If you’re one those people who thinks kids today have it easy — maybe you had to walk uphill to school, both ways, in the snow — well, this is going to sound like another step towards societal decay: Students at one high school in Ohio are rewarded with Visa gift cards just for showing up.
Odd Spending
Top 9 Celebrity Bankruptcies
Hottest Must-Have $300 Accessory on the Ski Slopes: Helmet Cam
If you’ve been skiing lately, you’ve probably noticed odd metallic boxes protruding from the helmets of skiers and riders tearing down the slopes. The devices aren’t designed to make skiing or boarding easier, or even more fun. …
The Secret to Memorable Vacations: Keep ’Em Short and End ’Em Sweet
In an earlier post we described research showing that people get more long-lasting satisfaction from money spent on experiences than money spent on material goods. If you read that post and took it to heart — humor us — an …
Bad Drivers May Be Asked to Pay More For Homeowners Insurance
The burgeoning business of predicting risk is a sprawling and sometimes intrusive one. Some insurers and even employers use credit reporting data to try and gauge if a person will be a careful driver, or a dependable worker. A …
Plastic Surgery as Economic Indicator
Most plastic surgery procedures are considered non-essential, or elective—as in, the patient can elect to have work done, just don’t expect health insurance to cover it. Or as in: When the economy’s shaky and money is tight, it …
The ‘Linsanity’ Effect: NY Knicks’ Guard Jeremy Lin’s Surprise Success Leads to Sold-Out Arenas, Jerseys
The phenomenon of undrafted Harvard grad and previous NBA benchwarmer Jeremy Lin is translating into serious money, as Knicks’ ticket prices soar and stores can’t keep up with demand for Lin jerseys and “Linsanity” merchandise.
Pizza Hut Valentine’s Day Special: Pizza Selling for $10,010*
*The deal also includes flowers, limo service, fireworks, a videographer, photographer, and a red ruby ring—that you’re supposed to propose with. Whether you propose before or after eating pizza, breadsticks, and cinnamon …
Deep-Fried Romance: Candlelit Valentine’s Day Dinners at Waffle House, White Castle
The Waffle House and White Castle are each well-known for a few things. One is famous for hash browns that are “scattered and smothered,” the other sells sliders in 30-pack “Crave Cases.” One is proudly beloved by rednecks and …
Valentine’s Day 2012 Spending, By the Numbers
According to one estimate, 60% of all Valentine’s spending occurs in the five days leading up to and including the holiday. That means we’re in the prime Valentine’s spending period right now. Here are some more factoids related …
How to Get the Government to Cover Your Cell Phone Bill(s)
Last year, a federal program paid out $1.6 billion to cover free cell phones and the monthly bills of 12.5 million wireless accounts. The program, overseen by the FCC and intended to help low-income Americans, is popular for …
Colleges Are Selling Naming Rights to Restroom Stalls
Imagine a restroom stall, or even an entire men’s room, on the campus of your alma mater being named in your honor. Well, for just a few thousand dollars, that ludicrous and mildly disgusting dream can now come true.