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Tuesday, 16 March 2010

The Keys to Successful Haggling
Haggling down prices is a classic way to score a deal, but it's one that intimidates most people. Either they don't know how to go start or how to actually go about it. Fortunately, Wisebread.com has a really great post called "The 7 Laws of Negotiation". Check it out here.
The author, an old hat at negotiating, offers up these principles for successful haggling:
- Come Prepared
- Be Polite
- Don't Make the First Move
- Time It Right
- Get Creative
- Be Able to Walk Away
- Flash the Cash
Check out the original post for more explanation of these principles.
More Here...
Would Legalizing Marijuana Help the Economy?

In a video on MSNBC.com, a Harvard economist speculates on how legalizing marijuana and other drugs would save the government $48.7 million by eliminating the need for enforcement of anti-drug laws. Making the drugs legally for sale would also allow the government to tax them which would contribute to the economy.
Opponents say that other costs would be incurred as a result of legalization that would make up for this gain, such as loss of productivity in the workplace and hospital bills from possible overdoses.
What do you think about this issue? Would legalization help the current economic crisis?
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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Advice: Is Debt Consolidation the Answer?

The recession brought with it plenty of commercials for debt consolidation companies that targeted people struggling to pay their bills. How do you know if it would really help?
Gir asks about debt consolidation over on our Advice page:
At what point should you consider a consolidation loan? I have several credit cards, but not that much overall debt. Still, it's hard making all the payments. Does consolidating hurt your credit?
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Why Are Other People's Weddings So Expensive ... For Me?

I was late to the wedding scene. I didn't even go to one until I was 18-years-old. And it wasn't until I turned 22 that I got my first glimpse of how somebody else's wedding could hurt my wallet. This wedding was for an acquaintance and required me to only fork over a wedding gift. Or, more pointedly, a double wedding gift, because in my naivety, I had opted to bring a date.
Of course, I got a more sweeping view of debt by wedding when, shortly after that, my cousin asked me to be in hers. A great honor, no doubt, until I realized this meant I was going to be spending money all over the place.More Here...
Is Shaving Too Expensive in the Current Economy? What are you cutting back on?

In the tough economic times, everyone seems to be cutting back on something. But, according to a video on MSNBC.com, what men are not cutting back on is facial hair. Experts have observed an increasing number of men growing beards during the economic downturn.
The possibility of such a trend reminds me of the beard tax enacted by Czar Peter the Great in 17th Century Russia, in which men were taxed if they had a beard. This time, it's the opposite, and men seem to be growing more beards simply because of the price of shaving gear, and the freedom from corporate regulations caused by layoffs.
Granted, I can understand given the price of razors, especially the ones with refillable blades. As if you don't pay enough for the razor itself, the refills cost as much or more! Still, I don't think I'll be quitting shaving my legs anytime soon (although my feminist-hippie mom would be proud) - it's getting a little too close to shorts season.
Have you noticed any trends as a result of people cutting back on spending? What have you had to cut back on?
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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