Don’t Touch, Don’t Buy
A recent Time magazine article summarized the latest findings from the increasingly sophisticated science of retailing. Researchers have found that touching a product in a store increases a shopper’s sense of ownership (the “endowment effect”), and that increases the likelihood that he or she will buy the product. One retailer that maximizes this approach to […]
Another Solution for Old Electronics
I’ve written in the past about how to dispose of old cell phones, TVs, and other electronics. A recent post on ChristianPF.com highlighted a program I hadn’t heard of before called Flipswap, which enables you to exchange an old cell phone or iPod for an Amazon.com gift card. Devices received by the company are either […]
Be Prepared
News of the devastating earthquake in Italy prompted Consumer Reports to remind readers about the importance of having and safeguarding certain financial documents. It put together a helpful list showing where to keep various documents. A comprehensive, easily accessible list of emergency phone numbers should be part of every household’s emergency preparedness plan as well. […]
Nobody’s Fool
“Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?” – Proverbs 17:16 No one wants to be thought of as a fool – not on April first, not at any time. The Bible uses that strong term only a handful of times in regard to […]
Your Terms of Our Times
In the last issue of this eNewsletter, I summarized a story highlighting several new words and phrases that have come into popular use during the recession. I then asked you to submit your favorite recession-related words that have a positive connotation. Among the suggestions: Pam wrote in with recessionables, which pertains to clothing found on […]
Where Old TVs Go To Die
It’s spring-cleaning time, and with television stations switching to digital signals many people are getting rid of old analog TV sets. However, a Chicago Tribune article noted that it’s not so easy. Many thrift stores are no longer accepting analog sets or other older electronics, so there’s concern that a lot of electronic gear will […]
Finding Free Money for College
College isn’t getting any less expensive, which is why the hunt for scholarship dollars is so important. FiLife recently highlighted their favorite places to go scholarship shopping: CollegeBoard, FastWeb, Peterson’s, and Scholarships.com. One other source of scholarship money to consider is Christian Community Credit Union, a sponsor of this eNewsletter. They sometimes offer scholarship money.
Boring But Necessary
Insurance won’t win any excitement prizes, but it’s a topic that a lot of us need to know more about. In a recent national survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average respondent correctly answered just four of ten questions. Most people did not know that auto insurance does not automatically cover […]
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 […]
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 […]