10 Things We Overpay For: You Can Save Big by Buying Cheap Alternatives Instead

10 Things We Overpay For:
You Can Save Big by Buying Cheap Alternatives Instead

By Joan Goldwasser, Kiplinger.com
Does the avalanche of news about layoffs, business losses and a declining stock market have you looking for ways to cut your spending so you can beef up your savings? We're here to help, with suggestions for less-expensive alternatives to ten everyday purchases (for more ideas, go to www.BillShrink.com, which tracks cell-phone plans and credit cards).

"UNCERTAINTY AND MYSTERY ARE THE ENERGIES OF LIFE."

And while the Bond market may agree with R.I. Fitzhenry's words about uncertainty, most investors in the Stock market don't... just ask Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. Last week, Mr. Bernanke testified before the Senate and House Banking Committees, making several cautious comments on the state of the labor market and inflation, as well as stating that the Fed would be ready to take action should economic conditions worsen. 

They say the only constant is change... And more change is coming,

	...as the sweeping Financial Regulation Bill was passed by the Senate last week and will be signed by President Obama in short order to become law. So what does this change mean... and how will it impact home loan rates? Here's what you need to know.

"Over there... over there..." The old patriotic song hit it on the head...

...in terms of what has been driving market action lately... news from overseas. In the absence of US economic reports last week, Stocks received some help from headlines "over there." Late last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) left interest rates at a record low - which wasn’t really a surprise, given the sharp economic slowdown and uncertainty in Europe. 

What happens in Washington doesn't stay in Washington!

And there was a lot happening in Washington this past week, between the Fed’s two-day meeting and actions in Congress. So how will all of these happenings impact you…and home loan rates, which are near all-time lows? Read on for details.

Kids and Credit Cards: A video

	Kids and Credit Cards Using credit cards wisely is important for people of all ages, especially for young people just starting out.

"NOBODY CAN GO BACK AND START A NEW BEGINNING...BUT ANYONE CAN START TODAY AND MAKE A NEW ENDING."

Those words by the poet Maria Robinson should hold a special meaning - and warning - for anyone thinking about buying a home or refinancing, especially in light of the article by Former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan which hit the wires last week.

In his Wall Street Journal op-ed piece, Mr. Greenspan stated: "Don't be fooled by today's low rates. The government could very quickly discover the limits of its borrowing capacity." He also added that the present low inflation and low long-term rate environment has fostered a "sense of complacency (within the government) that can have dire consequences."