It seems like more than just coincidence that the birth rate and the overall number of births in the U.S. have sharply declined since the beginning of the recession.
Back in 2007, America was experiencing a mini-baby boom. The recession brought that to a quick halt. As early as 2008, the country saw a significant drop in birth rates. Baby booms and busts do tend to follow economic cycles. But what was surprising was how quickly birth rates cratered, dropping even before it was [...]
In recent years, sales of disposable diapers have fallen at the same time that diaper rash cream sales have increased. The explanation being given? Parents are changing their kids’ diapers less frequently, perhaps out of a desire to save money.
We’ve also rounded up advice on how coupons and buzz words and phrases (“Limited Time Only!”) can easily push consumers to waste money they otherwise would have saved.
This week’s link roundup also includes simple rules of thumb for buying everything from coffee to a home, and insights as to why personal finance can be as tricky—and messy—as potty training.
During the Land of Nod’s Super Duper Summer Sale, child furniture, toys, bedding, rugs, and assorted other gear for kids and babies is being discounted by up to 70% off, though most items seem to be marked down more in the range of 20% to 40%.
Also, why you should forget about self-help gurus—and follow the lead set by leprechauns instead.
Got rage? Sometimes, going off on a rant—or just reading one—makes you feel a little better. So read. Enjoy. Laugh. Maybe get a little worked up. Or just be happy you’re not the only angry consumer out there. Then breathe and get on with your life.
Apparently, it’s never too early to get your child into the consumer mindset.
Also, this week’s roundup includes tips to save on baby products, weddings, e-books, groceries, and everyday household expenses, along with Jedi mind tricks played by retailers (store clerk to you: “These are the shoes you’re looking for”), and signs indicating that frugality has turned to the dark side, transforming honorable thrift into hoarding as disturbing [...]
To today’s young professionals, debilitating credit card and student loan debt and unemployment rates of 10% are common parts of their economic landscape, while ideas like job security and real estate investments that always rise in value seem like concepts of the distant past. How do people in their 20s and 30s differ from previous [...]
