Best Buy released its first-quarter 2012 earnings this week, and though the numbers beat Wall Street expectations, net income took a tumble — falling 25%, compared with last year. And more than just poor earnings have plagued …
Has Facebook Jinxed the IPO Market for Everyone?
Facebook’s post-IPO meltdown has certainly been bad news for investors who got into the stock at its initial price — or higher. Is it also bad news for the IPO market as a whole?
Crafty Ways Car Dealerships Get You to Spend—When You’re Not Buying a Car
As the average car on the road has never been older, it’s come as no surprise that all of those old cars need service and repairs—and the auto repair business has never been better. With that in mind, car dealerships are …
Euro Crisis: Is the Currency (Finally) Doomed?
Since the start of Europe’s debt crisis in 2009, there has been a steady drumbeat of predictions that the euro is doomed. The problems were too intractable, the debts too large, the political will too feeble. So far, the …
This Free Pizza Offer is Being Criticized as Discrimination
When retailers and restaurants offer freebies, the point is to draw attention—not controversy. The only reason to protest 7-Eleven for giving out free Slurpees or Haagen-Dazs for dishing out free ice cream cones might be that the complimentary serving sizes are too small. But what do you expect when you’re paying $0? Now, though, a …
Facebook, Wall Street Banks Sued Over Pre-IPO Financial Forecasts
Just days after its controversial IPO, Facebook and its Wall Street bankers have been hit by shareholder lawsuits alleging that the social networking giant and its underwriters concealed the company’s decelerating revenue growth …
The Fee That Credit Card Issuers Are Leaving Behind
Banks, the thinking goes, have never met a fee they didn’t like. Yet one credit card charge that has been standard for years—the “foreign transaction” or “foreign currency” fee, which tacks on an extra 3% or so to every hotel …
Retirees Taking Early Social Security Benefits Hits 35-Year Low
Boomers have got the message: For most people, it makes sense to delay Social Security benefits to age 70 if possible. More made the choice to delay in 2011 than at any time since 1976. Here’s how you can afford to wait too.
Pinterest Can Drive Traffic and Sales to Your Website
Small business owners have reported big jumps in website traffic and sales thanks to the Pinterest social networking site, so if your business isn’t on there, it probably should be.
Let’s Play Supermarket Matchmaker: Is ShopRite, Publix, ALDI, or Walmart Right for You?
Do you think all supermarkets are basically the same? The results of a new survey show differently. If you’ve been shopping around for a new grocery store, the numbers may provide insight as to which chain is the perfect match for you.
Turn Obstacles into Assets
Successful people work with what they have to achieve their goals. This includes surprises, obstacles, and even disappointments. Next time you face a challenge, think about how it can help you. Use negative feedback to gauge whether to invest more resources or pull the plug before it’s too late. Take your boss’ rejection of your idea …
The Term “Pink Collar” Is Silly And Outdated — Let’s Retire It
You can’t throw a stone around the internet today (if that’s even possible?) without running into the New York Times’ new study on so-called “pink-collar jobs.” The report found that over the last decade more and more …