Perhaps browsing for merchandise with an iPad feels like a novelty, and the added excitement of using new technology pushes consumers to spend more—and spend more often—compared to online shopping via PC. Perhaps the color …
5 Ways You’re Getting Nickel-and-Dimed While Traveling
Don’t look now, but travel could be getting even more expensive. The New York Times is reporting that the Obama administration has proposed increasing the air travel security fee. Currently, airline passengers pay a $2.50 fee per …
Is Europe’s debt crisis becoming a banking crisis?
Something truly scary might be about to take place in Europe. OK, I know what you’re thinking – isn’t something scary already happening in Europe? Greece is heading for a default as politicians and bankers bicker over the terms of its second bailout. Pressure is growing on Italy as its borrowing costs rise. Stocks have been …
Reminder: NYC Financial Fitness Workshop on Saturday, October 1
Any New York-area readers looking to improve their financial fitness this weekend?
This Starbucks T-Shirt is $85 — It Has a Coffee Stain on It
Maybe Starbucks doesn’t realize that many economists are forecasting a double-dip recession. Or maybe they just don’t realize that people don’t like stains on their shirts.
Hot New Marketing Target: Infants
Same Old Story: Health Insurance Premiums Soar, Yet Again
Haven’t we all heard this one before? The average cost of health insurance premiums rose sharply this year: Family costs are up 9%, topping $15,000 annually for the first time. Over the last 10 years, family premiums have risen …
A Quirky Way to Earn 5.1% Interest With a Regular Savings Account
Most bank accounts pay little or no interest these days. Consumers seeking an extra (or any) return on their money could, however, check out high-yield checking accounts, some of which pay 2%, 3%, even 6% APY. But such accounts …
A Cup of Coffee For You = 23 Cents For Your Bank
The Wall Street Journal reported that Visa and MasterCard plan to hike debit card fees (also known as interchange fees) for what are described as “small-ticket” transactions. “[T]he credit-card companies plan to increase the fees …
Simply Finishing College Offers the Best Chance to Gain Financial Education
A new report paints a dim picture of success in college. Meanwhile, the failed pursuit of a college degree leaves many in a financial straight jacket: They owe tens of thousands of dollars in student loans and have a diminished …
The Grown-Up Homes of Teenage Stars
For years, it seems like those who became wildly successful early eventually grew up, developed a drug habit and tried to collect as many mug shots they could by age 30. But Hollywood now has a coterie of former child stars who …
Could the European Debt Crisis Cause a U.S. bank to Fail?
Depending on how you look at it, U.S. banks could lose as much as $1 trillion if the current money troubles in Europe were to lead to a full blown financial crisis. Or they could lose close to nothing. It depends on who you believe. Understanding why there is a difference of opinion is at the heart of knowing whether U.S. banks are …