In Christmastimes past, people seemed content to give—and receive—things that no one really needs: tchotchkes, scented candles, holiday CDs, that sort of thing. Now that the economy has tanked, when someone receives a silly gift, the reaction isn’t merely “Bummer,” but “Wow, I could have really used whatever money was just wasted on that.”
Saving & Spending
It’s a Deal: Free Fresco Taco at Taco Bell
For a free Fresco Taco, head to Taco Bell with the required coupon.
And the Lord Said, Ye Shall Diversify Your Stock Portfolio
Is it wise to look to the Bible for financial advice? Many financial experts say yes (and probably “Amen” as well). By one count, the good book contains 2,300 verses that deal with how to manage your money.
Time to Swap Your Credit Card for a Charge Card?
Yes, there are differences between credit cards and old-fashioned charge cards. Big differences, the main one being it’s extremely unlikely you’ll dig yourself into major debt using a charge card—hence a surge in charge cards’ popularity.
Procrastinator Alert! Coupons for Easy Last-Minute Savings at the Mall
Procrastinator alert! Free shipping with online orders is no longer an option if you want stuff to arrive by December 24. So if you still need to get some holiday shopping done on these last couple of days, you’re probably going to have to deal with the mall. There are sales galore, but you can save even more—easily an extra 10%, …
It’s a Deal: Free Food, Big Sales at IKEA All of Next Week
From December 26 to January 3, IKEA is giving all shoppers free breakfast until 11 a.m. Kids can also eat for free at any time of day from December 26 to January 3.
Why Are Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters So Hot this Holiday Season?
One theory: Because parents don’t want to buy their kids real hamsters.
It’s a Deal: Up to 75% Off at the National Geographic Store
Dozens of toys, books, gadgets, maps, photographs, and other gift items are on sale at the National Geographic Store, with discounts of up to 75%. Shipping that will arrive by December 24 is still available. More details here.
The Top ‘Recession Porn’ Stories of 2009
With an apparently resurgent economy, the media genre known as recession porn may be gone for good. What, exactly, is recession porn? You know it when you see it. Basically, it’s the fascination with all the weird ways the recession has affected different groups of people—the rich and privileged especially, because everyone knows the …
Why the Mail-in Rebate Isn’t Money in the Bank
Roughly 60% of people never apply for the rebate in the first place.
This Just In: Shoppers Love Discounts, and Love Shopping Online
And this holiday season, they’ve often gotten to enjoy both of them at the same time. Thus far this holiday season, online shopping purchases are up 4%, and the average discount on specially promoted gift items is a markdown of 26.4% off of the retail price, up 5.6% from last year.
Costco as Holiday Party Caterer
A writer throws a fancy holiday party exclusively using food and drink from warehouse stores. The results? A reasonably inexpensive dinner, and more leftovers than she knows what to do with.
