It’s the time of year when lists are made forecasting the rise and fall of household expenses, big and small. Accordingly, it may also be time to tweak the family budget.
Budgeting
9 Handy Financial Rules of Thumb
A rule of thumb is a general guideline, an easy way to approximate a value quickly. But it’s not meant to be completely accurate.
10 Big Retail Trends from the 2012 Holiday Shopping Season
What did the 2012 holidays teach us about the current state of shoppers—and, of course, the places where they shop?
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.
Drivers May Get Special Christmas Present: $3 Gas
“Cheaper gas prices” probably wasn’t tops on many holiday wish lists. But relief at the pump could represent a holiday dream come true: As families save money on gas, the budget will be freed up to purchase more presents.
Done Holiday Shopping Already? Post-Black Friday Retail Lull Sets In
Shopping fatigue may have already hit American consumers, and there are still nearly three weeks left until Christmas.
Can Energy-consumption Data Change Consumer Behavior?
Do you know how much energy you consume every 15 minutes? Most would say that’s a hard — if not impossible — question to answer, but San Francisco-based utility provider Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) now has access to that information for 30,000 of its residential customers, thanks to its “SmartMeter” program. PG&E’s …
Millennials: Turns Out the ‘Entitled Generation’ Is Willing to Sacrifice
The idea that all millennials act the same way, or that millennials as a group are entirely self-centered and unwilling to sacrifice is just plain wrong.
Brand Names Just Don’t Mean as Much Anymore
No matter if we’re talking about cereal, cough syrup or batteries, products featuring nationally recognized name brands tend to cost more than their generic store-brand counterparts. But the assumption that higher price means …
Financial Education: A Job for Teachers or Parents?
The idea that teaching kids about money should be left to parents is strictly old school, a panel of experts agreed. Personal finance is “Reality” in the post financial crisis world and should be regarded as the Fourth R. This is …
Women and Money: Why You Need to Take Control Now
The good news: More than a third of American women are now the family breadwinner (look at that!). The bad news: We still tend to pass the buck on important money matters, such as investing and retirement. Ready to take charge of …