Spending

Why Companies Should Pay Bonuses Twice a Year

A semi-annual bonus can be a better motivator for employees than a single year-end payment

By S. Kumar July 7, 2015

Why You Spend Too Much Money and How to Stop

What our neighbors buy affects what we buy, as does our names, the weather, and the type of floor a store has. Music manipulates us into spending in flower shops and restaurants. Which products are...

By Eric Barker June 30, 2015

The TSA Collects a Lot of Loose Change

People are leaving more and more coins behind at screening points

By Victor Luckerson April 7, 2015

Five Best Ideas of the Day: March 20

1. The prison system is costly and rarely rehabilitates prisoners. Imagine a better way to transition inmates to freedom. By Mark A.R. Kleiman, Angela Hawken, & Ross Halperin in Vox 2. Lawmakers should listen to...

By The Aspen Institute March 20, 2015

Budget Cuts Hit Red States Hardest, Say Analysts

Experts suggest the discrepancy may point to the politicalization of public spending

By Kevin McSpadden January 28, 2015

Americans Could Spend $703 Million on Their Pets This Valentine's Day

Nothing says "I love you" like a diamond collar

By Laura Stampler January 27, 2015

Senate in Saturday Showdown

The House passed a bandaid spending bill Friday but the Senate is locked in a showdown

By Denver Nicks December 13, 2014

5 Ways Money Can Buy Happiness, Backed by Science

You have to be a spend wisely, though

By Martha C. White October 29, 2014

5 Weird Reasons Your Credit Card May Be Declined

You might never see these major headaches coming your way

By Martha C. White October 22, 2014

Why 'You're Getting a Bonus' Is Actually Horrible News

Sounds good. Often isn't

By Martha C. White October 16, 2014

U.S. Committing $500 Million to Combat Ebola

On Tuesday, President Obama will announce more efforts by the U.S. to lead a global battle against the spread of the deadly virus

By Zeke J Miller September 16, 2014

Young Adults Have Basically No Clue How Credit Cards Work

Cause for concern?

By Martha C. White September 11, 2014

Time to Kiss Your Free Checking Account Goodbye

Your checking account could be bleeding you dry

By Martha C. White September 11, 2014

Which President Accrued The Highest Budget Deficits?

Hint: It wasn't Barack Obama

By FindTheBest/Natalie Morin September 9, 2014

This is How the U.S. Has Been Spending Its Money Since 1971

Federal spending on social programs has increased in the wake of the Great Recession

By FindTheBest/Natalie Morin September 9, 2014

6 Ways Coupons Actually Cost You Money

Turns out, frugal living can have some pretty serious pitfalls

By Martha C. White August 30, 2014

Why You Have to Start Paying Down Your Credit Cards Right Now

Federal Reserve meetings aren’t high on most people’s list of interesting things, but if you have a credit card and carry a balance, you should probably start paying attention to what America’s top money policymakers...

By Martha C. White August 6, 2014

You Spend Over $1,300 a Year Bribing Your Kids

Want to make an easy $1,360 a year? No problem — all you have to do is be an American kid under the age of 10. A new survey shows that the average kid rakes...

By Martha C. White July 16, 2014

Compromise Disrupts the Daily Vitriol in Washington, D.C.

The political war of words hasn't stopped, but Republicans and Democrats are proving they can still get stuff done together

By Zeke J Miller July 15, 2014

Thing You Hate Costs You $750 a Year

The recordings that tells you you’re a valuable customer for the zillionth time or those hours spent waiting for some service technician to ring your doorbell aren’t just infuriating — they’re costing you. A new...

By Martha C. White July 15, 2014

The Insane Reason We Waste $162 Billion on Food

Knowing when to throw out milk that's gone sour or bread that's grown mold is a no-brainer, but for many of the foods we eat, it's not nearly as obvious when we shouldn't eat them,...

By Martha C. White July 2, 2014

Economy Takes Biggest Hit Since End of Recession

GDP contracted by 2.9% in the first quarter

By Dan Kedmey June 25, 2014

This Is How Much Money Americans Are Spending Every Second

Spoiler alert: it's a whole lot

By Samantha Grossman June 19, 2014

3 Sneaky Ways Your Vacation Is Costing You Extra

Nothing can ruin your vacation more than getting charged excessive fees that drain your bank account — or worse, losing your credit card and falling victim to identity theft. Why risk ruining your vacation? With...

By Refinery29 June 10, 2014

Here's Exactly What You Need to Do to Get a Raise

A new survey finds that what makes us satisfied at work isn’t what’s in our hearts; it’s what’s in our wallets. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 60% of American workers surveyed last...

By Martha C. White May 12, 2014

The Best and Worst States for Working Moms

Moms do it all, but it's easier for them to juggle careers and children in some places than in others. Just in time for Mother's Day, a new survey ranks which states are best for...

By Martha C. White May 6, 2014

Here's How You Help the Poor Without Soaking the Rich

We have to clear our minds of a fallacy about poverty alleviation: Helping the poor does not mean welfare. This isn’t to say that we don’t need welfare. Ignoring the unfortunate who can’t put enough...

By Michael Schuman April 18, 2014

Holy Taffeta! The Prom Bubble Has Burst

A new survey by Visa says that American households are spending 14% less on prom than they did last year

By Laura Stampler April 10, 2014

You Should Tip More You Cheapskate

So you think you’re generous because you leave the waitress 15% and give the bartender a buck for your round of drinks? Sorry, but that makes you a complete cheapskate. Blame our increasingly service-oriented economy,...

By Martha C. White April 9, 2014

The Fed Is Right to Worry About 'Kitchen-Table Economics'

Under Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen, community development, which has always been part of the Fed’s mandate, though an oft-neglected one, seems to be coming back in vogue

By Rana Foroohar March 31, 2014

Lady Gaga Denies Claims of Her Foundation's Shady Spending

The singer took to her website to refute reports that her foundation fritters its money away on legal fees and publicity, rather than charity.

By Megan Gibson March 14, 2014

Japan's Deficit Hits Record HIgh

A slew of unhealthy indicators dampen hopes of a recovery

By Dan Kedmey March 10, 2014

North Korea's Kim Spending Big on Cars, Cognac, Pianos

State spending on luxury items rose from an average of $300 million a year under Kim Jong Il, to $645.8 million in 2012

By Emily Rauhala February 19, 2014

Millennials Put Their Surprising Stamp on the American Dream

Shaped by the times, Millennials dream about travel and self employment--and staying far off the corporate ladder.

By Dan Kadlec February 6, 2014

Congress Is Full of Hypocrites. I Took a Stand

12 Gift Ideas That Should Be on Every Parent's List

Study: Public University Tuition Way Up Since Recession

158 Families Make Up Half of 2016 Election Funding