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We’ll Have Six Single Bagels, Please

bagels_dozen Brian noticed something interesting on the menu at his local Dunkin’ Donuts. While customers can buy a single bagel for 99 cents, they’re slightly more expensive by the half dozen.

“Last time I did the math $.99 * 6 = $5.94, not $5.99,” writes Brian. Yes, even a few days later, that math holds up. “Why is Dunkin Donuts punishing anyone who wants 6 bagels?”

bagel_math

There is a discount for buying a dozen bagels, though. Maybe the extra five cents covers the cost of putting the bundle of bagels in a box or bag.

In some areas (like New York state, home of the Consumerist, where bagels are serious business) a toasted bagel is subject to sales tax as a prepared food item, and a bagged half-dozen bagels is not. Brian didn’t tell us where he lives. If the price difference were calculated to account for sales tax, shouldn’t the single bagel price come out to $1 even with tax? Or in this debit card era, does that even matter anymore?

by Laura Northrup via Consumerist

The Newest In Collision Avoidance: Cars That Talk To Each Other

(Chris Rief aka Spodie)

Our cars aren’t flying yet, but soon they could be talking to each other. And this is no idle gossip or chitchat about how awful potholes are on the old chassis, but new technology that would let vehicles warn each other when they could be heading for a collision.

Drivers can be distracted on the road, but the government thinks a car is less likely to miss the signs of an impending collision. It’s mulling whether or not to require automakers to equip new vehicles with the technology, reports the Associated Press, though that is still at least a few years away.

Federal transportation officials said yesterday in a news conference that the vehicle-to-vehicle technology has “game-changing potential” to cut collisions, deaths and injuries.

Here’s how it works: A radio signal that’s continually transmitting a car’s position, heading, speed and other info will send all of that to other vehicles around it, allowing the vehicles to effectively communicate what’s going on.

If another car’s computer gets word that something is wrong, it could alert drivers by way of a flashing message or audible warning, or even hit the brakes itself.

Is the guy in oncoming traffic about to run a red light? The car would tell your car. Did someone make a quick stop up ahead? Your car will know, at a distance up to about 300 yards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been in cahoots with automakers to work on the new technology in recent years, and estimates that it could stop about 80% of accidents that don’t involve drunken drivers or mechanical failure.

And our wise elder siblings at Consumer Reports are also in favor of the technology after testing it out from a number of automakers, “and came away impressed with the effectiveness and potential safety benefits of the systems.”

We’re pretty sure there’s a “Car Talk” joke in here somewhere, but c’mon, who doesn’t love listening to those guys talk about cars for an entire hour, until you suddenly realize what you’ve been doing and the fact that you don’t even own a car? Just delightful.

Car-to-car talk: Hey, look out for that collision! [Associated Press]

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication coming soon, will prevent collisions [Consumer Reports]

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist

RadioShack Is Still Around, But Reportedly Closing 500 Stores

If you were still paying attention after the first quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl, and not in the kitchen preparing or gorging on snacks, you might have seen one of the few mildly amusing ads to air during the game. It featured a RadioShack being dismantled by various ’80s icons and emerging from the ashes as a relevant store that doesn’t just sell batteries and cables you can get much cheaper online. Well, according to a new report, the first part of that ad will soon be coming true for hundreds of Shack locations, except it won’t be Cliff Clavin and Hulk Hogan clearing the shelves.

The Wall Street Journal’s sources say that the Texas-based electronics retailer is planning to shutter 500 of its 4,500 stores in the months to come. No specific locations or even regions have been identified.

The company had previously said that it may close some locations, but with the idea that these stores would re-open in higher-traffic areas, thus leaving the total number of stores the same. However, the Journal story indicates that the closures would likely be more permanent.

Facing some $625 million in debt, RadioShack recently secured $835 million in loans that would get it out of the red and give it some money to revamp its brand and its stores.

RadioShack has made multiple efforts to shake its dated image, including a failed effort to get shoppers to refer to it as The Shack. The latest stab at changing its image involved dumping many of the older-generation products it had sold for decades to the DIY tech crowd.

As this recent viral sensation demonstrated, so much of what RadioShack used to sell has been replaced by multifunction smartphones.

Additionally, some of the retailer’s locations were briefly involved with Amazon, which used the RS stores as a place for customers. The company ditched that partnership back in Sept. 2013, saying it was no longer in line with RadioShack’s plans for the future.

While we appreciate — and maybe even had a giggle — at RadioShack’s self-effacing Super Bowl ad, we wonder if the retailer can compete against both online and larger big box retailers, all of whom carry the exact same products, at the same or lower prices.

by Chris Morran via Consumerist

Bar Debuts Drink Called “Date Grape Kool-Aid,” Outrage Inevitably Ensues

This is just some other purple drink. (DailyM = Differentieel + JeeeM)

There are some serious topics you can joke about: Life’s unavoidable death sentence? Hilarious. The frailty of man in the face a cold and unforgiving universe? Knee-slapping good fun. But naming a drink after the very serious, unfunny subject of date rape? Nope. Tell that to a bar in Spokane, Wa., where a new “Date Grape Kool-Aid” drink is now on the menu.

If this was just a publicity stunt to promote a new bar, well then consider yourself publicized, bar owners. But since the drink list was posted last Friday, critics have been calling the drink out for making light of what is a very serious problem, reports WXYL, with one group starting a Facebook page to boycott the bar.

Women who have been victims of rape and others against the questionable name have called for the bar to change the name, but the owner says the name is here to stay.

Not only that, but the bar reportedly bragged about selling 10 gallons of the drink on the same night protesters showed up to rally against the drink and ask for an apology.

The bar’s Facebook page posted an explanation that those who are upset, pointing to an Urban Dictionary definition of “Date Grape” as its inspiration, writing with the link, “For The Protesters, you simply had it all wrong.. now if you want to go into the technical debate about what a grape or wine is.. then your stretching way to far.. for the record here is a Urban Dictionairy:”:

Date Grape

When you and your loved one get drunk off of wine and end up hooking up.

Molly and I got drunk at Wine Bar last night. We went home and Date Graped eachother.

One Facebook commenter notes: “You actually used Urban Dictionary as a reputable source? That’s cute. Can we also start quoting five year olds as factual evidence?”

While the bar maintains that the rest of us just aren’t getting the joke, Kraft, which makes Kool-Aid, is not pleased about its product being used in such a drink.

“We at Kraft are appalled. Kool-Aid does not support or condone this drink, and it finds its name to be highly insensitive to a serious issue. This blatant misuse of the Kool-Aid trademark is offensive to so many, including us, and we are making it our top priority to address the situation ASAP,” said Kraft in a statement.

“Date Grape Kool-Aid” sparks outrage [WXYL.com]

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist

“The Real Cost” Of Smoking Is Only Skin Deep In New Anti-Smoking Campaign Aimed At Teens

A case of marketing brilliance or unfair stereotyping? That’s the question we have after the Food and Drug Administration announced the first anti-smoking campaign aimed at teens. The ads don’t highlight the serious health risks of smoking, such as emphysema or lung cancer, instead they depict yellow teeth and wrinkles.

On Tuesday the FDA announced a $115 million multimedia education campaign called “The Real Deal” that will show youth, ages 12 to 17, the true costs and health consequences of smoking by focusing on what really matters to them – their outward appearance, the Associated Press reports.

The advertisements will run in more than 200 markets throughout the United States beginning Feb. 11. The campaign, which is expected to last one year, will include ads on networks with high teen viewership, such as MTV, and in magazines, like Teen Vogue, as well as, on social media.

Officials with the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products say most teens understand the serious health risks associated with tobacco use – it’s still the leading preventable cause of death – but they don’t believe the long-term consequences will apply to them.

So showing a model with a few wrinkles around her lips, but an otherwise flawless appearance is going to stop teens from smoking?

The FDA appears to think so, calling the campaign a “compelling, provocative and somewhat graphic way” of reaching teens.

In one television advertisement a teen tries to purchase cigarettes at a convenience store. When he’s told the pack costs more than he has, he uses a pair of pliers to pull out a tooth in order to pay.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign the FDA will follow 8,000 people, ages 11 to 16, for two years to assess their tobacco related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. The FDA aims to reduce the number of youth smokers by at least 300,000 in three years.

“The Real Deal” is part of the FDA’s plan to spend about $600 million over five years on campaigns aimed at reducing death and disease caused by tobacco. The bill for the campaigns are being footed by Tobacco companies through fees charged by the FDA.

Earlier this year, the Department of Justice reached a deal with tobacco companies on a campaign of “corrective statements”, in which the companies own up to hiding the dangers of smoking from consumers.

FDA launching anti-smoking campaign aimed at youth [Philly.com]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist

A Guide To Subway’s Delicious Regional Topping Variations

(Mandy_Jansen)

Want carrots on your Subway sandwich? How about parmesan oregano bread, sliced avocados, or blue cheese sauce? Not all Subway topping offerings are mandatory, and some offerings vary by region or even from franchisee to franchisee. Over at Brand Eating, here’s a guide to breads and toppings that you just might find at your local Subway. Or might not. [Brand Eating]

by Laura Northrup via Consumerist

How To Not Suck… At Merging Your Money When You Marry

(photo: Kuang Woo)

Time and time again, we hear that money is the biggest problem for married couples, and yes, the main cause of divorce. It’s a problem that starts before most couples tie the knot.

More than two-thirds of engaged couples had negative attitudes about discussing money with their soon-to-be spouse, with five percent saying even having the conversation would cause them to call off the wedding, according to a recent poll by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). And fewer than one-third thought a money conversation would be easy and productive.

Not the right attitude for financial success in a marriage, indeed.

Before you let money issues tank your wedded bliss, learn how to not suck at merging your money when you marry.

Start the conversation

Sure, it’s hard to tell the person you plan to spend your life with that you’ve got $20,000 in credit card debt, but it’s even harder to tell that kind of news to your new spouse after the wedding.

However ugly your finances, you need to get it out before the wedding bells ring.

Seriously — how can you plan for a life together if one partner isn’t being honest? And you certainly don’t want to be denied a mortgage after finding the perfect white-picket fence home because you didn’t tell your spouse about your crappy credit score.

Have a sit-down where you both share the good, the bad and the ugly. Bring credit card statements and other bills, investment account statements, pay stubs and even a copy of your credit report. (You can get that for free once a year from each of the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com, and if you find trouble with yours, start fixing it.)

Where does the money go?

You should both write a list of all your household expenses. This should include fixed expenses such as rent and car payments.

Next, write a list of your joint discretionary expenses — money you don’t have to spend but you choose to — such as eating out or a trip to the movies.

Finally, you should each write a separate list of your personal discretionary expenses — the stuff on which you spend money for your benefit alone — such as haircuts, clothes shopping trips and the like.

Who pays for what?

Many couples come into a marriage with two very different incomes. Some couples choose to divide the household expenses evenly, but you might consider splitting those expenses based on what each partner earns.

For example, say Joe earns 40% of the total household income and Mary earns 60%, perhaps she would be responsible for 60% of the rent.

Then look at your personal expenses and decide which will be paid for individually and which should be part of your joint budget.

And be fair. If you think your facials should come out of the joint budget, don’t get mad when your partner wants to use joint cash for the neighborhood poker game.

To avoid those kinds of fights, in your budget, create columns for “yours,” “mine” and “ours,” and come to an agreement on how much money you can each spend without “permission” from the other.

Who manages the money?

Decide how you’re going to pay the bills.

Some couples find success by opening a joint account into which each partner deposits their contribution to the monthly bills, while others like to keep their money completely separate.

Still others dump every penny into the community pot.

There is no right answer — you have to talk to your partner to decide what’s right for you as a couple.

With either strategy, make sure you’re clear on who is responsible for physically paying the bills so you can avoid late fees and other awfulness.

Also think about paying bills online through your bank’s web site so you can both access and monitor all the goings-on of your money.

Make long-term plans

There are three main items you need to master in your money marriage: paying off debt, starting an emergency fund and creating long-term savings plans. (Don’t forget that you may be getting a bunch of cash from wedding presents that could be used to fund any of these goals.)

1. Pay down debt: Create a plan to pay off your debts, and decide who is responsible for them. If only one spouse has owes money, decide if that spouse alone will be paying it off or if it’s a team effort. Follow some of these tips to start digging out.

2. Emergency fund: Money pros say you should have between three and six months of expenses in a liquid savings account. This is money that you shouldn’t touch unless there’s a dire financial emergency. Decide to set money aside each month — just like a regular bill — until you hit your target amount. There are several online tools available, like this BankRate.com calculator that can help you do the math.

3. Make plans for long-term savings, such as for retirement. Calculate 401(k) and IRA contributions as part of your budget, and make sure you’re both saving at least enough to take advantage of the company’s match. Also discuss other long-term goals, such as buying a house, and create a savings plan to accumulate what you’ll need for your down payment.

Other things that marriage changes

Yes, marriage may change lots of things, but we’re talking about the money-related stuff. Don’t forget to:

Change your beneficiaries on retirement accounts and insurance policies, assuming you want your spouse, and not your sibling or mom and dad, to get your stuff when you’re gone.

You’ll soon be filing your tax returns jointly, which means you may want to make some changes to your payroll withholding. Use this calculator from the IRS for some help.

Make sure to update your estate planning documents to reflect your marriage.

If you plan to change your name, make sure to do it on all your documents, credit cards, investment accounts and yes, your bank accounts, too.

Keep up the conversation

Even when you’ve taken all the steps in this post, your job isn’t done. You need to keep talking to your spouse about your finances. Pledge to have a monthly meeting to discuss the bills, and then every six months, meet to go over account statements for debt and savings so you can see your progress and make any changes you need to stay on track.

Also consider this: If you decide that one person will be in charge of the bills and the investing, be sure the other spouse knows what you have and what you owe. Should the bill payer drop dead, the other spouse will need to take over. Make it easy for non-managing spouse by starting a “When I’m Dead” file.

Have a topic you’d like to see covered in How To Not Suck? Or maybe you’re an expert who would like to share your insight with Consumerist readers? Send us a note at notsuck@consumerist.com.

You can read Karin Price Mueller’s stories for The Star-Ledger at NJ.com, follow her on Facebook, and on Twitter @kpmueller.

DISCLAIMER: Any websites, services, retailers, or brands mentioned in the story above are only intended as some of many options available to consumers, and do not constitute an endorsement by Consumerist, Consumerist Media LLC (CML) or its staff. Per Consumerist’s No Commercial Use Policy, such information may not be used by others in advertising or to promote a company’s product or service. In addition, this policy precludes any commercial use of any of CML’s published information in any form, or of the names of Consumers Union®, Consumer Media, Consumer Reports®, The Consumerist, consumerist.com or any other of CU or CML’s publications or services without CU or CML’s express written permission.

by Karin Price Mueller via Consumerist

There Is Now Sriracha Aged In Whiskey Barrels Because OMG, Sriracha

When you’ve got one thing that everyone and your neighbor’s cat goes crazy for (sriracha! On everything!) and combine it with another trendy thing (whiskey!) of course there’s an opening for a new product that will hopefully get everyone from those bandwagons to hop on one big wagon together. Thus, sriracha aged in whiskey barrels.

For evidence of our national obsession with sriracha, look no further than the panic that was incited when one hot sauce factory had to shut down. It wasn’t pretty — friends and family openly weeping in the street and sighing all over social media.

Building on that profound love of the stuff, a company called Sosu is peddling a Kickstarter product it wants to start shipping as soon as April: Sriracha sauce aged in oak whiskey barrels for one to three months for “a long smoky finish.”

Because this is a trendy thing it comes with locally sourced chili peppers, smushed with brown sugar, garlic, and salt. No word yet on whether a bearded fellow in plaid will serve it to you upon a platter of old cassette tapes and paired with an artisanal, locally brewed beer, but we wouldn’t be surprised. Trends! They’re so trendy.

This Sriracha is Aged in Whiskey Barrels for 3 Months [FoodBeast]

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist

Before Handing Over $9,000, Make Sure TV Salesman Really Works At Sears

(БРАТСТВО)

When someone approaches you with a deal that seems irresistible, sometimes there’s a good reason why. For example, the person offering you a truckload of televisions for $900 each when they retail for $3,000 may not be a legitimate representative of the electronics department at Sears.

It’s hard to see logic through a filter of greed, though. The man who bought the TVs in Nashua, New Hampshire saw a great business opportunity and planned to resell them.

Police say that the alleged fake salesman had called him up, offering a great deal on a “tax-free” TV sale. The customer decided that he would take ten of the deeply discounted televisions, because why question such a great deal? He could turn around and resell them.

The two men met up at the local Sears, where the fake salesman wore a Sears name badge and collected the $9,000 in cash in exchange for a legitimate-looking receipt. Then he disappeared.

The fake Sears salesman has been charged with theft by deception, a felony.

Police: Man posing as store employee tricks victim out of $9,000 [Nashua Telegraph]

by Laura Northrup via Consumerist

Fliers Lost $2.5B In Air Travel Expenses In January Thanks To The Polar Vortex, FAA Regulations

(Bill Binns)

If you believe Punxsutawney Phil, then we’re in for a lot more winter. More winter weather means the possibility of more flight cancellations and delays on the horizon. And that’s not a comforting thought for consumers who already lost more than $2.5 billion in travel expenses in January.

Thanks to the polar vortex, along with new a Federal Aviation Administration regulation, nearly 49,000 flight cancellations and more than 300,000 flight delays occured last month, the Los Angeles Times reports.

MasFlight, an aviation operations technology company, estimates travelers lost $2.5 billion in hotel expenses, meals and lost productivity.

Consumers weren’t the only ones inconvenienced by cancellations and delays — MasFlight estimates airlines lost between $75 million and $150 million.

The hardest hit airline? JetBlue, where officials estimate the airline lost $30 million last month.

JetBlue canceled hundred of flights during the polar vortex in part because of a FAA new regulation imposing limits on the amount of time a pilot can be on duty without a rest.

Officials with the airline said the new regulation and disrupted flight schedule led pilots to ‘time out’ sooner causing additional cancellations.

Airlines that canceled flights were also likely playing it safe with another rule that went into effect in 2010, the LAT notes. That regulation imposes a fine up to $27,500 per passenger for airlines that keep travelers stranded on domestic flights for more than three hours. Airlines face the same penalty for keeping passengers on international plans for more than four hours.

It’s not all bad news for the airlines. By being proactive in canceling flights they are able to reduce staffing and other costs. Airlines could make some of their losses back if travelers rebook canceled flights.

‘Polar vortex’ wallops fliers’ wallets [The Los Angeles Times]

by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist