Shopping
The Year Ahead at MattAboutMoney.com
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
I’m excited about the start of a New Year, the opportunity to pursue some important new goals, and the opportunity to share ideas with you on how to live with the freedom and joy that come from getting the money thing right. As we reset the calendar, this seems like an appropriate time to explain ... [Read more]
9 Comments » Holiday Shoppers Planning to Leave Credit Cards at Home
Sunday, November 14th, 2010
The recession is prompting more people to pay cash for their holiday gifts this year. According to a study by the market research firm Morepace, 40 percent of people plan to avoid using credit cards for any of their holiday gifts this year – up from 35 percent last year. For those making less than ... [Read more]
Avoid These Holiday Shopping Traps
Monday, November 8th, 2010
As we move into the retail industry’s most important season of the year, Consumer Reports is out with some helpful guidance on what to watch out for. The biggest trap, according to the magazine, is purchasing an extended warranty. These are significant profit generators for the stores that sell them, but are rarely a good ... [Read more]
Superstar Savers Share Their Secrets
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
Do you find it tough to save money? Money Magazine and CNN recently profiled some super savers, and they offer great lessons for all of us. Ed Haskell and Debbie Chasteen save a whopping 50 percent of their after-tax income. How do they do it? They have a clear, compelling goal of retiring before age ... [Read more]
The Complaint Department is Open
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
Got a complaint about something you bought? Or are you thinking about buying something but wondering how well the product worked for previous buyers? There are numerous complaint Web sites. However, as with the items criticized on the sites, some of the sites are better than others. According to a report by the Consumer Federation ... [Read more]
Saying, “I Do,” Without The Debt
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Call it a benefit of the Great Recession: the average cost of a wedding has dropped 30 percent from a high of $29,000 in 2007 to today’s mere $20,000, according to The Wedding Report. If you or someone you know is headed down the aisle sometime soon, here’s how to save even more. According to ... [Read more]
The 80/20 Closet
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
You’ve probably heard of the 80/20 rule – that 80 percent of the effects come from 20 percent of the causes. There are all sorts of places where this rule is at work. For example, at many companies 80 percent of their sales come from 20 percent of their customers. Recently, popular personal finance blogger ... [Read more]
The Great Cyberspace Marketplace
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
Looking to buy or sell something online? There are more sites to consider than just eBay or Craigslist. Mainstreet.com recently highlighted 14 niche marketplace sites. Bonanzle is for buyers and sellers of “Everything but the ordinary,” including vintage toys, artwork, and more. To buy or sell homemade jewelry, handbags, or other crafts, try Etsy. Glyde ... [Read more]
The Good That Credit Cards Can Do
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Some say that no one should have a credit card. They argue that charging purchases puts people on the path to financial ruin. To be sure, there are people who would be better off without credit cards. However, just because some people get into car accidents doesn’t mean no one should own a car. Used ... [Read more]
Sites That Save
Monday, February 8th, 2010
Everyone loves a bargain, and there are plenty to be had if you know where to look. A recent Mainstreet article highlighted some of its favorite money saving web sites, including Groupon (offers a new deal every day in about 50 cities), where I recently got a coupon for a great deal at the restaurant ... [Read more]
