Author Archive | Matt Bell

Terms of Our Times

The recession has introduced several new words and phrases to the American vernacular. While most of us are probably already tired of hearing about the latest “bailout,” ABC News reports an increase in popularity of terms such as “shovel ready” (a construction project that can get underway as soon as it receives government funding) and […]

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A Teaching Moment

With financial issues dominating news headlines, this is an especially good time to teach kids about money. And they could use some help. An LA Times article noted that many of today’s youth are already exhibiting the over confidence and lack of knowledge that have gotten so many adults into trouble. For example, a Charles […]

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Money Down the Tube

The average U.S. household now has three televisions, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. That’s one reason why electronic devices today consume 15 percent of the average home’s electricity–up from 5 percent in 1980. A Chicago Tribune article highlighted several ways to tame those energy monsters, starting with your choice of TV. The larger the […]

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Gunning for Energy Savings

Want to save on energy costs but roof top solar panels aren’t in the budget? Buy a tube of caulk and a caulk gun. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, homes consume more than 20 percent of all the energy used in the U.S. — more than cars, planes, or offices. And yet the […]

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Experiences Trump Possessions

What makes you happier–new stuff or enjoyable experiences?  CNN reported on new research showing that for most people enjoyable experiences generate more lasting happiness than new stuff. Two key reasons are that experiences tend to involve other people and they’re better than material objects at generating feelings of vitality or “being alive.” I couldn’t agree […]

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Thrift Stores Thriving

While numerous retail chains are closing stores or putting expansion plans on hold, second hand shop sales are booming. A Chicago Tribune article explained that the recession has turned fashionistas into frugalistas. Goodwill, whose sales of donated items help fund job training for homeless and disabled people, is working hard to capitalize on the trend […]

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Mending is Better Than Ending

Lots of businesses are hurting right now, but not those involved in fixing and mending our stuff. According to an article in Time magazine, cobblers and tailors are thriving as people opt to repair old shoes and alter ill-fitting clothes rather than replace them. The same is true for shops that repair everything from cars […]

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Fear, Anger, and a Ray of Hope

Our tattered economy has a lot of people feeling fearful, angry, and surprisingly, okay. These mixed findings come from a new survey by CNN and Opinion Research Corporation, which found that nearly 75 percent of U.S. adults are scared about the way things are going in our country. About the same number are angry. Those […]

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Dialing for More Dollars

In the last issue of this eNewsletter I mentioned an ABC News profile of someone who easily persuaded many of his service providers – from his health club to his cable company – to reduce their rates. He simply called them and said, “I need to save some money. I know you get it. Can […]

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Couponing Made Easy

If you’re serious about saving on the cost of groceries, you probably already know about CouponMom.com. But U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted another good grocery coupon resource–the blog, Frugal Coupon Mom. Ashley Nuzzo, who writes the blog, scours lots of other web sites and blogs looking for the best deals and then posts […]

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