A woman renovating a 1902 farmhouse and barn in Connecticut explains how, thanks to various government incentives, she can have solar panels installed for $0 upfront and monthly lease payments that are lower than her current electric bills.
Walgreens Takes Manhattan
The big deal of the day, at least around Curious Capitalist HQ, is Walgreens proposed $1.08 billion buyout of Duane Reade, which is the home town pharmacy chain. It’s another lesson in real estate. Duane Reade was a ratty little downtown cut-price operation until management decided that the key to drug retailing isn’t …
It’s a Deal: 20% Off at Big Lots This Sunday
With a printable coupon (thanks Buxr), you’ll receive 20% off your entire purchase at discount retailer Big Lots on Sunday, February 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
DVD Rentals: A 28-Day Test in Delayed Gratification
Redbox caved. The DVD rental kiosk company agreed that it would hold off on renting Warner Bros. movies for 28 days after they’re first released. So if you’re really itching to see a brand-new release right away, you’ll have to buy it for $20 or $30 or whatever. Or you can wait the four weeks and rent it for as little as $1.
What, exactly, are we starting here?
Housing starts in January hit their highest level in half a year, the Commerce Department reported (PDF) this morning—seemingly good news for those banking on a real-estate rebound. More specifically:
Privately-owned housing starts in January were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 591,000. This is 2.8 percent (±11.5%)* above
…
The Problem with a Special One-Year Internet-Phone-TV Bundle for $85 a Month
While the introductory price lasts for 12 months, you have to sign a contract for two years—and during that second year, there’s an automatic price hike.
Lent as Money Saver
What are you giving up for Lent? Even if you’re not Christian, there are benefits to giving up something for 40 days—or for whatever period of time you please. Giving up meat and eating out for 40 days can save you $800. Giving up lattes might save you nearly $200.
Shout Out: “A.D.D. Men”
“Consumers are dumb. For decades, this has been the bedrock assumption of advertising. For obvious reasons, no one in the field wants to be caught voicing it out loud, but think about it: You endure an unwanted interruption in a TV show you’re watching or an article you’re reading, and somehow that annoyance causes you to spend money …
Is fiduciary duty the fix?
Debate is heating up about whether stock brokers and insurance salesman should have a fiduciary duty to their clients—that is, whether they should be required to always act in a client’s best interest or whether they must simply recommend investments that are “suitable” (the current, lower threshold).
The financial regulatory reform …
It’s a Deal: JetBlue Flights from $39
JetBlue’s current airfare sale offers flights such as Long Beach to San Francisco for $39 (each way), Orlando to Nassau (Bahamas) for $44, Washington-Dulles to Fort Lauderdale for $74, and Austin to San Francisco for $99. More details and routes here.
The Impatience of Patients, and How It Costs Us All
The doctor says, “Let’s wait.” You say, “Fix it now.” Who knows better?
No Job? 24 Quick Ways You Can Earn Some Cash
Sell your blood! Recycle scrap metal! Become an egg donor! Let your body be used in a clinical trial!