Is It Ethical to Opt Out of Health Insurance?

The key principle of ethical living is taking responsibility for oneself and not putting a burden on others.

Is Foreclosure Relief Fair to Everyone Else?

We're seeing state and federal foreclosure relief that looks unfair to taxpayers and arbitrary in its benefits.

Is My Union's Pension Fund Hypocritical?

It's not uncommon for a pension plan's sponsoring organization to give the trustees general guidance on unacceptable investments.

Should Athletes Share in Their School's Profits?

There's an ethical imperative to provide fair compensation for all workers whose hard work and talent create profits.

When Your Favorite Charity Sells Out

Charities typically insist that they'd never let a donor relationship affect their positions on issues, but that seems naïve or disingenuous.

Don't Make a Deal You Don't Intend to Honor

An ethical businessman bids what he truly believes an asset is worth and what he's fully committed to paying.

What Happens When an Office Romance Ends?

A fair job transfer? Or does he just want her out of his sight?

Should a Hot Division Get a
Bigger Bonus?

The goal isn’t to please everyone but to attract and retain talented staff. This can be accomplished with different approaches.

Should a Hot Division Get a Bigger Bonus?

Is It Ethical to Break Pension Promises?

A middle ground must be found between conflicting obligations.

Should Online Retailers Collect Sales Taxes?

To me, the fundamental principle of ethical taxation is equal treatment of similar transactions.

Should I Give Handouts to Panhandlers?

You can support local social-service agencies that help many poor people and screen for need.

Is It Right to Up the Ante for Our Adoption?

Large payments to a birth mother? Something's not right.

Cut Costs With Independent Contractors?

It's appropriate for a business owner to try to lower prices to customers, but fattening the bottom line at the employees' expense is not ethical.

Are Unpaid Interns Exploited by Employers?

Internships are a pragmatic way for young workers to get inside a good company and prove their worth.

Should Employers Check My Credit Before Hiring?

Credit checks should be allowed, and job applicants should have the right to explain negative information.

Is It Price Gouging or Good Business?

Economics follows the amoral laws of supply and demand. And seemingly ethical behavior can have unintended consequences.

The Boss Should Bring Back the 401(k) Match

This is the time for employers to reinstate or raise their matching contributions.

Is Rent Control Unfair to New Tenants?

Like most governmental price-fixing, rent control invites black-market evasion.

Are We On the Hook for a Lavish Wedding?

Offer the couple a significant financial gift to start them off in their lives together -- and let them decide how to spend it.

It's Not Okay to Skip Out on a Mortgage

Default is ethical only for people who can no longer afford their home because of circumstances beyond their control, such as job loss.

Should I Blow the Whistle on a Co-Worker?

Should You Wed for Money Rather Than Love?

Mutual love is the ideal, but material security has also been a marital motivation since the beginning of time.

Should the Feds Call the Shots on Salaries?

Kiplinger's editor in chief tackles queries about executive compensation and union involvement.

Gaming the New Rules of Health Insurance

People who can afford insurance but choose to go without it are thumbing their noses at society.

We're Leaving Our Children a Shameful Legacy

It's unethical for our nation to pass the buck -- literally -- to future generations of taxpayers.

Property-Tax Relief: Rate Cuts Fairer Than Caps

Plus, a question about non-compete agreements.

Say No to This Lawyer's Shakedown

Resist the temptation to sue just to win a quick settlement.

Treat Terminated Employees With Respect

How you manage layoffs sends a clear message to remaining employees about how the company views them and how they will be treated in the future.

Did the Antiques Dealer Pull a Fast One?

Learn the rules of selling your goods.

When Do Agents Need to Split a Commission?

There's no statute of limitations on a broker's fee.

Must I Disclose the Murder in My House?

Not your average seller's quandary. Plus, what's the right return policy?

Is it Wrong to Ditch a New Job for a Better Offer?

Show the company that hired you the respect that they deserve.

Failed CEOs Should Take Their Lumps

When top executives make a mess of their companies -- and share prices -- they should be embarrassed to accept lavish severance packages.