There’s been a lot of chatter recently about whether or not the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is going to need a bailout. The FHA insures—but does not write—home loans, and thanks to the housing bust, the agency has had to dip a little further into its reserves than it probably would have liked to. That means the FHA might …
Shout-Out: Len Penzo’s ‘Store-Brand vs. National-Brand Blind Taste-Test Experiment’
Personal finance blogger Len Penzo brought together a panel of very opinionated people—11 members of his family—to compare national brands of cookies, kielbasa, tortilla chips, and other foods with the equivalent products sold under the store brand of his local Albertsons supermarket. The blind taste-testers included Aunt Doris (how …
In a Financial Bind? Turn Your Kid into a Money-Making Model
A child is not exactly renowned for giving a good (purely financial) return on the parents’ investment. That is, unless the child starts earning his or her keep with a lucrative modeling contract.
What if the economy actually is getting better?
Last week I greeted a couple pieces of good economic news, the reports that GDP grew 3.5% in the third quarter and house prices rose 1.2% in August, with a shrug and worries that things might be about to take a turn for the worse. So it seems only fair to point out that, this week, the news has only been getting better. The manufacturing …
The Text-Message Savings Plan
Do you want to save more money? A new study shows that people were able to boost their bank-account balances when they regularly received simple reminders to save via text message.
It’s a Deal: 40% Off All CVS Brand Products
The pharmacy chain’s sale on all store-brand products only lasts through today, Wednesday, November 4, and it’s only valid for online purchases. Free shipping on orders over $49. More details here.
Almost $300 billion in housing aid (and only $60 billion of it for renters)
The CBO has a new “economic and budget issue brief” out on one of our favorite subjects, federal support for housing. The gist: there’s a lot of it.
Do we need a czar for college tuition?
The Chronicle of Higher Education reports* that $50,000 is quickly becoming the typical cost for a year at one of the nation’s elite colleges:
Fifty-eight private colleges now charge at least that much for tuition, fees, room, and board, a Chronicle analysis of College Board data shows. Last year only five colleges did.
Talk about …
Houseplants So Low Maintenance Even You (Probably) Won’t Kill Them
Who needs a high-maintenance houseplant? If you’re going through the trouble of decorating your home with some greenery, it makes sense to buy something that’ll last—even if your home is as dark as a basement, your ability to remember to water is nearly nonexistent, and your thumbs aren’t remotely green.
It’s a Deal: Buy One, Get One Free Eyeglasses at EyeBuyDirect
From now through Sunday, November 8, EyeBuyDirect is giving away a free pair of eyeglasses with every pair purchased.
Alexander Hamilton, hip-hop icon
Really no commentary necessary, other than that I learned of it via Christopher Hayes (via a couple other people) on the Twitter:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNFf7nMIGnE]
In the Land of Opportunity, Not as Much Opportunity as You Might Think
Is a combination of hard work, intelligence, and talent a guarantee of success? Or has the American Dream become just a dream?