Members of a small group takes turns cooking, and the result is that everyone saves time and money—and, depending on who is in your group, you eater better food than you’d scrounge up yourself.
Playing with Percentages: Health Care in America
9% From June 2009 to March 2010—the heart of the health care debate—only 9% of media stories about health care reform actually “focused on a core issue — how our health care system currently functions, what works and what doesn’t,” according to a Pew Research study; the study says that 41% of health care stories were devoted to …
Japan’s economy: Nowhere to hide
Looking at Japan’s latest attempts to restore life to its moribund economy makes me think of the old Martha and the Vandellas song, with the chorus: “Got nowhere to run to, baby / Nowhere to hide….” The problems of Japan run so deep that whatever solution Tokyo’s policymakers offer up, the potential downside could be more …
Yet Another Reason to Stop Smoking
A pack of cigarettes will soon cost nearly $11 in New York City.
Is A Carbon Tax Actually Good for the Economy?
Ever since Obama made his poorly received (by pundits at least) Punish BP/Energy Independence White House address last week there has been a lot of talk that a carbon tax, especially a cap-and-trade one, could be dead. Many read the fact that the President didn’t mention it in his speech as a sign that he was caving to Republicans on …
With a Target Credit Card, You’ll Get a 5% Discount Off Everything in the Store
Starting this autumn, Target shoppers who use a store-affiliated credit card will get an unprecedented, no-exceptions discount.
The Hassles of Getting Rewards from CVS’s Rewards Program
CVS’s ExtraCare rewards program promises a lot: 2% back on everything you buy in the store, along with an “Extra Buck” for every two prescriptions filled. The problem is that an unknown (but presumably huge) number of customers never realize those rewards.
It’s a Deal: Southwest Airlines Flights from $39
To celebrate its 39th year of flying, Southwest Airlines is holding a sale with flights up to 450 miles for $39, flights 451-1,000 miles for $79, and flights 1,001 miles and up for $119 each way. Tickets must be booked by June 24, with flights valid for travel between September 8 and November 17. More details here.
Should the Minimum Wage Be Reduced for Teenagers?
Not long ago, about half of teenagers could expect to earn money and learn some valuable lessons about the real world through a summer job. This summer, however, three out of every four teens will be out of work. If the minimum wage drops back to the mid-2000s level of $5.15 only for kids ages 16 to 19, as many as 500,000 jobs could be …
Cheapskate Wisdom … About the Difference Between Success and Mediocrity
“There’s no such thing as get rich quick. Building wealth takes time, and a lot of hard work. If you want to be successful in anything, you must work at it for hours every day – sometimes late into the night, and early in the morning. If you are happy with mediocrity, punch the clock after 8 hours, plop down in front of a television …
It’s a Deal: Stay Twice with Choice Hotels and Get a $50 Chili’s Gift Card
With a summer promotion from Choice Hotels, after you stay two separate times at any of the company’s brands, including Comfort Inn, Clarion, and EconoLodge, you’ll receive a $50 gift card at Chili’s. Valid for hotel stays through August 5.
Big Expansion for Grocery Outlet, a Favorite among Frugal Foodies in the West
The store’s nickname may be “Gross Out,” but fans swear by the chain for its great values and decent selection of fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. Like other discount supermarkets, the tradeoff at Grocery Outlet is cheaper prices but less selection—”like a blend of a dollar store and Trader Joe’s,” in one observer’s opinion.