Foreclosures have been holding back the housing market for some time. It’s one of the reasons housing prices have continued to sag, long after many predicted a rebound. But recently there has been some news that seems to suggest a light at the end of the housing bust tunnel. The number of completed foreclosures has been dropping …
Sony’s Earthquake Writeoff Brings Net Loss to $3.2 Billion
Sony seems like a family that suffered the death of loved ones and then had its house burglarized while attending the funerals. The company announced that it would incur a $3.2 billion loss for the fiscal year that ended last March tied to natural disasters and an Internet break-in. Neither event will improve Sony’s ability to compete …
Which Came First: Cheap Fast Food, or the Desire for Cheap Fast Food?
“People don’t like cheap, tasty, high-calorie fare because McDonald’s offers it. McDonald’s offers it because people like it.”
It’s a Deal: 25% Off Everything at Old Navy
Use the coupon code ONMELON to get 25% off your total purchase at Old Navy’s website, or follow the link to print out a coupon for the same discount for in-store purchases. The discount is valid for purchases made on Monday, May 23, though there are also discounts for Tuesday (20%) and Wednesday (15%) as well.
Radio’s Financial ‘Experts’ With Advice You Shouldn’t Follow
You turn on the radio and hear the same host week after week offering financial advice, chatting and answering questions posed by guests, and everything seems legit and trustworthy. But this is no ordinary radio show. What many listeners don’t understand is that the host has paid the station for the time slot, and the show is an …
98 Money Tips: Quirky Credit Card Perks, ‘Happy Accident’ Deals, Home-Decorating Ideas Under $5, and More
Also, this week’s link roundup features everything you need to know about navigating this summer’s bargain real estate market—including arguments that, even with the relatively low prices of homes today, it’s still smarter to rent.
Was LinkedIn’s IPO Bad for America?
LinkedIn’s public offering yesterday got a lot of buzz. Its shares surged over 90 percent on their first morning of trading and hit nearly $87 apiece after opening at $45. Today the shares are trading around $100. That’s good …
DVDs in the ‘Disney Vault’: B.S. Manipulative Marketing at its Best (Worst?)
Every now and again, Disney pulls movies out of the marketplace and places them out of consumer reach in the vaunted “Disney Vault.” On the surface, this makes no sense: Why would a company, which obviously makes money by selling …
Is Goldman Sachs Doomed?
These are the last days of Goldman Sachs.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Goldman is preparing to be hit with subpoenas soon from U.S. prosecutors looking into the firm’s mortgage operations. How big was the news? Not very. Dealbook, the New York Times blog about all things Wall Street, didn’t even cover it. And that …
It’s a Deal: 30% Off Everything at Levi’s
Use the coupon code FRIENDS (thanks Buxr) to get 30% off your entire purchase at Levis.com. Discounts are valid for purchases made by May 23.
Insane Clown Controversy: Deep Thoughts on the Movement to Retire Ronald McDonald
Firing a clown isn’t going to end the childhood obesity problem. I actually sorta think that kids are scared of clowns, so the presence of that creepy white-faced clown face may keep them away from McDonald’s. But obviously, based on the recent outcry to get the Golden Arches to stop marketing to kids, there are plenty of people who want …
Why Can’t College Grads Find Better Jobs?
A study out yesterday from Rutgers University found that, not surprisingly, college grads are having a tough time finding a job. And those who do find one are being paid less to do work that isn’t up to snuff with their skill level. Yet, despite the meager payoffs of their college degrees, many graduates think the solution is more …