‘Tis the season … to accumulate debt, and in that spirit we thought we’d write about a pair of related and timely subjects. The first is a new study, containing findings that could help you pay off loans faster. The second is a …
Planning
Fewer Teenagers Have Driver’s Licenses … Because of Gas Prices and the Internet?
The number of teen drivers has dramatically decreased over the past couple of decades. In 1983, 69% of all 17-year-olds had driver’s licenses. By 2008, only half of 17-year-olds had licenses. What’s behind the big drop?
10 Money Moves to Make Before 2012
It’s that time of year again. Gifts to buy. Tips to hand out. Charities to support. While you’ve got your hand on your wallet, consider these 10 year-end money-saving moves designed to create a little something extra just for you.
3 New Year’s Resolutions that Reflect Reality
What a difference a year makes. The economy is struggling longer than many had expected, and now Americans are retooling their New Year’s resolutions to fit the times.
Impatient? Then Your Credit Probably Stinks
Were you sitting and drumming your fingers while waiting for this page to load? Do you think instant coffee takes too long? If you’re impatient, more than just your blood pressure will suffer: You’re also liable to have poor …
How the Lost Decade is a Boon for Your Portfolio
The lost decade has a silver lining: investors who accumulate shares during long market dry spells end up with twice as much money, new research shows.
Lipitor Already Cheaper After Patent Expiration
Drug prices almost always fall after a manufacturer’s patent expires and generics hit the market. But with its blockbuster cholesterol-fighting drug Lipitor going off-patent this week, drug maker Pfizer has launched an all-out …
Student Loans: A Call for Creative Solutions
Universities raise tuition faster than the vast majority can afford. That leads to more government grants and government and private loans, which flow to universities. They then construct lovely new buildings, largely on the …
American Dream Deferred: We Now Embrace More Modest, Personal Goals
The Tragic Death of the Temporary Tax Cut
I love the holidays in Washington. Christmas trees at the Capitol, carols at the National Cathedral–and another partisan catfight over taxes.
Retirement Planning Mistakes: Fear or Ignorance?
A new survey drives home some critical points about the recession’s impact on retirement planning. We fear the stock market even in the long run and probably should be taught more about money in school.
What Darwin Can Tell Us About Black Friday
The seeming economic success of this year’s Black Friday-But-Really-Thursday, judged by many as an economic win-win for business and consumers, got us wondering what we as a country have gained in terms of what psychologists …