In the News:
Get Your Office to Look Like John Thain's Lavish Office for Much Less
When John Thain became Merrill Lynch's CEO in early 2008, he hired Michael S. Smith Design to revamp his office suite, spending approximately $1.22 million according to documents. By comparison, Smith is also Michelle Obama's interior designer for the White House, which is paying him only $100,000. The following is what Thain paid for each item some much cheaper alternatives.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/28796511
Also: List of What Thain Bought -- http://www.cnbc.com/id/28793892
Beware These Safe Haven Stocks
Think you've found a safe haven to wait out the financial storm? Some ports might not be so safe, after all. They include Exxon Mobil, Wal-Mart, Clorox, PepsiCo, Colgate and P&G.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/28800794
Liquidation Bargains at Circuit City: Buy or Not to Buy?
Some are snapping up electronics from the defunct retailer, but others, unimpressed by the discounts, are playing the waiting game. Buy or not to buy?
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jan2009/db20090122_750009.htm?campaign_id=twxa
Beware of Tax Refund Anticipation Loans
Refund-anticipation loans are tempting if you're in urgent need of cash -- they promise taxpayers hundreds of dollars within a day or two -- but consumer advocates warn people to avoid the high-cost products. They have very steep fees and few benefits.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Refund-anticipation-loans-have-steep/story.aspx?guid=%7B6F940B89%2DE1B7%2D4F49%2DAA56%2D27CBAD184AEB%7D
Seniors: Supersize Your Social Security
Three shrewd moves for seniors looking to boost retirement options.
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/retirement/20090113-social-security-do-overs-a1.asp
10 Financial Commandments for your 20's and 30's
Just starting out? Set yourself up for a lifetime of money success with these time-tested principles.
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2009/st0107.htm http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2009/st0121.htm
5 Simple Ways to Furnish Your Home for Less
When you look at the daunting task of furnishing a home, you don't always have to be worried about how much it is going to cost! From going to IKEA to repairing old pieces here are some top tips.
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/home-auto/5-simple-ways-furnish-your-home-less
Bye Bye Bank Branches
As banks retrench in this horrible economy they will turn to technology to keep in touch with their clients. Getting personal attention from your banker is likely to get harder. Customer service likely to suffer, giving community banks an opportunity to shine.
http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/forecast/archive/Bank_Branch_Buildup_Now_Declining_090123.html
Top-Selling Musicians of 2008: Taylor Swift Rules
The teenage country singer leads the list of top sellers for the past year. Heavy metal rockers AC/DC come in second followed by Lil Wayne, Coldplay and Metallica.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/22/music-itunes-taylor-swift-biz-media_cz_dkr_0122music.html
Some are snapping up electronics from the defunct retailer, but others, unimpressed by the discounts, are playing the waiting game. Buy or not to buy?
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jan2009/db20090122_750009.htm?campaign_id=twxa
Beware of Tax Refund Anticipation Loans
Refund-anticipation loans are tempting if you're in urgent need of cash -- they promise taxpayers hundreds of dollars within a day or two -- but consumer advocates warn people to avoid the high-cost products. They have very steep fees and few benefits.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Refund-anticipation-loans-have-steep/story.aspx?guid=%7B6F940B89%2DE1B7%2D4F49%2DAA56%2D27CBAD184AEB%7D
Seniors: Supersize Your Social Security
Three shrewd moves for seniors looking to boost retirement options.
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/retirement/20090113-social-security-do-overs-a1.asp
10 Financial Commandments for your 20's and 30's
Just starting out? Set yourself up for a lifetime of money success with these time-tested principles.
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2009/st0107.htm http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2009/st0121.htm
5 Simple Ways to Furnish Your Home for Less
When you look at the daunting task of furnishing a home, you don't always have to be worried about how much it is going to cost! From going to IKEA to repairing old pieces here are some top tips.
http://www.mainstreet.com/article/home-auto/5-simple-ways-furnish-your-home-less
Bye Bye Bank Branches
As banks retrench in this horrible economy they will turn to technology to keep in touch with their clients. Getting personal attention from your banker is likely to get harder. Customer service likely to suffer, giving community banks an opportunity to shine.
http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/forecast/archive/Bank_Branch_Buildup_Now_Declining_090123.html
Top-Selling Musicians of 2008: Taylor Swift Rules
The teenage country singer leads the list of top sellers for the past year. Heavy metal rockers AC/DC come in second followed by Lil Wayne, Coldplay and Metallica.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/22/music-itunes-taylor-swift-biz-media_cz_dkr_0122music.html
Closing Bell: Economic Catapult for Thanksgiving & Black Friday (WMT, TGT, GRMN, GOOG, MSFT)
Deere up on Q4 earnings performance
Reid Hoffman: LinkedIn will go public (at some point)
