Courtesy Topps, Inc.

Bazooka's new packaging ditches its former red, white and blue design and signature comics.

By Scott Stump, TODAY contributor

Bazooka Joe has told his last corny joke. 

In a bid to market its product to a new generation, Bazooka Candy Brands is getting rid of the Bazooka Joe comics on its gum wrappers and replacing them with brain teasers, activities, and codes that will unlock content on BazookaJoe.com, according to a report by The New York Times. The comics were known for their corny jokes and Bazooka Joe sidekicks like the turtleneck-clad Mort, but only 7 percent of children between six and 12 have heard of Bazooka Joe, according to E-Poll Market Research figures cited by the Times. 

Bazooka Joe comics have been included with the gum since 1953, but by January, the redesigned packaging and logo will begin appearing in retailers like Target, 7-Eleven and Kroeger that had previously not been carrying Bazooka gum. The old red, white and blue boxes and wrappers will be replaced by a graffiti look with louder colors created by Goodwin Design Group. The redesign is one component of Bazooka’s first marketing campaign in five years, which will also include television commercials and online advertising. 

“What we’re trying to do with the relaunch is to make the brand relevant again to today’s kids,” Anthony Trani, vice president of marketing at Bazooka Candy Brands, told the New York Times.

Bazooka gum has been around since 1947 but has seen its sales dip in recent years, including a projected 48 percent decline between 2007 and 2012. While many adults will remember buying the gum at penny candy stores by the individual piece, it will now be sold in packs of 10 pieces. Half the pieces will be a new blue raspberry flavor, and the other half will be the traditional Bazooka gum flavor. The pieces will also be bigger, going from 4.5 grams to 6 grams. (Dentyne Ice is 1.5 grams). 

“Instead of a cheesy joke, we wanted to have a fun, engaging activity for kids, but the purpose wasn’t to not include Bazooka Joe,’’ Trani said. “To me it is all about doing one thing really well, and that is refreshing the Bazooka brand.”

Ken Carbone, the founder of a Manhattan branding and design firm, told the New York Times that he believes the new design “feels right for today,’’ but thinks maybe Bazooka should not have entirely scrapped its old design. 

“I think this is a little bit of an overreach because they had some equity and authenticity” in the original packaging, Carbone said. 

More:
Trump calls drop in popularity survey 'total bull@1$%#' 

At $7 a cup, this Starbucks coffee is black gold

Giving the boss a gift could be bad for your career

Video: Uglydoll donates $150,000 of toys to TODAY toy drive

Timothy A. Clary / AFP - Getty Images file

"Two million people follow me on Twitter," said Donald Trump. "I can get any kind of petition going I want."

Donald Trump to YouGov about its survey that suggests he’s to blame for a 45 percent drop in Macy’s popularity among women: “It’s total bull@!$%#."
 
"The survey is a joke. The person who did this is a joke," the Donald told TODAY regarding YouGov’s online survey that saw a steep dropoff in the retailer's popularity after a SignOn.org petition asking Macy’s to “Dump Trump,” launched and began gaining over 670,000 digital signatures.

Trump spokesman Michael Cohen added, "These aren't controlled surveys."

YouGov holds daily surveys of 1,000 consumers on hundreds of brands, sometimes in exchange for prizes and compensation.

"YouGov is recognized as one of the most accurate and highly respected researcher companies in the U.S. and internationally. In our daily BrandIndex survey, we carefully select a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. consumers age 18+ and collect their opinions on 1,000 brands.  Hundreds of companies depend on our information every day and trust us to present the data truthfully, whether it is good news or bad news," said YouGov BrandIndex SVP and Global Managing Director Ted Marzilli.

Source: YouGov

Trump noted his continued television success and high demand for guest appearances. "You can't have a successful show without women," he said.

The online petition started on October 24th and declared that Donald Trump, known for being obsterperous, "doesn't reflect the Magic of Macy's." Macy's offers a line of Trump branded ties and fragrances in its store and featured Trump in a recent holiday television ad that at one point comedically played off Trump's skepticism over President Obama's birthplace. The petition urged the retailer to cut ties with Trump, rather than sell them.

The petition was started by Angelo Carusone, the director of online strategy for Media Matters, which is a DC based organization "covering and correcting conservative misinformation in the media." The online petition quickly racked up a several hundred thousand digital signatures within a week. Carusone's plan is to deliver it in-person to Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren.

In a statement, Macy's told TODAY:

"Macy’s marketing and merchandise offerings are not representative of any political position. Many of the individuals associated with products sold at Macy's – or at any retailer, for that matter – express personal opinions that are not related to the merchandise we sell or to the philosophies of our company. 

Trump said that he and Macy's have not discussed the petition.

"Two million people follow me on Twitter," said Trump. "I can get any kind of petition going I want."

Trump's reputation, and notoriety, is built on being outspoken. 

A recent report in The Daily News said Trump's children had cautioned him to tone down his remarks on Twitter, which have attacked President Obama and Cher. "It's a false story," said Trump. "Ivanka and Don never did that. They would know to never do that."

So, no plan to tone down the public utterances?

"I don't do it by plan," said Trump. "I do what's right. I don't have a plan."

Los Angeles based image consultant Farrah Parker told TODAY, "Trump already presents an authentic liability for the brand. The only question is how much is Macy's willing to risk on assuming that consumers simply don't pay attention."

Ashley McCown, president of Solomon McCown & Company, a Boston-based PR and crisis communications firm, said Macy's "knew what they were getting into," when they signed up with Trump.

"If they start to see a true impact on sales, they may make minor adjustments, like featuring him less prominently in ads."

Until then, she said, "they're standing by their man."

More than one study has tried to determine the financial price of happiness. Some look at wealth. Others look at income.

One well-publicized study last year put the optimal income for happiness at around $75,000. Rising income, it turns out, produces greater happiness until you get to around $75,000. After that, there are diminishing returns, with more income leading to little or no gain in real happiness. 

This is a fraught question, of course. “Happiness” itself is not easily defined, and money doesn't always guarantee it. And the financial requirements for happiness usually depend on geography, peer groups and other external factors. 

The latest to weigh in on the issue is Skandia International’s Wealth Sentiment Monitor. It found that the global average “happiness income” is around $161,000 for 13 countries surveyed. The United States wasn’t specifically measured. (Read more: Why Millionaires Prefer Dogs) 

But there was a wide range of answers depending on the country. Dubai residents need the most to feel wealthy. They said the needed $276,150 to be happy. Singapore came in second place, with $227,553, followed by Hong Kong, with $197,702. 

The region with the most modest needs for happiness is Europe. Germans only need $85,781 to be happy, placing them lowest on the list. The French need $114,000, while the British need $133,000. 

The survey doesn’t ask about total wealth needed to feel happy. But it does ask about the amount of wealth needed to feel “wealthy.” Globally, the average amount needed to feel wealthy was $1.8 million. 

Singaporeans took the lead on the “wealth” needs, with $2.91 million needed to feel wealthy. Dubai ranked second with $2.5 million, followed by Hong Kong with $2.46 million. (Read more: Where to Live If You Want to Be a Millionaire) 

Surveys show that among Americans, most say they need $1 million or more to feel wealthy.

 All of this shows that wealth and financial happiness is not an absolute number, but is relative to your peers and surroundings. Living in Dubai, with all those oil barons and oligarchs, the needs are higher. In Germany, where wealth is more evenly distributed, the needs are not as high.

 How much wealth or income would you need to feel happy?

Follow Robert Frank on Twitter: @robtfrank

Lamborghini

The car is tempting, but many readers said the first thing they'd like to do if they won the Powerball jackpot was to help others.

Yes, we all know that we’re more likely to be struck by lightning or attacked by a shark than to win one of the lottery’s biggest jackpots.

But the bad odds didn’t stop readers this week from dreaming about what they would do if they had been the biggest winners of the $580 million Powerball drawing on Wednesday night.

A post this week on how you could amend your holiday shopping list if you raked in the big jackpot got readers talking about how they could improve their lives – and the lives of others -  with hundreds of millions of dollars.

Of the nearly 20,000 people who took our survey, more than half said their No.1 goal would be to buy a really nice house.

“A new home for my parents to move in with me in their old age then remodel my old home and donate it to homeless veterans,” one reader wrote.

Many readers said their first impulse would be to help others, in addition to themselves.

“I'd make sure every kid in my county had a good meal, decent clothes, supplies, and something fun--just for starters,” one reader wrote.

Others said they’d like to give back to organizations that have helped them in the past.

“My gift would be to donate a majority to Children's Hospital -Wisconsin. They saved my kid's life and I will never be able to repay them,” one grateful reader wrote.

Many readers had modest dreams, involving the things and people they loved.

“Nothing too fancy. I would like my '66 Chevy truck fully restored, a decent house with a shop, and then a historic tour through Europe,” one reader wrote.

Stock photo via FeaturePics

Want to be a popular boss? Give the gift of cash.

If you’re considering giving your staff a gift or throwing a party this holiday season, here’s a tip: Your workers would probably prefer the cold, hard cash instead.

A new survey finds that 73 percent of people would like a cash bonus this holiday season, if given the choice of holiday perks.

The survey of 2,059 U.S. adults asked what holiday perk people would prefer most, assuming all had about the same monetary value. It was conducted in November by Harris Interactive on behalf of the jobs website Glassdoor, and respondents could choose more than one answer.

The cash bonus was the most popular item. Next came a raise, which was favored by 60 percent of respondents. That was followed by extra paid time off that wouldn’t count against vacation, which was favored by 36 percent of respondents.

Here’s what people didn’t want as much as the cash: company stock, health care subsidies, a gym membership and a holiday party with an open bar. None of those were favored by more than 10 percent of the group surveyed.

It seems that more money is generally one of the top items on workers’ minds.

The same survey found that getting a raise topped the list of work-related New Year’s resolutions, with 32 percent saying that was a top goal.

Many people also plan to peruse the help-wanted ads come January: 23 percent said their top work-related New Year’s resolution was to look for a new job. 

We’ve all been there. You go to the store to buy a television, toaster or tablet computer. The friendly sales associate helps you find just the right one. 

Then, before you can even reach for your wallet she says, “Of course, you’ll want the extended warranty on that, right?” 

“Why?” you ask. “A few seconds ago you told me I made a great choice.” 

“You did,” she reassures you. “But you never know when something can go wrong and these things are incredibly expensive to repair. Why take the risk?” 

So, what do you do? 

In the December issue, the editors at Consumer Reports advise readers to resist the extended-warranty pitch. 

“We believe most people don’t need extended warranties,” executive editor Greg Daugherty told me. “Most products are reasonably reliable these days. If they are going to break it’s probably early on when the manufacturer’s warranty is still in effect or way down the road after the extended warranty would have expired. So you’re buying protection for a fairly limited period of time.” 

Service plans aren’t cheap. Consumer Reports says they can increase the price of that item by a third or more. And stores keep 50 percent or more of what they charge for these plans. That’s normally more than they make on the products they sell. That’s why the salespeople push so hard to get you to buy. 

“We found that repair costs very often aren’t much higher than the cost of an extended warranty,” Daugherty said. “So in the odd event that you’re going to need a repair, it probably won’t cost you any more than you would have paid for the warranty. And if you don’t need a repair, you get to keep that money.” 

Repair service after the sale can be lacking
Based on its surveys of subscribers, Consumer Reports cautions that an extended warranty doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the item fixed.  The salesperson might exaggerate the extent of the coverage or there might be limitations in the fine print you don’t know about. 

“We found that people sometimes get a runaround or that it’s just slower to get something repaired by an extended warranty than to take it to the repair shop and get it fixed yourself,” Daugherty explained. 

Worse yet, the company might refuse to make repairs under the service contract. ConsumerWorld.org recently ran a story in its Mouse Print section about a woman in the Boston area who paid $298 for a four-year service contract for her washer and dryer back in 2009. 

Recently, the washing machine broke. The repairman said he could not fix it under the service plan because the repair would cost $1,300 and the washer was only worth $589. They would pay her the $589, but that was less than the cost of a new washer.

Can they do that? Consumer World’s founder, Edgar Dworsky, checked and indeed the service contract gave the company the option to do that – to declare the product “un-repairable.”

The lesson here is to read any service contract you plan to buy before you buy it, and see if it includes the right of the servicer to refuse repairs or to cap its liability,” Dworsky cautioned.

Another way to go
You may already have extended warranty protection from your credit card issuer. Many cards now automatically double the manufacturer’s warranty by up to a year for items you charge to the card. 

The coverage varies from card to card and there are limitations. For example, MasterCard normally limits this extra protection to products where the original warranty is one year or less. So check the terms and conditions on your credit cards before you go shopping. 

“If this perk comes with your card, you’d be foolish to not to use it and maybe skip the extra coverage,” Dworsky said. 

A word about portable computers
You might want to consider a service plan if you buy a laptop or tablet computer. There’s a greater chance of damage with a portable computer. Consumer Reports suggests a service plan to cover accidental damage. 

Both Dell and Sony sell stand-alone coverage for accidental damage. These two-year plans range in price from $50 to $70 for Dell and $50 to $100 for Sony, depending on the model. 

Another way to go: add coverage to your homeowners, renters or condo insurance policy. Consumer Reports notes that Liberty Mutual’s home-computer endorsement (with a $50 deductible) is just $20 a year. 

The bottom line
If you buy reliable brands and products, you should have little need for an extended service contract. 

Consider this: These contracts are highly profitable for the warranty companies that issue them because relatively few people need to use them. 

Despite all the downside risks, maybe you just can’t live without the “added peace of mind” you get from a service contract. Okay, but you don’t need to buy it on the spot. Ask for written information about the program (or where you can find the contract online) so you can study it and see what’s really covered. You should also search online to see if others have had problems with the company providing the service contract. 

Remember: Verbal promises from a salesperson don’t mean anything. Neither do the hyped-up claims made in a brochure. The terms of the contract are what count.

Herb Weisbaum is The ConsumerMan. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter or visit The ConsumerMan website.

Getty Images stock

A new research paper finds employers tend to favor job candidates they want to hang out with.

Chances are, you’ll never see a job listing like this:  Help (and friend) wanted — Must share common interests and be fun to spend time with.

But a research paper released Thursday finds that when it comes to choosing job candidates, employers place a heavy emphasis on finding people who are similar to them, and whose company they enjoy.

Lauren Rivera, an assistant professor of management and organizations at Northwestern University, spent two years interviewing people who were hiring entry-level candidates for several elite law, investment and consulting firms.

She found that the companies did give considerable weight to whether the candidates were qualified for the job, including looking at things like which university they graduated from, what grades they earned and their knowledge of the field.

But she was surprised to find how much importance they placed on finding candidates who were a good “cultural fit” for the company. That often meant things like sharing a common interest in certain sports or extracurricular activities, or just being the type of person you’d be content to go on a business trip with.

As one consultant she interviewed put it:

“It seems like we’re always at work. We work nights; we work weekends; we are pretty much in the office or traveling. It’s way more fun if the people around you are your friends.”

Rivera also gave evaluators mock resumes listing certain extracurricular activities. She found that some evaluators accepted, or rejected, candidates based on things totally unrelated to job experience and qualifications, such as whether they’d played squash or lacrosse.

Of course, it makes sense that people will hire people that they like. But Rivera said she was surprised by how openly people talked about recruiting candidates in the same terms they might use to discuss finding friends or even romantic partners.

“I expected people to be a bit more guarded, but I think it’s taken for granted (that this is) part of the industry: I need to be able to get along with you,” she said.

There are clear upsides to hiring people you like, because you are more likely to get along with them and work well together. But Rivera noted that, especially at the elite firms she was focused on, the shared interests and extracurricular activities also often signaled a middle- to upper middle-class upbringing.

“There is definitely a bias concern, and I think class bias is definitely an issue,” she said.

She thinks that people from lower economic classes or more diverse backgrounds might be excluded from those jobs simply because they didn’t do certain extracurricular activities, or didn’t know to put them on their resumes.

“Firms can miss out on great people,” she said.

Rivera said other highly technical industries, such as engineering or neuroscience, may place less importance on finding co-workers they like and more on the skills needed to do the job. But she does think that in any industry, part of selection process is going to involve looking for people you get along with.

The findings of Rivera’s research didn’t come as a surprise to Comila Shahani-Denning, an associate professor of industrial and organizational psychology at Hofstra University.

Shahani-Denning has done research on how being attractive can affect people’s chances of getting jobs or commanding higher salaries. She’s currently looking at how LinkedIn and other social media sites are affecting hiring decisions.

Because employers are looking for good cultural fits, jobseekers should be especially careful about the photos they post on sites like LinkedIn, and about the extracurricular activities they list and the groups they belong to. Those things can help you make a connection with an employer, but they can also exclude you from a potential job.

Shahani-Denning also cautioned that by hiring candidates similar to their current staff, employers miss out on people who might bring different perspectives or experiences to the workplace.

“My feeling is that although it’s an attractive kind of tool to use, it can be dangerous,” she said.

Courtesy Starbucks

A view of the Starbucks store at Brewery Blocks in Portland, Oregon, one of the 46 locations where you can sip the $7 Costa Rica Finca Palmilera coffee.

Fancy a $7 cup of Starbucks? 

In this day of skyrocketing gas, grain and food prices, only a select few do.

But that's the price for a special rare brew Starbucks is serving up in just a few locations.

If you want to sip this black elixir, you'll have to ask for "Costa Rica Finca Palmilera," and fork over $40 for a half-pound. Also, you'll need to live in Seattle or Portland.

Only 48 stores in the country have the beans, and 46 of them are in one of these two cities.

It's not just any Starbucks there that have them, either. Only locations boasting the $11,000 "Clover" coffee machine are worthy to brew the beans. The coffee doesn't have to be made in the Clover, though. It's also available as a pour-over.

Starbucks said Wednesday there's a very good reason for the premium price on this "exotic" blend from a rare "Geisha varietal" line, which comes from an ancient line of plants that traces its lineage back to Ethiopia.

They didn't make very much of it. 

It's simple supply and demand, created for demanding coffee fans in two of the nation's most coffee-centric cities. 

The coffee "only grows at extremely high altitudes, and because of the tree’s low yield allows for more of the soil's nutrients to reach each cherry, intensifying the coffee's vibrant flavors," said the Starbucks spokesperson. "A trained nose and palate might pick up delicate floral aromas, flavors of white peach and pineapple, and a juicy herbal complexity in this coffee."

 In addition, all the beans came from just 3 hectares out of a single 90 hectare estate, yielding a tiny amount, a mere 3,800 pounds.

Starbucks basic tall Blonde coffee, produced in bulk, sells for $1.50 a cup.

"Costa Rica Finca Palmilera" is part of the Starbucks "Reserve" line of coffees, previously known as their "Black Apron" line, where the company hunts down rare and flavorful beans in origin countries and makes them available at just a few stores for a brief period of time. 

"The Starbucks Reserve line of coffees allows us to offer our customers the opportunity to try rare, unique, exquisite coffees that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience," said Starbucks. That is, as long as they are ready to pay a higher price.

For instance, the Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee, when available, goes for $4.50 for a tall brewed cup. Other brews in the Reserve line go for $2.95-$6.00 for a tall cup.

That said, even for a Reserve cup, "It is the highest price we've ever had," a Starbucks spokesperson told TODAY. "It raises the bar."

Courtesy Old Navy

Old Navy fold-over yoga pants and capris start at $15.

By Kara Reinhardt, Cheapism.com

As yoga has stretched American consumers’ muscles, the apparel industry has stretched their budgets. Yogis and wannabes stock up on everything from figure-hugging jackets to socks with grips on the bottom and individual pockets for each toe. Lululemon, the maker of high-end yoga clothing, expects revenue to top $1.3 billion this year and charges nearly $100 for its popular pants. For less than $20, mass-market retailers sell workout gear that’s still a far cry from gym shorts and a free T-shirt from your alma mater.

Below are Cheapism’s top picks for affordable yoga clothes.

• Old Navy fold-over yoga pants and capris (starting at $15) win fans both inside and outside the yoga studio for their supremely comfortable fit and fabric. Together the two styles claim more than 2,000 reviews on the Old Navy website, and an overwhelming majority award them high ratings. Many reviewers appreciate that they’re available in petite and tall sizes. The fold-over waistband flatters without constricting the midsection and may reveal a flash of pink, violet, or aqua, although buyers can also choose monochromatic black or gray. Online shoppers should note that a few color options include the brand name emblazoned on the back of the waistband. (Where to buy)
• The Champion Double Dry women's training tank (starting at $12) may not be labeled as a yoga top but it fills the bill, fitting close to the body without restricting movement, according to online reviews. The lightweight, “mock-mesh” fabric should appeal particularly to practitioners of Bikram or “hot” yoga for its moisture-wicking ability. Flat seams are designed to prevent chafing. This tank is also cut high and long enough to keep wearers from having to worry about inadvertent exposure. (Where to buy)

Of course, the cheapest place to find something to wear to yoga is your own closet. While comfort is paramount, clothing that’s too loose may get in the way as you try to get into a pose. A baggy T-shirt or shorts can slide up and reveal your midriff (or more) in a pose such as downward-facing dog or provide an unwitting sight line in a wide-legged pose. Ironically, tighter apparel can prove more modest and allow greater freedom of movement. Clothing that fits closer to the body also makes it easier for a teacher to monitor your form and ensure you’re practicing safely.

Pay attention to the length of the pants you choose. Yoga pants often flare at the bottom, so if they’re too long, it’s easy to get the hem caught underfoot and difficult to see whether your feet are in the proper alignment. That helps explain the appeal of capris and leggings, as well as Old Navy’s fold-over yoga pants. With their three different inseam lengths, they attract many consumers unwilling to spend time and money on alterations.

Consider not only fit but fabric as well. A pair of leggings that works fine underneath dresses and tunics may not breathe very well and stick when you sweat. Cheapism found that one bargain pair proved practically see-through. Quick-drying fabric, like the material of the Champion Double Dry training tank, promises to keep wearers more comfortable than heavy cotton.

More from Cheapism:

• Cheap yoga clothes
• Washing machine reviews
• Blender reviews
• Espresso machine reviews

Financial expert Hitha Prabhakar joined us for a chat on holiday budgeting and spending.

Savvy financial expert Hitha Prabhakar joined us for a fun and lively chat about getting through your holiday spending conundrums. How do you do it, not go crazy with stress, and still stay in budget? Is the "fiscal cliff" going to steal Christmas? And where does the smartly dressed Hitha pick up her holiday fashions without busting the bank? 

Q: I am hoping to make this holiday season a teaching moment for my two young klds (9 and 11). I want to teach about budgeting and financial management. Tips? 

Hitha: I realize holidays can be somewhat overwhelming when it comes to managing kids expectations but ALSO wanting to provide an awesome holiday for them. My advice would be to set a gift limit- say "we are going to spend $50 on gifts this year" and then we are going to use the rest of our time to volunteer. It brings it back full circle the meaning of the holidays while still participating in the joy of gift giving. I also like hand made gifts. Means more.

Q: I always overspend during the holidays. Any tips on how to stay on a budget? 

Hitha: I tend to overspend too during the holidays which is such a bummer. I tell everyone they have to take the same approach to budgeting as they take to dieting- you have to be VERY disciplined in sticking to the plan. If you have $400 to spend on gifts, decorations AND travel, try to prioritze what is most important. If you're niece and nephew need a cool gift, you may have to not take the expensive train down to see your sis and bro if you know what I mean. Also, do you use excel to make sure you are accounting for every dollar spent? It REALLY helps to see what you are spending vs. just checking your bank accounts.

Q: Are there any web sites that I can go to get deals?

A: For the best deal web sites I like www.shopkick.com. this gives you redeemable points for stores you spend in. Also have you heard of hukkster.com? It works like Pintrest- you have your list of items you want to purchase, and you "Hukk" it and it will tell you when the price starts to fall. I also like retailmenot.com which has coupons and ecoupons you can personalize and aggregate. The best bet (and what I do) is that I sign up for alerts from my favorite retailers. They send it right to my phone, or my email. This cuts the clutter from every other offer you are getting and streamlines your holiday shopping. 

Want more Hitha? Visit her site and follow her on Twitter @hithaprabhakar

Q: What are your best tips for saving money during the holidays? Not just gift buying. But food, parties, etc.? 

A:  I hear you on a 360 degree money saving strategy for the holidays. Again- it takes some planning. IF you are throwing multiple parties and know 20+ people are coming over- you don't have to go to Whole Foods and buy the most expensive organic food items, etc. Set the budget and DO NOT GO OVER. Also- I'm not sure what market you are in, but if you have a food delivery service like freshdirect.com that could cut down on gas costs because they offer free delivery. Don't be afraid to bargain hunt. If gifts require you to buy housewares for example, go to Home Goods, or better yet- Costco! No one is going to know their gift came from there. For decorations, buying at dollar stores is KEY. I did that last year. Our apt looked amazing decorated in $1 light strands. Hope that helped.

Q: My family does not celebrate the Christmas holidays. We don't want to be rude. But we can't reciprocate on gift-giving. Any advice on how to gently tell our co-workers, friends, neighbors? 

Hitha: Truth be told, I don't really give gifts during the holidays. And while it's all about individual choice, this is how I am dealing with it: I send out cards saying I'm or in this case you or your family is donating in the name of (insert persons name here) to (insert charity here). You can write that donation off on taxes at the end of the year. Does that make sense? Or you can just send cards too. That always works.

Q: My husband says he won't spend any money this year because he is afraid of the fiscal cliff. He says we will have to pay $2,000 more in taxes next year so we have to save. How do I talk him down?

A: I am shocked and humbled re: how many of you have seen me on TV. Thanks x 1000 for watching! YES the Fiscal Cliff is a major concern for the consumer out there- and it's hard not knowing either way what the government is going to do. This chat is mostly about saving money and sticking to budget and while our tendency as an American consumer is to spend, spend, spend- I get your husband's concern. If your husband won't budge on the holiday budget, I say get creative. You can make some AMAZING gifts that are small and meaningful and DIY (go to www.psimadethis.com amazing site) and come January, if you or your family still wants that flat screen, sweater or pair of Uggs, the merch is going to be so mega discounted you'll save a ton of money. I hate that it's come to this- but it's the reality of the situation and being cautious is always better.

Q: Best place to shop for inexpensive women's clothes?

A: Are you looking for designer clothes or basic t-shirts? Gap is having massive sales on basics- I love, love, love their yoga pants and work out/ weekend wear. Also, don't be afraid to go to TJ Maxx- the store has changed it's layout over the years and it's easier to navigate. Do you hit outlet stores? That's another GREAT place to get high end clothing at a massive discount. And also- places like Kohls and Target are doing incredible designer collaborations. Kohls just did one with Narcisco Rodriguez and honest hour here: I wear some of the stuff on air at MSNBC!

Q: What is your theory on re-gifting?

A: As long as the gift is BRAND NEW (in the package, does not look banged up) and you are giving it to someone who is NOT a part of the same friends and family circle- it is ok . I know, I know- manners wise, it's really terrible. But from a "waste not, want not" perspective it makes sense. Just MAKE SURE it looks new!

Q: Is online shopping cheaper than going to the mall?

A: If you really break it down- online shopping can definitely be cheaper than going to the mall. First of all, you have free shipping, so you aren't paying for gasoline to get your self there. Also, stores are trying to beef up their online traffic so they tend to give out promotions for merchandise online more readily. For the same flat screen TV for example, you could use a coupon for 20%, a rebate AND not pay for shipping. See how in three steps that became cheaper? Crazy, right?

Want more Hitha? Visit her site and follow her on Twitter @hithaprabhakar 

TODAY

Brian and Mary Lohse, who won the Powerball jackpot in September.

There could be worse troubles than becoming instant millionaires. But problems arise. 

For Brian and Mary Lohse, one of those is dealing with constant requests for money.

“You can’t help everybody. I mean, we would like to, but you can’t,” Mary Lohse said Wednesday on TODAY. “I have a stack of letters at home about this thick of people, just strangers, wanting — and you want to help them, but you can’t.  You don’t know who’s telling the truth and who’s not.”

In September, Lohse and her husband won the $202 million Powerball jackpot. The Bondurant, Iowa, couple opted for the $129.8 million cash payout option, reducing their winnings to $90 million after taxes.

But before they claimed their winnings, Brian Lohse called his attorney with instructions to put together a financial and estate planning team to help them handle their new-found wealth. That group includes an accountant, attorneys and advisers from Goldman Sachs.

Brian, a lawyer himself, had dabbled in estate planning and “knew the basics of having large amounts of money,” he told TODAY’s Matt Lauer.

The couple, who have three children, are in the process of creating a foundation for their charitable contributions. Brian Lohse has since quit his job to oversee the foundation work. Mary Lohse, a medical assistant, continues to work part-time. 

There have been no major splurges yet for the family, although they did buy some clothes and a pair of new cars.

Psychiatrist Gail Saltz told TODAY that winning the lottery can be a mixed blessing for some people. While many find themselves with comfortable, happy lifestyles, sudden wealth also can bring conflict for those emotionally and socially unable to handle it.

“More often than not, people are overwhelmed,” she said. “The money erodes away at their relationships, they get self-destructive and at the end of the day, they would have been better off not winning the lottery.”

Brian Lohse said his attorney advised him to take his time spending the winnings. 

"He kept saying, ‘grow into the money. You have time for all that; just grow into the money,’” he said.

Mary Lohse still plays the lottery. She said she recently won $4 and has and even purchased tickets for Wednesday’s drawing, predicted to be the largest jackpot ever at $500 million.

Brian Lohse said he still finds it “a little strange" to be called a millionaire.

"Every time we see numbers about the financial projections, we can’t fathom it," he said. "It's just unreal.”

More: Advice for the lucky so-and-so who wins the Powerball jackpot 
What would KLG and Hoda do with $500 million?
Hey Powerball winner, here's your shopping list 
Marissa Mayer: It's God, family, Yahoo, in that order 
Powerball fever spikes as jackpot rises to $500 million

"The baby's been easy!" Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer told an invite-only crowd at a Fortune "Most Powerful Women" event on Tuesday evening in Palo Alto, Calif.

"The baby's been way easier than everyone made it out to be. I think I've been really lucky that way but I had a very easy, healthy pregnancy. He's been easy. So those have been the two really terrific surprises: the kid has been easier and the job has been fun!" Mayer said, referring to her son, Macallister. The crowd chuckled along with her.

It turns out the former Google executive, known for her planning skills and extensive use of spreadsheets to make major life decisions (and determine the perfect cupcake recipe), can still be surprised when it comes to both motherhood and corporate leadership.

"I think that there's two surprising things," Mayer told the audience, comprised mostly of women, "I knew that the job would be hard and I knew that the baby would be fun. And the thing that surprised me, and really puzzlingly so, is that the job is really fun! Yahoo is a really fun place to work." 

In a television exclusive, TODAY aired excerpts of the interview this morning, which may be her last public interview for some time.

The 37-year old, Mayer, who became Yahoo's CEO while 6-months pregnant and gave birth shortly thereafter, returned to work after a two-week maternity leave, sparking debate about whether she could both lead the embattled internet giant and be a good mother.

More broadly, her story has kindled a national conversation about whether women can truly "have it all" in terms of work-life balance. As a female CEO in the male-dominated tech world, and pregnant at that, some have pointed to her ascent as evidence of "The Fall of Men."

"What's the most important thing that you do, to get it all done?" Mayer was asked onstage at the FORTUNE event.

"You have to ruthlessly prioritize," replied Mayer. Doing interviews haven't been high on the priority list lately. 

"And that's one of the reasons I haven't been talking and I will go back to not talking after tonight." said Mayer.

So far investors agree with how Mayer prioritizes her time. Yahoo's stock is up 18 percent since she took over.

A native of Wisconsin, Mayer cited legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi as an inspiration.

"And you know Vince Lombardi says, in my life there are three things: God, family and the Green Bay Packers, in that order. For me, it's God, family, and Yahoo, in that order."

In a few hours Mayer will join a group of CEOs meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss their priorities for the so-called "fiscal cliff" of tax hikes and spending cuts set to take place Jan. 1, unless Congress acts.

Yuriko Nakao / Reuters

A man looks at Panasonic televisions displayed at an electronics store Oct. 31 in Tokyo. Many Cyber Monday deals on televisions have been extended through this week.

Japan’s legacy television brands continue to struggle against competitors like Samsung and LG as well as low-cost Chinese manufacturers, and this means a fuzzy picture for American shoppers trying to decide if and when to buy a TV.

Retailers are struggling to move inventory as shoppers, still wary about the economy, gravitate towards cheap Chinese options despite their lack of bells and whistles.

“I think the market’s flooded now,” said RJ Hottovy, director of consumer equity research at Morningstar.

Sharp and Panasonic reported losses for their most recent quarters. Sharp was the most dire in its outlook, saying it faced “circumstances in which material doubt about its assumed going concern is found” in its most recent earnings report. Sony’s quarterly operating profit came in below the expectations of analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters, according to CNBC. 

In the short run, this could be good news for buyers who want to buy a TV this holiday season, especially those in the market for a 50-inch-plus behemoth.

“It’s a great time to buy big screens,” said Gary Merson, editor of HDGuru.com. “It’s the fastest-growing segment, but it didn’t grow as fast as they expected.” The result is lower prices across the board. The kind of deals that usually surface in January are here now, as manufacturers race the clock to get rid of their excess inventory before their new models come out early next year.

"We had great Black Friday deals. We had great Cyber Monday deals," he said. "A number of the vendors have extended their pricing from Cyber Monday through the week... If you see it at a substantial discount this week, grab it." While there might be better deals down the pike for TVs that are currently 10 percent off, Merson said the 30 percent, 40 percent and even higher discounts won't last. 

Merson highlighted a Samsung 60-inch LED LCD with an MSRP of $2,570 now selling for $1,297.99 through Amazon.com, nearly half off, and a Panasonic 55-inch, LED LCD smart TV with an MSRP of $1,700 now on sale for $899.99.

There’s a flip side to this fire sale, though. Analysts say name-brand manufacturers are scaling back production for 2013 and focusing more on higher-end models, which could translate to higher prices in the form of fewer markdowns, rebates or add-on freebies, especially if demand for more sophisticated models grows.

“Thin costs money. Smart costs some money if it’s built into the set, and better quality panels with higher contrast ratios cost more money,” Merson said. “If you want better performance coupled with a svelte design and smart [functionality], they all have a built in inherent cost.”

“Those brands are more likely to fight on features than price,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD Group.

The question is whether American viewers will pay for those features. The industry is taking a big gamble that they will.

Following a less-than-robust demand for 3-D TVs, manufacturers are pinning their hopes on what they hope will be the next big thing, a super-high resolution that goes by the terms “4k” or “ultra HD.”

“4k is to HD what HD was to standard definition,” said James McQuivey, principal analyst at Forrester Research.

But it’s not mainstream yet for a few reasons, he said. A big-screen set retails for five figures, and there isn’t yet any content or transmission standards for the format (and tech bloggers argue about the extent the human eye can even appreciate that many pixels).

Merson said interest among early adopters was good, but it’s still a very small slice of the buying public willing to drop $10,000 or more on a television. What's more, the cutthroat competition in the market will drive even the price of this “next big thing” down in just a few years.  

This means shoppers who are willing to be patient will probably be able to get more TV with more features for less money, especially as Chinese companies become increasingly sophisticated and start competing more directly with brands like Samsung.

TV viewers who want cutting-edge technology, especially when it comes to resolution, as soon as it hits the market will pay for the privilege. “I see much more innovation... just to differentiate between the manufacturers,” said Paul O’Donovan, principal analyst at Gartner Inc.

“The real premium price goes to the ultra HD,” he said. “This is exactly where they plan to get their money.”

More money news:

• Cowabunga, dude! Retro toys are hot this holiday season
• Dangers on toy shelves: Dora's guitar, balloon launcher
• Check out the 2013 toy of the year nominees
• Video: Say 'no' to debt: Give holiday gifts that matter
• Sign up for our TODAY newsletter

Follow TODAY Money on Twitter and Facebook

To save on groceries, you gotta bust out the coupons. And before you do that, you gotta bust these four coupon myths that might otherwise discourage you from getting all the deals you deserve, Susan Samtur, the original "Coupon Queen," told Savannah Guthrie this morning on TODAY.

Myth 1: "A one-dollar coupon is always more valuable than a 75-cent coupon."

Busted! It's not just about the face value of the coupon. Check the fine print. If the store is offering double coupons on the 75-cent coupon, now it's worth $1.50, beating out the dollar coupon.

Myth 2: "The generic brand is always cheaper than the national brand."

Busted! Samtur snagged a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and used a dollar coupon to get it for 88 cents, versus $3.79 for a generic box of "Cinnamon Toasters."

Myth 3: " There are never coupons for fresh foods."

Busted! This one is tricky because it didn't used to be a myth. "Manufacturers have come to learn people aren't looking for coupons just for processed items, they're looking for fresh stuff," said Samtur." You can get fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs with brands from big companies, and the coupons to go along with them.

Samtur showed off how she got two cases of "Egg-land's Best Eggs," for "cheep." Retail price: $6.98. After coupons? 98 cents, 49 cents per dozen. "We bow down!" said Guthrie, pretending to genuflect before the 4"9.5' tall "coupon queen."

Myth 4: "If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is."

Busted! Samtur saw a jar of Mt. Olive pickles in the circular on sale for $1.98. Then, when she went into the store, there was a tag on it offering $1 off if you bought two. Combining the two deals, she got two jars of pickles that regularly go for $6.98 for the low price of $2.98. Now that's a deal worth bending your knee for.

To catch more of Susan Samtur, check out her appearance on TLC's Extreme Couponing tonight.

marblesthebrainstore.com

36 Cube is a game that challenges the mind. Think 3-D Sudoku.

You don’t need to spend a lot to find nice holiday gifts for everyone on your list. You just need to know where to shop. The editors at ShopSmart magazine searched the web and found 25 sites that have unique gifts for $25 or less.

“A lot of gift guides start at $50, but we thought we should go lower,” said deputy editor Jody Rohlena.

“We looked for websites that people may not know about that offer a variety of great gifts at the $25 price point.”

Here’s a sample of what they found and recommend:

MarblesTheBrainStore.com lets you give the gift of intelligence for both kids and adults. The games and puzzles they sell are fun, but meant to build brainpower and increase creative thinking. A few examples: the Modern Art Memory Game, 36 Cube (think 3-D Sudoku) and Solitaire Chess.

Hipcycle.com specializes in green gifts that anyone would like. Everything it sells is made from stuff that would have gone to the landfill. They call this “upcycling.” The items are cute, clever and unusual. For less than $25 you can get a colorful bracelet crafted from reclaimed tin, picture frames built with old shipping pallets or a cheese platter made from a flattened wine bottle. ShopSmart ordered a bowl made out of chopsticks. “It’s beautiful,” Rohlena told me. “The chopsticks were arranged so artfully. You have to see it to believe it." 

SetBoutique.com features a wonderful assortment of clothing, jewelry, bags and housewares from socially responsible manufacturers: bowls carved in Kenya, organic cotton tunics from Peru and silk handbags made in Cambodia. Spend $20 or more and the site will donate $5 to the charity of your choice.

Pier1.com is what you’d expect from this well-known retailer. This new website sells Pier 1’s eclectic mix of merchandise: from elf aprons to flashing lightbulb earrings. They also have a large selection of unusual salt and pepper shakers, including nutcrackers, chubby cats and flying pigs. For just $8, ShopSmart bought “gorgeous” brass candle snuffers, hand-crafted in India.

Wag.com has reasonably priced pet products for the furry friend on your gift-giving list. Whether it’s a hoodie for the pooch, a mouse-shaped rope toy for the cat or a hand-woven bungalow for the rabbit in your life, they’ve got you covered.

OldTimeCandy.com specializes in retro candy. And who wouldn’t want to get a box of candy from their childhood for a gift? Choose from a variety of old favorites:  Pop Rocks, Mary Janes, Atomic Fireballs, Turkish Taffy, Pixy Stix, Bit-O-Honey,  Zagnut, Goo Goo Clusters and many more sweet treats. Pick a favorite or put together your own collections. Smart Shop got two pounds of candy for $24.

Vat19.com sells what it describes as “curiously awesome” products. These tongue-in-check gifts include a giant Gummy Bear on a stick (90 times bigger than the original), a flying alarm clock and a wine glass large enough to hold all the wine in the bottle.

Because ShopSmart is published by Consumer Reports, every recommended site has been vetted to make sure it’s a legitimate business, has a good privacy policy and user-friendly customer service. The editors also ordered several items from each site to see the merchandise themselves.

“25 Great Sites for Gifts Under $25” is in the December issue of ShopSmart Magazine.

Herb Weisbaum is The ConsumerMan. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter or visit The ConsumerMan website.

More money news:

• Cowabunga, dude! Retro toys are hot this holiday season
• Dangers on toy shelves: Dora's guitar, balloon launcher 
• Check out the 2013 toy of the year nominees 
• Video: Say 'no' to debt: Give holiday gifts that matter
• Sign up for our TODAY newsletter

Follow TODAY Money on Twitter and Facebook 

Leah-Anne Thompson

Is it a good idea to give the boss a holiday gift?

Holiday gift exchanges at work can be veritable political minefields, and few are trickier to navigate than the question of "gifting up" -- giving the boss a gift.

Some employers may expect gifts from their employees. Others may disdain them. And when it comes to how the boss treats the employees, some employers land squarely on the "nice" list and others on the "naughty."

Sherri Athay, author of “Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion,” generally advises employees not to get the boss a present. However, she says that small gifts, such as baked goods, are appropriate.

April Masini, who pens the online advice column, AskApril.com, cautions that it’s important to understand your workplace’s culture.

“If you're not sure, ask around. Some companies are very easygoing about gifting up and anything goes. Others frown on it. And still others expect it,” Masini told TODAY Money. "This kind of etiquette isn't going to be in a human resources handout. Use your social skills to figure out your company's unwritten rules.” 

While the experts say skip it, or at least proceed with caution, employees also have mixed feelings about giving the boss a gift.

“I’ve never done this or wanted to – then, my last boss was a really bad one, a bully," said Susan Moon of Seattle. "My current boss is terrific, I have more appreciation because of my immediate prior bad experience, and I’m finding myself wanting to find a small gift to 'gift up' this year.” 

Most employees who were comfortable with the idea of giving the boss a gift felt it should be more of a token gift rather than a big, under-the-tree type of present. “I usually just bring snacks for the staff and our boss on holiday weeks. They are all men, so they would eat anything I bring, but they always make me feel as though I saved the day when I bring food to work,” said Megan Okerstrom of San Angelo, Texas.

Where employees can really start to get resentful when it comes to gifting up is when bosses seem to expect (or at least accept) large, lavish gifts. “It still makes me mad that my co-workers at the dental office expected us to give $50 to get our bosses stuff like a new camera and a Longchamp bag," said Ky Ivany of Pomfret, Vt. "They were dentists; I think they can afford their own cameras.” 

Of course, the best gifts are priceless. “I like to give my boss the gift of pretending to care about my job every day,” said Jeff Mac of Albuquerque, N.M.

The type of organization you work for can have a lot to do with the practice of gifting up. Those in the military, who work for the government or who are members of unions are likely to find the practice frowned upon, if not banned outright.

Even if you leave the service, you might find some of those values sticking with you, come gift time. “My attitudes were formed in the Army, but I think they are universal,” said Rob Mood of Houston. “Demanding or even accepting 'stuff' from subordinates is a sure sign of abysmal leadership and probably much more rot at the heart.”

While some employers may enjoy or even expect gifts from their subordinates, others are uncomfortable with the idea. “From the perspective of a boss, don't buy me anything,” said Maggie Reed of Davenport, Iowa. “I am a firm believer in the separation of boss and employee for ethical reasons." 

Jody Gowdy of Maple Valley, Wash., echoed those sentiments. "I would never expect something and honestly find it uncomfortable when it has happened in years past. We give the employees something every year as a thank you for job well done. But I would say no."

If you do decide to give a present to the boss, experts have some advice on how to do it gracefully. “Make sure you keep it humble and a token of your appreciation," Masini advises. "It's inappropriate to 'one up' your boss's gift. It may make your boss feel uncomfortable.”  

Masini also notes that employees should make sure any gift is in line with their salary. "If you make minimum wage, and you give your boss an Hermes scarf or a ... bottle of champagne, they're going to think they're paying you too much or you're terrible with money.” 

Masini also warns employees to make sure to gift in the proper chain of command. "In other words, don't gift jump by ignoring your immediate boss, and gifting your boss's boss. Gift jumping is bad politics and will yield you in hot water.” 

How do you feel about the practice of gifting up? Tell us about it on Facebook.

Dana Macario is a Seattle-area writer who likes a small gift for a good boss – when you get a good one, it’s nice to let them know.

More money news:

• Cowabunga, dude! Retro toys are hot this holiday season
• Dangers on toy shelves: Dora's guitar, balloon launcher
• Check out the 2013 toy of the year nominees
• Video: Say 'no' to debt: Give holiday gifts that matter
• Sign up for our TODAY newsletter

Follow TODAY Money on Twitter and Facebook

Raising taxes on the rich won't dampen economic growth and would "raise the morale of the middle class," billionaire investor Warren Buffett told the TODAY show Tuesday.

Echoing a theme he has stressed often, Buffett downplayed the idea that higher taxes for the wealthy, as proposed by the Obama administration as part of a deal to resolve the "fiscal cliff," would scare off critical investment for job creation. Republicans argue that raising taxes on people in higher tax brackets would choke off investment and slow the economy at a time when it can ill afford it.

Buffett disagrees. "No, and I think it would have a great effect on the morale of the middle class," said Buffett, in the first of two live interviews with TODAY's Matt Lauer. "They've had to watch guys like me pay below the rate by that paid by the people in my office."

Also known as the "Oracle of Omaha" for his investing acumen, Buffett's views on the economy are widely followed, including on whether we're really going to go off the "fiscal cliff" of $500 million in tax hikes and spending cuts.

The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway has been vocal on the economy lately, proposing in a New York Times op-ed Monday that there be a minimum tax for the wealthy.

"I'm confident," said Buffet when asked about how he was feeling about the economy. "I can't speak for others, but at Berkshire Hathaway, we buy and sell stocks every day. America's a winner."

Lauer brought up a recent quote from Honeywell CEO David Cote who told Meet the Press that he and others like him were feeling a lack of confidence in the political process, so much so that the uncertainty was making them keep their money on the sidelines and preventing them from making additional investments, including hiring.

"At Berkshire Hathaway, we're investing 9 billion in plant equipment, a record, breaking last year's record. It's always uncertain," said Buffett.

"December 6th 1941 was uncertain," said Buffett, referring to the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. "We just didn't know it."

When asked whether Congress would really enact a strong proposal such as the one Buffett made in his Times op-ed, which suggested setting a minimum 30 percent tax for millionaires, Buffet said, "I wouldn't be surprised. They're going to make a deal."

Now there's a new Buffett book, "Tap-Dancing to Work" that trace his career through 80 different FORTUNE Magazine articles over the years. If there's one thing that stuck out from the timeline, Carol Loomis, FORTUNE editor, who collected and expanded the articles for the book, told TODAY, it's "how consistent he's been in his thinking. He's never changed." 

"I couldn't be more boring," said Buffett. "I just look at the facts and wherever they lead me, I go."

Is this the secret to Buffett's success? Lauer asked Loomis. It's hard, she said, because other investors "get emotional."

Buffett is known for finding undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and good management. "It's simple, but not easy," said Loomis. "That's why other people can't do it. He's thinking about business 24/7."

Lauer asked if this book was a goodbye letter of sorts. "What's it going to mean to the world when he hangs up his investing shoes?" he asked.

Loomis said, "He will be remembered. His role in life will be remembered for the next century. I don't know whether investing or philanthropy is going to be the lead item. People are going to be reading about Buffet 100 years from now."

About that retirement... "Got a date in mind?" Lauer asked the 82-year old businessman.

Buffett just laughed.

Read a free excerpt from the book Tap-Dancing to Work. 

More money news:

• Cowabunga, dude! Retro toys are hot this holiday season
• Dangers on toy shelves: Dora's guitar, balloon launcher
• Check out the 2013 toy of the year nominees
• Video: Say 'no' to debt: Give holiday gifts that matter
• Sign up for our TODAY newsletter

Follow TODAY Money on Twitter and Facebook

Forget toy cars, gingerbread houses and waiting in line to see Santa at the mall. If you’re lucky enough to win the record Powerball jackpot on Wednesday, your new holiday shopping list can include a real Lamborghini and a million-dollar custom-built home.

Oh, and Santa can plan to come to you.

There will be no need to think too hard about the price tags. The Powerball jackpot had jumped to a record $500 million by midday Tuesday, or $327.4 million if you take the cash option.

Of course, federal and state taxes will eat up a good chunk of that. But chances are you’ll still have enough left over to go on a serious holiday shopping spree.

Here are some items you'll want to consider:

A trip to the North Pole
You’re a millionaire now, so obviously you can’t just be content to visit Santa Claus at the mall. Why not go right to the source? Journeys International offers a two-week trip to the North Pole, including a champagne toast at the top of the world and copious opportunities to see polar bears, belugas and other wildlife. The trip starts at $23,995 per person, and a suite on the boat will run you nearly $35,000. Don’t forget to budget for the charter airfare and, of course, your designer outdoor gear.

Santa Claus

Tom Grill / Corbis stock

The downside to the North Pole trip is that it doesn’t happen until June. Maybe an actual visit from Santa is in order. The good news
is he makes house calls. SantaForHire.com promises real bearded Santas, with prices ranging from $150 to $300.

The best holiday meal

Neiman Marcus

If you win hundreds of millions of dollars, you clearly aren’t going to be cooking your family’s holiday dinner. For a mere $250,000, Neiman Marcus offers a private dinner for 10 featuring four of the world’s best-known chefs : Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse and Richard Rosendale.

The latest HDTV 

LG

High-end TVs are always a popular item on the holiday wish list, and now that you’ve won the millions you might as well splurge on the latest technology. The LG 84LM9600 Ultra HD 4K LED LCD runs $16,999 and will give you those bragging rights.

Your dream home
Self-gifting is all the rage these days, and what better gift to give yourself than a custom-built dream home? The holiday gift guide from the Robb Report, a magazine for the world’s wealthiest individuals, notes that for a mere $14 million, architect Richard Meier will build you a dream home overlooking the Caribbean Sea in Puerto Rico.

A holiday hot rod

Lamborghini

No holiday wish list is complete without a top-of-the-line vehicle. The Robb Report recommends a Lamborghini Sesto Elemento, a limited edition race car that runs more than $2 million.

A diamond tiara

tiffany.com

If you’ve won millions of dollars, you or your significant other is going to feel like royalty. Tiffany’s diamond tiara is a good option; a similar one recently sold for $135,000.

The best post-holiday vacation ever
The holidays are stressful, even for a multimillionaire, so you’ll probably want to plan a post-holiday getaway to a warm locale. The Robb Report’s recommendation: “Magic Moments,” a weeklong vacation for 24 guests hosted by world-famous illusionist David Copperfield on his private island in the Bahamas. It starts at $1.36 million.

Related:

What to buy when you win the $640 million Mega Millions

Maybe “Cyber Week” would be a better name.

Just as Black Friday spilled over into Thanksgiving night, Cyber Monday has gone from being a one-day event to a tentpole for more than a week’s worth of promotions and discounts. Online sales on Thanksgiving, historically not a banner day for e-commerce, jumped 17 percent, according to research conducted by IBM. On Black Friday, online sales grew by 21 percent.

As of noon ET on Cyber Monday, onlines sales were up 24.1 percent compared to last year, according to data from  International Business Machines Corp. In 2011, the early Cyber Monday year-over-year growth was 15 percent. IBM tracks transaction data from 500 U.S. retail websites.

This year’s kickoff to the holiday shopping season was intensely competitive, with retailers offering price-matching and pricing merchandise aggressively. Shoppers responded, spending $59.1 billion over Black Friday weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. Research company comScore said online shoppers spent a record $1 billion on Black Friday and predicted that today’s sales will hit $1.5 billion.

For the past couple of years, stores have pushed their Black Friday openings earlier in a bid to get shoppers off their computers and into stores. With stores opening as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving this year, online retail upped the ante and started promotional blitzes even earlier.

Cyber Monday was first conceived in 2005, two years before the iPhone even existed. Today, ubiquity of smartphones and tablets also makes this spillover inevitable, as users comparison-shopped electronically even while in brick-and-mortar stores over the long weekend. And thanks to widespread penetration of residential broadband access, Americans don’t have to wait to get back to the office on Monday to have the entire Internet at their fingertips.

“Consumers shopped in store, online and on mobile devices simultaneously to get the best bargains,” IBM’s report noted.

“[Cyber Monday] continues to be strong, and what's happening is that we're seeing just more shift to the web channel overall even on other days like Black Friday and Thanksgiving,” said Forrester Research analyst Sucharita Mulpuru.

Amazon.com is a big likely winner for Cyber Monday sales, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at the NPD Group. “They’re doing a really good job of suggestive selling. They’re making the site much more efficient,” he said. “You have to basically put them in the forefront.”

Analysts had high hopes for big-box stores including Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy, and said retailers with a strong online counterpart to their physical stores, like J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Apple and Williams-Sonoma, were in a good position to take advantage of Cyber Monday shopping. 

In an interview with CNBC Europe, Eric Abensur, group CEO of Venda, said that savvy retailers could avoid the threat of cannibalizing sales by using online and mobile promotions to drive customers to their physical stores, while other analysts said the strong showing over the weekend could be at today’s expense.

“Our sense is that while today is still the major day of the cyber period, it may not be off-the-charts historic,” said Joe Feldman, a senior analyst at Telsey Advisory Group. Feldman said overall spending is likely to grow over last year, but consumers are spreading out their purchases over a much longer time period than before.

“What we’re seeing is the front loading of the holiday business,” Cohen said. He said the early promotional hype could backfire if consumers’ appetite for spending fades. “They’ve sort of shot themselves in the foot.”

But Andrew Lipsman, vice president of industry analysis at comScore, Inc., disagreed with that assessment. “I think it's a misconception that Thanksgiving or Black Friday promotions must pull from Cyber Monday,” he said. “They may pull dollars from later in the season or represent incremental spending.”

More money news:

• Cowabunga, dude! Retro toys are hot this holiday season
• Dangers on toy shelves: Dora's guitar, balloon launcher
• Check out the 2013 toy of the year nominees
• Video: Say 'no' to debt: Give holiday gifts that matter
• Sign up for our TODAY newsletter

Follow TODAY Money on Twitter and Facebook

The holidays are supposed to be about joy, Constance White, Essence Magazine's Editor-in-Chief told TODAY. All too often, though, in our urge to spread that joy, we end up loading up on credit card debt. To help ease the financial stress while keeping everyone happy, here are Constance's 7 tips for a debt-free holiday.

1. Prepare a spending plan
Decide on a total amount you're going to spend on presents. Write that number down and divide it by the number of people you're buying presents for. Voila, that's the total you can spend on each person. No guilt, no stress, everyone gets treated fairly and best of all, you stay in budget.

2. Search online for coupons and free shipping
Before you buy anything online or off, search first to see if there's coupons for it. The coupon app SnipSnap is also great for finding and loading coupons into your mobile phone. You can even scan them and use right in the store from your device.

3. Get social
Find some deal mavens with Twitter feeds, blogs, or Facebook pages, like Bargain Shopper Mom, you can follow to learn about the latest bargains. They do all the hard work while you sit back, perhaps with a glass of vino in one hand, and scoop up their findings. Retailers are also releasing certain shopping deals exclusively through their online channels, so it can be worth checking out their pages on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc.

4. Use your rewards
Don't forget all those reward points you've been racking up on your credit card. Now is the time to use them, and your membership powers. For instance, American Express cardholders heading to grandma's house by airplane instead of sleigh can earn double points for booking when booking through membershiprewards.com.

5. Start early
The best sale items are usually put out early in the morning, so you'll need an early start to snag them. By getting going first thing, you'll also beat the rush while other shoppers are still in their jammies finishing their waffles.

6. Use cash
Withdraw all the money you're going to use on in-store holiday shopping, put in an envelope, and only pay for your items in cash. Once the envelope is empty, you have to stop shopping. Leave the plastic at home so you're not tempted to goose your spending with a little extra.

7. Shrink stress
Unwind after a full day of shopping with a little home spa time. Light some candles, draw a bath, and treat yourself to some rejuvenation. Ahhh, holidays. Now recharge and get ready for the next wave!

The biggest online shopping day of the year is now in sight, and retailers plan to pull out all the stops to get your business.

We're talking Cyber Monday.

“Most are going to offer special deals literally every hour on something unique, something distinctive, or something that is a huge bargain,” said Miro Copic, a professor of marketing at San Diego State University.

According to a survey done for the National Retail Federation, a record 85 percent of online retailers will offer special promotions on Cyber Monday. About four out of 10 will offer free shipping on all purchases that day. That’s up from just 13 percent last year. Another 30 percent will offer free shipping when a certain dollar amount is reached.

“There’s no question that one of shoppers’ favorite deals is free shipping – in fact, many expect it – and retailers are responding,” said Pam Goodfellow of BIGinsight which conducted the survey.

This seventh Cyber Monday should easily set a new e-commerce record with sales expected to hit $1.5 billion. That would be a 25 percent jump from last year’s $1.2 billion.

That’s still small when compared to the revenue generated at brick-and-mortar stores on Black Friday – $52 billion last year – but a big deal in the world of digital commerce.

“It’s the only billion dollar online shopping day of the year,” Prof. Copic noted. “There are a few days that approach that mark, but Cyber Monday is still the king of all online sales days throughout the year.”

What do shoppers plan to buy on Monday?

A survey done by the online coupon site FatWallet.com shows that people are looking for deals on clothing (70 percent), computers and tablets (64 percent), toys (50 percent) and appliances (34 percent). They also hope to find discounts on HD televisions and smartphones.

How good are the Cyber Monday deals?

“In many cases, they’re as good as or better than Black Friday discounts,” said Dan de Grandpre, CEO of dealnews.com. 

It isn’t hard to find well-known brands and popular products marked down by 50 percent or more – and you don’t have to stand in line or fight the crowds to get them. A few examples:

• Wal-Mart has a Samsung 55-inch LED Smart 3-D HDTV for just $1,498, a $1,000 savings.
• Sears is selling a Maytag washer and dryer set for $800, a savings of $430 on the pair.
• Kmart is slashing the price of diamond earrings by 75 percent.
• Target promises savings of up to 70 percent on housewares, electronics, clothing and toys.

Dealnews says expect big discounts on electronics from Amazon.com, BestBuy.com and Newegg.com.

Don’t wait until Monday
Now that Black Friday begins on Thursday, it should come as no surprise that Cyber Monday starts over the weekend.

The Sears and Kmart websites post their Cyber Monday deals on Sunday at 12 a.m.

Other big-name retailers, like Target.com and Amazon.com, kick off what they call their “Cyber Week” sales on Sunday. Walmart.com launches its Cyber Week savings on Saturday. 

And get this: For the first time, customers at Walmart.com will have the option to pay with cash. After the order is placed, you have 48 hours to pay at any Wal-Mart store. The order will ship to your home or the store – it’s your choice.

Some people may plan to shop from work on Cyber Monday, but a poll by pricegrabber.com, the online price comparison site, suggests that most (83 percent) will shop from home.

“People are going to shop from home before they go to work and then use their mobile devices throughout the day,” said PriceGrabber’s James Brown.

Thirty percent said they plan to shop between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Another third indicated they would be online between 9 a.m. and noon. Brown says retailers know this, so they will post some of their “juiciest products and best deals” early in the day.

Get ready now
You should prepare for Cyber Monday now. Go to the websites of your favorite stores and brands. Follow them on Twitter, “like” them on Facebook and download their apps. By doing this, you’ll get a jump on finding out about the sales and may be offered special promotions.

You can also sign up for price alerts from sites such as pricegrabber.com, fatwallet.com and dealnews.com.

By setting up a system now, you won’t have to watch and worry all day Monday to make sure you know when the items you want go on sale. Your boss will appreciate that!

The National Retail Federation’s CyberMonday.com website is a great place to look for bargains. The first Cyber Monday deals will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 25, around mid-afternoon Eastern Time.

Be safe when shopping online
You need to be careful anytime you shop online.  It’s important to make sure a scammer doesn’t ruin your holidays. The Better Business Bureau has prepared a list of tips for navigating Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Herb Weisbaum is The ConsumerMan. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter or visit The ConsumerMan website.

toysrus.com

Remember Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? They're back, and retailers are betting they'll be big this holiday season.

Nostalgia sells. 

At least that's what toy manufacturers and retailers are hoping this holiday season. Former Generation Y hit toys like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers and Furby are surging in popularity this year, contrary to the assumption that all kids care about today are toys with screens.

On Monday, the Toy Industry Association released its nominees for its 2013 Toy of the Year Awards. In the running for “e-connected toy of the year” is Hasbro’s Furby, a robotic critter that first debuted nine years before the iPhone was invented. This year’s iteration has an iOS app.

toysrus.com

Hasbro's Furby, a robotic critter that first debuted nine years before the iPhone was invented, is on top toy lists this holiday season.

Furby also landed on both the girls’ and boys’ lists in the National Retail Federation’s 2012 Top Toys survey at number three and number nine, respectively.

Slideshow: Hot holiday toys for 2012

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles make multiple appearances on the Toy Industry Association’s list, nominated in the categories of top toy for boys and most successful brand growth for the year.

Experts say there are a few reasons why these blasts from the past are suddenly hot again.

Retro toys “tend to be more popular in times of economic difficulty,” said Gerrick Johnson, equity research analyst at BMO Capital Markets. “On both the supply and demand side, they’re safe,” he said. “You know it worked for one generation of kids.”

Parents with tight holiday shopping budgets might gravitate toward toys they remember enjoying a generation earlier. ”This year’s top toys... have some staying power, meaning children won’t get bored with them within a few weeks,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement.

Toys typically resurface in 20- to 25-year cycles, Johnson said. Companies calculate that adults who see familiar characters or games on store shelves will be in the right age range to have kids that can discover them for the first time.

“There’s no doubt that shelf recognition helps,” said Russ Crupnick, senior vice president of industry analysis for the NPD Group. “It’s equally a familiarity factor."

And although parents remember them, old-school toys are new and exciting for today’s kids, said Toy Industry Association trend specialist Adrienne Appell. “Sometimes the nostalgia and the back-to-basics factor is a 'wow' factor for the kids because they’re so used to the technology,” she said. “It’s what parents are comfortable with.”

They’re also cheaper to produce. “A lot of these toy companies that bring back retro toys, it’ll be less expensive for them to do so,” Johnson said, because the R&D investment has already been made.

Although brands are counting on the nostalgia of Gen Y parents to fuel demand, they’re not relying on it entirely. Earlier this year, Nickelodeon released a new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series. The Power Ranger franchise is reintroducing many of its classic characters in a new season on Nickelodeon timed to coincide with its 20th anniversary early next year. In a release last month, owner Saban Brands said the launch would be supported by “a robust global consumer products campaign, character appearances, retail promotions and advertising.”

Classic toys are filling a vacuum in the market. Thanks to the economy, there just aren’t as many potential new breakout hits this year. "Innovation has been somewhat lacking," Johnson said.

Toys take a long time to go from an inventor’s sketchbook to store shelves. Development, manufacturing and shipping from China — where most toys are produced — adds up to an 18- to 24-month lead time. To be in people’s shopping carts now, a toy would have had to be green-lighted as early as late 2010. Back then, the NRF predicted a meager 2.3 percent increase in holiday sales over 2009, so companies shied away from big investments that might not pay off.

What’s more, manufacturers and retailers have to forecast months in advance which toys will be hot for the upcoming holiday season. Even though economic indicators are inching up, they’re unwilling to risk getting it wrong and having to slash prices when the new year rolls around.

“There’s less risk in terms of returns or not utilizing shelf space well” by sticking with proven franchises, Crupnick said.

By 2014, Johnson said new toys will probably be popping up on store shelves as toy companies regain confidence in the market and start investing in the search for the next big hit. But there’s probably still one more holiday season of retro toys ahead of us.

“We’re seeing this trend likely to continue and intensify in the coming year,” Appell said. Parents who hung onto boxes of childhood memorabilia might very well have next year’s most sought-after toy buried at the bottom.

More money news:

• Dangers on toy shelves: Dora's guitar, balloon launcher
• Check out the 2013 toy of the year nominees
• Video: Hardcore shoppers line up for Black Friday
• Sign up for our TODAY newsletter

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Big-box retailers are promising huge door-buster deals on big-screen TVs this holiday weekend. And, sure enough, the Black Friday TV bargains are out there.

But if you want a good deal on a big-brand television set, you may be better off waiting a month.

"The week before the Super Bowl is a great time for TV shopping," advised The ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum.

Weisbaum joined  hundreds of anxious shoppers on our TODAY Live Chat on Wednesday to talk about Black Friday.

A few other ConsumerMan tips included in the chat:

• You can avoid the crowds by shopping online. More and more retailers are offering their door-buster deals to on the Internet.
• Store credit cards are usually not a good deal. Just say no to the sales pitch.
• Gift cards make a decent gift. Cash is better.
• Extended warranties are usually a waste of money
• Debit card vs. credit card? Don't use the debit card.
• Most of all, don't get caught up in the frenzy. It truly is the thought that counts!

You can read the full chat here.

It's official. Twinkies are toast, at least as far as being a Hostess product is concerned.

Hostess Brands Inc on Wednesday won permission from a U.S. bankruptcy judge to begin shutting down, and expressed optimism it will find new homes for many of its iconic brands, which include Twinkies, Drake's cakes and Wonder Bread.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain in White Plains, N.Y., authorized current management, led by restructuring specialist Gregory Rayburn, to immediately begin efforts to wind down the 82-year-old company, a process expected to take one year.

"It appears clear to me that the debtors have taken the right course in seeking to implement the wind-down plan as promptly as possible," Drain said near the end of a four-hour hearing.

The judge authorized Hostess to begin the liquidation process one day after his last-ditch mediation effort between the Irving, Texas-based company and its striking bakers' union broke down.

Hostess CEO Gregory Rayburn testified at a bankruptcy hearing Wednesday that he will have to terminate 15,000 employees immediately. Most of the remaining 3,200 workers are expected to be let go within four months. 

"This is a tragedy, and we're well aware of it," Heather Lennox, a lawyer for Hostess, told the judge. "We are trying to be as sensitive as we can possibly be under the circumstances to the human cost of this." 

The union, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco and Grain Millers Union, has complained it should not be forced into new wage and benefit cuts, on top of earlier give-backs, while top executives rewarded themselves with higher pay, and that it was "well aware" of the potential consequences of that stance.

The union said in a court filing that its sole objective was to leave Hostess with "a real, rather than an illusory or theoretical, likelihood of establishing a stable business with secure jobs."

Union president Frank Hurt was not immediately available for comment. 

"This is truly a sad day for thousands of families affected by the closing of this company," said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall in a statement. "I want to assure our members that despite this outcome, they do not stand alone and their union will continue to work on their behalf to help them find new employment."

About 6,700 Hostess workers are members of Teamsters.

Related story: Twinkies are king of the Nile, despite US woes

After the company's announcement last week that it would need to liquidate after claiming that a strike by workers crippled its business, consumers cleared store shelves of Hostess products, especially Twinkies, out of fear they would never taste the spongy, yellow cakes again.

There could be a silver lining in this Twinkie tale. Hostess bankers testified to a "flood" of inquiries into buying Hostess brand names from other food makers, from stores and supermarkets, including Wal-Mart, and from investment interests.

According to testimony by a Hostess Brands adviser, many of the interested buyers have asked if they could keep some of the workers employed in the factories.

Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Rayburn said he was disappointed that the mediation failed and that he plans to move "extremely fast" to sell Hostess' assets. Asked which bidders may fare best, he said: "The one that pays the most."

Information from the Associated Press and Reuters was included in this report.

Wal-Mart worker protests and walk-offs planned for Thursday night and Black Friday had the retailer taking them seriously enough to send a top executive to the TODAY show this morning to downplay the story. 

Widespread picketing was not expected, Duncan Mac Naughton, Wal-Mart's chief merchandising and marketing officer, told TODAY's Savannah Guthrie. "We'll have 4,000 stores ready to go," said Naughton, staffed by "one million associates serving our customer." 

The group behind the protest actions, OUR Walmart, told TODAY they are striking to protest what they say is manager retaliation against any employees who complain about working conditions. 

"We have a  really open culture of listening to our associates, it's based on integrity, respect for the individual," Mac Naughton told TODAY. 

An OUR Walmart organizer, William Fletcher, 23, disputed this, telling TODAY that Walmart's "open door policy" where any associate can speak to a manager to bring up issues was instead used to "find out who's complaining so they can silence them with indirect threats. "They're very good at doing that while still staying within the law." 

Wal-Mart said they were "really confident" that Black Friday will go off without a hitch. "What you're seeing in the media and in the news is a small group of Wal-Mart associates in a select number of stores," said Mac Naughton, "complimented by a number of of non-Wal-Mart associates that are paid by the union." 

Still, the matter is large enough for Wal-Mart to have filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), arguing that the protests were an unlawful attempt to disrupt its business. The complaint alleged that the group running the protests, the Organization United for Respect at Walmart (OUR Walmart), was backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), and was more about building union membership than fighting for worker rights. 

The UCFW filed its own complaint that day, alleging that Walmart had directed store managers to make workers fearful for their jobs if they participated in the actions. 

The legal maneuvers may be too late to prevent the strikes from disrupting one of the biggest shopping days of the year for Wal-Mart. In a statement released Tuesday, the NLRB said that it was unlikely to come to a decision before Friday. 

With stores opening at 8 p.m. on Thursday and walk-offs planned throughout the shopping event, consumer chaos is a threat, depending on how many workers end up participating. 

"Workers will be walking off the job left and right over Thanksgiving," UCFW Janna Pea spokesperson told TODAY.  

Pea couldn't give an estimate of how many walkoffs there would be, but said that there would be protest actions at over 1,000 Wal-Mart stores, ranging from employees not showing up for work, to workers walking off in the middle of their shift, to community allies passing out brochures outside the stores.