In many respects, Labor Day is the beginning of the new business year. Executives are focused on closing out 2007, new budgets are being cast and 2008 business initiatives are being set in motion.

Rentals boom as American dream fades (The Tennessean)
Chris Ervin is renewing his lease at the Kirkway Apartments outside Detroit. Even if he and his wife, Rachel, wanted to buy a home, Ervin doesn't think they could qualify for a loan now that so many mortgage lenders have raised interest rates, tightened their standards and axed loans for people with bruised credit.