Long before “99%” became a symbol of Occupy Wall Street, the microfinance industry used the number to describe the share of its clients — poor entrepreneurs shunned by traditional banks — who repaid their micro-loans on time. …
Could Your Property Taxes Actually Be Getting Cheaper?
Property taxes are based on the value of one’s home. But as the real estate market collapsed and owners watched in horror as home values dropped by one-third, or perhaps half, their property taxes probably didn’t budge. Through …
Bonds Are on a Roll — Is it Time to Give Up on Stocks?
A well-known academic argues against stocks, even for the long run. But it feels a bit like arguing that Warren Buffett doesn’t know what he’s doing. Whose side would you take?
People Are Stealing Tide Detergent and Using It to Buy Drugs
So say the latest reports about a “crime wave” sweeping the nation. According to multiple news sources, theft of Tide Detergent is soaring across the country, forcing retailers like CVS to consider placing alarms on each …
The 10 Best Brand Extensions Ever (According To Me)
Ideas for Small Business
A look at the innovative ways small businesses are adapting and growing in a changing economic climate
Look Out, Dunkin’ Donuts: McDonald’s Plans to Offer Breakfast Pastries
Egg McMuffins not your thing? No problem. McDonald’s is trying to boost its share of the breakfast business with new offerings like muffins, scones and danishes. The fast-food giant is rolling out a line of breakfast pastries in …
Uh-Oh: Banks and Credit Unions Peddling Payday Loans
A payday loan by any other name is still a raw deal for consumers. That’s the message watchdog groups have in response to the growing number of short-term, high-cost loans being offered by banks and even credit unions. Since …
You’re Wasting Time at Work Right Now, Aren’t You?
If you’re blowing off meetings and turning in projects late, blame Facebook. A new survey pegs the social networking giant as the top reason so many of us are mentally checked out during the workday.
Delegate, Then Disengage
Entrusting a project to someone else can be tough. But if you don’t rely on others, you’ll always end up doing everything yourself. You’ll also shortchange those who could learn by taking new tasks. Once you delegate something, don’t be tempted to micromanage the process. Agree on the expected outcomes and just let go. If …
What’s the Worst Company in America?
What happens when you take companies many Americans love to hate and place them into something we all love to love – namely, a tournament bracket? Welcome to The Consumerist’s Worst Company in America 2012 tourney!
Will Crowdfunding Drive a New Wave of Startup Investing?
Venture capital investing has traditionally been the domain of the wealthy, but that could change with the passage of new legislation that will allow entrepreneurs to raise money from a much broader swath of the public — and …