In early 2012, JC Penney promised the end of “fake prices”—ones that were inflated just so that shoppers could be tricked …
Psychology of Money
Forget Lowballing: Bidding Wars Return in Hot Housing Markets
Are buyers being manipulated into overbidding for the relatively few attractive homes on the market?
How to Tame the Rising Cost of Prom Season
Americans generally remain frugal in the aftermath of the Great Recession. But prom night appears invulnerable to austerity. Here’s what you can do about it.
How a Few Text Messages a Month Can Secure Your Retirement
Reminders are effective when it comes to reaching savings goals, and now you can sign up for regular helpful advice via text and get a shot at $500 to boot.
Attention JC Penney Shoppers, Look Out for the Return of ‘Sales Galore’
After months of abysmal sales tallies, the Ron Johnson era is over at JC Penney. Now that Johnson’s “fair and square” no-coupons pricing policies have proved to be a failure, the department store will have to try something else …
Is Retail Therapy for Real? 5 Ways Shopping Is Actually Good for You
You know the phrase, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”? There just may be some wisdom in that.
Beyond Showrooming: 3 Quirky Ways Smartphones Are Changing How We Shop
When shoppers met the smartphone, they quickly learned that the device was ideal for shopping around — while shopping in person. They could do things like check Kelley Blue Book prices at car dealerships, or see if a dress in a …
What’s the Key to Money Success: Behavior or ‘Mechanics’?
An Ohio school teacher sounds off on blogger’s assertion that personal finance is a waste of time unless it focuses on the psychology of spending.
Why Financial Literacy Fails
I’m often asked what I’d do to improve financial literacy in the United States. The premise seems to be that if we teach young people about compound interest and two-cycle billing, this information will lead them to make better financial choices. I’m not convinced.
The Real Reason We Love Some Brand Logos — And Hate Others
Wendy’s recently rolled out a new logo in the hopes of updating the company’s image and giving the brand a bit of a facelift. But sometimes the desire for a little nip and tuck can backfire.
Selling Your House? Choose Your Words Carefully
Certain phrases pop up again and again in real estate listings, and these keywords offer a good indication of the prices a property will command. A listing promising a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” for instance, has an …
It’s Peak Season for Shopping Because You’re Depressed
The most depressing day of the year supposedly takes place right around now. It’s also prime time to be tempted into shopping as a cure for the blues.
