Cheapskate Wisdom from … an Automotive Diagnostician

“I am an automotive diagnostician. We look for the root cause of problems. If we treat the symptoms, the problem always comes back. With health care, we are not treating the root cause: Why does it cost so much?”

It’s a Deal: $5 Off $20 Purchase at CVS

Print out this coupon (thanks Fat Wallet) for an easy $5 off any purchase of $20 or more at CVS. Valid through January 16.

How to Break Your Cell-Phone, Gym, Apartment, or Car Lease Contract

All of them are actually leases, and you’ll endure more than your fair share of headaches by trying to break any such contract.

Porno for Student Loan Payments

A survey in the UK says that 60% of university students would star in a porn film to help pay off student loans.

Strategic Mortgage Default: The Irresponsible, Amoral, But Best Strategy?

If you voluntarily walk away your mortgage because you owe more than the home is worth, are you a bad person? Should you even care?

What’s More Annoying: Charity Solicitations at the Cash Register or at Your Doorstep?

People should feel good about giving to charity. Then why is it you’re left with a bad taste in your mouth after being guilted into giving by store clerks and door-to-door solicitors?

How to Get that ‘Jersey Shore’ Look—for Cheap

Style tips from the Guido, errr Garden State: Amazingly, it doesn’t cost a fortune to look like the stars of MTV’s new “reality” show Snookie, JWOWW, and the Situation.

It’s a Deal: $4.99 All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes at IHOP

For a limited time, all-you-can-eat pancakes are available at IHOP restaurants starting at $4.99. More details here.

Can You Hear the Money Disappearing?

A report shows there’s a correlation between hearing loss and income loss. When the ears go, the result is that household income dips by up to $12,000 a year.

Scams to Avoid, Stuff Not to Buy, and a Bunch of Ways to Save

The list of tips starts by doing nothing.

Top Speculative Quotes About the Economy

Are we heading for a boom time? A slow slog? Another recession? A ’90s-Japan-like lost decade? A full-on depression? The experts have weighed in, as they’re apt to do.