When Bank of America eliminated announced it was eliminating debit card overdraft fees, many observers were puzzled. Why would BoA give up such a big money-making scheme entirely, rather than simply tweak it to fall into line with new regulations regarding overdraft protection and fees, like most other banks are doing? And, more …
Who Needs to Pay Movers or Rent a Truck When You’ve Got Friends and the Subway?
One New York City resident recently relocated from Flushing, Queens, to a one-bedroom apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and while that may represent a “moving on up” change, he moved his stuff—dishes, stand-alone closet, linens, window A/C unit, a 40-lb. bag of rice, and more—on the subway. And yes, he had to transfer from …
It’s a Deal: Every T-Mobile Phone Is Free this Saturday
On Saturday, June 19, all T-Mobile phones are free, so long as you sign up or add a new line to a family plan with a two-year agreement.
How the New Federal Dietary Guidelines Will Save You Money
Every five years, a federal nutrition panel makes recommendations as to what Americans should and shouldn’t be eating. The latest report was just released, and while the main goal is make Americans healthier, you’re all but guaranteed to save money if you follow the recommendations.
Housing starts sputter, but maybe that’s not all bad
The smaller-than-expected number of housing starts in May helped send the stock market lower this morning. This chart from Calculated Risk (which you can click on to make larger) puts things in perspective:
Revenge of the Mortgage Lenders: They’re Coming after Strategic Defaulters
Millions of homeowners are considering the idea of walking away from their mortgages. But walking away doesn’t necessarily absolve the former homeowner of responsibility. Beyond the damage done to your credit score, there’s the very real possibility of lenders coming after you for the money that was lost in a short sale or foreclosure. …
Is A Double Dip Coming?
No one question haunts investors, economists and policy makers more than the five words above. It’s easy to see why: if the economy trails off in the second half of 2010, the stock market will surely head south since it is not now pricing in such a dark scenario. Indeed, Tuesday’s strong rally got the cnbc anchors announcing that the …
Will austerity programs doom the recovery?
One of the great uncertainties facing the global economy heading into 2010 concerned exit strategies. At what point was it safe for governments to begin unwinding the massive stimulus programs implemented to fight off the Great Recession? We always knew this was going to be a tricky question. Cut back too soon and sink the global economy …
Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid
Some insight as to why you really want to avoid payday loans, store-affiliated credit cards, and high overdraft fees.
Is the GM IPO a Buy?
It seemed like more Detroit delusions when General Motors CEO Ed Whitacre predicted in March that the government would eventually make money on its bailout of the beleaguered auto maker. But just three months later, General Motors increasingly looks like it is ready to exit the chop shop. Things have actually been turning around for the …
It’s a Deal: 50% Off Everything at Jos. A. Bank
All suits, shirts, pants, accessories—everything—is half off at Jos. A. Bank through midnight on Tuesday, June 15. Free shipping for orders of $175 or more.
$145: What Upper-Income Consumers Spend on an Average Day
That was the average in May for people earning $90K or more, and the figure represents an increase of 33% from May 2009, when folks in that same income bracket spent an average of $109 per day.