WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Talking your student out of college may be a worthwhile discussionhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/talking-your-student-out-of-college-aaron-working/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/talking-your-student-out-of-college-aaron-working/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/05/talking-your-student-out-of-college-aaron-working/#commentsFiled under:

Right now, while high school seniors are being encouraged to work on college applications, 40% of parents should be asking themselves whether their son or daughter is a good risk for college next fall.

That's right, 40% of parents should be asking whether college is the best next step. Then, the hard part -- they should be talking with their sons and daughters about it before investing --or worse, borrowing -- college tuition money.

Here's why. According to the U.S. Department of Education, among college freshmen who graduated in the bottom 40% of their high school class, 76 of 100 won't earn a college diploma, even if given 8-1/2 years.

Have you and your senior talked about options yet? Have you compared his thoughts to your own?

Continue reading Talking your student out of college may be a worthwhile discussion

Talking your student out of college may be a worthwhile discussion originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>collegecostsexpensesBeth WechslerMon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 ESTCocaine user demands consumer rights http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/05/cocaine-user-demands-consumer-rights/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/05/cocaine-user-demands-consumer-rights/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/05/cocaine-user-demands-consumer-rights/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just when you think there's nothing dumb left to report, up pops "Disgruntled drug buyer calls police to complain."

Now, granted, this is Cape Cod, where it was winter right through the end of April, and where rain has been and continues to be the forecast through May 9. Cape Codders aren't at their best right now.

Still, it's hard to believe that a man called the police at 12:40 a.m., "asking them to arrest another man because he had given the man $150 to buy cocaine, but the seller never handed over the drugs."

Maybe the caller had been smoking too much pot, now that small amounts of marijuana have been decriminalized in Massachusetts. Then there it was, almost 1 a.m. and the coke still hadn't arrived.

The cops have not made any arrests so far, the paper reported. But the anonymous caller did rat out the drug dealer by leaving the bad guy's contact information.

There's just no dealer loyalty these days.

Cocaine user demands consumer rights originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Cape CodCapeCodcocainepoliceunusual newsUnusualNewsBeth WechslerTue, 05 May 2009 09:00:00 ESTCan you afford prom night? Do you want to?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/04/can-you-afford-prom-night-do-you-want-to/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/04/can-you-afford-prom-night-do-you-want-to/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/05/04/can-you-afford-prom-night-do-you-want-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With prom season on the horizon, the New York Times reports that -- at least on Long Island, which may not be an indicator of anything -- the market for prom-related items like clothes, tanning, hair, nails, tickets and transportation isn't flinching at the recession. While sales figures seem to be in line with 2008, the paper also notes that there are, "plenty of signs that spending on these events is causing families financial strain."

As a parent and a children's therapist, all of this inclines me to lose my lunch. It also makes me wonder whether these parents or teenagers have any idea how thoroughly they've been had.

The truth is that if you haven't sorted out your own values then it's probably too late by prom time. Parents who still worry about having the "right" clothes themselves, who believe that being a good parent means giving your child the "best ____" (fill in the blank - Christmas, kindergarten, summer camp, wardrobe, college) don't have a lot to contribute when it comes to helping kids deal with a culture that has been hoodwinked by competition and possessions.

Like so many things in life, a light touch and a good attitude may make more of a difference to your child's happiness than how deep your pockets happen to be.

Continue reading Can you afford prom night? Do you want to?

Can you afford prom night? Do you want to? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Long IslandLongIslandPromsavingsshoppingthriftvaluesBeth WechslerMon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 ESTDating a la recession - from the Frenchhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/24/dating-a-la-recession-from-the-french/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/24/dating-a-la-recession-from-the-french/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/24/dating-a-la-recession-from-the-french/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's hard to imagine that anything having to do with romance is actually cheaper in France, but apparently, dating is!

The salon -- a cultural institution that dates back to 17th century Paris -- may be gaining momentum in Les Etats- Unis. The salon originally evolved from the French court. Aristocratic and upper bourgeoisie women ran the salons from their homes and intermingled writers, artists, philosophers and patrons.

Jamie Cat Callan, author of "French Women Don't Sleep Alone -- Pleasurable Secrets to Finding Love" (2009) has looked closely at romance in France and noticed some striking differences.

French women don't date. They meet men in the context of a group of friends. Dinner parties are regular events for mixing and mingling. They also travel with a group of friends -- a Coterie -- to bars, museums and concerts. As everyone knows, French women dress up -- although not everyone knows that they also dress under -- that is, they wear sexy lingerie -- everywhere. They walk. They sit in cafes reading books. They meet men in museums, bars, bookstores and parties and they chat up everyone. Callan also says that love in France is slower.

Continue reading Dating a la recession - from the French

Dating a la recession - from the French originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>datingFranceFrench Women Dont Sleep AloneFrenchWomenDontSleepAloneloveromanceSalonsBeth WechslerFri, 24 Apr 2009 13:00:00 ESTNoblesse oblige? The world's young royals mostly party in stylehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/13/noblesse-oblige-the-worlds-young-royals-mostly-party-in-style/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/13/noblesse-oblige-the-worlds-young-royals-mostly-party-in-style/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/13/noblesse-oblige-the-worlds-young-royals-mostly-party-in-style/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Forbes ranks the world's young royals -- those between age 18 and 35 and still unmarried -- according to power. As Forbes measures it, power is based on international web and media presence and family wealth.

Looking at the young royals (and who doesn't sneak a peak?), Princes William and Harry rank numbers 1 and 2, respectively. No surprise there. Their first cousin, Zara Philips is number 3. The British press is gossip-hungry and dedicated and the royal family obliges. The Crown Prince of Dubai (Sheikh Hamdan etc..) is number 4. Then we're back to the British royal family with Princess Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie, who rank number 5 and number 7. Princess Sirivannavari of Thailand is number 6. The prince and princess of Monaco snag the numbers 8 and 9 spots, and the top ten rounds out with Prince Azim of Brunei.

Continue reading Noblesse oblige? The world's young royals mostly party in style

Noblesse oblige? The world's young royals mostly party in style originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>arisocratsfeaturedForbesPrince WilliamPrinceWilliamyoung royalsYoungRoyalsBeth WechslerMon, 13 Apr 2009 12:00:00 ESTHow well are you coping with financial stress?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/09/how-well-are-you-coping-with-financial-stress/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/09/how-well-are-you-coping-with-financial-stress/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/09/how-well-are-you-coping-with-financial-stress/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tough financial times are affecting lots of people in different ways. Maybe you've got college loans coming due and there's no sign of a job. Maybe your colleague was just laid off and you wonder whether you'll be next. Perhaps your spouse's hours have been cut back and you're trimming the budget -- again.

Sometimes the decisions that people have to make are heartbreaking. Beloved pets are being turned in at animal shelters. Adult children are moving in with parents -- and older parents are moving in with adult children -- when no one would choose to be living together. A client told me today that she didn't have enough money to pay for the costumes for her daughters' dance recital, something they had been looking forward to for months. It isn't life-shattering, but for that single mother and her daughters, unless someone is able to help, it's a disappointment they won't forget.

If you're one of many going through tough financial times, be sure to ask yourself: how well am I coping?

Continue reading How well are you coping with financial stress?

How well are you coping with financial stress? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>economyHow to cope with economic stressHowToCopeWithEconomicStressstressBeth WechslerThu, 09 Apr 2009 19:30:00 ESTRants from the road: Third night free - buyer bewarehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/20/rants-from-the-road-3rd-night-free-buyer-beware/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/20/rants-from-the-road-3rd-night-free-buyer-beware/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/20/rants-from-the-road-3rd-night-free-buyer-beware/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're taking more than one short trip this spring, the three-for-two deals that have sprung up everywhere are enticing. Be sure to read the fine print and do your homework. As they say in the auction business, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).

As I explained in an earlier rant on the topic of rewards cards, things are more complicated than they seem. Where the third night free package is concerned, be on the lookout for possible complexities. Don't "assume" anything while traveling these days. In the case of these deals, don't assume that you can walk in off the street and get a "qualifying night." If for example, you are planning a three night stay at a Clarion, you may not have the necessary qualifying nights for the third night to be free. In some cases, it may be necessary to book your room through the rewards program. In others, it may be necessary to go through the CIA.

Continue reading Rants from the road: Third night free - buyer beware

Rants from the road: Third night free - buyer beware originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>travelBeth WechslerFri, 20 Mar 2009 14:00:00 ESTGreen housekeeping will be getting the Seal of Approval this Springhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/19/green-housekeeping-will-be-getting-the-seal-of-approval-this-spr/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/19/green-housekeeping-will-be-getting-the-seal-of-approval-this-spr/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/03/19/green-housekeeping-will-be-getting-the-seal-of-approval-this-spr/#commentsFiled under: ,

Progress in getting the American household to go green has been slow. As recently as March of 2008, Lee Bodner, executive director of ecoAmerica told USA Today that they had, "come up against a brick wall with Americans." Despite facts and figures, only a small percentage of Americans were jumping on the green bandwagon.

If there is going to be a tipping point for households going green, it may just be this spring, when Good Housekeeping announces its second Seal of Approval. The original Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval has been around since 1909, and has been coveted by marketers of home products for a century. Celebrating its 100-year anniversary, the new second seal will be green.

Continue reading Green housekeeping will be getting the Seal of Approval this Spring

Green housekeeping will be getting the Seal of Approval this Spring originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>clean for lessCleanForLessGood Housekeeping Seal of ApprovalGoodHousekeepingSealOfApprovalGreen householdsGreenHouseholdshousehold cleanersHouseholdCleanersBeth WechslerThu, 19 Mar 2009 17:30:00 ESTDr. Phil passes the octo-buck?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/27/dr-phil-passes-the-octo-buck/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/27/dr-phil-passes-the-octo-buck/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/27/dr-phil-passes-the-octo-buck/#commentsFiled under:

From the viewpoint of a clinician who has 36 years of experience, primarily in children's services, Dr. Phil McGraw has done some nice work with Nadya Suleman this week. Inconvenient though it may be, reality is a good thing. That said, is Dr. Phil going in the wrong direction by positioning himself as the family fundraiser?

Dr. Phil proposes recruiting hands-on and financial support for 14 children who are going to need consistent care for most of the next two decades. At a time when so many Americans are losing their jobs and homes, does it make any sense for volunteer time and charitable contributions to be spent this way?

Beyond the financial, from a child welfare viewpoint a patchwork of volunteer services is not a family.

Continue reading Dr. Phil passes the octo-buck?

Dr. Phil passes the octo-buck? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Dr. PhilDr.PhilfeaturedoctupletmomBeth WechslerFri, 27 Feb 2009 14:00:00 ESTRants from the road -- living at Wal-Marthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/11/rants-from-the-road-living-at-wal-mart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/11/rants-from-the-road-living-at-wal-mart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/11/rants-from-the-road-living-at-wal-mart/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that the temperature has soared above 40 degrees here in northern Florida, I'm hoping to spend less of my winter vacation in Wal-Mart.

I've always looked at the Wal-Mart where I live on Cape Cod as just a store the Wal-Marts in Florida, the kind that have risen like churches on main routes, are surreal.

To begin with, many stores are open 24 hours/day. (But beware, if you're expecting to use the pharmacy, optician, portrait studio, or auto care center, you'll be much more restricted.)

This means that you could pretty much do everything at Wal-Mart. First, take the car for an oil change. Then, enter the main part of the store in time for your beauty parlor appointment. Plan to drop off your prescription while you have your portrait done. Then it's on to your banking, followed by your eye appointment. By now, it's past time for lunch, so head right into the Blimpie Xpress (in the U.S. of Wal-Mart you can gain another size fast).

After lunch, it's time to check the Gift Registry (now that everyone has been laid off, Wal-Mart has replaced the Pottery Barn as the place to register) to see what your friend has selected and nearby you can have your watch battery replaced.

Keep your eye on the clock, the kids will be home soon and your still have to buy the craft supplies for the school fundraiser, cards for Valentine's Day, and a few articles of clothing. Last, of course, you will do all your grocery shopping and pick up flowers.

Think you missed anything? It isn't exercise; you've walked two miles criss-crossing the store.

Most of what we're hearing and reading these days is about the desperate need to stimulate the economy. It seems that if consumers don't start consuming again that the whole economy will collapse. As you walk out the door of Wal-Mart (having saved a phenomenal amount of money shopping there), turn around and look behind you.

Can we possibly need all this stuff?

Rants from the road -- living at Wal-Mart originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>wal-martBeth WechslerWed, 11 Feb 2009 09:00:00 ESTTop 25 "It" products of all time: #10 -- Bell bottomed pantshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/11/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-10-bell-bottomed-pants/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/11/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-10-bell-bottomed-pants/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/11/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-10-bell-bottomed-pants/#commentsFiled under:

bell bottomsIt's anyone's guess why we had to have them - they were phenomenally ugly - but the late 1960-s-1970's fashion statement for both men and women was bell-bottomed pants. They began (with a gentle flare) in the realm of jeans then fanned out wider and into polyester in the disco years. Two small dogs or cats could have lived happily under the "elephant bells" of the mid 1970's.

Bell bottoms were originally part of the traditional sailor's uniform. The wide leg made it easier to remove their boots in an emergency. By 1813 they are described as having been worn on American vessels, and by the mid-1800's were regulation in the Royal Navy. The pants entered the mainstream through the counterculture movement of the 60's, and were seen as early as 1964 in the T.A.M.I. show.

Baby boomers wore lthem with love beads, peace symbols and tie-dye shirts. There is a certain irony here: an antiwar movement dressed in military apparel originally purchased at surplus stores. In areas where the pants weren't available, college students began modifying regular jeans, sewing in fabric to widen the area from knee to cuff.

Never inclined to miss market share, the fashion industry jumped on board. By the 1970's bell bottoms were being manufactured in polyester and corduroy as well as the ever-popular denim.

Top 25 "It" products of all time: #10 -- Bell bottomed pants originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bell bottomed pantsbell bottomsBellBottomedPantsBellBottomsdiscofadsfashionBeth WechslerWed, 11 Feb 2009 07:00:00 ESTTop 25 "It" products of all time: #18 -- My Little Pony (take 2)http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/08/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-18-my-little-pony-take-2/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/08/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-18-my-little-pony-take-2/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/08/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-18-my-little-pony-take-2/#commentsFiled under:

Note- Two of bloggers shared a passion for this It product, so we asked both of them to share their memories.

One My Little Pony wasn't nearly enough. One little pony could not be stabled all by itself in the pink and purple Crystal Rainbow Castle.
How many of these acutely feminine, pastel, plastic horses, with manes and tails to brush, did we have to have? We've needed herds (forty million!) since Hasbro introduced the ponies to little girls in 1983.

The forerunner of My Little Pony was My Pretty Pony, a simple brown and blonde girl, a little chunkier than the more popular models (of course, the skinny ponies were the big hits and models produced after a 1997 relaunch would - despite the booming American middle - be skinnier still). The original ponies were called Earth Ponies. There were six "founding mothers," Cotton Candy, Blossum, Blue Belle, Minty, Snuzzle and Butterscotch. All had brushable manes and tails.

Almost 1,000 more pony models would follow, becoming a mainstay for Hasbro. Most can be identified by a symbol on their side and each new group (Earth Ponies were followed by Unicorns, then Pegasus, Rainbow and Sea Ponies) has distinctive features. There were almost 700 (G1) pony models produced between 1982 and 1992. After a hiatus, Hasbro introduced the G2 ponies in 1997 and G3 in 2003.

Continue reading Top 25 "It" products of all time: #18 -- My Little Pony (take 2)

Top 25 "It" products of all time: #18 -- My Little Pony (take 2) originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>animal dollsAnimalDollsdollsfadshorse dollsHorseDollsmy little ponyMyLittlePonypopular toysPopularToystoysBeth WechslerSun, 08 Feb 2009 19:30:00 ESTTop 25 "It" products of all time: #17 -- The Princess Phonehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/08/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-17-the-princess-phone/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/08/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-17-the-princess-phone/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/02/08/top-25-it-products-of-all-time-17-the-princess-phone/#commentsFiled under:

If you were a baby boomer - or the parents of one - then you remember the old-time telephones. You remember the 1930's classic -form follows function - desk phone, clunky, black and squat. You remember when colors arrived and the appearance of the wall phone. If you were a girl, what you remember best and with the most emotion was the princess phone. You really had to have one.

The princess had a great advertising slogan, "It's little...It's lovely...It lights." Introduced by AT&T in 1959, the little phone was the first phone designed with a focus on marketing. It was an immediate commercial success. Originally a rotary phone (for those of you born later, until 1963 phones were operated by a dial instead of a keypad), the sweet, aptly-named princess was designed to fit on your night table. Although ads advised that "Any room is the room for your princess phone," with its light-up-dial that also served as a night light, the princess was first and foremost a boudoir phone.

Continue reading Top 25 "It" products of all time: #17 -- The Princess Phone

Top 25 "It" products of all time: #17 -- The Princess Phone originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>fadsit productsItProductsprincess phonesPrincessPhonestelephonesBeth WechslerSun, 08 Feb 2009 15:30:00 ESTObama-san! President's book of speeches is a huge hit in Japanhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/31/obama-san-presidents-book-of-speeches-is-a-huge-hit-in-japan/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/31/obama-san-presidents-book-of-speeches-is-a-huge-hit-in-japan/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/31/obama-san-presidents-book-of-speeches-is-a-huge-hit-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

Picture this: Classes of Japanese students practicing English, reading aloud. What they're reading, with apparent enthusiasm, are the speeches of the new American president. And now picture this: In Aichi, central Japan, a Buddhist monk has been playing the speeches during his temple service.

"The Speeches of Barack Obama" have become big business in Japan.

The book that is selling briskly is a textbook. Written in English with Japanese translations and an accompanying CD, this compilation of the president's campaign speeches (including his victory speech at the Democratic convention) has sold more than 420,000 copies since its November release.

Almost half a million books is huge sales in Japan, where foreign-language publications usually sell less than 20,000 copies, and any book that sells more than 100,000 copies is a solid success.

Japanese publisher Asahi Press is planning a sequel that will include both Obama's and Kennedy's inaugural addresses as well as Lincoln's Gettysburg address.

It could -- and no doubt will -- be argued that this is part of an international "Obama-Mania." Lynn Neary for NPR has a different take: "...our new president is, in the broadest sense of the word, a reader...You actually have both a writer and a reader in the White House.."

Certainly, foreign sales of President Obama's books (including, "The Audacity of Hope" and "Dreams From My Father,") reflect the fascination that the first African-American president has engendered around the world. One could argue that we are also seeing a reflection of international support that has not been with us since 9-11.

This time we might not squander it.


Obama-san! President's book of speeches is a huge hit in Japan originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>books salesBooksSalesfeaturedJapanObamaBeth WechslerSat, 31 Jan 2009 17:00:00 ESTToddlers in Tiaras - Is the runway any place for your two-year-old?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/28/toddlers-in-tiaras-is-the-runway-any-place-for-your-two-year-o/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/28/toddlers-in-tiaras-is-the-runway-any-place-for-your-two-year-o/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/28/toddlers-in-tiaras-is-the-runway-any-place-for-your-two-year-o/#commentsFiled under:

The fee for entering your child in a beauty pageant may not seem like much of an investment, $40 may be all that's involved in the basic entry. Think twice (or twenty times) before you add your child to the 300,00 who stroll down the child beauty pageant aisle each year. Beauty pageants appear to be addicting - at least for the parents - and a lot more expensive than they appear at first glance. This is an industry, involving hundreds of pageants, which generates more than a billion dollars a year in revenue.

The costs are only the proverbial tip of the iceberg. In all possible ways, from the point of view of this child therapist, putting your child (let's call this what it almost always is, your daughter) on the beauty pageant stage is a terrible investment. Let's start with the financial costs.

In TLC's premiere of Toddlers in Tiaras, Pageant Director Annette Hill mentions the $5,000 Ultimate Grand Supreme prize about every four minutes. We are also urged to remember that there is a $1,000 Mini Grand Supreme. The winners are encouraged to "fan" these bills out for the excited audience. But, according to Brian Bethel, the actual dollar figure that each family spends competing in a state pageant usually ranges between $500 and $3,000.

Continue reading Toddlers in Tiaras - Is the runway any place for your two-year-old?

Toddlers in Tiaras - Is the runway any place for your two-year-old? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Beth WechslerWed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST2009 comebacks: Home hair coloringhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/25/2009-comebacks-home-hair-coloring/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/25/2009-comebacks-home-hair-coloring/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/25/2009-comebacks-home-hair-coloring/#commentsFiled under:

hair coloringIt seems a logical place to cut the budget. Why spend $100 for professional hair coloring when you can do it yourself for $8? Certainly in tough times, Americans could spend less than 60 billion dollars/year on beauty.

If you've tried or are considering the "do it yourself" route to hair coloring, consider yourself in good company. The salon business is feeling the recession. Consumers are "stretching out" or, "stalling time" between visits. Business was down at 72% of hair salons surveyed by the National Cosmetology Association last summer.

The industry is sufficiently strained that the National Cosmetology Association postponed its annual SalonLife Conference and Expo (originally scheduled for August '08 to July '09). It wasn't framed quite that way in the June announcement
but it's easy enough to read between the lines (or through the spin).

While the salon business is feeling the recession, hair dye sales to nonprofessionals have seen a steady rise at Sally Beauty Supply, an international distributor of beauty products.

Continue reading 2009 comebacks: Home hair coloring

2009 comebacks: Home hair coloring originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>coloring your own haircosmetologyhair coloringHairColoringBeth WechslerSun, 25 Jan 2009 07:00:00 ESTRants from the road - too many rewards cardshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/06/rants-from-the-road-too-many-rewards-cards/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/06/rants-from-the-road-too-many-rewards-cards/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/06/rants-from-the-road-too-many-rewards-cards/#commentsFiled under: ,

Now that my children are grown up and periodically independent, I have a new set of problems. I can't seem to get control of my rewards cards. If three is the break point when it comes to offspring (three being the point when there are more of them than there are of us), then I can tell you for sure that I have too many rewards cards.

There is, of course, my Southwest Airlines Visa card. That isn't the problem. Southwest is never a problem for me. It's US Air that reduces me (when, every decade or so, I decide to try them again) to a banshee -- but that's another rant. I can handle my overworked, weary Visa card. It's the hotel and car rental cards that have me on the verge of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

There is the Choiceprivileges Rewards Program, good at Comfort Inns and Quality Inns and half a dozen other chains. This often entitles me to a free bottle of water. Then there is the Hilton Honors card, good of course at the Hiltons, but also at eight other chains, like Embassy Suites and Double Tree, and apparently even at the Waldorf Astoria Collection (whatever that is).

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Rants from the road - too many rewards cards originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>car rental cardsCarRentalCardsfeaturedhotelsrewards cardsRewardsCardstravelBeth WechslerTue, 06 Jan 2009 16:30:00 ESTThe treadmills rules: Why this New Year's Resolution will lasthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/01/the-treadmills-rules-why-this-new-years-resolution-will-last/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/01/the-treadmills-rules-why-this-new-years-resolution-will-last/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/01/01/the-treadmills-rules-why-this-new-years-resolution-will-last/#commentsFiled under: ,

I bought myself a treadmill for Christmas.

For once, I didn't make the purchase on the secondary market. I didn't even do my usual due diligence and check with Consumer Reports. I'm half-embarrassed to say that I went out and bought a Gold's Gym treadmill at Walmart. I'll tell you in a year or two whether it was a good choice. The issue this time isn't about the quality of the treadmill but whether or not I'll actually do what I intend to do with it: use it regularly.

Like thousands of other Americans, I've had my share of gym memberships. I've joined for a month or a year or bought a punch card. In October, I joined the local senior center (sigh) because three days a week there's a resort with a pool midway between my condo and my office that I can use free now that I am of advanced age. I was enthusiastic about the idea. The only problem is that I haven't gotten there. I don't like to get wet when it's cold.

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The treadmills rules: Why this New Year's Resolution will last originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ExerciseNew Years ResolutionNewYearsResolutionTreadmillsBeth WechslerThu, 01 Jan 2009 15:00:00 ESTPsychic business booms: Proceed with cautionhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/30/psychic-business-booms-proceed-with-caution/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/30/psychic-business-booms-proceed-with-caution/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/12/30/psychic-business-booms-proceed-with-caution/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Everywhere you turn, it seems that the economic news is dismal. As foreclosures and college tuition costs skyrocket, while jobs and 401K's evaporate, what are Americans doing about it? The answer may surprise you: they're checking in with psychics.

The reason is simple on the face of it. Lots of people want someone to tell them what to do. Should I sell my house, downsize and relocate, cash in the remnants of my stock portfolio? Should I tell me daughter that she will have to start at a community college because I'm not sure that I can pay the mortgage and still help her with tuition?

Here's what a legitimate psychic will tell you: "I don't know. I can't tell you what you should do. I can only tell you what you're going to do."

I've been a psychotherapist for 35 years. Most of that time, I've been fascinated by the paranormal. I've worked with psychics and mediums in the United States, England and Israel. I travel nationally doing seminars about psychic events in the lives of clinicians and clients. Here's what I know.

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Psychic business booms: Proceed with caution originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>PsychicsBeth WechslerTue, 30 Dec 2008 11:00:00 ESTSears (re)joins the layaway revivalhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/11/13/sears-re-joins-the-layaway-revival/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/11/13/sears-re-joins-the-layaway-revival/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2008/11/13/sears-re-joins-the-layaway-revival/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nearly two decades after Sears discontinued its layaway plan, the pre-payment service will be available again starting Sunday for customers who want to put money down on items and get them later.

Where Layaway Reigns

    Sears did away with layaway nearly twenty years ago (at least for most products except fine jewelry), but now is jumping back on the bandwagon as of Sunday. Except for major appliances and home electronics (like that flat-screen you can't afford), customers will be able to put money down on an item to retrieve later, for just a low fee but no interest.

    Michael Dwyer, AP

    K-Mart got back on the layaway bandwagon in mid-October, and has been touting its revival in ads that encourage shoppers to come and shop early for holiday wares.

    Mark Humphrey, AP

    Monroe Milstein, founder, CEO and president of Burlington Coat Factory, has long had a layaway program, which is 30 days for regular merchandise and 90 days for Baby Depot items. There is a $5.00 service fee.

    Daniel Hulshizer, AP

    TJ Maxx has also had a layaway program all along, which requires 10 percent down and pick-up with full payment within 30 days. No fee is specified on the company's Web site.

    Elise Amendola, AP

    Marshalls, owned by the same parent company as TJ Maxx, has a similar layaway policy.

    Paul Sakuma, AP

    The Web has also taken to layaway, as services like eLayaway.com offer the ability to use a third-party service for layaway-type purchases.

    eLayaway.com

    Wal-Mart used to have a robust layaway service, but did away with it in 2006 and has yet to revive it. Other retailers, like Circuit City and JC Penney, also discontinued their programs.

    Paul Sakuma, AP

    Target never got on the layaway bandwagon at all, and has made no indication that it plans to hop aboard anytime soon.

    Tony Gutierrez, AP



Sears never fully left layaway completely -- it has been offering it for fine jewelry since 1989 -- but now it will be there for customers who want anything but home appliances and home electronics.

Why is Sears back in the layaway game? Have you seen the stock market ticker lately? As the economy sours and consumer dollars stay in their wallets, Sears is jumping on the return to layaway bandwagon with K-Mart, Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall's and TJ Maxx. Yet to return to layaway this holiday season: Toys 'R Us, Wal-Mart, Target and JC Penney.

WalletPop named layaway one of the most underrated things in America in a recent series, and also labeled it, "the new black."

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Sears (re)joins the layaway revival originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>layawayrecessionretailsavingSearsBeth WechslerThu, 13 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST