There is something inherently callous about discussing the economic impact of a natural disaster. The human toll is always of much greater concern and importance than anything happening in the realm of finance. However, us economics types can’t help but immediately begin speculating on what the impact might be, and economists around …
Japanese Earthquake: The Cost to the Economy
Unfortunately, earthquakes and Tsunamis have a much larger human toll than economic. And that is likely to be true in Japan as well.
Still, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resultant Tsunami that hit Japan near the city of Sendai on Friday comes at a time when that country’s economy was already vulnerable. The Japanese economy was hard …
The Frothy Fast: Giving Up Food (But Not Beer) for Lent
A man in Iowa is going the full monk. Following the lead set by German monks—who 300 years ago fasted throughout the entire season of Lent, and who sustained themselves solely by drinking water and hearty, calorie-packed beer—he explains the mission at hand: “Getting drunk is the last thing on my to-do list at this time. This is an …
96 Money Tips: Smart 401(k) Saving, Dumb Pawn Shop Purchases, and More
This week’s roundup also includes insights on technology rip-offs, the future of coupons, and tactics for handling everything from hard-nosed negotiations to selling stuff on Craigslist.
It’s a Deal: BOGO Free Glasses at EyeBuyDirect
To celebrate its fifth anniversary, EyeBuyDirect offers a buy-one, get-one-free promotion for orders placed by March 14. The minimum order is $14.95 per pair of glasses, and the freebies are for standard single vision lens, no sunglasses allowed.
Why Retailers Prefer “Ship to Store” Over Plain Old Shipping to the Customer’s Home
During the past winter holiday shopping season, free shipping was a big trend. Retail giant Walmart, for instance, offered free shipping on some 60,000 items. Now, instead of continuing to expand free shipping services, Walmart is ramping up its “ship-to-store” program, in which shoppers order merchandise online that they’ll later pick …
Can China compete with American manufacturing?
No, the headline is not a mistake. I know we’re usually worried about the opposite – whether or not U.S. manufacturers can compete with a rising China. But today I’m turning that question around. What doesn’t get enough attention in today’s discussions about America’s economic competitiveness is that the U.S. remains a robust …
Bond King Bill Gross Exits US Debt: Good News?
Bill Gross says sell (Photo: Jason Reed/Reuters)
US debt may no longer be a good investment, at least for now. And that might be the good news.
Famed investor Bill Gross, who runs the PIMCO Total Return Fund, recently sold all of the US Treasury bonds is his fund’s portfolio. It’s a huge move for the manager of the world’s largest …
Regular Old Gas-Powered Cars Are More Fuel Efficient Than You Think
“We’re seeing 40 mpg become the new 30.”
It’s a Deal: BOGO Half Off Shoes at Payless
Now through March 15, shoes at Payless are being sold on a buy-one, get-one-half-off basis. Shipping adds $5.95.
Financial Lessons from Charlie Sheen and Other Odd Sources
It’s time for more financial lessons from unusual sources—including Dungeons & Dragons, your own full bladder, and a certain Twitter superstar.
The Fine Art of Cooking with Whatever’s Already in the House
A woman in Oregon teaches one very unconventional cooking class.