Tag: Personal Finance

I will admit to buying the occasional lottery ticket, knowing full well the ridiculous odds, seeing it personally as a fun little dream (although I

“If it weren’t for the free diapers provided through an early head start program run by Episcopal Social Services during the day, some Bronx moms say if it would be next to impossible to keep a constant supply.”

Does happiness rise with income? In one of the more scientific attempts to answer that question, researchers from Princeton have put a price on happiness. It’s about $75,000 in income a year.

As the months passed, out went stacks of sweaters, shoes, books, pots and pans, even the television after a trial separation during which it was relegated to a closet. Eventually, they got rid of their cars, too.

“Consider this: America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right?”

“Business had not been good of late, and “you know, Monday I have to pay this, and Tuesday I have to pay that.” Then, just that morning, “Jesus gave me $1,000.” ”

An economist keeps a diary on what it was like to spend a week talking personal finance with young homeless mothers.