Steadfast Finances

 Advertising, Consumer Education         5 comments

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It’s not exactly mind blowing to find that people are less trusting post Great Recession when you consider that most everyone is poorer, the stench from the political cesspool that is Washington DC grows by the day, and few people (if any) actually know what happened with all the bailout …

 Consumer Education, Strategic Planning         7 comments

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As I said last week, I fully believe that Valentine’s Day is a complete ripoff. Men are guilt tripped into believing that if we don’t give our sweetie a dozen roses (that die in a week) or chocolates (that she will claim a week later made her fat) that we …

 Consumer Education, Strategic Planning         5 comments

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Obtaining leverage isn’t an easy thing to do. Whether you’re using knowledge that someone may not want to be disclosed, using loaned funds to generate a higher ROI than your scheduled debt payments, or using social pressure to influence someone’s opinion, it can be a tricky, yet highly effective, method …

 20s Something Advice, Auto Sales, Business Trends, Consumer Education         10 comments

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There are just some things that Gen Y won’t pay for: news, music, banking fees, etc. Apparently, this social media savvy cohort doesn’t find a tremendous amount of value in these items or they can simply get them for free somewhere else.
This trend seems have spilled over — perhaps temporarily …

 Advertising, Consumer Education         9 comments

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Occasionally, there is that one ad agency that just seems to know what the people want to hear.
The companies/organizations mentioned below, along with their ad agencies, combined forces to put together that perfect advertisement that sticks in the head of (potential) consumers or reinforces their brand dominance to the point …

 Consumer Education, Debt Reduction         22 comments

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I’m all for repaying your debts and owning up to your responsibilities, but there are some situations when bad things happen and repaying what you owe isn’t a realistic possibility.
If you happen to be in this unfortunate situation, let’s hope the debt collectors featured in this CNN report aren’t the …

 Consumer Education, Humor, Public Awareness         25 comments

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This is probably one of the most damning pieces of evidence of American stupidity that I’ve ever seen.
Nixon had Watergate. Clinton had the (white) stained dress. The American public now has this video proving how clueless we are as a nation.
Prepare to have your mind blown!
People sign petition to “increase …

 Bargain Hunting, Consumer Education         5 comments

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I found this 2009 Black Friday spending analysis chart very telling:

Foot traffic for 2009 was up substantially.
In 2009, shoppers spent ~14% less than 2008, and nearly equivalent to 2007 Black Friday consumption.
Foot traffic is up 33% in just 5 years.

I’m curious, though:

Did Black Friday shoppers show up just for the …

 Advertising, Consumer Education         No comments

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Being that Americans are fast paced, timeline driven people, there is nothing that pisses us off more than a delayed flight plan. Especially during the holidays!
The scenario usually starts off the same way…
The airport is packed. It takes 2 hours to get through security. You had to mail your favorite …

 Banking, Consumer Education, Credit Cards         15 comments

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I’m convinced that the current administration will fail to significantly alter the regulatory framework that governs the investment banking community, as well as the fee based business model practiced by the institutional mega-banks. Regardless of the new regulations that will be drafted, or the old regulations that might be reinstated, …

 Consumer Education, Documentary Films         10 comments

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Food, Inc., in my humble opinion, will be one of the most influential documentaries of all time.
Never before (at least to my knowledge) has such a fundamental issue as the food we eat been presented to the general public in such an easily understandable and graphic manner. It is a …

 Consumer Education, Financial Crisis, Frugal Living, Public Awareness         2 comments

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A fascinating talk on how 72% of the American Gross Domestic Product — consumers — are changing their spending behavior, relying on old school frugality tips to save more money, and deleveraging (e.g. saying goodbye to credit) to reduce their liability and financial risk. Mr. Gerzema compiles an enormous amount …