Think you know a bargain when you see one? Maybe not! A study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that by simply making the right-hand digit of a sale price smaller, your brain perceives the discount as larger than it really is. For instance, an item on sale for $211 from the original price of $222 is perceived to be a better deal than an item on sale for $188 from an original price of $199—even though both discounts are $11. So keep a calculator handy the next time you go bargain hunting!
[photo: Cosmic Kitty]
And the savings aren’t only on items at tag sales. A national study by Consumer Reports finds that more than 90% of folks who asked for a better price got it on brand-new 
Wednesday! That’s when you’ll find the steepest discounts on women’s accessories, shoes and clothing, according to a recent study of 100 online retailers by 
According to a survey of wealthy lottery winners who could easily afford both, chocolate is the bigger happiness-booster hands down. And when University of Nottingham psychologists asked what else makes them happiest, the lottery winners overwhelmingly chose other free or low-cost indulgences—such as a long bath, an afternoon nap and a stroll in the park—over high-priced luxuries like flashy cars and exotic vacations. “Spending time relaxing is the secret to a happy life. Cost-free pleasures are the ones that make the difference—even when you can afford anything that you want,” says study author Richard Tunney, Ph.D.
It’s the one you drool over. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that not only are shoppers more likely to purchase more products when we’re attracted to the salesperson, we’re also willing to pay more for the items! The reason? We subconsciously rate products as being higher in quality when the person selling them to us is good-looking.
You don’t have to travel far for great discounts. 
You are if you wander aimlessly through a store, randomly pick up products and appear distracted. This sends the message “I’m an impulse shopper” to salespeople, who then 
If you have a medication you take every day—for instance, statins or antidepressants—buying 60 or 90 pills at once rather than just one 30-day supply at a time may lower the cost per dose, says 
Find that you’re less active during the colder months when blustery weather makes it hard to bike, hike, garden, swim and do all your usual outdoor exercises? Then, you’re also missing out on the great benefits from being active—such as a stronger heart, more energy, a smaller waistline, a brighter mood and less stress. Luckily, there are lots of easy, inexpensive ways to make indoor workouts just as enjoyable as outdoor ones:
Heads up, pancakes lovers: On Tuesday, February 23, 
Want to listen to music that makes you feel happier? More energized? Relaxed? Or simply enjoy tunes that match your current mood? Log onto 