California grape prices, which increased significantly last year, are expected to keep rising as a grape shortage looms. This could translate into higher prices for grape juice, raisins, and, well, grapes just to eat. But who …
Smart Spending
A Week of Free National Parks Admission Starts Saturday, April 21
Starting this Saturday, and stretching all the way through the following weekend, entrance fees are being waived at all national parks that usually charge for admission.
Fuel Flip-Flop: Now Gas Prices Are Supposed to Be on the Decline?
It’s been a wacky year thus far for gas prices. The cost per gallon usually retreats in the slow-demand month of February, but this year, prices rose. Not because of a sudden increase in demand, mind you, but for a host of other …
16 Easy Ways to Save on Groceries
Introducing the $60 Light Bulb
The Associated Press reports that the Phillips LED light bulb that won the government’s L Prize—a $10 million contest to replace the traditional incandescent bulb—will go on sale as of Earth Day with a full retail price of …
Why Millions Won’t Be Able to Afford Cars in the Future
By 2025, the government will require an average fuel economy of 54.5 m.p.g. for cars and trucks sold in the U.S. To meet that requirement, automakers must focus on more efficient, technologically sophisticated cars that cost more upfront to build — and whose costs are ultimately passed along to consumers. How much more will these cars …
The 7 Biggest Retirement Planning Mistakes
Retirement readiness is near an all-time low. Just 14% of adults are very confident they will live comfortably after quitting work and 60% have less than $25,000 in savings, according to the Employee Benefits Research …
What’s Car Sharing Really Like?
Last year, the average U.S. household paid $4,155 gassing up their cars, and when gas, insurance, depreciation, vehicle payments, and other expenses are tallied up, the average car costs $8,776 annually. These costs will only …
Maybe the Slackers Who Never Set a Budget Know Something
A new study questions the long-accepted wisdom of setting a budget and sticking to it. The purpose of establishing a budget is to rein in one’s spending, but under certain circumstances, setting a budget does the opposite — and …
Prom Arms Race: Typical Teen—Or Rather, Her Parents—Drops Over $1,000 on Prom Now
Last year, we lamented how costly proms were: According to a Visa survey, the average prom attendee wound up dropping $807 on photos, limos, hair and makeup styling, tickets, and of course, a dress or tuxedo. Fast-forward to this …
Tax Relief! 15 Freebies & Deals Related to Tax Day
Mid-April, long known for its looming annual tax deadline, has in recent years also developed a reputation as a season of giveaways and special deals from coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and more. This year ushers in a …
Off the Road: 8 Reasons Why We’re Driving Less
In recent months, car sales have been booming at the same time that consumers have been paying more per vehicle. Because demand for cars is high, it would seem like a safe assumption that people need new wheels because we’re all …