There’s a good argument to be made that when a store’s merchandise is always on sale, it’s never really on sale. The retailer is just employing fake prices that no one ever pays. The prices exist only to make discounts seem …
Smart Spending
Summer Olympics 2012: How to Stay in London for $15 a Night
With the average cost of 2012 Olympics packages (including tickets, airfare and lodging) pushing $10,000 for the events that haven’t sold out yet, you may be surprised to know that you can still get lodging in London for as …
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?
It Costs a Lot of Money to ‘Save’ on Gas with a 118-MPG Car
The electric version of the Honda Fit has been one of the most heavily anticipated little cars to hit the market. Considering that the regular Fit is a perennial “best value” award winner, the hope is that the Fit EV would help …
Cheap Last-Minute Road Trip Anybody?
Once-Struggling Cars That Are Suddenly Hot Sellers
Fiat and Toyota, both of which had a rough sales year in 2011, can’t seem to produce cars fast enough for buyers lately. One much-hyped plug-in vehicle is also faring better in the marketplace in 2012. After struggling to attract …
It’s Prime Time for Hot Deals on Lingerie
Is there anything sexier than the phrase, “Honey, I got it on sale”? Experts say that June is the optimal months for bargain hunters in the market for bare essentials at barely-there prices.
How to Go to the Movies for $1 This Summer
The average movie ticket sold for around $8 last year, and that figure is expected to rise to $8.15 by the end of 2012. But all summer long, it’s possible to go the movies—yes, to the movies, not only watch a Redbox DVD rental …
Charitable Giving: How Companies Are Doing More With Less
Corporate charitable giving is down. But three trends are making it easier for individuals to get the most out of their employer when it comes to personal philanthropy.
Car Shoppers’ Decisions Most Influenced by … Person Trying to Sell Them Cars?
When figuring out which car to buy, consumers consult the advice of family and friends, as well as shopping guides from Consumer Reports and the like. But the info that’s most influential in the buying decision tends to come from an individual who has obvious self-interest in how that decision plays out.
The Unexpected Effects of Walmart Coming to Town
Homeowners, local chambers of commerce, and town planners alike all have some assumptions about Walmart. It’s often assumed that when a new Walmart opens in town, it’ll kill small businesses and may even hurt the local real …
Customer Service Via Twitter? Some Companies Are On It, Others Not So Much
With retailers working hard to grow the ranks of their Twitter followers, consumers are increasingly using the service to get basic customer service and even to try to resolve disputes. But a new study, released Wednesday by STELLAService, shows their success rates vary widely.