There’s plenty to hate about cable TV—most notably, the nonsensical package structure of monthly bills in which the average customer pays for 117 channels and watches only 17 (and nothing good seems to be on ever), and the fact that cable rates have risen 59% since 1996 (three times the rate of inflation). While some 800,000 cable …
It’s a Deal: 40% Off CVS Brand Products
Through January 4, CVS.com is selling all store brand products for 40% off when purchases are made online. Free shipping is available for purchases of $49 and up.
My 2011 New Year’s resolutions for the global economy
Ah, yes, it’s that time of year again, when we all sit pensively with pen and paper and scrawl out our resolutions for the New Year. In that spirit, I thought I’d lend a hand to the leading figures of global economic policy with a few suggestions of what I think should be on their 2011 lists:
Angela Merkel, Chancellor, Germany: Give …
Why Some People Don’t Bother Returning Stuff They Don’t Want
“When you order something it’s exciting, but with returning, there is no anticipation of anything good happening.”
Lesson from the Recession: Turns Out the Rat Race Is … Fun?
One theory has it that the recession was actually supposed to make people happier—that the upheaval in jobs, markets, and housing would force us to be more grateful for the things we have, to come to a fresh realization about what’s truly important in life, and to help us focus not on money or careers or material possessions but on …
Is Facebook Really Worth $50 billion?
This guy’s company may be now worth $50 billion. (Photo: Robert Galbraith/REUTERS)
There are a growing number of signs that a bubble is building in tech.
The latest and potentially most disturbing: Investors now believe Facebook is worth $50 billion. Facebook is indeed an innovative and very successful company. It has 550 million …
It’s a Deal: 50% Off Everything at Cold Water Creek
Use the coupon code JOYFUL to get 50% off all merchandise at Cold Water Creek. The offer is valid for items currently in stock online or in stores—and only for purchases made by January 3, 2011.
With Electronic Gadgets, Even the Concept of ‘Built to Last’ Is Outdated
Upgrades are necessary. Gadgets must be replaced regularly. Modern-day consumers are programmed to accept these as golden rules that must be followed—not because gadgets break down or completely stop functioning, but because to not upgrade is to fall behind, to tempt failure, to be uncool and out of it. But why do we accept these …
81 End-of-Year Money Tips
As 2010 comes to a close, keep some money in your pocket when bellying up to the bar or the fast food counter, considering luxury “status” purchases, shopping the post-Christmas sales, and planning your kid’s birthday party.
Coming in 2011: More Bank Fees
What with the number of checking accounts without minimum balance requirements on the decline, consumers are increasingly likely to be hit with monthly bills by their banks. Fees for ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, and other services are also on the rise.
Will Home Prices Rebound in 2011?
A sign that may make a comeback in 2011 (Photo: Rick Wilking/Reuters)
A very successful hedge fund manager is making the case that housing prices may rebound sharply in 2011. He may be right.
The guy’s name is Bill Ackman and his hedge fund is Pershing Square Capital, which had $3.5 billion under management in mid-2010. He has spent …
Car-Buying Tip: To Avoid Headaches, Hassles, and Rip-offs, Never Set Foot in a Car Dealership
While deals on cars may not be as extraordinary as they were last year, around New Year’s is always one of the best periods for getting deals on new vehicles.