A little over a year ago, Comcast introduced Internet Essentials, in which low-income families are eligible for home Internet …
utilities
5 Ways Mother Nature Is Impacting Your Wallet
All of a sudden, much of the country seems to have turned into Arizona, with a hot, dry summer coming on the heels of a remarkably mild winter. Here are five ways that months of odd weather have affected—and will continue to …
How Cable Companies Force Customers to Lie
If you have never threatened to cancel your phone, pay TV, or Internet service, chances are you’re paying too much. Why must providers force customers to go to such lengths in order to feel like they’re not getting ripped off?
Poll: Consumers Care Less About the Environment Now. Happy Earth Day!
So much for saving the planet. A recent survey reveals that over the past few years, Americans have become less likely to say they care a great deal about the current and future state of the environment. Similarly, we’re also …
Introducing the $60 Light Bulb
The Associated Press reports that the Phillips LED light bulb that won the government’s L Prize—a $10 million contest to replace the traditional incandescent bulb—will go on sale as of Earth Day with a full retail price of …
Imagine No Electricity Bills: The Rise of ‘Net-Zero’ Homes
If done properly, a smartly built green home featuring solar power, energy-efficient appliances, and proper insulation can result in the owner facing monthly electricity bills amounting to $0, or thereabouts. Now, one homebuilder …
Rent Was Too Damn High. Now It’s Even Higher
The data on housing costs isn’t pretty. Most experts recommend spending no more than one-third of your income on housing, and yet, in a new study, nearly one in four American households now spends more than half of its income on …
How the Warm Winter Is Mother Nature’s Mini Stimulus Program
Disloyal Customers: Most Consumers Switched Service Providers in 2011
If you stayed the course last year and never switched banks, wireless companies, pay TV services, or any other providers, then you’re in the minority. And if you actually feel “very loyal” to your providers, then you’re part of …
How Much You Spend Each Year on Coffee, Gas, Christmas, Pets, Beer, and More
A new report estimates that the average American worker drops nearly $1,100 annually on coffee. That’s not much less than what the average worker spends to commute to the job.
Mild Winter Could Mean Best-Ever Deals on Winter Coats and Cold-Weather Gear
There aren’t many people who are complaining that this winter has been too warm, too storm-free, and altogether too comfortable. But there is one group griping the weather just isn’t cold or snowy enough: retailers that sell …
Plugged In? Then Pay Up. Electricity Costs Rise $300 in 5 Years
It’s not your imagination. Your electricity bill really has been getting higher and higher.
