WalletPop Bloghttp://www.walletpop.com/blogWalletPop Blog%http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/BlogURL%/media/feedlogo.gifWalletPop Bloghttp://www.walletpop.com/blogen-usCopyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Recession Dressin' with Holly Getty: investment shopping http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/02/recession-dressin-with-holly-getty-investment-shopping/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/02/recession-dressin-with-holly-getty-investment-shopping/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/02/recession-dressin-with-holly-getty-investment-shopping/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Once again, Walletpop's personal style expert, Holly Getty, tells you to go shopping, wisely:

"Are you still shopping at the same stores you did a year ago? Still wearing the same designers? Well, it's time to upgrade.

"Stores are dropping prices so quickly, they practically hit your feet. Now is the time to shop the designers and stores you have always wanted to shop.

"You see, there are two type of shoppers at this moment in time. One is in fear mode: Purchasing more of what they have in their wardrobes, buying larger quantities, not seeing what's around them.

Continue reading Recession Dressin' with Holly Getty: investment shopping

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]]>bargainsdesigner pricesDesignerPricesdesignersHolly GettyHollyGettyinvestment shoppingInvestmentShoppingrecession dressinRecessionDressinsalesshoppingAndrea ChalupaThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTOwners still spend thousands on petshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/02/owners-still-spend-thousands-on-pets/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/02/owners-still-spend-thousands-on-pets/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/02/owners-still-spend-thousands-on-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The economy may be tanked but people are still eager to have their furry friends at their sides. An Associated Press poll released this week found that over half of American pet owners consider their pets as much a part of the family as any other person. Another 36% said their pet is part of the family but not a full member. Nearly half of pet owners admit to feeding animals human food, giving them human names, and nearly a third let them sleep in their beds.

All this camaraderie does not come cheap. There is the cost of purchasing the pet, followed by one-time and annual costs that can add up, according to the ASPCA.

One Time Expenses

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]]>catsdogspet costsPetCostspetsBarbara BartleinThu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 ESTDollar stores let you paint the town red, white, and bluehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/01/dollar-stores-let-you-paint-the-town-red-white-and-blue/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/01/dollar-stores-let-you-paint-the-town-red-white-and-blue/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/01/dollar-stores-let-you-paint-the-town-red-white-and-blue/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Time once again to unfurl the flag and celebrate Independence Day. Dollar stores have everything you need for your picnic or barbecue, from flags to red, white and blue dinner ware.

Dollar Tree has a selection of solid red, white and blue party supplies including paper plates, cups, napkins, cutlery and centerpiece/balloon anchors. As always, each package is only $1.

For your picnic needs, check out the Dollar Tree flyer. Get a 2.5 gal. tub with a rope handle for only a buck. They also have Rubbermaid storage containers in two-packs of round, square or sandwich containers for $1 each and 24 oz. Gatorade with sport caps for $1 each. Lots of other picnic supplies here, too.

Continue reading Dollar stores let you paint the town red, white, and blue

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]]>4th of july4thOfJulydollar storesDollarStoresfeaturedindependence dayIndependenceDayMarlene AlexanderWed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:00 ESTHold your fire, gamers: Xbox 360 and PS3 price cuts due this fallhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/30/hold-your-fire-gamers-xbox-360-and-ps3-price-cuts-due-this-fal/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/30/hold-your-fire-gamers-xbox-360-and-ps3-price-cuts-due-this-fal/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/30/hold-your-fire-gamers-xbox-360-and-ps3-price-cuts-due-this-fal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Parents and gamers coming of age may be in for a break later this year, as it is rumored that both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 will have price cuts. Technology site Ars Technica claims that both Sony and Microsoft will drop their prices in order to better compete with the Nintendo Wii, later this year.

While there are always rumors about price drops in the video game market, Joystiq.com points out that the Mole at Ars Technica has a solid reputation in knowing what's going on in the industry.

On top of the Mole's past performance, history shows that it's time for another price drop, and a significant one at that. The Xbox 360 has already seen three price drops, which have given it an edge over the pricier PlayStation 3; but it hasn't yet reached the halfway price point that its predecessor, the Xbox, did by the fourth year of its release.

Given Microsoft's focus on digital downloads, I'd venture a guess that Microsoft will try to offer an Xbox 360 with hard drive for $199 -- half of what it cost when it launched in 2005. The Mole also predicts that Sony will be introducing a new, slimmer PlayStation 3, which will also cost less, although it's harder to estimate exactly how much less.

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]]>Ars TechnicacheaperconsoleJoystiqMicrosoftMoleNintendoPlaystation 2Playstation 3predictsprice cutprice dropProject NatalPS3rumorsalesSonyvideo gamevideogameWiiWiiHDXboxXbox 360Josh SmithTue, 30 Jun 2009 09:00:00 ESTLou's Clues: Saving with saladshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/29/lous-clues-saving-with-salads/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/29/lous-clues-saving-with-salads/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/29/lous-clues-saving-with-salads/#commentsFiled under: ,

Summer has officially arrived, which means humid air and a veggie garden ready for the eating. Sounds like salad time to me! Problem is, take a family of four to a salad/buffet restaurant, and you can easily be out 30 bucks or more -- and that's without drinks. What's a family to do? Bring the salad bar home, of course!

Throwing together a salad bar at home is easy. Super easy. Ridiculously easy. All you need are your favorite greens, an assortment of fixings, some dressing, and people to help you eat.

First up: the greens. I like to start with a head of iceberg lettuce, and a head of Romaine. Give them a chop or tear, then rinse them off, and take them for a spin in a salad spinner. If you don't have a salad spinner, just toss the greens into a large colander and give them a good shake to get rid of the excess water. Add a little sliced onion and chopped fresh tomato to the mix, and you're all set! (Store any leftovers of this mix in a large Ziplock bag, and it can be used for side salads or another round of salad bar any time over the next week).

Continue reading Lou's Clues: Saving with salads

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]]>cheap eatsCheapEatsChef LouieChefLouieeating on a budgetEatingOnABudgetfresh greensFreshGreensfrugal feedingFrugalFeedingkids and saladsKidsAndSaladssaladssummer saladsSummerSaladsChef LouieMon, 29 Jun 2009 16:00:00 ESTWine 101: A wine club for beginnershttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/29/wine-101-a-wine-club-for-beginners/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/29/wine-101-a-wine-club-for-beginners/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/29/wine-101-a-wine-club-for-beginners/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're just starting out in the world of wine, wine.com has a great way for you to develop your palate, while sampling varietals from around the world.

This introductory wine club features different varietals, styles and regions each month at a really low price. The wines are chosen from both well-known and up-and-coming vineyards, and can be enjoyed now. The best part: the ongoing membership costs only $19.99 per month.

Here is what you'll get:

Continue reading Wine 101: A wine club for beginners

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]]>drinkshobbieslibationswinewine clubsWineClubsJennifer HornMon, 29 Jun 2009 12:00:00 ESTHelp kids build money-saving skills with DIY projectshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/28/help-kids-build-money-saving-skills-with-diy-projects/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/28/help-kids-build-money-saving-skills-with-diy-projects/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/28/help-kids-build-money-saving-skills-with-diy-projects/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With school out for summer and a bunch of seasonal projects, the time's right for getting young do-it-yourselfers involved in home improvement plans.

Working together to make a repair or build something new not only teaches lifelong skills and builds confidence, but also gives kids a sense of accomplishment and renewed pride in the home you share.

Select a project together: Whether it's an easy fix-it project, a simple gardening chore or an opportunity to redecorate, every DIY project is a valuable chance to learn. Kit-based programs like Red Toolbox are also available, and help you learn together through three discrete skill levels, starting with very simple tasks and progressing to more advanced techniques. Along the way, parent and child have fun working together and create useful, decorative items that make great gifts.

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]]>home improvementhome maintenancehome renovationHomeImprovementHomeMaintenanceHomeRenovationprojects for kidsProjectsForKidsthe money pitTheMoneyPitTom KraeutlerTomKraeutlerTom KraeutlerSun, 28 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST Save on remodeling with reclaimed materials, fixtures and furnishingshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/25/save-on-remodeling-with-reclaimed-materials-fixtures-and-furni/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/25/save-on-remodeling-with-reclaimed-materials-fixtures-and-furni/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/25/save-on-remodeling-with-reclaimed-materials-fixtures-and-furni/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Combine a limited home improvement budget with a green frame of mind, and you can find great ways to save on your next DIY project.

There are a lot of worthwhile, beautiful home materials ready to be reclaimed and reused thanks to savvy dealers, demolition experts and everyday folks who rescue them from a landfill fate.

Here are a few resources for trimming your project costs as you create and improve.

  • Architectural salvage yards: Modern green-building principles meet the architecture of the past in these gardens of historical finds. Take a stroll through a dealer's offerings, and you may find replacement hardware, a period-correct fixture or an amazing garden ornament. Salvage gurus travel far and wide to collect the nearly-priceless artifacts that renovations and demolitions leave behind, and their breadth of knowledge is as valuable as their road stories are amazing. Visit the online yards of Ohmega Salvage and Recycling The Past to get a coast-to-coast feel for the latest in salvage finds, and then dig in with a visit to your local dealer.

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]]>green remodelingGreenRemodelingremodeling on a budgetRemodelingOnABudgetthe money pitTheMoneyPittom kraeutlerTomKraeutlerTom KraeutlerThu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTMoney dish from WalletPop's panel on 'How We're Living Now' with the Huffington Posthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/23/money-dish-from-walletpops-panel-on-how-were-living-now-with/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/23/money-dish-from-walletpops-panel-on-how-were-living-now-with/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/23/money-dish-from-walletpops-panel-on-how-were-living-now-with/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The key to thriving in the new economy is understanding why we do things, not just knowing how to do them.

That was one of the takeaways of a panel last night at the Morrison Hotel Gallery featuring WalletPop contributors Jason Cochran, Zac Bissonnette, and Bruce Watson; Huffington Post senior editor-at-large Russell Bishop; and "The Happiness Project" founder Gretchen Rubin. WalletPop's Andrea Chalupa moderated.

Here's a little clip of what Jason Cochran had to say (for more video clips of the panel, see our Facebook page and become a fan!):

Continue reading Money dish from WalletPop's panel on 'How We're Living Now' with the Huffington Post

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]]>Amanda GordonTue, 23 Jun 2009 11:00:00 ESTSommelier secrets: Aerate your way to tastier winehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/22/sommelier-secrets-aerate-your-way-to-tastier-wine/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/22/sommelier-secrets-aerate-your-way-to-tastier-wine/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/22/sommelier-secrets-aerate-your-way-to-tastier-wine/#commentsFiled under: ,

Life is too short to drink bad wine, but with a dismal economy most of us can't afford to drop a lot of money on Chateau Lafite.

Well, I'll let you in on a little secret: You can make bargain wines taste like the more expensive sips with one simple tool -- a wine aerator.

As you may know, wine which has been allowed to breathe tastes better. This is because incorporating air into wine helps it to open up and release its aromas and flavors. In the past, decanters were used to aerate wine. However, decanting can be time consuming, cumbersome and inconvenient. With an aerator you get the most from your wine in the least amount of time.

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]]>winewine aeratorWineAeratorwinesJennifer HornMon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 ESTLou's Clues: Chicken on the cheap!http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/22/lous-clues-chicken-on-the-cheap/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/22/lous-clues-chicken-on-the-cheap/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/22/lous-clues-chicken-on-the-cheap/#commentsFiled under: ,

Besides saving money, I'm a freak for saving time. I know how difficult it is to work all day, then come home and cook yourself and your tribe a great dinner before you all waste away from starvation.

OK, that may be a little dramatic, but I know that when I get home I am famished, and I bet you are too! So let's blow the dust off that crock pot you got as an engagement/graduation/first-apartment gift many moons ago, and put it to good use.

Crock Pot Chicken and Fennel Stew

Here is a dish that is delicious, healthy, and so easy that it cooks itself -- and of course, it's cheap! At least once a month you can usually find whole chickens on sale at the supermarket for under a buck per pound. These are usually 2.5-pound to 3.5-pound yard birds, which are the perfect size for this dish.


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]]>crockpotcrockpotrecipecrockpotrecipesChef LouieMon, 22 Jun 2009 13:30:00 ESTLive simply, stupid: Amish finance lessons we could all usehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/18/amish-finance-lessons-we-could-all-use-recession-or-not/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/18/amish-finance-lessons-we-could-all-use-recession-or-not/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/18/amish-finance-lessons-we-could-all-use-recession-or-not/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Long before frugal living and keeping your finances tight became part of the daily life of making due during the recession, the Amish had it covered.

They watch what they spend, learn to save at an early age, are entrepreneurs, and have a network of friends and family to help in emergencies.

When is the last time you saw a homeless Amish person? Never. Why? Because they have a social network in their church that helps provide for members who are having a tough time.

Continue reading Live simply, stupid: Amish finance lessons we could all use

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]]>amishfrugalitylive simplyLiveSimplyrecessiontips from AmishTipsFromAmishAaron CroweThu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 ESTHow small businesses, employees can survive health insurance cutshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/16/how-small-businesses-employees-can-survive-health-insurance-cut/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/16/how-small-businesses-employees-can-survive-health-insurance-cut/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/16/how-small-businesses-employees-can-survive-health-insurance-cut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Faced with decreasing revenues from the global recession and higher health care premiums, many small businesses are opting to completely drop health coverage for their employees.

From 1993, the number of small businesses offering health insurance has dropped more than 20% to the current level of 38%.

With health coverage currently at the top of the political agenda, many Americans are faced with a rude awakening. Many people simply cannot afford family private plans that can exceed $20,000 per year.

But don't despair: Here are some useful tips for small businesses and employees when faced with this situation:

Small Businesses

o. Offer some type of credit or bonus if you decide to drop health coverage. This extra cash can help your employee transition to a new health plan.

Continue reading How small businesses, employees can survive health insurance cuts

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]]>COBRAcost sharingCostSharinghealth insurancehealth insurance tipsHealthInsuranceHealthInsuranceTipsDamanick DantesTue, 16 Jun 2009 16:00:00 ESTEat, drink, and be thrifty!http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/eat-drink-and-be-thrifty/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/eat-drink-and-be-thrifty/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/eat-drink-and-be-thrifty/#commentsFiled under: ,

Life is too short to drink bad wine, but in this economy it can be hard to justify spending extra money on your favorite bottles. Want to have it all? Here are a few tips.

Try lots of wines. When you find one you like, write it in a notebook, along with where you bought it and how much it cost. This will help you find the best deals.

Once you know your favorites, SHOP! Keep an eye on sales at the grocery store, or places like Sam's Club and Costco. Also, search for online sites offering discounts on your favorite wines. You never know what kind of a deal you might find if you just use those Googling skills!

Join a wine club. Most wineries have wine clubs that offer regular shipments and discounted rates on all of your favorites. You will also usually be the first to know about sales and events.


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]]>winewinesJennifer HornMon, 15 Jun 2009 18:00:00 ESTObama's credit card statement and other hot finance stories, via Tip'dhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/obamas-credit-card-statement-and-other-hot-finance-stories-via/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/obamas-credit-card-statement-and-other-hot-finance-stories-via/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/obamas-credit-card-statement-and-other-hot-finance-stories-via/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tip'dThis is a round-up of the most popular finance links from Tip'd, the social news site for finance, in the past week. This week's stories include tips on reducing overhead by using Google Apps for business, another take on the old adage "spend less than you make'" (which we honestly cannot hear enough), and the President's credit card statement.

Barack Obama's Credit Card Statement (37 Tips)
A tongue-in-cheek look at the commander-in-chief's credit card statement. Looks like he's running awfully close to his credit limit! Add to the discussion on Tip'd.

Continue reading Obama's credit card statement and other hot finance stories, via Tip'd

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]]>best personal financeBestPersonalFinancebusinessfeaturedGoogle AppsGoogleAppsObamapersonal finance rounduppersonal finance tipsPersonalFinanceRoundupPersonalFinanceTipstechnologyTipdAndy HagansMon, 15 Jun 2009 17:30:00 ESTFive gift ideas for Dad -- dollar store stylehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/five-gift-ideas-for-dad-dollar-store-style/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/five-gift-ideas-for-dad-dollar-store-style/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/five-gift-ideas-for-dad-dollar-store-style/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Okay, June 21st is coming up fast and you need something to show Dad you're thinking about him. Problem one: men are notoriously hard to buy for. Problem two: the piggy bank is nearing empty.

This calls for some inventive thinking, and a trip to your friendly neighborhood dollar store. So while you can still get the colognes, ties and socks at the dollar store and these may still be fine for a dad who needs those things, lets look beyond the usual, shall we?

For the golfer -- How about three Top Flight golf balls and a package of 48 golf tees for a total cost of $2? I've seen other golfing accessories at Dollarama from time to time, as well. Pack your finds into a zippered 9" x 5" tote for a total cost of $3. Dad can then use the bag for toiletries when he travels. It struck me as being just the right size to pack an electric razor and cord in.

For the fisherman -- I saw a ton of stuff for the fisherman at Dollarama, including a sturdy folding stool for $2 so Dad can rest a spell while he's waiting for the big one to bite. You can get lures, spinners, flies, leaders, sinkers and a 656-yard spool of 8-lb. fishing line, all for a buck each, so you can pick and choose what you think Dad would like. You could even buy Pop a bamboo fishing rod for $1, so he can make like Tom Sawyer. And they have fishing reels for $2, as well. Everything mentioned here totals $11.

For the wine connoisseur -- Can't afford Pop's favorite wine? Pack a wine gift bag with two new wine glasses and a metal corkscrew/bottle opener. We found a neat, reusable wine bag made of jute with bamboo handles that cost $1.25. Everything else was only a buck each, making this gift total $4.25.

Continue reading Five gift ideas for Dad -- dollar store style

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]]>dollar storeDollarStorefathers dayFathersDayfeaturedshoppingMarlene AlexanderMon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST Keep your garden green for less with a rainwater collection systemhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/keep-your-garden-green-for-less-with-a-rainwater-collection-sys/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/keep-your-garden-green-for-less-with-a-rainwater-collection-sys/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/keep-your-garden-green-for-less-with-a-rainwater-collection-sys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With the summer yard-care season in full swing, household water use is up and conservation warnings aren't far behind. Before your water bills get too hot to handle, why not free water for your yard by installing a rainwater collection system.

Rainwater collection is actually a time-honored solution predating our modern municipal water treatment facilities. Compact and easy to assemble, contemporary systems are great resources for your non-potable water needs, and can help trim typically high water bills during the summer months.

Here's all you need to catch free seasonal rainwater:

  • A collection area: In other words, your roof. Most roofing materials are safe for contact with water that will be used for outdoor watering chores involving non-potable water. However, if you've got a vegetable or herb garden in the mix, plan to water it from another source, as some roofing types like asphalt shingles can leach toxins that shouldn't come in contact with edibles.
  • A means of transporting the rainwater to storage: Gutters, piping and downspouts will carry water to your collection barrel. Gutters that are kept clean and in good repair will help you get the most out of every rainfall and prevent the buildup of possible contaminants. And as with roofing, be aware of gutters' construction; gutters with soldered seams are typically older and may leach lead, so gutters with riveted seams are preferred.

Continue reading Keep your garden green for less with a rainwater collection system

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]]>rain barrelrain barrelsRainBarrelRainBarrelsThe Money PitTheMoneyPitTom KraeutlerTomKraeutlerTom KraeutlerMon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 ESTHow free is free? Make sure you're not paying morehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/how-free-is-free-make-sure-youre-not-paying-more/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/how-free-is-free-make-sure-youre-not-paying-more/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/15/how-free-is-free-make-sure-youre-not-paying-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Businesses from ballparks to bookstores are trying a new tactic to bring in customers: They're giving stuff away.

While giveaways can be good for business in terms of promotional buzz -- KFC got oodles of publicity for its Oprah-boosted grilled chicken giveaway, even though the promo itself was a train wreck of poor planning -- its bottom-line benefit is more nebulous.

The concept of freebies is a double-edged sword for businesses. On the plus side, customers usually think the free item is worth more than it actually is. It's a value perception: What's a better value than free? Nothing ... unless the sample or widget or whatever other token you're getting makes you overlook the prices of what you're actually paying for. Businesses like to make a big show of giving away goods or services that don't cost them very much in the first place, so don't be shy about reading between the lines of their "generous" offer. Also, any item you have to buy at the same time to get your freebie is likely to be at full price.

Continue reading How free is free? Make sure you're not paying more

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]]>are freebies really freeAreFreebiesReallyFreebusiness promotionsBusinessPromotionsfeaturedfreebiesrecessionMartha C. WhiteMon, 15 Jun 2009 08:00:00 ESTLou's Clues: Hamming it up - the finale!http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/14/lous-clues-hamming-it-up-the-finale/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/14/lous-clues-hamming-it-up-the-finale/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/14/lous-clues-hamming-it-up-the-finale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Okay, ladies and gents, here it is: your final week of Hamming it Up with Chef Louie. And we're wrapping it up with one of my favorite ham recipes: ham croquettes!

I don't know about you, but I know that when I carve up a ham, there are always a few small shavings that get left behind. These pieces are perfectly edible -- they just didn't quite make the cut of the other slices. Save these pieces! We're using them today.

In addition to these shavings, you will need a few slices more of ham, finely minced. Put all these pieces together and you get what I fondly call "ham shrapnel."

Continue reading Lou's Clues: Hamming it up - the finale!

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]]>Chef LouieChefLouiefeaturedfoodfrugal mealsFrugalMealshamham croquettesHamCroquettesstretching your meal budgetStretchingYourMealBudgetChef LouieSun, 14 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST Dads to make due with less this Father's Dayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/13/dads-to-make-due-with-less-this-fathers-day/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/13/dads-to-make-due-with-less-this-fathers-day/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/06/13/dads-to-make-due-with-less-this-fathers-day/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This Father's Day, dear-old dad is expected to have to make do with less according to new data from IBIS World Research.

According to the report, Father's Day spending will be down across top categories like home improvement (-28%), gift cards (-21%) and electronics (-16%).

However, despite the economic downturn and retail sales plummeting, dads may be going from handyman to dandyman, as sales of pampering services and related products are expected to increase 35.7%.

Perhaps as a well-meaning gift attempt to destress dads, purchases of spa services, personal care products, and greeting cards is emerging as this holiday's fastest growing gift category with consumers expected to spend $190 million compared to $140 million in 2008.

"Traditional Father's Day gifts, such as tools and electronics are declining this year while spa services, personal care products, and greeting cards are increasing," explained Toon van Beeck, senior analyst with IBIS World. "It seems that 'New Age' dads are this year's fad."

According the U.S. Census Bureau, there are an estimated 66.3 million fathers in the nation today, which demonstrates the impact spending on Father's Day has on the U.S. economy.

Despite the downward economic trend, there's no word on its impact on the age-old practice of buying dad a tie for his big day -- the gaudier the better!

Tom Kraeutler is the AOL'S Home Improvement Editor and co-author of My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure. He delivers home improvement tips each week as host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program.

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]]>Fathers DayFathersDayhome improvementHomeImprovementthe money pitTheMoneyPittom kraeutlerTomKraeutlerTom KraeutlerSat, 13 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST