Super Bowl Commercials: Playing to the Cheap Seats

It costs a fortune to advertise during the Super Bowl. So it’s interesting that so many of the commercials seem aimed not at the spendthrift rich, but at folks who are still shell-shocked by the recession, and who remain reluctant to open their wallets.

Federal Tax Myths: Your Dog Can Be Claimed as a Dependent?

The tax code is over 60,000 pages long. No wonder there’s a little confusion as to what’s taxable, who is most likely to get audited, and what you can claim as a deduction.

Super Bowl Sunday: Colts, Saints, and Pizzas with the Works for $10

In time for your Super Bowl Sunday party, here are some promotions on pizza, Chinese food, appetizers, sports gear and memorabilia, and more.

It’s a Deal: 50 McNuggets for $9.99

From Friday, February 5, through Sunday, February 7, participating McDonald’s restaurants are offering 50 McNuggets for $9.99. That’s 20¢ per nugget (thanks SearchAllDeals).

Dollar Store: Great Values or Total Waste of Money? And 5 Other Consumer Debates

Do consumers or retailers benefit more from e-commerce? Is a college degree really worth the money? Are cell-phone unlimited calling plans a rip-off? And more.

39%

That’s how much health insurance rates will be hiked for many Anthem Blue Cross customers in California who buy individual policies. These same customers had their premium rates jacked up by around one-third last year as well. And the final kick in the balls: The folks affected have been told to expect their rates to [...]

What’s Better Than a Raise?

Something that you actually have a prayer of getting. Sure, you could ask your boss to give you a bump up in pay, but good luck with that in today’s work environment. If you actually want to walk away with something after negotiations with your employer, try asking for these perks instead.

Freebies on the Radar: Free Breakfast! Free Pretzels! Free Ice Cream!

Mark your calendars and put away your wallets: Giveaway days at Denny’s, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, IHOP, and Ben & Jerry’s are coming soon. For all of these special promotions, no coupons or purchases are necessary. Just stroll into the store or restaurant and ask for your freebie.

It’s a Deal: More Than 30% Off CVS Brand Products

From February 4 to February 7, all CVS brand products are discounted by 30% when purchased through the store website. Get an additional 20% off by using the coupon code FEB20 at checkout. Free shipping on orders of $49 or more. More details here.

Avoiding “America’s Biggest Rip-offs”

CNNMoney put together a list of “America’s Biggest Rip-offs,” which include things like text messages (marked up 6500% with some cell plans), college textbooks (which cost the average student $900 a year), and popcorn at the movies (no surprise here, they charge nine times what it costs to make it). But for every rip-off, there’s [...]

Drink Like a College Student: Bottom-Shelf Booze on the Rise

Sign of the times: Liquor sales rose moderately in 2009, with the biggest growth among cheap brands like Popov vodka.