Teaching Kids About Money
Most kids have piggy banks – 85 percent of children ages 8-14, according to a new survey from T. Rowe Price. However, in many cases whatever money is going into those piggy banks is coming out just as quickly. More than 40 percent of parents who give their kids an allowance say it’s all gone […]
How Outlet Malls Promote Overspending
Outlet malls may not be the money-savers they appear to be. As noted on Consumerist.com, the new book, Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture, describes manufacturers’ suggested retail prices, against which the outlet store prices are compared, as “often fabricated to give consumers the impression that they are getting bargains.” The book also notes […]
Putting Your Money Where Your Values Are
Have you ever taken the time to see what companies your mutual funds are invested in? And do you know what businesses those companies are involved in? According to a U.S. News & World Report article, such concerns have fueled the rapid growth of socially responsible investing (SRI). Numerous SRI mutual funds are now available […]
The Give and Take of Credit Card Fees
American Express and Discover will soon stop fining cardholders for going over their credit limit, an early result of new legislation designed to limit such fees. However, American Express plans to raise its late fees. And Consumer Reports revealed another way that American Express plans to replace its lost over-limit fee income: holders of American […]
Choosing What to Take In
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8 Right after our five-year-old watches a DVD, he’s often eager to act out whatever he saw. If there was singing on the DVD, he […]
Three Documents You Can’t Do Without
MSN’s Liz Pulliam Weston makes a strong case that everyone should have a durable power of attorney for health care, a durable power of attorney for finances, and a living will. Should you become incapacitated, these documents will name someone to make decisions about your medical care and finances (you don’t need to choose the […]
Sleeping Well During the Recession
If you’ve been losing sleep over your finances, you’re not alone. According to a new survey, more than two-thirds of people say money issues are keeping them up at night. As reported on the Walletpop blog, more than one-fifth of respondents blamed credit card debt for the dark circles under their eyes. A prime cause […]
Dollar Store Hits and Misses
Have you ever shopped in a dollar store? Consumer Reports recently made some helpful recommendations about what to buy and what to avoid in such stores. It said that dollar store prices on aluminum foil, gift wrap, and party supplies can’t be beat. However, it recommended taking a pass on electrical products (they may carry […]
Thriving After the Recession
While a lot of people are still deeply impacted by the recession, a number of post-recession articles are starting to emerge, including one from US News & World Report that suggested 10 ways to “thrive” after the recession. It described the new “evolved consumer” who “shops with more discipline and focuses on buying products with […]
Inquiring Minds
These days, everyone from prospective employers to cell phone service providers are looking at your credit report. But not all credit report inquiries are created equal. As reported on Mainstreet.com, a “soft inquiry” is made when you request your free credit report or a company where you’ve applied for a job pulls your report. Such […]