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 …
Personal Finance
Forget Lowballing: Bidding Wars Return in Hot Housing Markets
Are buyers being manipulated into overbidding for the relatively few attractive homes on the market?
Housing Prices Jump Again…and Wall Street May Be Playing a Role
If journalists were allowed to bet (we’re not) it would have been easy to call today’s S&P/Case-Shiller housing price data. After jumps of 6.8% two months ago (reflecting December year-over-year sales) and 8.1% last month …
Kodak to Pay Retired Workers in Film (and Other Adventures in Creative Pension Funding)
Kodak becomes the latest company to make a noncash pension contribution. Can hard assets like cheese, whiskey and beer really secure our retirement benefits?
10 Steps to Spring Clean Your Finances
When it comes to spring cleaning, you probably haul the junk out of your garage, scrub your fridge, and wash the rugs and drapes. But don’t forget about your personal finances. Just after tax season is the perfect time to perform …
Safe Bet? Central Banks Suddenly Start Buying Stocks
Even central banks are buying stocks, chasing better returns in this low-rate environment. Should you join them?
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.
Ben Affleck to ‘Live Below the Line’ with Food Budget of $1.50 per Day
Oscar winner Ben Affleck’s next project is a challenge aimed at raising money and awareness for global poverty.
Retirement Gamble: Frontline’s Powerful Case for Taking Control of Your Financial Future
As if you needed reminding, the last dozen years have exposed the 401(k) as a deeply flawed primary retirement savings mechanism. A PBS special takes you through the gory details.
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.
Code Police! 6 Things That May Surprisingly Be Banned in Your Front Yard
Just because it’s your property doesn’t mean you can do anything you’d like with it. Towns and residential communities ban all sorts of things from appearing in front yards, and by most accounts, enforcement of the rules is picking up.
Mandatory Savings: How Australia Fixed a Retirement Crisis
The land down under has gotten on top of their retirement-savings crisis through a system of mandatory savings accounts. The U.S. is sure to give them a look