How’s this for an unorthodox economic indicator: Stores selling secondhand merchandise on the cheap are absolutely booming.
california
Huge Disparities in Health Care and Car Repair Costs
The average car repair job costs $265 in one part of the country, $420 in another. But that’s nothing compared to the screwball state of affairs with health care expenses: A pelvic CT scan, for example, could cost anywhere …
Pensions by the Numbers
Here’s a roundup of revealing figures and interesting survey stats regarding a topic that’s certainly known for get people worked up, so to speak.
Consumer Study: Most Big Banks Get D Grades
In a new report card-like report evaluating the six largest banks in California, every bank received a failing grade in at least two of the six “subjects” that ranged from basic checking to overdraft protection.
Signs Your Town’s Government Workers Are Ripping You Off
For example: e-mails exchanged by workers on the town payroll explaining how contracts are crafted “carefully so we do not draw attention to our pay,” and that “We will all get fat together.”
The Secret to Saving $80K on College Tuition
The trick, which is probably much easier than getting a scholarship, is convincing someone to marry you.
The Curious American Consumer: Notable Trends for Housing, Shopping, Work, Fast Food, and More
As the numbers attest, life has changed quite a bit recently for homeowners, workers, shoppers, families, and even for rich people. And it’s not all bad: At least TVs are cheaper, right?
State Govts Catch on to Saving Strategies Every Consumer Knows About
Did you know that shopping around can save you money? Or that it is unwise to spend money you don’t have? Apparently, state governments are just catching on to these and other innovative saving strategies.
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.
Foreclosure: A Letter from the Front Lines
With rare honesty and touching insight, a veterinarian in northern California discusses what it’s like for her family to lose their dream home to foreclosure—and she blames herself at least as much as the economy for their predicament.
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 …
39%
That’s how much health insurance rates will be hiked for many Anthem Blue Cross customers in California who buy individual policies. These same customers had their premium rates jacked up by around one-third last year as well. And the final kick in the balls: The folks affected have been told to expect their rates to increase more …
