mad deals

A Matt & Nat backpack, fancy boyfriend jeans and more.

Niche dating websites narrow the pool; the Starbucks’ mermaid goes solo; “deals” to avoid in 2011; a blood test for Alzheimer’s; and disturbing reports of rape in Haiti.

Why January is the time for deals; Christmas 2010 may be the biggest shopping year on record; Elton John’s new son Zachary; Julian Assange is ticking off the ladies again; and the Canadian loonie hits parity with the U.S. dollar.

Don't waste your time, money or sanity on December 26. Our insider tips will help you spot deals that are worth the trouble

Want to shave more than $2,500 a year off your expenses? Just add coupons to your weekly routine