Category Archives: Consumer Spending
Pay Down Debts First to Get the Most Out of Savings
Forget iPhones, jewelry and designer jeans – the latest trendy accessory this fall is a purse with tight strings. Yes, the nation with a negative savings rate has finally gone frugal. According to a poll taken this spring, 32 percent of the country believes spending less has become a permanent way of life. We’re increasingly… Read More »
Chicago Community Workshops Are One More Way to Learn About Finances
Even though it’s been a while since the end of summer meant back to school, I still find myself intrigued by the new clothes, backpacks and books on store shelves. It’s not so much the stuff – since I don’t have kids yet, I’m not planning a back-to-school shopping spree – but the feeling I… Read More »
Cash for Clunkers Might Not Be Such a Good Deal
It’s official – the Cash for Clunkers program is a hit. But while that might be good news for the ailing auto industry, it’s not necessarily good news for consumers. In case you’re not familiar with the program, here’s how it works. When you turn in a low-mileage vehicle for one that meets higher-mileage guidelines… Read More »
Consider the Real Cost of Cash for Clunkers
Thanks to the new government incentive program Cash for Clunkers, we might be seeing a lot more hybrid and other low-mileage vehicles on the streets – and that’s both good and bad. It’s good for the auto industry, because it spurs people to buy more cars. And it has potential to be good for the… Read More »
Prioritize Your Own Economic Health Over the State of the Economy
Sometimes it seems like there’s no way to win. Americans are saving at the highest rate in years and paying off debt in record numbers. Recently the Federal Reserve announced that June saw the fifth straight month of reduced credit card debt. It seems like frugality has finally caught on. That sounds like good news,… Read More »