Which sounds more appealing: an artisan sandwich, or just a plain old sandwich? Marketers are increasingly tossing the word into the name of food products because consumers assume “artisan” means the item is somehow made with love and expertise and individuality. But many “artisan” foods are processed and mass-produced just like their …
Drop in Housing Prices Continues to Slow
Housing prices of 20 cities were flat from July to August, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller housing index. Year-over-year and on a seasonally adjusted basis, the composite 20 index was down 3.8% from August of last year. …
“If you had more money than you knew what to do with, would you want more?”
3 Ways to Know You’re Getting a Great Deal on a Home
From Kim Kardashian’s wails that she lost a $75,000 earring in the ocean, to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Dana Wilkey’s boasts that she dropped $25K on sunglasses, reality TV starlets seem to get a rush out of broadcasting …
Credit Cards for Kids? Don’t Be Childish
It’s absolutely true that kids should learn about the mechanics of credit: How to use it responsibly and why it can get very expensive very quickly if you don’t. But the idea that they need a card of their own to practice this is …
Why the Stock Market Rally Isn’t Likely to Last
U.S. share prices are rising, even though the economic picture both here and in Europe is getting worse. Why is it happening and what should you do about it?
Why Paul Volcker Soured on His Own Rule
The Volcker Rule, which was passed as part of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill and is supposed to ban risky trading by large banks, doesn’t have a lot of fans. Bankers have fought it. Republicans, like much of the Dodd-Frank bill, want to repeal it. And even some Democrats don’t think it will be all that effective. But among the …
Are Sitcoms Thriving Because the Economy Is So Troubled?
Stubbornly high unemployment. Foreclosures and frustrated underwater homeowners. Bank fees here, record-high student loan debt there. Financial volatility forecast for years to come. These are the stories dominating the news. No wonder TV viewers seem to be picking shows to zone out and enjoy a few laughs.
How I Did It: Omar Soliman, CEO of College Hunks Hauling Junk
Soliman explains how he and partner Nick Friedman transformed a disorganized, one-truck operation into a national brand
Christmas Price Guarantee: Walmart’s New Move to Reel in Holiday Shoppers
It’s happened to everyone: You buy a holiday gift, and soon regret making the purchase because the same item later appears on sale for a fraction of the price. With Walmart‘s new holiday season price-matching promotion, shoppers …
Obama’s Housing Refinance Program: Underwhelming Policy, Expedient Politics
Did you know that you can’t be for fixing the housing market and not be for President Barack Obama’s American Jobs Act? That was the underlying message of a conference call with two top Obama advisers on Monday morning, …
Poor Economy Causes Livestock Rustling to Spike
An estimated 4,500 cattle have been reported missing or stolen this year in Texas and Oklahoma. And the livestock thieves seem to know exactly what they’re doing. “These guys are not your typical fly-by-night, …