A few months ago, it seemed Germany’s ego couldn’t get any bigger. The country’s joblessness rate had fallen to its lowest levels since German reunification in 1990, and its small Mittelstand businesses, the backbone of the …
The Secret Cause of Buyer’s Remorse
Being able to hold things before we buy them makes us more satisfied with our purchases.
Hostess, Maker of Twinkies, To File For Bankruptcy
Talk about sweet sorrow: Hostess Brands, manufacturer of lunchbox staples like Twinkies, Hohos and Ding Dongs, is planning to file for bankruptcy this week, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. The company, which also makes …
Why January Is the Best Month for Cheap Fast Food
After the annual holiday spending binge, consumers tend to hunker down and save money by cooking more at home. Well aware of consumer tendencies, fast-food restaurants do their best to tempt diners into eating out more often by …
Zombie Debt: A Real-Life Horror Story
A person with blemished credit and a history of defaulted debts will have trouble getting a credit card, so an unsolicited credit card application can seem like a lifeline. But some of these cards come with some very sneaky fine …
Why Economists are Rooting for Inflation
In most people’s minds inflation is up there with unemployment as one of the main ills you don’t want an economy to come down with. But in fact a growing number of economists are arguing that rising prices are exactly what we …
Why a Business Major is No Longer the Ticket
The Great Recession has dramatically changed the way we value a college education. First came the argument that a college degree isn’t worth the cost. Now we’re bashing the venerable business degree.
Holy Earlobe Remorse! Fixing Faddish Earlobe Holes Can Cost Thousands
In retrospect, many fads look silly. But they’re typically harmless, and provide a little fun without costing much money. On the other hand, jumping on the bandwagon with certain recent trends—in particular, getting a tattoo or …
Mitt Romney: Successful CEO or ‘Predatory Corporate Mugger’?
GOP Rivals Hammer Frontrunner’s Private Equity Past at Bain Capital
Suze Orman’s New Prepaid Debit Card
Oprah pal Suze Orman never had much in common with reality TV‘s Kardashian sisters — until now. The personal finance personality debuted a prepaid debit card, the Approved Card. Prepaid cards are notorious for high fees — and …
Will Tensions With Iran Really Push Gasoline to $5 a Gallon?
Conflict with Iran could send the price of oil soaring and push gasoline prices to $5 a gallon, according to analysts. Here’s how to assess the chances that will happen.
Will the Euro Survive 2012?
Just the fact that I’m asking this question shows how bad off the 17-nation currency actually is. As the euro-zone debt crisis enters its third, uncertain year, the euro could face its biggest challenge yet. Italy’s bond …