I Tested Every Major Supermarket’s Loyalty Program for a Month: The Real Savings Ranked (Worst to Best)
My loyalty program test had a clear loser. The worst was a complex points-based system that felt like I needed a PhD to understand. It was like a coffee punch card where you needed 1,000 punches to get a free napkin. The absolute best and most rewarding program was the simplest. It was a card that offered automatic, instant discounts on items I was already buying. There were no points to track, just the simple, satisfying feeling of watching my grocery bill shrink at the checkout. One was a frustrating game; the other was a genuine reward.
Ranking the Most Overrated and Genuinely Valuable “As Seen on TV” Products (Worst to Best)
My journey through “As Seen on TV” products was a graveyard of broken plastic. The most overrated was a flimsy, multi-purpose chopping gadget that was a nightmare to clean and broke on its third onion. The most genuinely valuable and heroic product, however, was a simple, high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth. It was a boring but magical tool that could clean almost any surface with just water, and it has lasted for years. It proved that the best products are not the ones with the flashiest commercials, but the ones that solve a real, everyday problem with simple, brilliant design.
I Tried to Survive a Black Friday Sale in Person: My Dignity and Deals Ranked (Worst to Best)
My in-person Black Friday experience was a battle for my soul. The absolute worst part was the chaotic, aggressive energy of the crowd, a human demolition derby for a mediocre discount on a toaster. My dignity was at an all-time low. The absolute “best” part of the ordeal, and the only thing that made it survivable, was the single, deeply discounted item I had strategically planned to buy. The triumphant feeling of walking out with that one specific, hard-won prize was a small but potent victory that made the chaotic battle feel almost worth it.
Ranking the Best and Worst Store Return Policies, from Easy to Impossible (Worst to Best)
A store’s return policy is the true test of its customer service. The absolute worst are the policies that feel like a deliberate trap, with a tiny return window and a long list of exceptions designed to make a refund impossible. The absolute best and most customer-friendly return policy, however, is the “no questions asked” guarantee. The feeling of being able to return something easily, without a hassle, creates a profound and lasting sense of trust. It turns a simple transaction into a relationship, and it’s the reason I will be a loyal customer for life.
I Compared Generic vs. Brand-Name Versions of 20 Different Products: The Taste Test (Worst to Best)
My blind taste test of generic vs. brand-name products was a delicious experiment. The “worst” and most obvious generic was the cola, which had a distinctly chemical aftertaste. The absolute “best” and most triumphant discovery, however, was the store-brand macaroni and cheese. It was so cheesy, creamy, and delicious that in a blind test, my family actually preferred it to the famous brand-name version. It was a powerful and money-saving reminder that the only difference between many products is the marketing budget, not the quality.
Ranking the Most Common and Deceptive “Shrinkflation” Tricks Companies Use (Worst to Best)
“Shrinkflation” is the sneaky art of giving you less for the same price. The most deceptive and “worst” trick is the package redesign. The box looks new and exciting, but it’s actually just a clever way to hide the fact that there are 10% fewer cookies inside. The most common trick is the classic “dimple” in the bottom of a jar of peanut butter, a subtle architectural choice that displaces a surprising amount of product. It’s a quiet, insidious, and deeply annoying way for companies to raise the price without actually raising the price.
I Signed Up for 5 Different “Free Trial” Subscriptions: The Cancellation Difficulty Ranked (Worst to Best)
My “free trial” experiment was a journey into the “roach motel” of the internet. The absolute worst and most infuriating was the subscription that required me to call a customer service number and navigate a long, confusing phone tree just to cancel. It was a deliberate, user-hostile trap. The absolute best and most respectable service was the one that had a simple, clear, and easy-to-find “cancel subscription” button. It was a sign of a confident company that respects its customers, and it’s the only one I would ever consider re-subscribing to in the future.
Ranking the Best and Worst Outlet Malls by Their Actual Discounts (Worst to Best)
Not all outlet malls are created equal. The “worst” are the ones that are just a glorified shopping mall, with most of the stores selling lower-quality, “made-for-outlet” merchandise that was never sold in the real stores. The “best” and most authentic outlet malls, however, are the ones that have true clearance stores for the high-end brands. Finding a genuine, high-quality item from the actual retail store at a 70% discount is a rare and deeply satisfying treasure-hunting experience that makes the trip completely worth it.
I Tried to Haggle the Price on 5 Everyday Purchases: My Success Ranked (Worst to Best)
My haggling experiment had some awkward moments. The absolute worst and most embarrassing was trying to haggle at a major retail store, which was met with a confused and slightly pitying look from the cashier. The absolute best and most surprisingly successful haggle, however, was at my local farmer’s market, right before closing time. A friendly, polite “Would you take five dollars for the rest of these tomatoes?” was met with a smile and a “sure!” It was a small, triumphant victory that proved that in the right context, a friendly negotiation is still possible.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Upselling Tactics at Checkout (Worst to Best)
The checkout line is a gauntlet of upselling. The most annoying is the forced, scripted question about signing up for a store credit card, which is never a good deal. The absolute worst and most insidious upsell, however, is the one for the “extended warranty” on a small electronic item. It’s a high-profit, low-value product that preys on your fear of the item breaking, and it’s almost always a complete and utter waste of money. It’s a final, desperate, and deeply annoying attempt to squeeze a few more dollars out of you before you can escape.
I Compared the User Experience of Amazon, Walmart, and Target’s Websites (Worst to Best)
My e-commerce website comparison had a clear winner for pure, unadulterated speed. The “worst” was the Walmart site, which often felt cluttered and slow, with a less intuitive search function. The absolute “best” and most ruthlessly efficient user experience is Amazon’s. While it’s not the most beautiful, the speed, the power of its search and filter functions, and the seamless, one-click checkout process make it a completely frictionless machine that is engineered to take your money as quickly and as easily as humanly possible.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Consumer Rights You Have (Worst to Best)
As a consumer, you have more power than you think. The most overlooked but important right is your right to a refund, repair, or replacement for a product that is faulty or not as described. The absolute most important and powerful consumer right, however, is the “cooling-off” period for certain types of high-pressure sales. This gives you a few days to change your mind and cancel a contract you signed under pressure, without any penalty. It’s a powerful, legal “undo” button that protects you from your own impulsive, in-the-moment decisions.
I Tried to Get a Refund from 3 Different Airlines for a Delayed Flight (Worst to Best)
My airline refund battle was a test of my endurance. The absolute worst was the airline that forced me into a Kafkaesque nightmare of automated phone trees and online forms that always seemed to crash at the last second. It was a deliberate, soul-crushing system designed to make you give up. The “best” and only successful attempt was with the airline that I contacted through a public post on social media. The threat of public shame was the only thing that was able to cut through the bureaucratic red tape and get me a swift, satisfying resolution.
Ranking the Best and Worst “Buy Now, Pay Later” Services by Their Hidden Fees (Worst to Best)
“Buy Now, Pay Later” can be a helpful tool or a dangerous trap. The “worst” services are the ones that have a confusing payment schedule and a high, punitive late fee that can be triggered by a single, accidental missed payment. The “best” and most responsible services are the ones that are completely transparent about their terms, send multiple, clear reminders before a payment is due, and offer a simple, interest-free payment plan. One is designed to profit from your mistakes; the other is designed to be a genuinely helpful budgeting tool.
I Lived for a Week Only Buying Products from My Local Dollar Store (Worst to Best)
My dollar store week was a journey of surprising discoveries and grim realities. The absolute worst part was the food. The processed, high-sodium, and vaguely chemical-tasting food was a depressing and unhealthy experience. The absolute best and most surprising part of the week, however, was the discovery of the cleaning and craft supply aisles. I found a wealth of genuinely good and incredibly cheap products that I still use to this day. It was a powerful lesson that a dollar store is not a grocery store, but it can be an absolute treasure trove for your home.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Customer Service Phone Tree Mazes (Worst to Best)
A customer service phone tree is a modern-day labyrinth. The most frustrating is the one that lists a dozen different options, none of which seem to apply to your specific problem. The absolute worst and most infuriating phone tree, however, is the one that has no “press zero for an operator” escape hatch. It’s a closed loop, a robotic prison with no hope of parole, that forces you to listen to the same, cheerful, unhelpful voice over and over again until you either hang up in a fit of rage or your soul leaves your body.
I Compared the Quality of Fast Fashion vs. Thrift Store vs. High-End Clothing (Worst to Best)
My clothing quality showdown had a surprising value champion. The “worst” was the fast-fashion item, a trendy shirt that looked great on the hanger but warped and pilled after a single wash. The “best” quality was the high-end piece, which was beautiful but at a prohibitively expensive price. The undisputed winner for both quality and value, however, was the thrift store. I found a high-quality, high-end brand name sweater for the same price as the cheap fast-fashion shirt. It was a powerful lesson that the most sustainable and stylish wardrobe is a second-hand one.
Ranking the Best and Worst Warranties on Electronics and Appliances (Worst to Best)
A warranty is a promise from a company. The “worst” are the limited warranties that are full of loopholes and fine print, covering only the parts that are the least likely to break. The “best” and most confidence-inspiring warranties are the simple, comprehensive, and long-term ones. A company that is willing to stand behind their product with a 10-year, “no questions asked” warranty is not just selling you a product; they are selling you the priceless peace of mind that comes from knowing you have made a wise and durable investment.
I Tried to Understand the Fine Print on 5 Different “Terms and Conditions” (Worst to Best)
My journey into the “terms and conditions” was a descent into a legal rabbit hole. The absolute “worst” and most impenetrable was the one that was just a single, massive, unbroken wall of tiny, dense, capitalized legal jargon. It was not a document to be read; it was a weapon of intimidation. The “best” and most user-friendly was the one that provided a simple, plain-English summary of the key points at the top. It was a sign of a company that was not trying to trick me, but was genuinely trying to create a transparent and honest relationship.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Forms of “Junk Mail” I Receive (Worst to Best)
My mailbox is a daily battlefield against junk mail. The most common and annoying is the flood of credit card offers with their fake, pre-approved promises. The absolute worst and most deceptive form of junk mail, however, is the one that is disguised to look like an urgent, official government document. The brown envelope, the official-looking seal, and the scary, time-sensitive language is a predatory and manipulative tactic designed to trick vulnerable people into opening what is just a glorified ad for a reverse mortgage.
I Compared the Grocery Prices at Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods for the Same Basket of Goods (Worst to Best)
My grocery store price war had a clear winner. The “worst” and most expensive, by a huge margin, was Whole Foods, where my basket of basic goods cost a small fortune. Trader Joe’s was a fun and more affordable middle ground. The undisputed champion of price, however, was Aldi. For the exact same basket of goods, my final bill was almost half of what it was at Whole Foods. The experience was a powerful, tangible, and deeply satisfying lesson that a high price tag is not always a reliable indicator of quality.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Signs of a Scammy Online Store (Worst to Best)
The internet is full of fake stores. The most overlooked but important sign of a scam is the lack of a physical address or a real phone number in the contact information. The absolute most important and dead-giveaway sign of a scammy online store, however, is the price. If a popular, high-end product is being sold for a 90% discount, it is not a “once-in-a-lifetime” deal; it is a 100% guaranteed scam. The ancient, timeless wisdom of “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is” is your single most powerful and effective defense.
I Tried to Use Every Coupon I Got for a Month: The Actual Value Ranked (Worst to Best)
My month of couponing was a lesson in diminishing returns. The “worst” and least valuable were the tiny, percent-off coupons that required me to spend a huge amount of money to save a few cents. The absolute “best” and most valuable coupons were the simple, high-value “buy one, get one free” offers on products I was already going to buy anyway. They didn’t trick me into spending more; they simply rewarded me for my existing loyalty. One was a marketing trick; the other was a genuine thank you.
Ranking the Best and Worst Impulse Buys I’ve Ever Made (Worst to Best)
My history of impulse buys is a tale of regret and joy. The absolute worst was the trendy, single-purpose kitchen gadget that I used once and that has been cluttering up my drawer for the last five years. The absolute best and most beloved impulse buy I’ve ever made, however, was a beautiful, high-quality fountain pen I saw in a shop window. It was a small, unnecessary luxury, but the simple, daily pleasure I get from using it has brought me a disproportionate amount of joy. One was a fleeting whim; the other was a small investment in daily happiness.
I Compared the Experience of Using Self-Checkout vs. a Human Cashier (Worst to Best)
My checkout comparison depends entirely on the situation. The absolute “worst” experience is the self-checkout when you have a full cart of groceries and the machine has an “unexpected item in the bagging area” meltdown. It’s a frustrating, impersonal, and inefficient nightmare. The absolute “best” experience, however, is the self-checkout when you just have two or three items. It’s a beautifully fast, efficient, and anonymous transaction. The human cashier is the undisputed champion for a large, complex order and a moment of friendly, human connection.
Ranking the Most Common and Misleading Marketing Buzzwords (Artisanal, All-Natural, etc.) (Worst to Best)
The world of marketing is full of beautiful, empty words. The most common and misleading is “all-natural,” a completely unregulated term that can be slapped on a product full of processed sugar. The absolute worst and most meaningless marketing buzzword, however, is “artisanal.” This word has been so overused on everything from mass-produced potato chips to fast-food sandwiches that it has been rendered completely and utterly meaningless. It’s a word that is designed to sound small and special while describing a product that is anything but.
I Tried to Build a Piece of IKEA Furniture vs. a Piece from Wayfair (Worst to Best)
My flatpack furniture build-off had a clear winner for my sanity. The Wayfair piece was the “worst.” The instructions were a confusing, text-heavy nightmare, the parts were not clearly labeled, and one of the pre-drilled holes was in the wrong place. It was a frustrating, multi-hour ordeal. The IKEA piece, in contrast, was the “best.” The wordless, elegant, and universally understandable diagrams, the clearly labeled parts, and the perfect alignment of every single hole made the assembly process a calm, logical, and deeply satisfying puzzle. One was a fight; the other was a flow.
Ranking the Best and Worst Things About Warehouse Clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) (Worst to Best)
A trip to Costco is a journey of extremes. The absolute worst thing is the weekend crowd. Navigating the massive aisles with a giant shopping cart through a slow-moving sea of humanity is a unique and special kind of suburban hell. The absolute best and most glorious thing about a warehouse club, however, is the free samples. The simple, childlike joy of wandering the aisles and getting a free, delicious little snack every few minutes is a powerful and universally beloved experience that almost makes the crowds and the massive checkout lines worth it.
I Analyzed the “Dynamic Pricing” of 5 Different Travel and E-Commerce Sites (Worst to Best)
My dynamic pricing investigation was a lesson in digital surveillance. The “worst” and most infuriating was the airline website that would literally raise the price of a flight in the few minutes between my first and second search. It felt like a direct punishment for showing interest. The “best” and most effective way to fight back was to use a VPN and clear my browser’s cookies before my final purchase. The simple act of putting on a digital “disguise” and appearing as a new customer often resulted in me seeing the original, lower price again.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Things About Product Packaging (Worst to Best)
Product packaging can be a source of deep frustration. A common annoyance is the bag of chips that is 80% air. The most common and universally hated form of product packaging, however, is the impenetrable, hard plastic “clamshell.” Opening one of these without a pair of industrial-strength shears and a healthy dose of rage is a nearly impossible task. It’s a form of packaging that seems to be designed with the sole purpose of protecting the product from its new, rightful owner.
I Compared the Tipping Culture and Expectations in 5 Different Service Industries (Worst to Best)
Tipping culture can be a confusing and guilt-ridden minefield. The “worst” and most frustrating is the recent trend of the swiveling iPad at a counter-service spot, where you are prompted to leave a 20% tip for someone who simply turned around and handed you a muffin. The “best” and most clear-cut tipping situation is at a sit-down restaurant, where the expectation of tipping for good service is a well-established and understood social contract. One feels like a confusing, guilt-tripping pop-up ad; the other feels like a fair and predictable transaction.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Ways to Protect Your Financial Data While Shopping (Worst to Best)
In the age of online shopping, protecting your data is crucial. The most overlooked but important way to protect yourself is to simply avoid using public Wi-Fi for any financial transactions. The absolute most important and powerful way to protect your financial data, however, is to use a unique, strong password for every single online store. It’s tempting to use the same password everywhere, but a single data breach at one minor online store could give a hacker the key to your entire digital and financial life. A password manager makes this easy and is the single best defense you have.
I Tried to Sell My Old Stuff on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark (Worst to Best)
My online selling experiment had a clear winner for my sanity. The absolute worst platform was Facebook Marketplace. The endless stream of lowball offers, the “is this still available?” messages that were never replied to, and the flaky, no-show buyers made it a deeply frustrating and time-wasting experience. The absolute best and most pleasant platform was Poshmark. The community was respectful, the shipping process was incredibly simple and streamlined, and the entire transaction was a smooth, professional, and surprisingly enjoyable process.
Ranking the Best and Worst Subscription Boxes by Value for Money (Worst to Best)
Subscription boxes can be a fun surprise or a monthly disappointment. The “worst” in terms of value are the ones that are filled with a random assortment of tiny, sample-sized products that you would never buy on your own. It feels like paying for a bag of hotel freebies. The “best” and most valuable subscription boxes are the ones that are highly curated to your specific taste and introduce you to new, full-sized products that you genuinely love and end up repurchasing. One is a box of clutter; the other is a powerful and personalized discovery tool.
I Compared the Online vs. In-Store Shopping Experience for the Same 5 Retailers (Worst to Best)
My online vs. in-store comparison revealed the value of real life. The “worst” experience is buying clothes online. The uncertainty of the fit, the color, and the texture is a gamble that often ends in the frustrating hassle of a return. The “best” and most satisfying experience is shopping for those same clothes in a physical store. The simple, tactile pleasure of feeling the fabric, trying it on, and knowing with 100% certainty that it is perfect before you buy it is a deeply satisfying and efficient experience that the digital world can never fully replicate.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying “Dark Patterns” on Websites and Apps (Worst to Best)
“Dark patterns” are the sneaky tricks websites use to make you do things you don’t want to. A common and annoying one is the “confirmshaming,” where the option to decline an offer is written in a guilt-tripping way, like “No thanks, I’d rather pay full price.” The absolute worst and most insidious dark pattern, however, is the “roach motel.” This is where it is incredibly easy to sign up for a service, but the process to cancel is a deliberately hidden, confusing, and multi-step nightmare. It’s a design that is built on the hope that you will just give up.
I Tried to Go a Month Without Buying Anything from Amazon: The Challenges Ranked (Worst to Best)
My month without Amazon was an eye-opening challenge. The absolute worst and most difficult part was the loss of convenience for those small, specific, and random items you need right now. Finding a specific type of battery or a weird-sized screw became a multi-store, time-consuming quest. The absolute best and most rewarding part of the experience, however, was the rediscovery of my local, independent stores. The personal service, the unique and curated selection, and the simple joy of supporting my own community was a deeply satisfying experience that I have continued long after the challenge was over.
Ranking the Best and Worst Farmer’s Markets I’ve Visited (Worst to Best)
Not all farmer’s markets are created equal. The “worst” are the ones that are just a glorified craft fair, with only a couple of sad-looking vegetable stands selling the exact same produce you can get at the supermarket, but for a higher price. The absolute best farmer’s markets are the ones where you can feel a real, direct connection to the people who grew your food. The variety of unique, seasonal produce, the passionate farmers who are happy to talk about their work, and the vibrant, community atmosphere make it more than just a place to shop; it’s a beautiful, delicious, and deeply human weekly event.
I Analyzed the “Psychology of the Supermarket” by Tracking My Path Through the Aisles (Worst to Best)
My supermarket tracking experiment revealed that the entire store is a cleverly designed trap. The “worst” and most insidious part is the placement of the essential items, like milk and eggs, at the very back of the store. This forces you to walk through a gauntlet of tempting, high-profit impulse buys to get to the one thing you actually need. The “best” and most effective way to combat this is to treat your shopping trip like a surgical strike. Make a list, wear headphones, and only walk the aisles that have the items you need. It’s a battle of your willpower against their billion-dollar science.
Ranking the Most Common and Frustrating Reasons for “Buyer’s Remorse” (Worst to Best)
Buyer’s remorse is a universal feeling. The most common and frustrating reason is the discovery, a day after a major purchase, that the same item has gone on sale for a significantly lower price. The “worst” and most painful form of buyer’s remorse, however, is the one that comes from an impulsive, emotional purchase that you didn’t really need and can’t really afford. The brief, fleeting dopamine hit of the purchase is quickly replaced by a long, lingering feeling of guilt, anxiety, and regret. It’s a powerful lesson in the difference between a want and a need.
I Compared the Quality of 5 Different “Direct-to-Consumer” Mattress Brands (Worst to Best)
My mattress-in-a-box experiment was a journey for my back. The “worst” was a mattress that was just a simple, unsupportive slab of foam that slept incredibly hot and developed a permanent body-shaped valley after just a few weeks. The absolute “best” and most surprising was a hybrid mattress that combined the support of innersprings with the comfort of memory foam. It provided a cool, comfortable, and incredibly supportive night’s sleep that was genuinely comparable to a mattress that would have cost three times as much in a traditional store.
Ranking the Best and Worst Ways to Spot a Fake Online Review (Worst to Best)
The world of online reviews is full of fakes. The “worst” and least reliable way to spot them is to just look at the star rating. The “best” and most effective way to spot a fake review is to look for the patterns. A flood of five-star reviews all posted on the same day, using similar, generic, and overly enthusiastic language, is a massive red flag. The most trustworthy reviews are the detailed, balanced, and specific three- and four-star reviews that mention both the pros and the cons. They are the ones that sound like a real, thoughtful human being.
I Tried to Live a “Brand-Free” (No-Logo) Lifestyle for a Month (Worst to Best)
My month without logos was a strange and liberating experience. The “worst” and most difficult part was realizing how completely ubiquitous branding is, and the surprising difficulty of finding simple, high-quality, unbranded basics like a t-shirt or a backpack. The “best” and most profound part of the experience was the sense of calm and freedom that came from not being a walking billboard. It was a small but powerful act of rebellion against the constant, noisy, and overwhelming visual landscape of modern consumer culture.
Ranking the Most Common and Annoying Things About Holiday Shopping Season (Worst to Best)
The holiday shopping season is a festive battlefield. A common annoyance is the cheesy, repetitive holiday music that is blasted in every single store. The most common and annoying thing, however, is the sheer, overwhelming pressure to buy something, anything, for everyone on your list. The manufactured urgency and the constant barrage of “deals” can turn a season of joy and connection into a stressful, materialistic, and deeply expensive chore. The best part is when it’s finally over.
I Analyzed the “Ethical” and “Sustainable” Claims of 5 Major Fashion Brands (Worst to Best)
My “ethical fashion” investigation was a deep dive into greenwashing. The “worst” and most deceptive brands were the fast-fashion giants that would release a single, tiny “conscious collection” made from recycled materials, while the other 99% of their business was still based on a model of exploitation and waste. The “best” and most truly ethical brands were the small, transparent ones that provided detailed information about their entire supply chain, from the farm where the cotton was grown to the factory where the garment was sewn. One was a marketing campaign; the other was a business model.
Ranking the Best and Worst Products to Buy in Bulk (Worst to Best)
Buying in bulk is a strategic game. The absolute worst products to buy in bulk are the perishable ones with a short shelf life, like a massive bag of avocados. It’s a race against time that you will almost always lose, resulting in a sad, brown, and wasteful mess. The absolute best and most financially savvy products to buy in bulk are the non-perishable, everyday items that you know you will always use, like toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags. It’s a simple, boring, but incredibly effective way to save a significant amount of money over time.
I Compared the Delivery Speed and Cost of 5 Different Food Delivery Apps (Worst to Best)
My food delivery app showdown had a clear winner for my wallet. The “worst” were the apps that would lure you in with a “free delivery” offer but would then hit you with a slew of hidden “service fees” and “small order fees” that would make a $15 burrito cost $30. The “best” and most transparent service was the one that offered a simple, flat-rate subscription for unlimited free delivery. For someone who orders a few times a week, it was a no-brainer that saved me a huge amount of money and eliminated the frustrating surprise fees at checkout.
Ranking the Most Important and Overlooked Things to Check Before Buying a Used Item (Worst to Best)
Buying a used item is a smart way to save money, but you have to be a detective. The most overlooked but important thing to check when buying a piece of furniture is to simply give it a good, hard sniff to check for the lingering, impossible-to-remove smell of smoke. The absolute most important and non-negotiable thing to do before buying a used electronic item is to test it thoroughly. The simple act of plugging it in and making sure that it actually works before you hand over the cash is the single most important step that can save you from a costly and frustrating mistake.
I Tried to Use an “Extreme Couponer” Strategy for One Grocery Trip (Worst to Best)
My extreme couponing experiment was a lesson in the value of my own time. The “worst” part was the hours of tedious, soul-crushing work: scouring the internet for coupons, printing them out, and meticulously planning my trip. The “best” and most triumphant part was the single, glorious moment at the checkout when I saw a $200 grocery bill shrink down to $25. While the final result was magical, the sheer amount of work it took made me realize that extreme couponing is not a hobby; it is a serious, unpaid, and incredibly time-consuming part-time job.
Ranking the Most Powerful and Insidious Forces That Make Us Buy Things We Don’t Need (Worst to Best)
We are constantly being manipulated into buying things. The most insidious and “worst” force is the advertising that is designed to make you feel inadequate. It doesn’t sell you a product; it sells you a solution to a problem you didn’t even know you had. The most powerful and fundamental force that makes us buy things we don’t need, however, is the simple, biological dopamine hit we get from a new purchase. It’s a brief, fleeting, and addictive chemical reward that has very little to do with the actual, long-term utility of the item we just bought.