Back-to-back stories in the NY Times point out two interesting trends in the automobile market. First, brand loyalty is long gone. Second, for many consumers, the car itself is gone as well.
Budgeting
Saving’s Double-Edged Sword: Good for You, Bad for the Economy
Economists say the only way you can get your finances in better shape is to save more and spend less. Economists also say that the way to get our national economy in better shape is to have people spend more—and therefore save less. So basically, right now, we should all be spending more and saving more. Right …
How to Cook Like the Frugal Foodie
“Chicken broth is the frugal cook’s best friend.” That nugget of wisdom and others come up in a conversation with Lara Starr, a.k.a. the Frugal Foodie.
Worst Stuff to Buy at BJ’s Club and Costco
Personal finance gurus Ken and Daria Dolan weigh in on what you really shouldn’t buy at warehouse clubs like BJ’s and Costco.
Has the Recession Been a Curse or a Blessing?
The recession has been a major kick in the pants—but is that exactly what you needed? For folks who underwent big career shifts they were more or less forced to make, and who are happy about the changes, the answer is most definitely yes.
Will the Recession Effect Last?
For now at least, cheap is cool. Frugality is viewed as acceptable, sensible. The assumption is that this “Great Recession,” which has thrown the nation (and our retailers) all for a loop, will have lasting effects. Here’s why it won’t.
But Apparently People Do Like to Buy Weddings on eBay
A couple in England bid just $81 on eBay and won a wedding at a classy country inn, easily saving them more than $2,000.
A Dozen Disturbing Health Care Statistics
Most people know the big number: 45 million. That’s the generally accepted tally of Americans currently without health insurance. With the prospect of a public option all but gone, it appears that any change that does occur will pretty much bring more of the status quo—meaning more numbers like these.
Ten Odd Economic Indicators: Hot Waitresses, Men’s Underwear, Blacked-Out Football Games, and More
It’s hard for the lay person to wrap one’s brain around the rise or fall of GDP, new residential sales, money supply, and other traditional economic indicators. What do those numbers really mean? Well, here are some other indicators that do as advertised, truly indicating in simple terms how people are living, what they’re doing to keep …
Curious About Ditching Plastic and Going Cash Only? Read This First
Even in the 21st century, you can survive without plastic. Thrive, actually. Many people swear by the switch to cash-only as a means to avoid going into debt.
The Haggler’s Guide to Cheaper Health Care
A 53-year-old man who used to cover the health insurance industry as a journalist purposefully decides that health insurance isn’t worth the money, and so he goes without it. He negotiates with doctors, haggles over the costs of services, and asks for discounts because he’s paying in cash. Over the course of a year, he’ll save $6,000.
A List of Money-Saving Lists: 422 Ways to Save in Total
When it comes to tips for saving, the more the better, right? Here’s a list of lists that’ll help you save money around the house, out at malls or restaurants, in Starbucks, at the grocery store—just about anywhere.