Category: Consumer
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Reviews Can Be Manipulated
Online reviews feel like the wisdom of the crowd, but the crowd can be bought, scripted, and silenced. Here’s how to read past the manipulation.
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Extended warranties are insurance and they’re still a ripoff
Extended warranties are technically insurance products, and they’re priced like the worst kind. The expected value almost always favors the seller.
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Extended Warranties Are Rarely Worth It
Retailers push extended warranties because they’re pure profit centers. Here’s why the math almost never favors you and what to do instead.
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Beyond the Straight Cut: A Guide to Waffle, Curly, Steak, and Tater Tot Brands
From Ore-Ida Tater Tots to McCain Smiles, specialty fry shapes are dominated by surprisingly few brands. Here’s who actually owns the freezer aisle.
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Reviews can be misleading
Online reviews shape billions in spending, but the underlying signal is noisier than the star rating suggests. Here’s how to read between the stars.
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Some safety features are rarely used
Cars and homes ship with safety features owners barely engage. The reasons are usability, not laziness, and the gap is killing avoidable accidents.
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The Supplement Industry Profits From Weak Evidence
The supplement aisle is a $50 billion business built largely on shaky studies and clever marketing. Here’s how to tell the few helpful pills from the noise.
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Why Some Lawyers Settle Too Fast
Settling a case quickly can serve the lawyer more than the client. Here’s how to spot when your attorney’s incentives don’t match yours.
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Repairing Devices Is Often More Cost-Effective
Replacing a phone or laptop feels easier than fixing it, but the math usually favors repair. Here’s when a fix beats a brand-new device.
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Waiting to Buy Can Sometimes Pay Off
Patience isn’t always profitable, but on certain purchases the discount for waiting is enormous. Here’s when delayed buying actually wins.