Economizer News & Latest Economizer Headlines

How to Heat Your Home for Free (or Profit) This Winter

12:45PM 1/24/2012

Energy, Investing, Exxon Mobil, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Economizer

Like they say: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. With the price of home heating oil on the rise, and likely to go on rising due to global politics, now might be a good time to place a bet on oil to hedge against the costs of keeping the homestead warm.

Why Dollar Stores Are Hotter Than Ever (Even Among the Rich)

7:00AM 1/07/2012

By Barbara Thau

Company News, Wal-Mart Stores, Dollar General, Economizer

Dollar stores are luring a lot more consumers these days, and their rock-bottom prices aren't the only reason: The chains have undergone major makeovers in recent years, sprucing up their dingy digs and adding better merchandise.

How to Get Your New Year's Eve Bubbly Without Paying a Bundle

7:00AM 12/30/2011

By Bruce Watson

Economizer, Food

After what 2011 has done to our finances, it can be hard to justify shelling out big bucks for a bottle of French Champagne for New Year's Eve. But if the idea of toasting in 2012 with a cheap sham leaves you pained, don't worry: There are plenty of superb sparkling options out there that won't bust your budget.

Grad School Math: Which Degrees Are Worth the Debt

10:45AM 12/29/2011

By Bruce Watson

Video, Economizer

With unemployment high and wages stagnant, now's a rough time to be entering the job market. Historically, when a harsh economy awaits, young people tend to run for cover in grad school. It's a smart strategy -- unless you pick the wrong field of study.

Why Your Pension Is at Risk

3:10PM 12/27/2011

By Dan Caplinger

Delta Air Lines, Economizer

With the bankruptcy proceedings of American Airlines parent company AMR having just gotten under way, it's too early to tell what it might mean for employees. But past bankruptcies offer a roadmap for what can happen to workers anywhere when their employer goes under -- they often end up holding the short end of the stick.

Sorry, Santa: Tips for Unloading Unwanted Gifts

9:25AM 12/26/2011

By Barbara Thau

eBay, Economizer

You love Grandma, but you're not feeling that floral jumpsuit she gave you. And that gift card from Omaha Steaks won't quite work: Auntie forgot you're a vegetarian. Here are a few tips to help you ditch this season's gifting goofs.

Top 10 Private Colleges That Won't Bust Your Budget

12:45PM 12/20/2011

By Kiplinger

Economizer

You don't have to pay a fortune, or rely on financial aid, to attend a top-quality private college or university. These 10 have the lowest sticker price among Kiplinger's best values in private universities and liberal arts colleges.

What Social Security Gets You: A Minimum-Wage Lifestyle

12:00PM 12/20/2011

By Chuck Saletta, The Motley Fool

Economizer

Good news: Retirees will get a 3.6% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment in 2012 -- their first boost since 2009. Bad news: The average benefit is $1,229 a month, about the equivalent of working for minimum wage.

How to Dodge 4 Expensive December Disasters

11:35AM 12/19/2011

By Robyn Gearey, The Motley Fool

Economizer

An APA poll a few years back revealed that 80% of Americans expect to be stressed during the holiday season. One source of that stress? The unexpected costs that creep up on us in December. Here are some tips to sidestep some of those pricey problems.

Budget-Friendly Last-Minute Holiday Gifts for Kids

10:45AM 12/19/2011

By Robyn Gearey, The Motley Fool

Wal-Mart Stores, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Economizer

It's stressful enough when your kids' holiday wish is filled with high-tech gadgets that aren't in your budget. What's worse is breaking down and buying them at the last minute because you couldn't think of better alternatives in your price range.