It's been another big news week. Hank Paulson announced a change in the bailout plan. General Motors is nearing bankruptcy, and the auto industry is hurting and looking for a bailout of its own, sparking much controversy. Here are some other major items that caught our eye this week.
Lipstick or hosiery indicates doom? A common, relatively proven theory is that an increase in cosmetic sales is indicative of a down market. The New York Times says the "Lipstick Index" is back with a 40% increase in sales over recent months. The Wall Street Journal seems to disagree. They think the Lipstick Index is so last season... 2008's special down market indicator is hosiery. You be the judge.
Inauguration Insanity: There are 250,000 free tickets available for president-elect Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20. But heavy demand has already sparked business ventures. Check out this story about brokers who are pre-selling tickets for more than $20,000.
Try getting your inauguration fix from this slideshow showing the construction of the inauguration platform over the next few months. With an estimated 1 million people expected to show up, you may enjoy a seat in front of your TV best. But if you do go, get your tickets for free, or as this article quotes, "They're going to come with or without tickets."
Or, if you live in or near D.C., consider renting out your home at a great price for those inauguration-hungry folk. It'll get you right out of your holiday shopping debt!
Tipping on Takeout Takes Off: Grand discussions about tipping etiquette is spreading like hot cakes! Neal Templin at the WSJ already addressed tipping twice due to an influx of reader responses. Free Money Finance had a strong reaction to the simple question — do you tip for takeout? Check out the comments where FMF's readers show they have strong opinions as well.
Living Alone - Frugality versus Sanity: Can it ever be frugal to choose to live alone? Living Almost Large addresses this question. People have to look at whether they can handle possibly troublesome roommates or would choose to cut services like cable to afford to live alone.
-- Susie Bafico
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Year Fixed | 4.62%  |
4.67% |
| 30 Year Fixed | 5.15% | 5.15% |
| 1 Year ARM | 3.48% |
3.51% |
| 5/1 Year ARM | 3.62% |
3.68% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Line of Credit | 4.89%  |
4.88% |
| 10 Year Loan | 7.47% | 7.47% |
| 15 Year Loan | 7.61% |
7.60% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Checking | 0.28% | 0.28% |
| Money Market/Savings | 0.38% | 0.38% |
| 12 Month CD | 1.13%  |
1.15% |
| 60 Month IRA CD | 2.40% |
2.41% |
| Type | Today | Week Ago |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Back Cards | 12.66% |
12.68% |
| No Annual Fee Cards | 12.08% |
11.97% |
| Reward Cards | 12.75% |
12.61% |
| Small Business Cards | 11.01% |
10.94% |
| Student Cards | 13.77% |
13.49% |
| Platinum Cards | 12.26% |
12.11% |
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