(MONEY Magazine) – 51% High schoolers who say their parents talk with them "fairly often" or "all the time" about saving and spending

73% Parents who say they talk with their teenage children "fairly often" or "all the time" about saving and spending

SOURCE: USAA/Teenage Research Unlimited study, July 2006.

Moneymatics OLD? NEW? WE DO THE MATH.

The recent spike in the price of precious metals like platinum is trickling down to jewelry. Jewelers are offering up bling made with cheaper look-alike metals as an alternative. Is the trade-off worth it?

Pricey platinum = Has a reputation for being the best + Top-dog status comes at a price + Doesn't tarnish--ever, ever

60% cheaper palladium = Mimics platinum's famous look + Still strong but much lighter + Sky-high prices have dropped

BOTTOM LINE Palladium just might be the new platinum. For more, see page 163.

...Spend less on booze: A recent study says people pour 30% more when using short glasses. At your next party, use tall ones, not rocks glasses...