A small town wedged against one of the busiest Army posts in the country has earned an unwanted distinction as one of the least livable places in the United States. LeRay, New York, zip code 13637, sits just outside of far-upstate Watertown and contains Fort Drum — the sprawling military base fueling the area’s economy. The … Read more
Checkers & Rally’s is leaning into value as Americans remain squeezed by higher everyday expenses, and the fast-food chain’s CEO says consumers’ demand for affordability has intensified over the past couple of years. The chain is offering a $4 Unbeatable Meal Deal, priced at $5 in select markets, as restaurants compete for increasingly price-conscious customers. … Read more
This customer has big beef with Kroger. Kroger — a grocer typically known for its low price tags — was just called out for “robbing Americans blind” after a video went viral online showing the chain skimping out on steak. The video, which appears to have been removed or deleted from TikTok, was reposted by … Read more
Are they sailing the seven fees? Mexico-bound cruise passengers better start saving dough, as they’ll soon have to spend twice as much to visit our Southern neighbor’s most popular sites. “Consumers keep getting hit with more and more taxes and fees for everything related to travel,” Clint Henderson, a managing editor of the travel site The … Read more
Friendzoned? In this economy? It’s the dreaded, no-sex space that young, hopeful daters say they never want to be — but even those willing to practice patience are saying that the price of sitting tight is simply too high in this inflation-ravaged era. Romantic hopefuls online are sharing their sad truth: “staying in the friend … Read more
California households shell out an average of $2,838 a month on recurring bills — a staggering $34,056 a year — making it the second-most expensive state in America for household expenses, according to a 2024 snapshot of bill-paying data. Only notoriously pricey Hawaii topped California, with households in the Aloha State coughing up an average … Read more
Forget $20 cocktails. In 1975 Los Angeles, that much cash could buy chateaubriand for two at the Brown Derby, two coffees — and still leave $2 in your pocket. Redditors ate it up this week when one user cracked open a vintage copy of “The Menu Guide of Los Angeles,” revealing the wildly cheap-looking prices once … Read more
Inflation is falling, but your groceries are still expensive. The Consumer Price Index rose 3.5% in June over the past 12 months, cooling from its 4.2% in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Tuesday. While the index — measuring how much the cost of everyday items changes over time — saw the biggest drop … Read more
Seniors may be in line for a raise. The average Social Security check currently sits at roughly $2,071, according to the Social Security Administration. But that could soon change as experts estimate the next Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be a modest 3.8%. The COLA is the yearly increase meant to help Social Security … Read more
A cheeseburger, fries and a soda remain one of America’s classic comfort meals, but what Americans pay for that combo depends heavily on where they live, according to the so-called Cheeseburger Index. A new DoorDash State of Local Commerce report, which compares the average price of a cheeseburger, fries and a soda across US cities, found … Read more
Here’s where to get the most bang for your “Cup.” Trying to eat one’s fill at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium can quickly empty your wallet. The Florida-based arena was recently ranked the most expensive World Cup venue in North America for concessions with meals costing fans over $100 on average, per a snack-y survey by … Read more
Chiffon? In this economy? This week’s Paris Haute Couture shows swapped the usual piles of handmade lace and crystal-coated leather for materials often on shelves at the Dollar Store — or even better yet, Home Depot, like latex balloons, crumpled chicken wire, ripped denim, and clumps of very photogenic hay. The bargain-bin brilliance comes as … Read more
Your next shopping trip to Walmart and Sam’s Club may be a bit cheaper. The sister chains have just announced lower prices on a slew of summer essentials. The move is aimed at helping customers and members stress a bit less this season. “This summer, we’re making even more investments in price, with thousands of Rollbacks … Read more
They’re moving the goal posts on concession prices. Soccer fans have sparked debate online after revealing the alleged extortionate prices vendors are charging for food and drinks at a FIFA World Cup venue. In a viral TikTok clip with over 100,000 views, the American ticketholder meant to “expose the prices” the stadium was charging — … Read more
He’s saving people’s wallets, one fried chicken sandwich at a time. There’s no denying that prices have gotten out of control, especially for once-affordable treats like fast food. So it comes as no surprise that a dad of three recently went viral for his clever hack of keeping a Chick-fil-A bill under $45 for a … Read more
Fast food fans are saving smarter, not farther, with this price-hunting tool. McDonald’s customers are shocked by the deals they’ve found on the McCheapest map, an interactive food map highlighting the cheapest or most expensive stores by city and state. Their measurement: the Big Mac price of each location. The map is covered with dots, … Read more
Two years ago, a Long Island deli shocked the country by selling a $120-per-pound lobster salad — and the price has only gone up since. The upscale Red Horse Market, located in the ultra-wealthy enclave of East Hampton, New York, is now charging even more for the luxury item. In 2024, a photo of the deli case … Read more
The Big Mac can take a nap. As customers become increasingly wary of “shrinkflation” and price hikes at big burger chains, smaller fast-food purveyors are cashing in. Industry data shows that regional chains and cult favorites like In-N-Out Burger, Whataburger, and Culver’s are driving growth in the hamburger category, putting their larger competitors to shame. … Read more
Dollar General will officially be living up to its name again — with $1 price tags. The discount retailer’s CEO, Todd Vasos, announced in an earnings call that shoppers pinching pennies will now spot over 2,000 items across stores “at or below the $1 price point.” But when and why did the chain’s costs rise … Read more
Retirement doesn’t have to be a luxury — but it can be luxurious. A popular tourist destination has just hit the top spot for retirement. And for good reason. Americans are finding it nearly impossible to retire in the US as inflation hit new highs for the first time in three years. Portugal made this … Read more