For What It's Worth | Finance Blog on Comcast.net

Black Friday "doorbuster deals" sometimes sound too good to be true. And in many cases, they are, according to a recent article by Parija Kavilanz at CNNMoney.com.

As Kavilanz explains, a close look at the fine print that appears next to advertised deals in circulars reveals phrases such as "while supplies last," "minimum 2 per store," "no rainchecks" or "all items are available in limited quantities."…

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:00:15 GMT | Renee_DeFranco

Scratching the Surface of the Irrational Investor

Now that our faith in efficient and rational markets is largely discredited, new studies are sketching in the multiplicity of ways in which investors make decisions -- irrational decisions. This is all part of a new generation of behavioral economists and psychologists working together to replace the simplistic ideas of the economic orthodoxy that helped bring about our recent economic collapse.…

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:51:13 GMT | Kenneth_Eisold

Mickey Mouse's Makeover

It has been 81 years since Mickey Mouse was first unveiled to the public in "Steamboat Willie" at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Since then, he has undergone only slight cosmetic changes.

But now, in late 2009, the idea of a Mickey makeover is actually being entertained. The Walt Disney Co., after years of keeping Mickey in a timeless, changeless capsule, is re-imagining him for the future, according to Brooks Barnes' New York Times article.…

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:17:22 GMT | Renee_DeFranco

Is Now the Time to Buy Your First Home?

Congress has extended the $8,000 first-time home-buyer tax credit, so anyone who has been waffling about becoming a homeowner has six more months to contemplate taking the plunge. Here's essential, introductory advice for every novice shopper.…

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:01:11 GMT | Val_A_Patterson

Leaked Black Friday Ads for Wal-Mart, Target and More

Earlier this week, we shared a list of the best Black Friday sites. These online hubs reveal the latest deals, discounts and even "unconfirmed" rumors of what "might possibly" be available.

We suppose we were on to something… Today, one of the sites on our list actually leaked Target's Black Friday ad.…

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:09:39 GMT | Renee_DeFranco

What Do the Happiest States Have in Common?

Where you live can certainly influence your day-to-day happiness, and according to a recent survey by the Gallup Organization, some states are happier than others.

What do the front-runners share? Gallup found that states with higher levels of wealth, education and tolerance are happier on average. More specifically, states with higher gross regional product (GRP) per capita (which measures a state's level of productivity and standard of living), income levels and median housing values took the lead.…

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:48:20 GMT | Renee_DeFranco