Many of us paying a premium to avoid the gluten in our food are doing so without any good medical reason.
Odd Spending
When the Experts Hate a Car—And It Sells Well Anyway
Experts like to think that their opinions matter quite a lot, especially for reviews of big-ticket items like cars. But consumers have been showing lately that, if the price is right, they’re more than willing to disregard those expert opinions.
The New Costco? Buying Meat Out of a Truck in a Church Parking Lot
Wholesale “drive-thru meat markets” are popping up in the parking lots of churches and bowling alleys around the country.
Weird Money: 9 Odd Factoids from Recent Consumer Surveys and Studies
Ever wonder which alcohol brands are most popular … among consumers who are too young to buy alcohol? Is daylight savings harmless, or does it cost us hundreds of millions of dollars annually? And most pressing of all, which celebrity do you wish was your insurance agent?
The Disturbingly Hot Tourist Activity in Hawaii, Vegas: Shooting Guns
From bungee jumping to surfing lessons to hours at the craps table, tourists have been known to spend good money on a wide range of thrilling, only-on-vacation activities. Target practice with an assault weapon can now be added to the list.
List Price = Joke Price: 4 Examples of How Original Prices Are Meaningless
When almost no one pays full price, what does “full price” even mean? From cars to college to health care, consumers today are surrounded by huge markdowns—which, when you think about it, wouldn’t exist if goods and services weren’t marked up so high in the first place.
Why We’re Spending So Much on Botox, Makeup and Facelifts
Last year, Americans spent more on products and procedures to make our faces look better. The reason? Well, it may seem counterintuitive, but experts say the lackluster economy is part of the reason for our collective vanity.
Pay Less for Sporting Event Tickets—After You’ve Already Bought Them
You’ve probably never heard of “Purple Pricing.” But you’ll like that it gives you a chance to snag sports tickets below face value, without resorting to haggling, scalping, or timing the market right.
How to Celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, there will be plenty of lovey-dovey couples exchanging the usual romantic gifts and engaging in the usual romantic nights on the town. What about the people—the legions of people—who are sick of this …
Shopping For a Soul Mate? Stores Host Dating Events This Valentine’s Season
The dollar store probably isn’t the first place you think of for finding a date. But no matter if you’re a geek, cheapskate or fashionista, stores around the country are hoping to help play matchmaker for you this Valentine’s Day.
Turns Out You Won’t Get Rich Hunting Pythons in Florida’s Swamps
The Python Challenge sounded like a pretty bad idea. In reality, it was probably worse than most people imagined.
Why Consumers Just Don’t Feel the Love for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a pale, pink shadow of its former self. Once associated with throbbing red passion and romance, today it’s more likely to elicit a sense of obligation, dread or apathy.
