In the News:
December Trading Strategies
After a stomach churning November, most investors would be happy to just get out of 2008. But our experts offer 10 tactics to profit by before putting this year away for good.
http://www.marketwatch.com/newscommentary/tradingstrategies
'12 Days of Christmas' Costs Rise 10.9% This Year'12 Days of Christmas' Costs Rise 10.9% This Year
That's this year's cost, according to the annual "Christmas Price Index" compiled by PNC Wealth Management, which tallies the single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests. The price is up $8,508 or 10.9%, from $78,100 last year. PNC checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list. While it is done humorously, PNC said its index mirrors actual economic trends. Seven swans-a-swimming are up 33% this year while a couple items declined: three French hens (down $15 to $30) and six geese-a-laying (down $120 to $240) reflect declines in food prices.
http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/01/news/economy/bc.na.us.twelvedays.cos.ap/index.htm?postversion=2008120103
Cyber Monday Shopping Guide
Land a great deal, protect against ID theft -- and get free shipping to boot.
http://www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Deals/Cyber-Monday-Shopping-Guide/
10 Gift Cards to Buy -- and Avoid
These five cards are buys - Best Buy, Target, Bloomingdale's, Amazon, Costco and these five cards you should avoid -- H&M, Wal-Mart, American Express, Visa, MasterCard.
http://www.forbes.com/home/2008/11/26/gift-cards-shopping-forbeslife-cx_jp_1128lifestyle.html
Many More People Stashing Cash
The current economic slump could have a lasting impact on Americans' savings habits, particularly young people who may be witnessing the worst economy they've seen in their lifetimes. Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com, predicts a year from now, the saving rate will top 3%, and will hit 8% in the next decade.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-11-30-money-downturn-savings_N.htm
Mortgage Rates Are Falling, Is It Time to Refinance?
This week's abrupt drop in mortgage rates will provide an opportunity for some borrowers to refinance. But a large-scale refinancing boom is unlikely. Are you a good candidate to refi?
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/mtg/bankrate-mortgage-news-d1.asp
Travel Tipping Do's and Don'ts
Is there anything in travel that's more confusing than tipping? When and whom do you tip? And when and whom don't you tip? Knowing the right answers can go a long way towards improving your travel experience.
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/lifestyle/travel/travel-tipping-dos-and-donts
Entrepreneur's Journal: Putting together a solid sales contract
The week in preview: Earnings from Walmart, Macy's, and other retailers
Six top trades for the rest of 2009
