings manufacturer in US with a market share of around 50 percent. for the third quarter the company reported a rise in net income by 20.8 percent o $68.6 million or 52 cents a share as compared to net income of $56.8 million or 50 cents a share in the same period last year. Sales also rose from $716.2 million last year to $781.6 million which was jump of 9.1 percent.

The boost in sales was attributed to better product marketing particularly of the newer, higher-priced items, various acquisitons and its Grill Mate line of marinades. Moreover increased sales was also due to a shift in the eating habits of consumers who preferred to buy seasonings and rustle up home made meals instead of spending many times the amount on eating at restaurants. As gasoline becomes costlier and dining out more expensive, consumers reveal a pattern of going back to in-home cooking to save money and herein McCormick scores with its array of flavorings, side dishes and marinades.