Go big, or go out of business. Time and again over the last few years, retailers have resorted to big discounts as a reliable means to move merchandise and boost sales figures. In some cases, raising prices is accomplishing the same goal.
Psychology of Money
The Folly Of Trying To Time The Market
Recent fits and starts in the stock market prompt us to visit a topic we spent a few pages on in our book but have yet to tackle in a Mind Over Money post. Three topics, really, but we’ll tackle two of them in follow-up posts: …
The Reason You’re in Love With Material Possessions? Loneliness
People are supposed to love other people (and perhaps, pets and local sports franchises). So why is it that consumers are prone to borderline-romantic infatuations with stuff ranging from cars to computers, and even guns? Why do …
4 Weird Academic Studies on Economics and Consumer Behavior
Studies show that flexing one’s muscles may help fight off—or possibly cause—wasteful impulse purchases, and other weird money findings.
Want Happiness? Don’t Buy More Stuff — Go on Vacation
When it comes to spending money on things or experiences, the research is clear: Doing brings more happiness than owning.
Why Free Things Can Cost A Lot (And Make Your Brain Freeze)
News that Slurpee sales spike on days when 7-Eleven gives Slurpees away got us wondering why — well, it got our editors wondering why — and we think we have an answer. So, in this Mind Over Money post, we’ll explain how …
Why the Real Estate Recession is Halting Divorces
Study after study has looked at the impact of the recession on everything from obesity to fashion. But I’ve had my eye on a number of reports all year which, collectively, seem to indicate that the recession has made for …
Why We Know Our Toilet Paper Better Than Our Banks
Bad news for banks: A survey conducted by marketing research firm Brand Keys found that consumers make no differentiation — none — between bank brands. “They’re still among a group of brands where there is zero …
Odd Consumer Behavior Files: When Stuff Is Free, We’re More Likely to Buy
Slurpees are free today at 7-Eleven. And, oddly enough, if consumers act like they have on previous Free Slurpee Days, the number of customers paying for Slurpees will soar today.
Finally, Money Advice That Will Make You Skinnier
One more reason to opt for paper over plastic as often as possible: your health (physical and financial).
“It’s that second paycheck that’s the real killer, demonstrably more deadly than the first.”
Homeownership: Still Popular But Not Seen as a Smart Investment
Americans have long overindexed on the value they place on owning a home when compared with people in other western countries. That white picket fence in the age-old imagery of the American Dream? That stands for real estate.