thrift

The rough economy has spurred a nationwide trend toward thrift and reuse, and nothing exemplifies that quite like Pinterest. The social photo- and idea-sharing website is more than just an electronic corkboard: It's a money-saving, life-hacking virtual community.

NBC's Today profiles one American family living just above the poverty line, but quite happily and comfortably. Watch author and self-professed cheapskate Jeff Yeager's take on such extreme thriftiness to see if you can learn anything from Jennifer and Michael, who claim to have found a simpler, more satisfying existence.

What's the cheapest thing B-movie maestro Roger Corman ever did in the movie biz? Find out in our interview with the penny-pinching master of the low-budget film, who's in Cannes to promote a documentary about himself, Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel.

As part of an effort to redirect TARP funds from Wall Street to Main Street, the Treasury Department Wednesday announced a program that will help local financial institutions get more loans out to people and businesses in the communities hardest hit by the recession.

It seemed like an innocent enough donation. A Marietta, Ohio Goodwill store received a large galvanized metal water jug with a spout -- perfect to hold lemonade during some long-ago summer picnic. Yet, the jug, which was donated anonymously, wasn't holding a refreshing drink; instead, it was filled...

Consumers are notoriously fickle in their allegiances and interests -- remember those food-assembly kitchens that were all the rage a few years ago? But the recession has sobered buying habits, and increasingly, more companies are viewing Americans' recent conversion to thrift as a long-term trend,...

It's been clear for some time now that the recession has taken its toll on consumers, leading them in many instances to winnow purchases down to the bare necessities. And the food industry, always on the outlook for a new gimmick to sell its wares, is paying attention. It's one reason you may...

On Sunday, The New York Times printed an op-ed by novelist Pico Iyer. In the piece, "The Joy of Less," Iyer explored the wonder of reduced circumstances, suggesting that privation may be the key to physical and moral happiness. In the process, he suggested a likely new direction for mass-marketing:...

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...

Next time you find a good deal on fresh fruit, veggies, meat or milk, it may make sense to stock up for later. That's where your freezer can come in handy. But make sure you know which foods can and can't be frozen before spending a lot of money on items you won't be able to keep for long. Here...