Featured
Economy
Do You Feel Like the Economy Is Getting Better?
Word on the street is that the worst of the recession is over. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke declared as much in mid-September, and the economy actually grew instead of shrinking in the third quarter of this year. So, in theory, things should be on the upswing.
7 Small Ways to Save Big When You Eat Out
People are definitely eating differently thanks to the recession. But cutting food costs doesn't mean you still can't enjoy eating out. Tough times for consumers means empty tables at restaurants — and to fill them, restaurants are making menu changes and slashing prices, or offering discounts.
Are Hot Waitresses a Sign of Tough Economic Times?
Economists love to find patterns among their data and analysis; some of them are easy to get behind, and others are kind of a reach. Hemlines are the most talked about economic indicator — typically, hemlines rise during tougher times. The Great Recession brought out a whole bunch of economists sharing alternate indicators like fraying elastic on men's underwear, the increase in long distance relationships, and even the Hot Waitress Index.
How Would You Rate Morale at Your Workplace?
It's tough for employees to keep their chins up and maintain rah rah attitudes when their colleagues are receiving pink slips and their companies keep making budget cuts. Sustained economic related stress at work has pushed job satisfaction increasingly lower, and according to a new survey from Workforce Institute at Kronos, morale is suffering at a large percentage of companies that have gone through layoffs. How would you rate morale at your workplace?
I'm Asking: How Has the Recession Affected You?
Some of us have fared the recession better than others, but it would have been hard to escape its impact altogether. Whether you've had to work longer hours because of a reduced workforce, endured salary cuts, job loss, ran into trouble with your mortgage or ability to pay your bills, the recession has touched the lives of most Americans. How have you been affected by the economic changes?
7 Guidelines For First-Time Home Buyers
Just about a year ago, our financial system as we knew it was collapsing — Wall Street was in shambles. Things kept getting worse in pretty much every corner of the economy, and we're still trying to figure out whether or not the country has reached a state of recovery. The housing market has been particularly tumultuous, but many new buyers are taking advantage of lower home prices and finding themselves in escrow for the first time.
12 Recession Lessons to Remember
The Federal Reserve's latest survey of businesses around the country shows the US recession might be over. The recovery is projected to be a slow one and the economy is still fragile, but we can file this piece of news in the hopeful column. Recession or not, we should continue to follow the many lessons from these times of economic uncertainty to keep our financial houses in order — in good times and bad.
Your Two Cents: Is There a Cupcake Bubble?
Here at Sugar HQ we're crazy about Kara's Cupcakes, but it seems everyone has their preferred cupcake supplier. From Sprinkles, Crumbs, and Magnolia to the smaller businesses that bake up delicious minicakes with fluffy icing, stores that profit from a cupcake craze have popped up like frozen yogurt shops over the past few years.
Their appearance has become so noticeable that one economic writer wonders if cupcakeries are the bulk of a bubble that's waiting to pop; he questions the durability of the boom, the relative expense of cupcakes, and fears it's a reactionary trend without staying power.
Stores See More Shoppers Ditching Goods at Checkout
The other day, I was waiting in the checkout line when I found myself reaching into the grocery cart to restock something I didn't really need. The item was something I'd purchased in the past and didn't particularly enjoy, but it was on sale and I thought it couldn't hurt to give it another shot. Once we reached the register, I realized the likelihood of using it and actually being satisfied was slim to none.
Where It Costs Less to Own Than Rent
We got some good economic news during the past week with announcements that July's new and existing home sales jumped significantly, beating analysts expectations. While buying a home isn't the best choice for everyone and not every American considers home ownership part of the dream, lower prices have made it an option for more people who want it.
Because the market has sunk deeply in certain areas, owning a home can cost nearly the same as renting.
More on SavvySugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Torrini
Linea
British Knights