LED bulbs are already the go-to technology for illuminating cell phones, tablets and TVs. They haven’t become the standard in the lamps and lights in American households, however, largely because they’re so expensive. But as prices drop sharply, the upgrade to LED makes more and more sense.
Saving & Spending
Oof! Airline Fees Rise Yet Again: At Least $200 to Change a Flight
This week, United Airlines jacked up fees on passengers who need to adjust travel plans. For flights within the U.S., customers must fork over at least $200 (up from $150) for changing tickets.
2013 Gas Prices: Even Less Predictable Than Usual
What can drivers expect going forward in terms of gas prices? Probably more of the same—meaning more unpredictability, not necessarily more price drops.
How to Tame the Rising Cost of Prom Season
Americans generally remain frugal in the aftermath of the Great Recession. But prom night appears invulnerable to austerity. Here’s what you can do about it.
Ben Affleck to ‘Live Below the Line’ with Food Budget of $1.50 per Day
Oscar winner Ben Affleck’s next project is a challenge aimed at raising money and awareness for global poverty.
How a Few Text Messages a Month Can Secure Your Retirement
Reminders are effective when it comes to reaching savings goals, and now you can sign up for regular helpful advice via text and get a shot at $500 to boot.
Social Media Manipulation? When “Indie” Bloggers and Businesses Get Cozy
Brands have sought to partner with influential bloggers for nearly as long as there have been blogs, with ads, sponsored posts, and more. Lately, however, a new relationship between brands and popular social media practioners is …
Budweiser’s New Pitch: Less Beer, Pay More
How’s this for a sales pitch: With Budweiser’s new can design, you’ll get less beer, and you’ll get to pay more per ounce. You’ll also get to support the aluminum industry.
4 Prepaid Debit Card Fees You Should Never Pay
The entrance of mainstream financial institutions transformed the prepaid debit card market. Customers have more options today, and many of the newer cards closely resemble the checking accounts they are replacing.
The big difference is that prepaid cards are more lightly regulated than bank accounts, which is a concern to consumer …
Tale of Two Supermarkets: Why Fresh & Easy Flopped and Fairway Flies High
This week, the death of one high-profile grocery chain, and the ascendancy of another, tells us a lot about what Americans want in a supermarket—and what we’re just not buying.
Boston Marathon Bombings: How to Send Help (and Avoid Scams)
It’s only human nature to want to help out victims of a disaster, but tragic events also bring scam artists out of the woodwork.
More Young Couples Commit — To Homeownership Before Marriage
First comes love, then comes … mortgage? A new study indicates that young couples in committed relationships have been far more likely than older generations to purchase homes before getting married.
