Clipping coupons was once the domain of the budget conscious. But, in this recession, it has become a ritual for the new frugal consumer. (Read More…)

My letter to Santa last week raised some interesting issues. But, as usual, the real intriguing ideas came from the comments by readers. That’s exactly what this blog is for. (Read More…)

Dear Santa:

Last year, I sent you my Christmas wish list. But, with all do respect, sir — you really failed to deliver the goodies! Well, tis another season to be positive, so here’s the list and we’re counting on you to come thru this year: (Read More…)

The current issue of SmartMoney magazine includes an article offering tax planning tips to readers. Under the heading “Stimulus Savings,” the author wrote: “the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program may be over but consumers can still get a break on new vehicles.” That’s true advice . . . but only half a loaf. (Read More…)

I know it’s the season to be jolly! Yes, we have some great Christmas and New Year’s holidays just ahead. But for some reason, I don’t have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. No, instead, I’m getting pictures of boat shows stirring around! (Read More…)

I recently read an article by Emily Maltby in the Wall Street Journal, and it hasn’t stopped resonating with me, yet. Usually when something sticks with me like that I know it’s worth sharing. (Read More…)

I’ve always liked observing what top dealers do to . . . well, be top dealers. The most common denominator: they never stop going after business, even in a supposed dead month like December! Cases in point from last weekend come from three of the industry’s top 100 dealers: Lakeside Marine, Galati Yacht Sales and South Shore Marine. (Read More…)

Creators of music like the Meow Mix jingle and the Barney theme song have filed a Freedom of Information Act request to determine if their songs were used during interrogations at Guantanamo. The way I see it, given the choice between hearing the Barney theme and waterboarding, the terrorists would pick the latter every time! (Read More…)

There isn’t a boat show manager alive who isn’t searching for ways to increase attendance at this winter’s critical round of shows. Enter Phil Dyskow, president of Yamaha’s marine group, who may have laid out a good roadmap worth studying. (Read More…)

It’s not too often we can be thankful at Thanksgiving for some new federal agency rules. But, the Environmental protection Agency has just issued a final rule aimed at reducing water pollution from construction sites. And, while I suspect the agency officials were not thinking about benefits for marinas and boating when they promulgated these rules, implementing them will do so. (Read More…)