A new book takes issue with those who give for the wrong reasons. Does it really matter why we give, as long as we give? Here are three ways to fix charity.
Psychology of Money
5 Ways Companies Win by Giving Stuff Away
Consumers love freebies. But the companies handing out complimentary donuts, comic books, ice cream, pancakes, and Slurpees love giveaways even more. On the surface, freebies look like obvious money losers. But when handled wisely, giveaways are all but guaranteed to boost sales.
Last week, Procter & Gamble hosted an enormous giveaway …
Why Dads Get Short Shrift on Father’s Day — and Dads Are O.K. With It
When it comes to their respective days of honor, why do dads get funny ties and moms get diamond-heart necklaces? Why do we spend 40% more on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day? Some seemingly ungrateful children (and a few dads) …
Sure, Go Ahead and Invest in Goldman Sachs’ Hedge Fund for Average Joes (Just Don’t Expect to Make Money)
Much attention has been paid lately to Goldman Sachs’ decision to “help” average folks (a.k.a. the 99% crowd) access the kind of high-stakes hedge funds once available only to the superrich (a.k.a. the 1%). And while all sorts of pundits and investor advocates have noted the folly of this and similar ideas, there’s a case to be made that …
JC Penney Reintroduces Fake Prices (and Lots of Coupons Too, Of Course)
In early 2012, JC Penney promised the end of “fake prices”—ones that were inflated just so that shoppers could be tricked into thinking the inevitable discounts represented amazing deals. Well, it’s already time to welcome back …
Forget Lowballing: Bidding Wars Return in Hot Housing Markets
Are buyers being manipulated into overbidding for the relatively few attractive homes on the market?
How to Tame the Rising Cost of Prom Season
Americans generally remain frugal in the aftermath of the Great Recession. But prom night appears invulnerable to austerity. Here’s what you can do about it.
How a Few Text Messages a Month Can Secure Your Retirement
Reminders are effective when it comes to reaching savings goals, and now you can sign up for regular helpful advice via text and get a shot at $500 to boot.
Attention JC Penney Shoppers, Look Out for the Return of ‘Sales Galore’
After months of abysmal sales tallies, the Ron Johnson era is over at JC Penney. Now that Johnson’s “fair and square” no-coupons pricing policies have proved to be a failure, the department store will have to try something else …
Is Retail Therapy for Real? 5 Ways Shopping Is Actually Good for You
You know the phrase, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”? There just may be some wisdom in that.
Beyond Showrooming: 3 Quirky Ways Smartphones Are Changing How We Shop
When shoppers met the smartphone, they quickly learned that the device was ideal for shopping around — while shopping in person. They could do things like check Kelley Blue Book prices at car dealerships, or see if a dress in a …
What’s the Key to Money Success: Behavior or ‘Mechanics’?
An Ohio school teacher sounds off on blogger’s assertion that personal finance is a waste of time unless it focuses on the psychology of spending.