Consumers feel surprising pain at gas pump

Don�t miss these top stories:

• Why gas prices are so high

• Dividend stocks top TIPS for income investing

• What Romney, Obama tax plans might mean for you

• Tax planning? Good luck with that

Gasoline prices have risen every day for the past 36 days. But you knew that, right? What you may not know is why and what the outlook is. Today in her Commodities Corner column, MarketWatch�s Myra Saefong explains some of the reasons behind the price climb. Chalk a lot of it up to news related to military tensions over Iran � even though the U.S. imports no Iranian oil. Myra talks to several industry experts, who provide perspective on all the factors: Iran, money flow, refinery closures, refinery maintenance, exports, imports, poor non-OPEC production growth, and flat OPEC output.

Also on MarketWatch today, Jonathan Burton writes in the Weekend Investor column about one income strategy that�s capturing the attention of investors and investment advisers alike: Swapping inflation-protected Treasurys, or TIPS, for dividend stocks yielding 3% or more.

And check out Andrea Coombes� video report on what the Romney and Obama tax proposals might mean for you.

� Anne Stanley, Managing Editor, Personal Finance

Why gas prices are so high

Gasoline prices have climbed every day for the past 36 days so it�s no wonder why consumers are worried that record levels are destined for the pump in the next few months. But the many reasons behind the climb aren�t quite so easy to decipher � making prices even harder to predict. Read more: Why gas prices are so high.

Tax planning? Good luck with that

If you thought doing your tax return this year was tough, wait till you try to plan money-saving tax strategies for next year. It�s next to impossible, thanks to profound uncertainty with regard to tax law. Read more: Tax planning? Good luck with that.

What Romney, Obama tax plans might mean for you

Many tax laws are in flux now, and tax plans proposed by candidates on the campaign trail are adding to the confusion. Stacey Delo and Andrea Coombes look at possible taxpayer strategies in light of Mitt Romney�s and Barack Obama�s proposals. Watch the video: What Romney, Obama tax plans might mean for you.

Few options following foreclosure

Those who feel they�ve been wrongfully foreclosed on have a couple of options for recourse, Lew Sichelman writes. Read more: Few options following foreclosure.