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American Spending
I'm Asking: Have You Ever Purchased or Transferred Miles?
Ahh, the challenge of racking up enough miles to actually use them for a free ticket. Business travelers and those who frequently fly via the same carrier can stock up for award travel, but did you know that many major airlines have expiration dates following a period of "non-activity" (usually between 18 and 24 months)?
If you want to still make use of those miles, you can purchase the remainder to get a free upgrade or trip in batches of 1,000 miles.
The Scoop: Pampered Pets at an All Time High
For those of you who answer "Spoiled Sweet" on all those Spoiled Sweet or Rotten polls, I guess you weren't kidding! In a story released yesterday, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that American pet owners spent over $41 billion dollars last year on their furry pals.
APPMA President Bob Vetere credits trends in design and including pets part of your family to the rise in spending.
American's Spending Habits
The New York Times published this mind-boggling graph (click on the graph to enlarge it) that delves into the spending habits of Americans at different income levels. A striking observation is that, according to this graph, people in the lowest fifth are spending about twice as much as they earn. The article points out that "if we compare the incomes of the top and bottom fifths, we see a ratio of 15 to 1 and if we turn to consumption, the gap declines to around 4 to 1."
Charlize Theron Out, Angelina Jolie May Be in For The Tourist
Upcoming spy thriller The Tourist has had plenty of A-list names swirling around it, from George Clooney to Tom Cruise, and now one more is added to the mix. Charlize Theron has dropped out of the film, and Angelina Jolie is in talks to take her place.
Jolie would star opposite Sam Worthington, playing an American tourist who goes undercover for Interpol to trap a criminal with whom she's had an affair.
Are Prescription Drug Ads More Harm Than Help?
Chances are you've seen more prescription drug commercials than you can count — Viagra, Cymbalta, Celebrex, and Yaz are just a few that I can name from memory. The ads are pervasive and influential and pharmaceutical companies know that. From 1997 to 2005, drug companies tripled their spending in television ad campaigns from $1.3 billion to $4.2 billion.
Do You Even Notice Other People's Earlobes?
Earlobe rejuvenation, a quick, less-than-an-hour, outpatient procedure to lift sagging ears is fast becoming a growing trend, particularly for American women in their 50s and 60s. "We make the earlobes look plumper, more rounded and smaller, giving a more youthful image," plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman told the Daily Mail.
President Obama Wants Kids to Stay in School Longer
President Obama may be leading our nation, but he's just dad to his daughters, Malia and Sasha. And, his new idea to have longer school days and years is none too popular with them. In addition to adding class time, the commander in chief wants schools to be safe places for children to go in the afternoons and on weekends.
Back to Basics: Balancing Love and Money
Love and marriage may go together, but love and money don't always. Thirty percent of Americans, 23 percent of Canadians, 24 percent of the French, and 12 percent of Germans say the recession has added stress to or ruined their relationship or marriage. These are startling stats, especially when you consider only 11 percent of SavvySugar readers say they have never fought with their spouse over money.
Have You Ever Cooked With Kids?
If you woke up this morning consumed with the dread that it's Monday, cheer up. It's not any old start to the week. Today is Family Day, and millions of Americans will be preparing and sitting down to dinner with their children.
How People Are Spending and Where They're Cutting Back
We don't need surveys to tell us that Americans have cut back significantly on spending, but there are plenty of sources if anyone's looking for proof. A new survey by IBM found that more people have been shopping at a variety of stores to find the best deals, and shoppers are focusing on quality and value almost as much as price. Guy Blissett, consumer products leader for IBM Institute For Business Value, commented, "I think it's a much more sophisticated approach to shopping."
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