Crate&Barrel is hosting a huge sale, with holiday items offered for less than half the original price, everyday products for the kitchen for up to 50% off, and furniture at up to 40% off.
Real Estate & Homes
On Reverse Mortgages and Home Projects That Just Don’t Pay Off
As far as anyone can foresee, it’ll continue to be a bad market for home sellers for some time to come, leading many homeowners to consider reverse mortgages or remodeling projects rather than selling at a lowball price. But both have their share of pitfalls.
Higher Incomes, Less Happiness
A recently released study by the CDC reveals that people who live in sunny, warm states—Hawaii, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Arizona are the top 5—report the highest levels of satisfaction in their lives. But what I find most interesting is what’s going on at the bottom of the list: The states with the least happy people tend …
The Year of Living Cheaply: A Retrospective
In 2009, dorky, inherently un-fun words like “thrifty” and “frugal” were paired early and often with fancy ones such as “chic” and “glamour.” Folks long accustomed to using triple coupons and cutting their own hair enjoyed newfound status among their neighbors: Instead of being viewed as eccentric oddballs—or worse, as killjoys or …
Home Not Selling? Maybe Your Realtor Isn’t Hot Enough
So maybe your realtor can’t tell the difference between hard-wood and laminate, between Formica and granite. But she was a finalist in a sexiest realtor competition!
What’s New in Retail: Pop-up Targets, DIY Solar Panels at Lowes, a Sweet Store Dedicated to All Things Peeps
There may be something new (and perhaps mystical) in your mall, around the block, on your roof, or near the checkout line of your supermarket.
You Just Strategically Defaulted on Your Mortgage. What’s Next? ‘We’re Going to Disneyland!’
Approximately one million American homeowners will strategically walk away from their mortgages this year. Why? They’re underwater on their mortgages, and the rental market is so cheap that they can live large by paying a landlord instead of a bank.
Odd Economic Indicator Round-up: More Jews Moving to Israel, More-Cramped Cubicles, More Smoking and Surfing Porn
Perhaps they’re not quite as odd as the Hot Waitress Index (a theory in which waitresses get increasingly more attractive as the economy gets worse), but these trends are still rather unusual—yet revealing—indicators of how the economy is faring.
The Streets of New York City Are Lined With Free Stuff
The giveaways include free designer chairs and discarded—and winning—OTB betting slips.
Looks like ‘Cash for Caulkers’ Will Get the Green Light
President Obama just announced he wants to use some $200 billion in unused TARP money to give the economy another kick in the pants toward prosperity. Included in the plan is a provision for the much-rumored “Cash for Caulkers” program, in which homeowners would receive rebates for certain home improvement projects.
Go Green Not Only for Cheaper Utility Bills, but Cheaper Home and Auto Insurance Premiums Too
By taking on strategic home remodeling projects and taking advantage of special insurance discounts, you can save a bundle while doing your bit to minimize your impact on Mother Nature.
It’s a Deal: Same Products, Lower Prices at IKEA
IKEA has decreased the prices on dozens of household items: A sofa that sold for $1,199 last year now retails for $899; a coffee table selling for $29.99 last year now sells for $19.99; a TV unit stand, formerly $150, is available for $99; and so on.