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How Much You Spend Each Year on Coffee, Gas, Christmas, Pets, Beer, and More

A new report estimates that the average American worker drops nearly $1,100 annually on coffee. That’s not much less than what the average worker spends to commute to the job.

Check Out the New Walgreens — Where You Can Get Sushi, Cognac, a Smoothie, and a Manicure

The store will also host a boutique where customers can get virtual makeovers and actual hands-on manicures. An “Eyebrow Bar” is available for those seeking professional shaping and grooming services.

Governor Pre-Judges Health Care Panel Findings

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On Wednesday, Charleston’s Post & Courier.com revealed that South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has actively used her influence to prevent the implementation of federal health care reform — and, arguably, spending federal funds to do so. 

‘Pet Care’ Inflation: Health Care Costs Have Soared, and Not Only for Human Beings

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It’s no secret that health care costs have skyrocketed over the last ten years. Now, consider that pet owners say they refuse to cut back on spending on their dogs and cats even when the economy’s in rough shape. Combine these two ideas, and it should come as no surprise that in many ways, health [...]

Patients Prefer HMOs (And Other Healthcare Surprises)

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Are health insurance plans with big brand names better than smaller insurers that most people have never heard of? “Not usually,” says Nancy Metcalf, senior program editor, at Consumer Reports. Unless, that is, the plan’s name is “Kaiser.”

Same Old Story: Health Insurance Premiums Soar, Yet Again

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Haven’t we all heard this one before? The average cost of health insurance premiums rose sharply this year: Family costs are up 9%, topping $15,000 annually for the first time. Over the last 10 years, family premiums have risen by 113%—exponentially faster than workers’ wages and inflation.

Health Care Industry Growth Beginning to Slow

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The health care industry has been one of the bright spots in a dark economy in the last few years. But job growth in the industry now looks as if it’s starting to slow.

Get Ready for Cheaper Prices on Popular Drugs

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The patents for 7 of the 20 best-selling drugs are set to expire over the next couple of years, and once that happens, manufacturers will be free to make and sell cheaper generic versions of the meds. Considering that an estimated 15% of the population takes one of these drugs—including Lipitor (for cholesterol) and Plavix [...]

149 Money Tips: Save on Gas, Cars, Kids Gear, Prescription Meds, and More

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We’ve also rounded up advice on how coupons and buzz words and phrases (“Limited Time Only!”) can easily push consumers to waste money they otherwise would have saved.

“Easier access to contraceptives would save taxpayers money.”

— VANESSA CULLINS, VP of medical affairs for Planned Parenthood of America, writing an op-ed arguing why birth control should be more affordable [via The New York Times]

Turning 65: Evaluating Medicare Advantage Plans

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After 23 years of covering — and giving advice about — Medicare, a veteran journalist wades into the system herself. Part five of a 5-part series.