Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Grand Experiment
Personal finance columnist Brian O'Connor is conducting a 10-week experiment, trying to lop $1,000 from his family's budget. In addition to weekly columns, find more updates here from Brian's blog and Twitter posts.
Your Money blog
Reader tips: Spreadsheets, coupons and Walmart, oh my!
Despite this week's miss on the savings goal in the auto/transportation category, Grand Experiment's first week of reader submissions is in, and includes some good ideas … Continued
Twitter posts from Brian O'Connor
- SaveAGrand: RT @lizweston: Know the rules to ensure happy (gift) returns. http://bit.ly/7SCBKY ^KD (via @SmartSpending)
- SaveAGrand: It's Christmas -- at the dollar store! (Also, wild thing, I think I love you!) http://bit.ly/8FgPFQ
- SaveAGrand: The family grocery bill bites back -- no big savings this week. That's hard to swallow! http://bit.ly/8DhAC4
- SaveAGrand: Cyber Monday and Sears - fail! They put the right price in the weekly ad and on the web promo -- but not the actual purchase.
- SaveAGrand: This week it's personal -- personal spending gets cut by $104 and me and Mrs. Your Money go to the envelope system. http://bit.ly/580HaY
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Money and Markets
- Hearts may swoon when stocks do, study suggests - 05:07 PM
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- Stocks end mixed after mixed economic reports - 06:07 PM
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Brian J. O'Connor
Bank of America ends 'courtesy' overdraft in public relations swirl
Bank of America announced Tuesday it will end its policy of allowing "courtesy" overdrafts when customers make debit-card purchases. - 03/11/2010
Businesses and consumers hold back on spending
To understand why jobs are so scarce, consider John McFarland and Nicole Rosen. The two share something in common: They're reluctant to spend freely. - 03/11/2010
DIY tax returns? More are trying
Do-it-yourself may be fine for painting a bedroom or changing your car's oil, but how do you know if it makes sense to file your own tax return? - 03/08/2010
Brian J. O'Connor
For musical motivation to exercise, do the math
Even though, after 22 years of marriage, I still find Mrs. Your Money hotter than Woodward Avenue asphalt in July, my wife has decided to hit the gym. - 03/08/2010
New program will pay homeowners to sell at loss
In an effort to end the foreclosure crisis, the Obama administration has been trying to keep defaulting owners in their homes. Now it will take a new approach: paying some to leave. - 03/08/2010
Despite laws, women earn less than men, global study says
Brussels -- Women with children earn almost a third less than men and still face too many career obstacles, a global trade union said in a report released today. - 03/08/2010
Tips on donating effectively during times of catastrophe
No sooner had the shock of Haiti's earthquake passed than Chile was struck. As the repercussions of both disasters continue, urgent need remains in those countries and around the world for charitable contributions. - 03/08/2010
4 ways to resist TV pitches
Whether it's to tighten your tummy, remove dead skin from your feet, give your hair a boost or find use for a towel that supposedly holds 12 times its weight in liquid, you may feel tempted by energetic pitchmen peddling such products via late-night infomercials. - 03/08/2010
Home office may be tax deductible
Many people who received buyouts and severance packages last year used the money to start home-based businesses. Now, they'll want to take tax deductions for their home offices. - 03/01/2010
Brian O'Connor
Financial action is a must-do
There are times when the only course of action to ensure your self-preservation is to do nothing, such as when you're faced with an enraged rhinoceros or find yourself elected to Congress. - 03/01/2010
Credit unions may offer best charge card rates
You're fed up with your bank's credit card fees and terms. Would switching to a credit union bring any relief? - 03/01/2010
Economy watch: 6 industries where the jobs are
In one good sign for the labor market, some companies are posting more ads seeking employees. - 03/01/2010
Despite credit reforms, costly loans and cards remain
A sweeping credit card law that takes effect Monday was supposed to prevent banks from employing tactics that yanked borrowers deeper into debt. Yet an array of loans and cards with crushing terms still beckons from every corner. - 02/22/2010
Mixed blessing: credit card reform may shock some
NEW YORK -- Your next credit card statement is going to contain an ugly truth: how much that card really costs to use. - 02/22/2010
What you need to know about credit card reform
NEW YORK -- The new credit card law is finally here. Starting Monday, banks will need to abide by new regulations on terms and disclosures. The idea behind the landmark law was to prevent banks from using practices that often dug borrowers deeper into debt. - 02/22/2010




Award-winning Your Money columnist Brian J. O'Connor of The Detroit News offers news and practical personal finance advice.


