Studies are showing that most—but not all–Americans should be following U.S. Secretary of Energy Steve Chu’s recommendation that people paint their roofs white. On hot days, it’s 20 percent or more cheaper to air-condition a house with a white roof rather than a traditional charcoal-colored asphalt roof. It’s another simple solution …
Saving & Spending
Obama’s Beer Summit: For a True Show of Unity, They’d Drink a Pitcher of Whatever’s on Tap
What beer will they drink? That’s been the big question around the meeting of President Obama, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Cambridge police officer James Crowley to discuss race relations in the aftermath of Gates’ arrest.
The Government Saved $102 Million Without Really Trying. How Much Could You Save?
Three months ago, President Obama challenged his cabinet secretaries to come up with $100 million in budget cuts. Apparently, the task wasn’t that difficult. They’ve already found 77 different ways to save a total of $102 million. Most savings came through the simplest of solutions, like eliminating unused phone lines and printing on …
Finally, a Modest Limo for the Newly Less Rich
A new Rolls-Royce limo model called the Ghost is $135,000 less than an older model, the Phantom. The “cheaper” and “less ostentatious” model that’s being called a “recession-ready limousine” can now be yours for a mere $245,000.
Commute, Run Errands for $40 a Year
This is probably not going to bolster the struggling car industry, but if it helps the environment, eases road traffic, and saves folks some money, people will get over it pretty quickly. Bike-sharing, which has long been available in cities throughout Europe, and got a brief preview during last fall’s presidential conventions, will get …
It’s a Deal: 50% Off Any One Item at Michaels
A coupon grants half off any one regularly priced item at arts and crafts specialty store Michaels. The offer is valid today only, July 29.
Sales Tax Breaks: Help the Economy and Stick It to the Government at the Same Time
Sales taxes of as much as 7 percent will be taking holidays in 15 states in the coming weeks. The dropping of sales tax has become a summer tradition to spur on back-to-school shopping. Some people worried that states dealing with budget crunches might suspend the annual tax break, but it looks like the shop-a-thon is on.
It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s … a Cartoon Warren Buffett Teaching Kids About Finance?
An Internet cartoon starring Warren Buffett is expected to be released sometime later this year. It’ll be called “Secret Millionaires Club,” starring America’s most lovable 2-D billionaire, along with four cartoon kids who cover the range of ethnic makeup and skin color in Benetton-ad fashion.
The Great Recession: Is “Great” the Right Word?
Sometimes, an adjective seems inappropriate. Take “great.” It seems both overused and misused. Wayne Gretzky? No doubt about it: GREAT. Alexander the Great? Sure. Muhammad Ali? The Greatest. But plagues, wars, floods, depressions, economic panics, riots, and recessions? If any of these things are occurring, the situation seems less than …
It’s a Deal: Flights to Ireland from $139 Each Way
A sale from Irish airline Aer Lingus offers flights from New York City to Shannon or Dublin airports starting at $139 each way. Prices departing from Boston and Chicago start at $194 each way. Tickets must be purchased by July 31. More details, including departure date restrictions, here.
What Will a Cheapskate Spend Good Money On? Part VII
Even a cheapskate has to spend money sometimes. I’ve asked various frugal folks—bloggers, writers, money-saving and consumer experts—to compile a list of the products, services, experiences, and other “things” they’re willing to shell out good money on. Because if a cheapskate is willing to drop cash on something, you know it’s worthwhile.
It’s a Deal: Up to 60 Percent Off Women’s Clothes at Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer’s end-of-season sale offers discounts of up to 60 percent off of women’s shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, sandals, and more. More details here.