Can you afford Christmas?

Bahhumbug!

Home prices are tanking. 401k's and other investments are losing value quickly. How will it all affect your Christmas shopping?

Finish: Christmas shopping plans ruined

Conscience Consumption - How Much is it Worth?

Do you care about slave labor, or only the cheapest price?

Would you pay more for a chocolate bar if it was ethically produced and profits were distributed fairly?

Finish: Conscious Consumption - How much is it worth?

SAVE $$$$$: Do you negotiate when you shop retail?

Do you always ask for a deal?

Do you always try to bargain when you shop, to negotiate for a cheaper price? Over the years I've read a number of articles claiming that you can try to negotiate the price of almost anything. It doesn't matter whether you are at Macy's or some small local boutique, most retailers are willing to negotiate, so goes the argument. 

I have to admit, I don't often think to bargain, but the few times I've tried to bargain, I've gotten a better price almost every single time. 

Had any success negotiating prices for your favorite retail fashions? Rate negotiating when shopping for retail.

Earth day poser

Green for a day?

So I walked by the Lucky Brand jeans store and saw this Earth Day shirt, celebrating Earth Day with organic t-shirts. Now, only a month ago or less, I stopped in to see if this same store sold any organic cotton or hemp clothes. They did not.

So is Lucky just another example of green posing? Does being a little green every now and then justify this posing?

Rate green posing

How is your Holiday shopping going?

Have you started shopping yet?

I'm notoriously bad at Holiday shopping, mostly because I wait until the very last moment. I am, however, prepared to go shopping in a couple of hours and, if I have any success, I'll be far ahead of my normal routine. Nonetheless, I am not looking forward to the crowds.

Rate your Holiday shopping: Are you done? Has it been a pain? Are you going to wait until the last minute?

The 10 Best Gifts for him?

The best pick for him?

Wow, I just got done checking out MSN's Top 20 Best Gifts for him. I looked at the first 10 and almost quit. Fortunately, there were a few good ideas in 11- 20.

For example, an HP digital camera for $100.00 or a Viewsonic Flat Screen for $375. Beyond that, however, stay away from this list, unless you're shopping for your dad, uncle or brother. If you're shopping for your boyfriend, stay away from this list.

What would I pick? Guys like gadgets. What gadget is your guy missing? Want to get him clothes? Don't just buy them. Give him a coupon for a shopping trip, and shop as a couple but let him have some say. Is he a sport's fan? Get him tickets to a big game. Or, if you can afford it, season tickets.

Rate the best gifts for him.

Shopping: Did you find any good deals today

Did you go shopping today?

Black Friday, as the day after Thanksgiving has become to be known, sets the Holiday shopping season into full gear. People get in lines at their favorite stores hours before they open hoping to find an unbelievable deal. However, are there really that many unbelievable deals? Or, has Black Friday become just another over-marketed, over-hyped shopping event?

Rate your Black Friday shopping: Any unbelievable deals out there?