Walking away from Fannie and Freddie is hard to do (Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS)
UPDATED Friday 1:36 PM.
First of all, let’s start with what’s clear: The government is not going to exit the housing market. Yes, after the White House’s GSE reform, Uncle Sam may play a more limited role, but that might take as long as 7 years for that …
This week’s roundup features 134 tips that are (mostly) about celebrating Valentine's Day—and scoring big points with your significant other—without spending a fortune.
“This plan seems more like a way for a retailer to add a higher-profit item to a low-margin sale than a great way for consumers to get a break on new gear. And it will make even less sense after Saturday when the program is no longer free.”
Use the coupon code BXP8221X (thanks Bargainist) at the online checkout at Borders, and you’ll get 40% off any single item—a book, DVD, gift, take your pick. The code is valid for purchases made by February 14.
How does a $2.99 bottle of red wine from Trader Joe’s compare to a pricier competitor?
Curious CapitalistEconomy & Policy
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner plans a reduced role for government in home finance market (Jason Reed/REUTERS)
Two years on from the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Washington wants out of the housing business. Tomorrow, the Obama administration is going to recommend slowly phasing out the government’s role …
“I mean, is saving $10 such a landmark event? The last time you bought a house, a car or even a night at a hotel, did you haggle for another $10 off? You probably could have gotten it. But you didn’t. Somehow, though, in the Groupon context, it feels like a steal. There’s something about the simple phrase, ‘$10 for $20 worth of …
On Friday, February 11, and Saturday, February 12, T-Mobile is allowing customers to walk away with any smartphone of their choosing for free—provided they sign up for a two-year service contract, of course. The phones offered include the HTC HD7, Samsung Vibrant, and the T-Mobile myTouch 4G.
This shouldn’t come as news to anyone, but these statistics show just how bad of a time it is to try to sell a house—and also how difficult it is for many homeowners to afford the ones they have.
Psst. How do you say Sell in German? (Brendan McDermid/REUTERS)
Call it the World Stock Exchange. And be afraid.
On Wednesday, news emerged that parent of the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, is considering merging with the Deutsche Borse, which is the largest stock exchange in Germany. Of course, the New York in the NYSE has …
“A new national survey a different kind of STD that couples must worry about. Turns out if you marry someone who has debt and doesn’t tell you about it, you may pay the price for years to come. Plus, if your spouse is financial promiscuous while you’re married, you may be on the hook to pay off your spouse’s secret spending. The …
And here’s another hint as to why the national savings rate has decreased: According to a recent survey-two-thirds of Americans are suffering from “frugal fatigue.” In other words, they’re sick of maintaining careful budgets, abstaining from fun splurges, restricting spending, and all that business about responsibility and living below …
