Times are tough, which means service providers are especially intent on keeping their customers, and that’s making it easier to negotiate better rates. ABC News profiled one man who systematically called everyone from his cable provider to his health club and said, “I need to save some money. I know you get it. Can you […]
Author Archive | Matt Bell
Under the Financial Microscope
By now you’re aware of the importance of keeping your credit score strong by paying your credit card bills, mortgage, and other loans on time and keeping your credit utilization (how much of your available credit you use) low (10 percent or less is best). But did you know that paying your phone bill late […]
What’s In Your Light Socket?
Okay, so you’ve joined the green movement by switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs. But did you know that all CFLs are not created equal? While they all last longer than traditional light bulbs and use less energy, it turns out that there’s quite a range in how long they last and in how much […]
Does This Recession Make Me Look Fat?
As people look for ways to save money in this tough economy, there’s concern that attempts to shed expenses may lead people to put on weight. According to a Reuters story, healthy foods tend to be more expensive. Commenting on today’s economy, one nutrition sciences professor said, “People … are going to economize and as […]
Calculate Your Financial Comeback
If you’re like most people, your investment accounts took a beating in 2008. Wondering when you might recover from those losses? The New York Times has a free online calculator that’ll help you estimate an answer to that question. Of course, no one knows what future market returns will be. And a wise person once […]
What’s On Your “To-Be” List?
“My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.” – Proverbs 7:1-3 The start of a new year always gets me thinking of […]
Who Cares What People Think?
How do you feel about a person ahead of you in a store checkout line who is using coupons? Do you think to yourself, “Now there’s a smart shopper”? Or do you think, “What a cheapskate”? The New York Times reported on a study in which people using low-value coupons (50 cents off on a […]
Living Well on $44k
How did you do on finding holiday gift deals this year? Can you beat this: 27 gifts for $90? As reported on TODAY, that’s just the latest in a long list of amazing money moves executed by Steve and Annette Economides, who have turned smart shopping into an extreme sport. The Arizona couple, along with […]
Irrational Money Moves
Some of the most interesting (and odd!) research about money comes from behavioral economists and psychologists. As noted in a recent Economist article, one study found that diners tend to spend more in a restaurant named “Cafe 97” than one named “Cafe 17.” Another study looked the behavior of people who carry a balance on […]
A Fresh Start
Money matters usually rank among people’s top New Year’s resolutions and this year is no different. MarketWatch reported on one of the many resolution surveys in which “Get out of debt or save money” came in as the number one New Year’s commitment. In fact, 90 percent of survey respondents had a money-related goal on […]