Economics 101 and my Christmas Tree

According to American Research Group, the average American wil spend $854 on Christmas gifts in 2012. How much should they spend on a Christmas tree?
When it came to buying my tree, I asked myself...

Real or fake? Big or small? Pine or fir? Pre-lit or not? Local nursery or big box retailer? Buying my Christmas tree was an easy decision once I applied what I had learned in Economics 101. These lessons guide all my purchases and keep me from overspending.

Read more on Yahoo Finance: First Person: The Economics of My Christmas Tree Purchase

Beware of Toys with Hidden Costs

So your daughter wants an American Girl doll for Christmas. And your son wants an iPad? You want to keep them happy so your stretch your budget for the perfect toy for the holidays.

Its just the beginning of what will be a spending cycle. Beware of toys with hidden costs that will bust your budget down the road. Read more of my Yahoo Finance article:
First Person: Toys That Come With Hidden Costs

Photo courtesy: Julosstock/sxc.hu

I Am Not Buying or Gifting an E-book Reader This Year

Since 2007, e-book readers have "kindled" the love of reading in many people. A thin, portable device that fits comfortably in a jacket pocket, backpack or purse and holds an entire library of books should appeal to avid readers. I love reading, so an Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook or iPad 2 should be on top of my wishlist. Read here why I am not buying or gifting an e-book reader.