Some words of wisdom for those demanding elaborate shows of love and affection on their birthdays, long after they’ve passed the age of 10: “Birthdays are for kids, except in the rare case when friends go ‘over the top’ for a fellow adult’s birthday, in which case it’s to be enjoyed strictly as the little life bonus it is. As in, …
families & children
204 Money Tips: Ways to Find Jobs, Get Free Shipping, Avoid Debt and Impulse Purchases, and More
Also: tips for cutting back on what you pay for everything from groceries to toys to your first home.
Careless Consumerism: How You’re Really Spending Eight Times as Much as You Thought
“If you choose to spend a dollar today, you are actively choosing not to have four dollars, or six, or even eight later.”
It’s a Deal: 50% Off Everything at Carter’s
Now through Sunday, March 27, the kids clothing retailer Carter’s is discounting all merchandise by 50%. The spring sale is valid in stores and online, and the only exclusions are baby bath and body care items, and merchandise that’s already on clearance.
184 Money Tips: How to Repurpose Leftovers, Save $50K, and Put Your Preschooler to Work
It’s time for the weekly roundup of helpful, weird, and wonderful money-saving tips from around the Web.
It’s a Deal: 40% Off Everything at the Star Wars Shop
Now through March 20, all in-stock merchandise at StarWarsShop.com—including Legos, posters, clothing, action figures, and more—is being discounted by 40% during the site’s Spring Cleaning Sale. Shipping adds an additional $4.95 to $9.95.
Economic Indicator: Tooth Fairy Payments Are Up 18%
The national average appearing under the pillows of recently de-toothed children is now $2.52 a pop. That’s up 18% from the average of a year ago ($2.13). And the increase, according the group that conducts this annual poll, is a strong indication that the economy is improving. Either that or the black market for kids’ incisors is as hot as gold.
It’s a Deal: More Than 40% Off at The Children’s Place
The Children’s Place has marked down all sorts of apparel for babies, boys, and girls by 40%, and when you use the coupon code D2DTGF3Z2C (thanks Buxr), you’ll get an extra 15% knocked off. The code is valid for purchases made by March 17.
134 Money Tips: Help with Old Furniture, Old Wedding Dresses, Old Yard Sale Junk, Old Bread, and More
Also, why you should forget about self-help gurus—and follow the lead set by leprechauns instead.
Study: When You Feel Loved, You Love Stuff Less
A new psychology study shows that people who feel loved and accepted by others place lower monetary values on material possessions than folks who feel insecure and unloved. In other words, the folks who don’t feel valued and appreciated tend to value their stuff more.
What Stuff Costs
You probably spend more on beer, cable, pets, day care, and health insurance than you think. And you wouldn’t believe what some couples will spend on their wedding day.
10 Angry and Entertaining Consumer Rants
Got rage? Sometimes, going off on a rant—or just reading one—makes you feel a little better. So read. Enjoy. Laugh. Maybe get a little worked up. Or just be happy you’re not the only angry consumer out there. Then breathe and get on with your life.