A Shopping Alternative

by | May 26, 2009 | Spending | 0 comments

Retail sales have taken a hit because of the recession. But shoppers haven’t disappeared altogether; some have turned into swappers. As reported on Mainstreet.com, clothing swap groups have become popular on Meetup.com, a site that helps users organize or find...

Your Terms of Our Times

by | Mar 24, 2009 | Spending | 0 comments

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...

Thrift Stores Thriving

by | Feb 24, 2009 | Spending | 0 comments

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...

Mending is Better Than Ending

by | Feb 24, 2009 | Spending | 0 comments

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...

Spending Smart

by | Oct 8, 2008 | Budgeting/Planning, Spending | 0 comments

While we can’t control what’s happening in the stock market we can control what’s happening in our homes, and now is an especially good time to look for ways to spend smarter. U.S. News & World Report offers a great collection of ideas for saving...
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