Tim Geithner could reveal today whether or not his Treasury Department will formally label China a “currency manipulator.” There is mounting political pressure for the U.S. to take stronger action against China’s currency policy. Being perceived as “soft” on China won’t help the Democrats in upcoming November elections. And a …
Chances Are You Have 3.45 Credit Cards in Your Wallet
Perhaps that means you cut one of your cards in half recently? In 2007, the average American consumer had four credit cards. Today, the average is down 26%, to 3.45 credit cards per consumer.
It’s a Deal: $10 Off $20 Purchase at Office Depot
Follow this link (thanks Buxr) for a coupon that grants $10 off a purchase of $20 or more at Office Depot. Good for in-store purchases only, valid through October 20.
Supermarket Scene: Shopping Baskets (Not Carts) Filled with Cheap Store Brands
According to a recent survey, 93% of grocery store shoppers say their habits have changed due to the recession. For the most part, the changes involve people choosing cheaper brands for necessities like shampoo and cereal (often generic store-brand products). Many shoppers are also simply buying less period, and to force themselves to do …
More Fed Easing: A Help or Hurt To Markets?
World markets are practically giddy in their expectation for a new round of easing by the US Federal Reserve. As the Financial Times noted Thursday morning, “the FTSE All-World index is up 0.8 percent to its best level since September 2008. The benchmark has climbed 14% in six weeks–a period in which traders’ risk appetite has risen …
Which Is the Most Painful Shopping Experience of All?
Marketers are always trying to convince consumers that shopping is fun. Some consumers even consider shopping to be something of a sport, perhaps even the modern-day national pastime. So why is it that, even in an era when we have access to more information than ever about products and prices, shopping for certain things is inevitably a …
Awesome Question: Would You Rather Be Middle Class Now or Rich in 1900?
Either way, you’d be making roughly $70K a year.
Cheapskate Wisdom … About Helping Consumers Avoid Cell-Phone Overage Fees
“Most people don’t know what a megabyte is. But they do understand when they get an alert telling them they’re about to go over their limit and incur additional fees.”
State Govts Catch on to Saving Strategies Every Consumer Knows About
Did you know that shopping around can save you money? Or that it is unwise to spend money you don’t have? Apparently, state governments are just catching on to these and other innovative saving strategies.
It’s a Deal: Second Pair of Glasses Free at EyeBuyDirect
Now through October 25, when you buy one pair of prescription eyeglasses at EyeBuyDirect, you’ll get a second pair at equal or lesser value for free. The minimum purchase is $14.95. More details here.
Thoughts on cafés and competitiveness
I was walking about in a quite-hot Barcelona this summer and badly needed a cold drink. In Asia, you never have to worry about finding a bottle of water or Coca-Cola. Small convenience stores sit practically on every corner, either hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop shops, or the bright, boxy chain store variety. Large sections of Tokyo and …
Wall Street Déjà Vu: Lackluster Profits Equal . . . . Record Bonuses?
Former Pay Czar Kenneth Feinberg is among the people who have tried to rein in Wall Street pay (Jason Reed/REUTERS)
When it comes to bonuses, Wall Street is stuck in the hot tub time machine.
Apparently, it takes more than the fall of two storied investment firms, a financial crisis, a bailout, Andrew Cuomo, a pay czar, the Great …