Why do many competent, smart people make mistakes with their investments? It turns out that their feelings have been hurt, or they’re trying to save face, or they’re cocky enough to think they’re faster and smarter than the masses. Basically, they get emotional.
Saving & Spending
It’s a Deal: Flights to the Caribbean from $29
JetBlue is hosting a “Bikini Sale,” with flights to the Bahamas and the Caribbean for $29 to $149 each way. Tickets must be purchased by August 26 for travel between September 8 to November 18. More details here.
Last Call for Clunkers
The Cash for Clunker clock is running out. The government incentive program officially expires on Monday, August 24, at 8 p.m., so this is the last weekend you can score up to $4,500 for turning in your old gas guzzler in exchange for a more fuel-efficient model.
It’s a Deal: Laminate Flooring from 69¢ a Square Foot
Lumber Liquidators has issued a “Buyout Alert,” with inventory of laminate floor varieties selling for less than half of comparable retail price. A couple of styles are selling at 69¢ per square foot, and a couple more are under $1 per square foot. More details here.
Ten Odd Lessons the Recession Has Taught Us
The recession has provided a moment to step back and contemplate, to come to a truer understanding of life lessons like that happiness is not derived from material things. The financial downturn has also passed along some slightly odd teachings, like that fewer people die at the workplace when there are fewer people actually at work.
Cheapskate Wisdom from … J. Paul Getty
“If you owe the bank $100 that’s your problem. If you owe the bank $100 million, that’s the bank’s problem.”
It’s a Deal: Up to 50% Off Levi’s Clothing
With Levi’s ongoing Summer Sale, select jeans, shorts, shirts, and sweaters are being discounted by up to 50 percent. More details here.
Credit Card Reform: While One Hand Gives, the Other Adds Fees
Significant parts of the new credit card law go into effect today that in theory will make it easier for cardholders to pay their bills without incurring fees, and to avoid digging themselves further into debt. Balancing out this good news is an onslaught of new fees and higher rates that nearly all cardholders can expect coming down the pike.
Ten Cheap Dates
Besides the diamond industry, who says romance has to cost a bundle? A cheap date can be a great date.
It’s a Deal: Flights on Delta Airlines from $39
Delta flights between Atlanta and dozens of U.S. cities are on sale for $39 to $149 each way. Travel must be completed by December 16, and tickets must be purchased by August 25. More details here.
The Battle for Angus Burger Supremacy Is On. Let the Special Sauce Fly!
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurants are officially throwing down the gauntlet in an Angus burger faceoff with McDonald’s. And the two McDonald’s challengers are putting their money where their wide-open mouths are: Starting next month, any customer saying they prefer McDonald’s Angus offering can receive a refund on the Hardee’s or …
Going Green Just Got More Cost-Effective
Some people will adopt environmentally friendly practices because they want to do their part to save the earth. Others—many others—will hop on board once it’s demonstrated that doing so will save them money.
