Written By Paula Pant
During the holidays, millions of Americans swarm upon stores across the nation.
Stores respond by dropping prices.
Why? Why does a surge in demand trigger lower prices?
If demand spikes and supply stays (mostly) the same, prices should rise instead of fall. Right?
Humor me for a moment:
Imagine that you own a retail […]
Written By Paula Pant
This has been a big week: I had dinner with my biological sister, whom I haven’t seen in 7 years. (I was adopted.)
But this isn’t a blog post about cross-country family reunions. It’s a post about a magical thing called discretionary income, the key to a portal of incredible opportunities.
Discretionary […]
Written By Paula Pant
I’ve endured 18 years of bad vision. I’ve worn glasses or contacts since elementary/middle school.
In prehistoric days, bad eyesight might have been a death sentence. I couldn’t hunt prey, forage for berries or spot predators. In 21st century America, though, blurry vision is a minor inconvenience. It’s also an expense […]
Written By Paula Pant
I’ve been in Paris for more than a week, and I’m reminded of how little money you need to have an amazing experience.
This morning I ate a fresh baguette (88 cents) with cheese and olives, and sipped a homemade cappuccino in my living room. This afternoon I’m taking a long walk […]
Written By Paula Pant
In the 18th century, a French writer named Denis Diderot received a gift: a beautiful scarlet dressing gown.
The fabric was gorgeous. The colors were rich. The craftsmanship was spectacular.
Diderot immediately threw his tattered old gown away. He didn’t need it anymore. His new gown was breathtaking.
Of course, he needed […]
Written By Paula Pant
Yes, it’s true. “Don’t buy lattes” may be a personal finance cliché, but I literally buy a Starbucks coffee every day. I pay $1.78 for a tall (which is Starbucksian for “small,”) plus 54 cents for a refill. Daily damage: $2.32.
That’s $71.92 per month, if I go daily (which I […]
Written By Paula Pant
Every major city I’ve visited — New York, San Francisco — has blown me away with one amazing aspect: its main park.
Whether I’m in Central Park in Manhattan, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco or Lumpini Park in Bangkok, I can’t help but notice a few common threads: these spaces are gorgeous, centrally located, […]
Written By Paula Pant
Many people assume that if some health insurance is good, more health insurance is better. That’s not always true.
Sometimes, having a little LESS coverage is the smarter move.
To understand why, keep in mind that the purpose of health insurance is to safeguard you against risk. The purpose is NOT to pay your medical […]