Americans Are Spending Smarter
December 16th, 2011
While economists tend to focus their attention on the latest stock market trends and fiscal policy, there are new consumer trends developing that hit much closer to home. For example, the decisions Americans have been making about how often they reach for their credit cards has changed dramatically over the past few years. Indeed, consumers have adopted new spending habits that speak volumes about the lasting impact of the economic recession.
Here’s a quick glance at an interesting trend we’ve noticed and what it might say about the rest of the economy as a whole. More »
Posted By: Elisabeth Chan | Comments (0)Bobber Users Gamification to Promote Saving
October 26th, 2011
A new Seattle-based company is using gamification via Facebook to help encourage young people to save and practice proper financial management skills.
The company, BobberInteractive, allows users to set goals, measure their progress and engage/interact with friends via a Facebook app that uses the social media site as a gaming and goal-sharing platform. The hope is that those using the social platform will use gaming to solidify and enhance their ability to save and invest. Sounds just like Farmville, right? Er…no. This game actually teaches something of value. More »
Posted By: Nathan Nead | Comments (0)Small Business Saturday is Back: Get $25 or More on Nov. 26th!
October 21st, 2011
My favorite Saturday of the year is back!
For the 2nd year in a row, American Express is sponsoring Small Business Saturday on November 26th, the day after Black Friday. If you missed out in 2010, don’t make the same mistake again. This promotion is just too easy for Amex cardholders to pass up, and it’s for a great cause too! More »
Posted By: Elisabeth Chan | Comments (0)Prepaid Debit Cards: Fast, Easy to Use, and a Threat to Homeland Security?
September 30th, 2011
While the past few years have been treacherous for the credit card industry, there is one area of the business that has grown dramatically: prepaid debit cards.
Consumers have increasingly turned to prepaid debit cards as an easy way to have access to their cash without having to worry about keeping cash on hand. From parents using it to distribute allowance to their kids, to consumers simply trying to stick to a budget, prepaid debit cards have been a big hit. More »
Posted By: Welles Wiley | Comments (0)Credit Scores: Does Your State Have Good Credit?
September 28th, 2011Ever wonder how your state stacks up against others in terms of its residents’ average credit score? While you may think your neighbors have great credit scores, this map could tell you otherwise.
Check out our infographic below and see just how good your state’s residents are at managing their credit:
