Alpha Consumer
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Unexpected College Costs: Readers' Edition
Continue reading… 5 CommentsAs I was collecting ideas on unexpected college costs for my recent story on the subject, I heard about a lot of hidden expenses that aren't usually advertised in universities' marketing materials: Copying machines that eat cash. Mandatory gym fees. Formalwear for occasional Saturday night events. Some ideas didn't make it into the article, and readers added their own suggestions, as well. Here are some of my favorites:
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Wedding Guests Rethink Gift Spending
Continue reading… 40 CommentsIt's wedding season, which means guests are faced with the often confusing question of how much to spend on wedding gifts. The recession has only made the issue more complicated. With guests trying to keep their own budgets under control, they sometimes feel reluctant to shell out $100 or $200 for a newlywed couple, but they also know that couple might need their financial support more than ever.
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When a Deal Isn’t Really a Deal
Continue reading… 3 CommentsToday’s guest post comes from Matt Bell, a personal finance speaker and author of two books, including Money Strategies for Tough Times
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One positive side to the recession is that there are lots of “deals” to be had. From cars to couches to cable TV subscriptions, just about everything, it seems, is on sale. But do bargains really save us money, or do they prompt us to spend more than we would otherwise? Here’s a look at the potential downside to some of the most common deals.
[See "Top 8 Money-Saving Websites."]
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Audio: Pre-Marital Money Talks
Continue reading… 4 CommentsOver the weekend, I spoke with WTOP in Washington about six money talks to have before you walk down the aisle. Hot topics include who will manage bill paying, whether to have separate or joint accounts, and long-term financial goals.
6 Money Talks to Have Before You Marry
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Credit Card Bill Already Affects Consumers
Continue reading… 7 CommentsToday's guest post comes from DR, the senior editor of two finance blogs, the Dough Roller and Credit Card Offers IQ.
On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, otherwise known as the Credit Card Act of 2009. The White House described the law as "marking a turning point for American consumers and ending the days of unfair rate hikes and hidden fees." While the majority of the law does not go into effect until February 2010, its impact has already been felt in the credit markets. Unfortunately for consumers, the impact has not been exactly what Congress and the President had hoped for.
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The New Generation of Philanthropists
Continue reading… 4 CommentsFor a new generation of philanthropists, giving to charity isn't just about writing checks. Instead, the focus is on volunteering, socializing, and networking -- while also contributing to good causes. "Many Generation X-ers are more interested in social advocacy and engagement philanthropy," says Dwight Burlingame, associate executive director at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. That means they are more likely to want to work directly with organizations instead of just donating money, he explains.
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How to Make a Micro-Loan Overseas
Continue reading… 5 CommentsDear Alpha Consumer,
I recently went on a trip to Ecuador and feel inspired to donate money to a micro-lending program in that country in order to help a small business owner there. What is the best way for me to do that? -
Stephen Baldwin: Another Celeb Debt Casualty
Continue reading… 0 CommentsStephen Baldwin, star of I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Apprentice, has become the latest celebrity to fall victim to the dreaded bankruptcy curse, which affects a disproportionate number of famous people. He filed for bankruptcy earlier this week and has over $2 million in debt. (Loyal watchers may have clued in to his financial troubles when he balked at a pricey hotel bill on Celebrity Apprentice.)
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Buy a Foreclosure with a New Government Program
Continue reading… 3 CommentsToday's guest post comes from Brandon Laughridge of Mortgage Loan Place, which specializes in educating consumers on all types of mortgages with an emphasis on government loan programs.
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New Words for a New Economy
Continue reading… 2 CommentsDoes the recession have you reaching for new words? The Chicago-based ad agency Cramer-Krasselt has come up with a list of the year's top new terms, including "Econnoisser" and "Homedulgence."
Here are a few of my favorites:
