All Articles Tagged As: personal finances

Reducing demand can lower electric bills, lessen chance of blackouts (6/11/2008)

A 5-percent reduction in electricity use will lower the market price of electricity, cut consumers' bills and lessen strain on the grid when demand shoots up this summer ...> Full Article

Borrowers Who Complete Homeownership Education Programs Make Better Refinancing Decisions (5/14/2008)

In light of the subprime mortgage crisis that has resulted in extraordinarily high default rates on home mortgages, one might wonder what the government can do to better educate new potential homeowners. A recently published article appearing in the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management found that borrowers who complete homeownership education and counseling (HEC) programs are more informed about when to make refinancing decisions. The effectiveness of education and counseling varies by the type of program. ...> Full Article

When positive thinking leads to financial irresponsibility like compulsive gambling (4/25/2008)

Looking on the bright side can lead to irresponsible financial behavior ...> Full Article

Financial literacy can make, break money management efforts (3/19/2008)

When President George W. Bush cited the nation's subprime mortgage debacle in the formation of the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, he was the latest to acknowledge that Americans need to be better educated about financial and savings matters ...> Full Article

Tightwads outnumber spendthrifts (3/18/2008)

We all have a friend who can't seem to save, constantly splurging on new shoes or the latest gadgets. But, contrary to persistent media coverage of overspending and under-saving, a recent international survey of more than 13,000 shoppers suggests that chronic under-spending is far more widespread than originally thought. In fact, the study reveals that tightwads outnumber spendthrifts by a 3 to 2 ratio. ...> Full Article

Changing economic factors, social norms delay transition to adulthood (1/29/2008)

Scientist concludes that young adults lazier now than they were 20 years ago. ...> Full Article

Financial Savvy - 'Key To Successful Living' (1/10/2008)

Reevaluating your financial plan is something that you can do at any time of year, but for most people, it makes sense to schedule a little check-up when the New Year rolls around. That makes it easier to remember when it's time again. Although there are many aspects of your financial plan that you should go over every year, my suggestion today is for you to take a careful look at your household's asset allocation. ...> Full Article