The dash to find cash

As rising prices strain budgets, families are selling their old stuff to make ends meet.

Some need money to pay debts. Others just want a cushion in the current downturn.

• 5 ways to stash a little cash

Fried chicken keeps these friends afloat

Fast food usually is the last industry to take a hit in a downturn, says a Bojangles' co-owner.

Has an uncertain economy dulled Charlotteans' cravings for sweet tea, fried chicken and biscuits? It sure doesn't seem like it, say friends Asheesh Pathak and Karen Sullivan, owners of a new Bojangles' franchise near uptown.

Economy is crashing weddings

Heather Greenwell has been dreaming of her wedding day since she was a little girl. But with bills piling up and a smaller income, Greenwell will have to wait a little longer.

Event planning trend: Getting back to basics

Businesses have toned down awards nights and seminars, Karen Spratt says.

As an event planner, Karen Spratt is used to change, organizing seminars and meetings around the latest pop culture and economic trends.

Slow and steady driving for better gas mileage

Jones commutes 16 miles from home to her office near UNC Charlotte. She tops her tank when it falls to half full and was horrified at how much even that was costing as prices rose beyond $3 a gallon.

She's sinking her teeth into a new career

53-year-old woman leaving volatile mortgage industry for dental field.

Jennifer Dyess spent 35 years in the mortgage industry, most recently as a senior loan underwriter, before being laid off twice last year.

Trainer turns pain into growth

More than three months ago, Brian Boyle noticed physical therapy and personal training clients cutting back on regular visits. Where people might have come in three times a week, Boyle said, they were dropping back to once weekly.

Pair share drive from Concord

Tara Hensley and Carolyn Rosner

His system puts food savings in his back pocket

In a way, Chris Willis, 33, has been preparing for the current economic downturn much of his life.

Electric car saves up to $60 a week

Jerry Hancock, Davidson

Sour economy doesn't worry BestSweet

Cough drop manufacturer is launching a new product in time for the flu season.

At a time when the economy is souring, one manufacturer in Mooresville is about to launch a new product.

Parking the Hummer

Three months ago, David drove a 2003 Hummer H2 to his uptown office; Lisa, a 2006 Infiniti M35.

He's rewarding his good employees by paying for gas

Gary Swaim has been thinking – a lot– about rising gas prices and their effect on part-time, lower-wage employees.

Hoping Plan B won't become dreaded Plan C

About a month and a half ago, Lindsay Daniel and the staff at her architectural design firm implemented Plan B.

They went uptown when life was down

A lost job brought about a new move – selling cookies and water on the streets of Charlotte.

If you've walked around uptown lately, you may have spotted them: A young girl with braids carrying a white wicker basket filled with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and brownies.

• Neighbors join forces to save on gas