Got an in-box clogged with ads from retailers? You’re not alone. In recent months, many stores have been sending customers promotional e-mails at a pace of more than one per day. Spam-happy retailers such as Neiman Marcus deluged …
Smart Spending
Where Gas Prices Have Soared Even Higher Than California
California tends to get a lot of the attention in terms of rising gas prices. The state does have the highest prices in the Lower 48, now averaging $4.35 per gallon, up from $3.83 in mid-February. But over the last five or so …
What, You Only Have 100K Miles on Your Car? That’s Nothing
Once upon a time, a driver could get some form of pride, and perhaps even bragging rights when his car reached into the six figures for mileage. A consumer who owned a car that hit 100,000 miles without the need for any major …
Amazon-Sized Daily Deal: $5 for $10 Amazon Gift Card, from AmazonLocal
On Tuesday, March 20, the daily deal space will be buzzing with a special offer from Amazon‘s surging flash sale site, AmazonLocal. A $10 Amazon gift card can be yours for the sum of just $5.
Movie-Theater Owner Tries to Justify $4 Fountain Sodas
It’s been estimated that movie theaters make an 85% profit at the concessions stand on overpriced soda, candy, nachos, hot dogs and, of course, popcorn. Movie-theater popcorn has been called one of America’s biggest rip-offs, …
Now There’s a Daily Deal Site for Underwear
You have to give the daily deal industry some credit: It’s never short on new—and often, unorthodox—ideas. Groupon has been trying out $30 VIP memberships and creepy carnival-style games promising extra discounts in recent …
There’s a Good Chance You’re Overpaying for Data on Your Phone
AT&T no longer offers new subscribers the option to have unlimited data on their phones. So many subscribers feel lucky if they have been grandfathered in with their old plans and still pay $30 per month for unlimited data. But a …
Consumers Are Upset About High Gas Prices—But Not Enough to Stop Shopping
Plenty of drivers are worked up about the cost of gasoline. In a recent survey, 85% of Americans said that the government should take “immediate actions” to rein in fuel prices. But while there’s no denying people are agitated …
The Declining Economic Might of the Once Coveted 18-to-34 Demographic
For years, retailers, marketers and businesses of all shapes and sizes have gone out of their way to try to win over that “all-important” 18-to-34-year-old demographic. Now that this age group is broke and facing huge student …
What’s the Best Chain Restaurant in America?
The answer is … Chili’s. No wait, that’s only according to a new study focused on the Best Cheap Family Restaurant. Other surveys give top honors to The Cheesecake Factory. Or Bonefish Grill. Or In-N-Out Burger. Or Chick-fil-A. …
5 Ways to Be Better at Risk-Taking
You may never tame lions or swim with the sharks, but you still have plenty of opportunities to act courageously every day. Learn the secrets to becoming bolder and braver from five experts (including a poker champion and a stunt …
Casting Call for ‘Extreme Cheapskates’
Do you go dumpster-diving for your wife’s anniversary gift? Do you dine on cow’s hearts and goat’s heads, so long as the price is right? When you hear the words “reusable toilet paper,” do you think “Brilliant!” rather than
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