On ABC's Shark Tank, America met Nicole Jones of Chicago. "I've been in love for a very long time," she purred. "In love with shoes!" And we were introduced to Pillars of Slippers, a retail store with a service that throws shoe parties at ladies' homes. Continue reading.

WalletPop Wire

Borders coupon for 33% off

Julia Scott Feb 9th 2010 @ 5:00PM EST Filed Under: Bargain Babe

Here is the latest coupon from Borders. Get 33% off any one regular-priced item today through Thursday, Feb. 11.

Some exclusions. Online use coupon code BSL7210X. One per person. The coupon also works at Borders Express and Waldenbooks.

You must belong to their free Borders Rewards program to use the coupon. I highly recommend joining because it is free and they pretty much send you one coupon a week.

Caveats: cannot be combined with any other offer, excludes previous purchases, special orders, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, comics, coupon books, eBooks, digital downloads, video games, vinyl LPs, self-publishing programs, tax software, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone(R) software, shipping, and all electronics.

Continue reading Borders coupon for 33% off

No seed shortage for gardeners this spring, despite reports to the contrary

Tom Barlow Feb 9th 2010 @ 4:30PM EST Filed Under: Food

Thanks to the recession, more Americans are interested in growing their own vegetables. Bad timing, according to an Associated Press report that seeds for some popular veggies might be in short supply this spring.

However, I had the chance to speak by phone with George Ball, chairman of the home-garden seed industry leader W. Atlee Burpee & Co., who told me that its supply of home garden seeds was plentiful.

The AP reported that an industry representative from the Chas.C. Hart Seed Co. expressed concern that, thanks to increased demand from Europeans and a poor growing season last summer, cucumber, onion, snap pea and carrot seeds could be in short supply. Ball told me that while this could be true for some smaller companies, overall the supply should be adequate for even the increased demand that he's seen over the past two years.

Continue reading No seed shortage for gardeners this spring, despite reports to the contrary

Deaths spark crib recall: CSPC says to stop using Generation 2 and ChildESIGNS cribs

Mitch Lipka Feb 9th 2010 @ 4:00PM EST Filed Under: Recalls, Consumer Ally

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a crib recall and warning anyone with Generation 2 Worldwide or "ChildESIGNS" drop side cribs to stop using them following reports of the deaths of three babies. At least a half million of the cribs are believed to have been sold by the now defunct company.

"Infants and toddlers are at risk of serious injury or death due to strangulation and suffocation hazards presented by the cribs," the CPSC said in a written statement. "CPSC staff urges parents and caregivers to stop using these cribs immediately and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby."

Continue reading Deaths spark crib recall: CSPC says to stop using Generation 2 and ChildESIGNS cribs

Survey says? Homeowners think real estate collapse is over

Zac Bissonnette Feb 9th 2010 @ 4:00PM EST Filed Under: Real Estate

A Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey published last week suggests that most homeowners think the worst is over, and don't anticipate further declines in the value of their properties in 2010.

Just 15% of homeowners surveyed in January expected their homes to decline in value over the next year, the lowest level since early 2007. It should be noted that the last time a lower percentage of homeowners expected their homes to fall in value, home prices promptly tanked.

Continue reading Survey says? Homeowners think real estate collapse is over

Dave Ramsey's recession-themed pick-up lines

Zac Bissonnette Feb 9th 2010 @ 3:45PM EST Filed Under: Extracurriculars, Recession

Get out of debt guru Dave Ramsey is now in the hookup business. He has provided his fans with a list of recession- and debt-themed pick-up lines.

Here are a few of the best ones, with an archive of past ideas here:

If I had a dollar for every time I thought about you, I'd be in a higher tax bracket.

I won't ask to borrow your phone number, since borrowing is stupid. Will you just give it to me instead?

Continue reading Dave Ramsey's recession-themed pick-up lines

Valentine's Day is the best time to buy a sports car

Josh Smith Feb 9th 2010 @ 3:30PM EST Filed Under: Transportation, Economizer

There's nothing like cruising down the highway, wind whipping through your hair in a sporty two-seater to stir up romantic feelings.

Whether you're playing the parts of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in "To Catch a Thief," enjoying a first date in an Alfa Romeo like Dustin Hoffman and Katherine Ross did in "The Graduate" or flying through the desert in your "Schaguar" like Mike Meyers and Elizabeth Hurley in "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," there's no arguing with the romantic feelings that a fast car brings.

Even better than spending Valentine's Day in a sports car, right now is one of the best times to buy a one.

Continue reading Valentine's Day is the best time to buy a sports car

Credit checks don't tell potential employers enough to allow them

Sarah Gilbert Feb 9th 2010 @ 3:15PM EST Filed Under: Credit, Career, Credit Reports

The state of Oregon is considering a bill I think is a fabulous idea. SB 1045 is titled "Limits use of credit history for employment purposes to certain circumstances," and it does just that: prevents employers from requesting credit checks to use as a screening tool for potential employees, unless the credit history provides a substantial relation to the employee's job (for instance, a bank teller or mortgage broker position).

As someone who's seen this issue from many angles: as an employer who checked credit; as an individual with bad credit looking for a job; and as an employer burned by unethical employees, I believe credit histories, instead of providing an employer with valuable tools, are loaded with pitfalls on both sides of the hiring desks.

Continue reading Credit checks don't tell potential employers enough to allow them

IRS has no information on missing stimulus checks

Kelly Phillips Erb Feb 9th 2010 @ 3:00PM EST Filed Under: Tax, Tax - Advice, Tax - Credit

After the popular "stimulus checks" issued as part of efforts to jump start the economy in 2001 and 2008, many taxpayers were again looking forward to a check in 2009. This year, however, checks weren't in the cards for most Americans.

Most of the taxpayer relief for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) focused on the Making Work Pay credit. The Making Work Pay credit allows up to $400 per individual worker and $800 per working married couple and is figured on your tax return. Those who did not work during the year are not eligible for the credit.

Continue reading IRS has no information on missing stimulus checks

The pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loans

Kelly Phillips Erb Feb 9th 2010 @ 2:45PM EST Filed Under: Tax, Tax - Advice

Anyone fortunate enough to be getting a tax refund will probably want that money sooner rather than later. But don't let your haste cloud your good judgment. There are a number of less-than-scrupulous outfits out there that are waiting to prey on your desire (or need) for quick cash.

One of my clients is a good example.

When she learned she was getting a refund on her taxes this year -- money she desperately needed to pay the oil bill -- it was all she could do to fight back the tears of joy. Last year, it had been a whole different story.

Continue reading The pitfalls of Refund Anticipation Loans

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