Category Archives: Consumer Spending
Why Prepaid Debit Cards Might Not Be Such A Good Deal
When gift cards surpassed traditional presents in popularity, I knew it was only a matter of time before we started just giving cash. And then, just as I predicted, the prepaid debit card arrived. It’s sort of the equivalent of cash, but more convenient than carrying around a wad of bills (and less awkward than… Read More »
More Consumers Turning to Personal Bankruptcy
Personal bankruptcies are on the rise, according to the American Bankruptcy Institute – and there’s a reason that might actually be a good thing. Obviously, filing for bankruptcy isn’t ideal. In a perfect world, we’d all be able to overcome our debt burden by making a budget and sticking to it. Actually, in a perfect… Read More »
Consider Choosing Layaway Over Credit When Holiday Shopping
It’s the beginning of October. So naturally all the stores are putting out their Christmas decorations already. It’s a little hard to get into the Christmas spirit when I’m trying to plan my Halloween. But what’s just plain scary is the nagging thought of the money I’m going to have to drop on presents for… Read More »
Layaway, Cash Can Save Money on Holiday Shopping
Forget the jack-o-lanterns. Visit almost any retail store right now, and you’ll notice that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. With just a bit more than two months until Dec. 25, stores are already decking their shelves in red and green. In my opinion, it’s an annoyance. And not just because I’d like… Read More »
Saving Isn’t Just About Spending Less, It’s About Spending Smarter
Earlier this year, a poll found that 32 percent of Americans believe spending less has become their normal, permanent behavior. Cheap chains like McDonald’s, Wal-Mart and dollar stores have been thriving. There’s even been talk that our generation will be penny-pinchers just like our grandparents and great-grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. If there’s… Read More »