It wasn’t pretty when Walmart underwent an identity crisis. Take that back. Actually, it was pretty—neat, orderly, attractive—in terms of the consumer shopping experience when Walmart began emptying overflowing store shelves and pushed more upscale merchandise. What wasn’t pretty was the backlash among blue-collar shoppers who felt …
families & children
134 Money Tips, Special Mother’s Day Edition
In this week’s link roundup: wisdom, tips, and lessons about money and family from moms everywhere—and tons of affordable, heartwarming gift ideas that’ll show much Mom is appreciated.
It’s a Deal: Free Comic Book Day on Saturday
Saturday, May 7, is Free Comic Book Day, when comic book shops around the country give out select complimentary comic books to all customers. Search for participating locations here.
Good Reads: Fancy (but Worthless) Kitchens and College Degrees, and More
Here’s some recommended reading, inquiring into issues like: Why do consumers keep paying top dollar for huge, high-end kitchens and designer appliances they almost never use? Why do students keep buying into the idea that college is the only path to success, and that racking up tens of thousands in loans is a good idea? And how the heck …
The Passive-Aggressive, Total Cheapo Gift Guide for Mother’s Day
The National Retail Federation expects a rise in Mother’s Day spending this year: The average celebrant will spend $140.73 on mom, up from $126.90 last year. Consumers are expected to drop billions on restaurants, flowers, greeting cards, and candy—and interestingly enough, much of this spending goes against the wishes of Mother’s Day …
It’s a Deal: 25% Off Schwinn Bikes & Helmets
Through May 7 (and just in time for warm weather), Toys R Us is discounting all Schwinn bicycles and helmets by 25%. This 18-inch boys’ bike, for instance, is selling for $59.99, down from the original price of $79.98.
How to Raise a Billionaire
The parents of the Virgin Group’s Sir Richard Branson think it’s a good idea to abandon your son around age 5 on some random hillside and have the boy figure out how to get home on his own. “I didn’t want him to be a namby-pamby little boy like all the other little boys,” explains Branson’s mum, Eve.
166 Money Tips, Special William and Kate Royal Wedding Edition
Joining in the royal wedding frenzy, and arguably slightly more tasteful than souvenirs like Crown Jewels condoms, here’s this week’s roundup of consumer and personal finance tips—including some money-saving advice to take away from William and Kate’s nuptials.
82 Money Tips: Weird Ways to Cash in Reward Points, Bizarre College Scholarships, and Practical Advice for Getting What You Want for Free
Duck tape, you see, is makeshift DIY projects anymore. Fold, twist, and stick the tape the right way, and it can mean a $5,000 college scholarship.
35 Reasons Grandparents Are Better with Money than You
To save money, channel your inner crusty old codger.
Cheapskate Wisdom from … Elmo
“On Wednesday Elmo wanted to buy ice cream that he craved. / But Elmo didn’t spend at all. No that day Elmo saved.”
78 Money Tips: Why It’s Sexy to Be Frugal, Secrets Your Jeweler Never Reveals, and More
This week’s roundup of consumer tips and personal finance advice also includes a list of actions to take right now that promise to “change your financial life forever.” One such suggested action: Do something nice for your spouse today, so that you don’t have to buy her something nice later on.