Reviews the latest version of the SuperCalc spreadsheet, indicating that it now provides color graphics, two-key sorting, and database management functions (including Internal Rate of Return). Also indicates that the program is not copy protected, useful in trying to integrate a variety of programs. (JN)

Analyzed 300 widowed women, age 60 or older, regarding financial experience prior to widowhood, planning undertaken before death of spouse, and effects on well-being in early widowhood. Results indicated that preparation was associated with somewhat better well-being among widows, but financial experience prior to widowhood had no effect.…

Examines institutional changes in advertising before and after the stock market "crash" of 1987 as represented in the "Wall Street Journal." Finds that financial institutions increased the frequency and size of ads after the crash. (RS)

Describes the alternative financial sector, which provides low-income consumers with a range of services such as rental-purchase agreements, pawn shops, refund anticipation loans, postdated checks, money orders, and check cashing outlets. (JOW)

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), the largest pension system in the country, has lost its tax exemption, a change that has both created problems and opened doors to new ventures. TIAA-CREF is now seeking opportunities to manage state tuition-savings plans, and has also established six…

The U.S. Government manual for school accounting is due to be revised this year. (RA)

In a three-year study of 30,996 financial-services managers, logistic regression analyses showed that women were more likely to be promoted rather than hired into management positions. Relative to men, women in higher-level positions received fewer promotions than women in lower-level positions. (63 references) (SK)

Technologies of payment rather than technologies of connection are the real trigger for the expansion of electronic commerce on the Internet. This article discusses "smart cards," highlighting Mondex, the electronic purse developed in the United Kingdom. Predicts that cash will be replaced by "e-cash," which is cheaper to make,…

More than 30 million households own PCs and more than 20% of these use PCs to manage their finances. This article examines the Internet and financial services, consumer needs, and differentiation in service products and predicts future trends in retail financial services (cheaper niche products, cross-border selling, selling knowledge, payments,…

The globalization of business has led to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) around the world. Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a roadmap for IFRS implementation starting in 2014, with earlier adoption permitted. Yet according to recent surveys, few U.S. universities have a strategy in place to…

Prepare to teach a convincingly up-to-date unit on consumer credit by becoming acquainted with the people who consider these terms tools and not simply test items for a good matching test. (Author)

A Seattle architectural firm is providing clients with market studies, financial feasibility analyses, and management systems that can be incorporated into long-range economic planning. (Author)

Enrollment trends suggest a decline in interest in consumer studies. New curricular approaches include movement toward a root discipline such as economics or toward professional degree programs, such as consumer affairs in business or financial counseling and planning. (JOW)