What’s in now that the recession is in full stride: spending less in France, “anti-clubs” in New York City that are more akin to hanging out in someone’s basement as opposed to an over-the-top $400 bottle-service hip-hop video scene, and going to the mall to socialize and get some exercise—but not actually buy anything.
Saving & Spending
Forget Summer Camp. Have Play Dates and Potlucks Instead
A bunch of stay-at-home moms in the Dallas area have banded together and organized what seems like a simple, easy, and inexpensive way to enjoy the summer: Instead of sending their kids off to pricey summer camps, the moms have created something of a camp themselves. They take turns arranging themed arts and crafts days based on books or …
Don’t Make Us Kill This Baby Goat
Budget battles can make people believe like, well, animals. A zoo in the Boston area recently warned that unless the state allocated it more funding, the zoo wouldn’t be able to care for as many as 200 animals, which would have to be euthanized or disposed of in some other way.
Embracing the Simple Life, Starting With Your Clothes
In the future, as depicted in the likes of “The Jetsons” and Woody Allen’s “Sleeper,” each person wears one outfit over and over again. Basically, predictors are saying that one day, fashion will be gone, and we’ll all wear uniforms. (Jerry Seinfeld had a joke along these lines, in which he can’t wait for the day when he doesn’t have to …
It’s a Deal: Free Mochas on Mondays at McDonalds
McDonalds is giving away free McCafe Mochas today and for the next three Mondays (July 13, 20, and 27, and August 3). The promotion is valid from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for one 8 oz. mocha or 7 oz. iced mocha per person. More details here.
It’s a Deal: Free BBQ Roast Burger at Arby’s
To promote its new sandwich, Arby’s will give away a free bbq bacon cheddar roast burger to anyone who buys a soft drink. A coupon is required (print it here), and the offer is good through Sunday, July 12.
Unemployed? Ten Quasi-Productive Things to Keep You Busy and Maybe Accomplish Something
Here are ten things to do this summer that are free or cheap, and that are at least more productive than loafing on the couch. You’ve got the time, right?
It’s a Deal: More Than Half-Off at RedEnvelope
Photo albums, jewelry, video games, and clothing are among the items discounted by 50 percent or more in RedEnvelope’s sales and special savings section.
They’re Not Dollar Stocks. They’re Dollar Store Stocks—and They’re Hot
Dollar stores are booming—and not just in terms of sales, but stock prices too. Today’s WSJ highlights how Family Dollar Stores’ stock rose 12 percent yesterday with the help of strong sales reports. Also up were stock prices for Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart.
Doing the Math to Wipe Out Credit Card Debt
How much does credit card debt really cost you? Most people don’t even want to think about it, let alone do the math themselves. But with the federal reserve’s free and simple credit card repayment calculator, you don’t have much of an excuse.
Baby Hand-Me-Downs Are Suddenly Trendy
Marketers may even be better than moms when it comes to using guilt—especially when they’re using guilt on soon-to-be moms. The message, sent implicitly or sometimes quite overtly, is that how and what parents purchase for the children are direct reflections on them as parents. How could you not want the very best (i.e., the most …
California Budget Solution: Tax Pot Sales
Few groups ask the government to tax them. But in light of California’s budget woes, a pro-marijuana group is advocating that the state government—that’s right, THE MAN—should take a piece of the action in pot sales.