To plug budget gaps, local authorities are opting for what seems like a counterproductive route: They’re giving stuff away. Some of the freebies are supposed to entice newcomers who will be sources of tax revenues to move in, while other freebies would entire “undesirables” to leave and never come back.
Taxes
9 Signs That Your Town, State, or Country Is Broke
The bad signs include canceled sales tax holidays, dark street lights, the reappearance of gravel roads, and the elimination of every one of your city’s employees.
261 Bits of Advice for Saving Money, Avoiding Financial Problems, and Picking Liquor That’s Cheap But Not Cheap-Tasting
This humungous roundup includes healthy foods that cost under $1 a pound, retirement myths, websites for free TV viewing, most annoying things about grocery stores, stuff marketed to kids that kids simply don’t need, bargain booze picks from bar experts, and wedding dresses that you’ll wear more than once—and not only if you get …
Coming Soon? Marijuana That’s 80% Cheaper!
California is considering legislation that would put pot essentially in the same category of alcohol, legalizing the sale of weed to anybody at any time, not just for medicinal reasons. Research indicates that if marijuana goes fully legit, an ounce of the choicest bud could cost just $38, down from the current rates that range from $300 …
Cheapskate Wisdom … from a Tanning Salon Customer
“The reality is it’s a luxury. It’s not a need.”
10 Consumer Questions Including: Is Your Contractor Lying to You? And: Do You Care About Product Recalls?
Also: Is it better to invest or pay off your mortgage early? Is Hulu Plus worth the $10 a month they’re asking for it? Are you paying too much in property taxes?
Yet Another Reason to Stop Smoking
A pack of cigarettes will soon cost nearly $11 in New York City.
Quiz Time: 10 Questions about Money, Shopping, Saving, and Happiness
Including: Am I losing my mind or is this Internet connection really slow?, When oh when will I be happy with my life?, and How much did the economic collapse cost me?
Less Income, Less Taxes
Ah, the much-welcomed flip side of Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems: After a year when people were forced to get by with less, Americans paid the lowest tax rates in six decades.
How Far to Drive for Cheap Gas? Where Do Your Taxes Go? Why So Many Damn Movie Trailers Lately?
As is usually the case, I’ve got more questions than answers. Luckily, somebody has answers — to these and other puzzling questions.
Anybody Want to Fight?
Tips for battling it out with debt collectors, TV-Internet-phone providers, the IRS, and more.
Meet the Guy Who Absolutely, Totally Does Not Love Paying His Taxes
“Why should I have to carry so many people on my back? Call me cruel. I don’t care. I give to whom I choose—but since so much is confiscated (and wasted in the process) I have little left I wish to give.”