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 …
Smart Spending
Free Pencils, 17¢ Notebooks: Crazy Back-to-School Sales Are Already Here
It’s only the middle of July. School just ended a few weeks ago for some students. Yet, in a world in which the Christmas shopping seasons starts in September, we’re already in prime “back to school” season, according to retailers.
What’s Behind GM’s New 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee?
Getting our money back for purchases we no longer want or need is the norm almost everywhere except car dealerships. But this summer, you’ll be able to drive off with a Chevy and then return it weeks later.
Neiman Marcus and Target Team Up to Go After the Big Middle
This Christmas you won’t have to travel to New York or Los Angeles to splurge on a designer dress or a new purse. You’ll find them just a few aisles away from the laundry detergent and the diapers–at Target.
10 Things You Should Be Buying Used
What if everything didn’t have to be new? Thanks to sites like Craigslist.org and Freecycle.org, along with old-school standbys like thrift shops and tag sales, there are more ways than ever to score new-to-you stuff. Buying …
As More Hybrids Hit the Market, All-Electrics Still Trying to Catch On
Nevermind high gas prices and government incentives: We just can’t seem to get over the idea of driving a car without gas.
The Thrift Store: Not Just for Penny-Pinching Grandmas Anymore
Musty smells, bad lighting, aisles clogged with shoddy merchandise and ancient shoppers: If this is your perception of a thrift store, chances are you haven’t been in one recently.
Fast Food’s New Mantra: Remodel and They Will Come (and Spend)
Year in, year out, most fast food restaurants see a steady increase in drive-thru visits by customers. While the rise in business is welcomed, fast food chains get even more excited when diners eat in the restaurant — because …
The Yelp Conspiracy: How a Group of Businesses Conspired to Get Better Yelp Ratings
Yelp recently busted what it calls a “review-swapping ring,” in which partners in a business network posted top ratings and glowingly positive reviews of each other’s services.
The Movement to Ban McDonald’s, Coca-Cola From the London Olympics
Junk food giants McDonald’s and Coca-Cola could find themselves left at the starting blocks after the London Assembly voted to call for a ban on Olympic sponsors that produce high calorie food and beverages.
How the Heat Wave’s Affecting Your Wallet, Your Food and Your Holiday Weekend
The science behind rising temperatures is up for debate, but what can’t be argued is that increasingly hot summers are having a big impact on our lives and our economy.
Consumers Prefer to Get More Rather than Pay Less – Because They’re Bad at Math
Is it better to get more or pay less? If you think they’re basically the same, you’re like most consumers. And, like most consumers, you’re wrong.