I’m often asked what I’d do to improve financial literacy in the United States. The premise seems to be that if we teach young people about compound interest and two-cycle billing, this information will lead them to make better financial choices. I’m not convinced.
Psychology of Money
The Real Reason We Love Some Brand Logos — And Hate Others
Wendy’s recently rolled out a new logo in the hopes of updating the company’s image and giving the brand a bit of a facelift. But sometimes the desire for a little nip and tuck can backfire.
Selling Your House? Choose Your Words Carefully
Certain phrases pop up again and again in real estate listings, and these keywords offer a good indication of the prices a property will command. A listing promising a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” for instance, has an …
It’s Peak Season for Shopping Because You’re Depressed
The most depressing day of the year supposedly takes place right around now. It’s also prime time to be tempted into shopping as a cure for the blues.
Why Shoppers Just Can’t Resist Clearance Sales
It’s prime time for consumers to buy things they shouldn’t, even at 75% off.
Practice Makes Perfect: A New Way To Think About New Year’s Resolutions
New research suggests that the best way to keep resolutions is practice before you reach.
Parent Holiday Conundrum: How to Walk the Fine Line Between Treating and Spoiling Your Kids
Is it remotely possible to be Santa and a responsible parent at the same time?
Beware Panic Shopping! How to Make a Last-Minute Gift Count
With just days until Christmas three-quarters of adults still have shopping to do. History tells us they will waste their money. Here’s how to make a last-minute gift matter.
Why Free Shipping Is Almost Universal — And Why You Should Be Wary of It
If you didn’t notice it, yesterday was celebrated in some quarters as Free Shipping Day. It does seem odd, though, to focus on a single day for free shipping when throughout the entire season free shipping has not really been …
Can the Federal Government Really Deter Insider Trading?
It’s been two decades since Michael Milken, a.k.a. the junk-bond king, pleaded guilty to securities fraud following a blockbuster insider-trading investigation that shined a light on bad Wall Street behavior during the go-go …
Are Holiday Sales Statistics Juiced? How Retail Sales Totals Can Vary By Billions
By one estimate, retail sales hit $59 billion over Black Friday weekend. Or was the sales total a mere $22 billion, as another index stated? Similarly, online sales on Cyber Monday may have reached $1.46 billion or $1.98 billion, depending on which set of statistics you prefer.
Kids and Allowance: The Debate that Divides Us
To heck with the fiscal cliff. The financial debate that won’t go away is among parents who just want to know if their kids should work for the allowance they receive. The answer isn’t always as easy as it may seem.