The bizarrely dedicated fans of the McDonald’s McRib sandwich are overjoyed that the barbecue-sauce-soaked boneless pork patty treat is returning for a limited time to all U.S. Golden Arches locations. But are McRib devotees …
Odd Spending
‘Occupy Wall Street’ For Sale
The “Occupy” movement may purposefully be trying to resist being branded or labeled with specific messages and demands, but there are already plenty of creative types eager to come up with logos and slogans for the protests—and …
12 Things We Buy in a Bad Economy
The stumbling economic recovery has led many of us to rein in our expenses, even on necessities like diapers. But there are a few lucky sectors that benefit from a weak economy — things that let us escape, give us momentary …
Are Mandatory Tips at Restaurants Legal?
Last week, news outlets went crazy after a small Bay Area paper reported that servers in San Francisco were demanding a mandatory 25% gratuity on every check. Far from being an organized movement, the sources turned out to be a …
T-Mobile Sends Customer $201,000 Phone Bill
We’ve all gotten a utility bill that was larger than we were expecting. A $250 electricity bill here. A $100 gas bill there. This family got one, too. Except, it was a cell phone bill for more than $200,000.
Family Personally Delivers Party Invitations, Gets Charged Postage Anyway
Just how desperate for revenues is the United States Postal Service? Here’s one indication: A family in Connecticut recently stuffed 80 invitations in neighbors’ mailboxes for a Halloween block party, and now the postal service …
Brand Behind Steve Jobs’ Iconic Turtleneck Sees Sales Boost
Did Steve Jobs’ passing inspire fans to nab his famed wardrobe? The Apple founder was infamous for wearing a black mock turtleneck, jeans and sneakers to every keynote presentation. And one company claims sales have skyrocketed …
Entering the World of an Extreme Couponer
Now That’s Creepy: Americans Will Blow $7 Billion on Halloween
Our financial state is pretty scary right now, and we’re all watching our spending pretty closely. So what’s the one thing Americans are willing to shell out for in this economy? Costumes, decorations and entertainment designed …
This Starbucks T-Shirt is $85 — It Has a Coffee Stain on It
Maybe Starbucks doesn’t realize that many economists are forecasting a double-dip recession. Or maybe they just don’t realize that people don’t like stains on their shirts.
Hot New Marketing Target: Infants
Want to Stop Spending? Try Thinking About Cash
Almost all of us have walked out of a store having spent more than we planned thanks to a salesperson who helpfully suggested that your kids would love the accessories not included with a toy, or that the shirt you’re trying on …