It’s been hard not to miss the steady stream of news suggesting that some time soon the U.S. will catch up with the rest of the world when it comes to using mobile phones and other devices as digital wallets. If you don’t …
3 Hot Real Estate Markets That You’ve Likely Never Heard Of
Rarely does a week go by without someone publishing a list of real estate markets that are recession-proof, or that have recovered already, or that they predict will recover sooner than others.
The Newest Real Estate Trouble: “Flopping”
Real estate markets are somewhat inefficient. This shortcoming allows me to make my living, because as an agent, I can add value with a keen sense of pricing. However, the imperfect market also allows room for scams. Meet the …
Is OPEC dead?
You’d think that OPEC would be laughing it up right now – all the way to the bank. With oil prices at a lofty $100 a barrel, OPEC’s oil exporters are sucking in petrodollars on a grand scale. But all is not happy in the world’s most infamous cartel. A meeting of the 12 OPEC states last week broke down in acrimony after a …
116 Money Tips: President Obama’s Personal Finance Advice, Best Coupon Sites, Cheap Goods That Make Life Better
Also, if you’re considering the outsourcing of lawn maintenance duties, there’s reason to mow it yourself beyond the cost considerations. Some, in fact, might argue that you should make the chore as exhaustive as possible.
Testing Bernanke: Will the Economy Improve in the Second Half?
Earlier this week, talking to a group of bankers, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said essentially there was good news and bad news about the economy. The bad news was that the economic recovery had been slower than he and others expected. The good news: that’s about end. Bernanke predicted economic growth will pick up. The second half of the …
It’s a Deal: $1 Tickets to Family Movies This Summer
Tickets to family-friendly G- and PG-rated movies cost just $1 apiece at Regal Entertainment Group theaters this summer. Admission to films such as “Megamind,” “Monsters Vs. Aliens,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “Karate Kid” is just $1 …
One Reason Why Companies Aren’t Hiring? They’re Buying Equipment
A front-page story in today’s New York Times offers an intriguing reason as to why unemployment continues: companies are investing in equipment instead of people. It’s the most significant disparity between the two in three decades.
Mobile Payments Are Coming — But When?
Tech companies and the financial industry promise us that smartphones will replace our wallets. Analysts say "don't hold your breath." Find out how these tools will make everything from shopping to commuting easier — and how …
America Suffering from ‘Value Mania’
The dictionary defines mania as “excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm.” So in this case, it’d be an excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm for value. But is there anything remotely unreasonable about demanding good value when …
I Borrow, Therefore I Am!
A recent study led by Ohio State University Professor Rachel Dwyer yields a shocking, appalling, and mostly just terrifying conclusion: Many young people feel empowered by their student loan debt — and even by their credit card debt.
Demand for Student Loans and Car Loans Increases
According to the Federal Reserve, non-real estate consumer debt increased by $7.2 billion during the month of April, as consumers borrowed with abandon to buy cars and pay for college. Farewell, new-found thriftiness.