American Idol Upset: Who You Callin’ “Marginalized?”

May 20, 2009 Tonight was the big hoohah over American Idol’s grand finale controversy, and the New York Times' ArtsBeat section had a play by play ‘real time’ review updating regularly that described this showdown between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert as “the guy next door versus the guyliner.” On the ‘unfair to Adam’ shout out, you can add a posse of young teens who gave me … [Read more...]

Shaping Youth Interviews PAYjr CEO on Kids’ Prepaid Plastic

Seeing as how we’re smack dab in the “final 48 hour retail frenzy” of credit card-flinging shoppers at risk of losing every logical brain cell, my interview with PAYjr Founder/CEO David Jones (merged w/PAYjr Visa Buxx) is timely. Parents’ pockets are being picked as we speak, and it’s not always about 'taming the holiday … [Read more...]

A Humorous Approach to Student Debt: Credit Cartoons

Two million kids voted in the Kids Pick the President mock elections and they nailed the outcome. (that's 4 out of 5 of the last Presidential elections, per Nickelodeon news) Now, Consumers Union is getting out the vote AGAIN, this time for a cartoon contest for credit card reform on a one month timeclock: Nov. 5-Dec. 5, 2008! Dangers of Debt Cartoon Contest uses a … [Read more...]

Kids Take Lessons From National Debt Binge

‘Don’t do as I do, do as I say,’ could be the governmental finger wag lecturing kids on fiscal fitness. How can we expect kids to learn about credit/debit and healthy financial management skills with restrained realism when we’re handing over the national credit card with a ‘put it on the tab’ mall mentality? It’s becoming more … [Read more...]

“My Gift Card’s Worthless? That’s So Unfair!” Cry Foul to the FTC

I don’t know about you, but with California schools on the skids, turning pockets inside out in a pathetic, penniless shrug, parents have been asked to contribute to fundraisers that also include purchasing ‘e-scrip’ and ‘gift cards.’ While it’s a seamless digital ‘give’ plugging in a school as a partner/affinity program, our … [Read more...]