Such a Simple Question, Such Big Savings Potential: ‘Is That the Best You Can Do?’

Increasingly, the idea of a completely set, non-negotiable price is disappearing pretty much anywhere and everywhere consumers shop nowadays—even at huge retail centers such as Lowes.

200 Tips: Gifts to Inspire and Gifts to Avoid, DIY Decorating Ideas, Money Resolutions, Best Credit Cards, and More

Also, an argument that, depending on one’s perspective, may seem totally sensible or radically Grinch-ish: No buying of presents whatsoever.

It’s a Deal: 50 Free Photos, Free Shipping from Snapfish

Use the coupon code HPINK50 thanks DealSeekingMom) to order 50 4″ x 6″ photos free of charge—with free shipping to boot—from Snapfish. The offer is valid for new or existing customers, though it’s unclear when the promotion is due to expire.

The Christmas Without Credit Cards

Have consumers finally learned their lesson? This could qualify as a Christmas miracle. Surveys indicate that the number of shoppers using credit cards for holiday purchases has fallen to the lowest percentage ever since such data has been gathered. That’s a good sign considering that an estimated 13.6 million Americans are still paying off debts [...]

Credit Unions and Small Banks Cream Big Banks in Customer Satisfaction Survey

The results of a new survey show that 88% — 88%! — of credit union and small bank customers say they’re satisfied with the service they receive, and only 1% of credit union customers report being dissatisfied.

Survey: More Than Half of Pets Will Get Holiday Gifts

Renters are more likely to buy pet gifts than homeowners, women are more likely than men to splurge on their pets, and dogs are more likely than cats to receive gifts. So if you’re a pooch owned by a female renter, chances are pretty good there’ll be a bone, or perhaps a diamond-encrusted leash, in [...]

It’s a Deal: Buy One Sweater, Get One Free from Old Navy

Now through December 11, when you buy one sweater at OldNavy.com, you can get a second sweater free by entering the coupon code ONSWEATER at checkout.

Q&A: Matthew Schifrin, Author of ‘The Warren Buffetts Next Door’

A new book profiles ten unknown, ordinary investors—including college dropouts, engineers, a former truck driver, a retired DJ, most of them without MBAs or fancy degrees. What makes these investors extraordinary, however, is that they’ve managed to do what the wisdom on the street says can’t be done by consistently pulling in amazing returns. How [...]

Signs You’ve Taken Frugality Too Far

For instance: Stealing light bulbs from a hotel, and stealthily swapping in dead bulbs you brought from home.

The Holiday Office Party: Good for Employee Morale, But Not as Good as Cash

It’s office party season. Are you psyched, or do your holiday wishes include some green other than the Christmas tree propped up on the office printer? In a recent survey, 93% of workers said they’d happily drop the office party if it meant a little more money in their pockets.

Shout Out: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ (Investopedia Edition)

“When on CNBC there arose such a clatter/ Investors sprang from their chairs to see what was the matter./ Up to the TV they flew like a flash,/ To hear the latest rumors and political trash.”