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‘Adult Money’ Splurge: Woman Buys Times Square Billboard for $250, Sells 4 Cookbooks

Left 100% Center coverage: 2 sources Right

New York, USA

May 20, 2025 1 Positive I want money/finance advice

New York, USA: Rachel Carlisle, a 30-year-old from Mississippi, spent $250 to flash her self-published cookbook on a Times Square billboard for 15 seconds each hour. Though the stunt only sold four copies, her TikTok documenting the experience went viral, drawing over 400,000 views. Carlisle says the “adult money” spent was “worth it” for the personal thrill and social media attention. Many viewers admired her cheeky approach to achieving a unique life milestone.

What this means for you:

•	Even low-cost social media stunts can attract attention—evaluate whether they fit your personal or business goals.
•	Budget for occasional “just for fun” splurges without risking financial stability.
•	Small marketing moves might generate intangible benefits like brand recognition or personal fulfillment.
•	Keep expectations realistic: viral moments may not translate into huge sales, but they can foster future opportunities.

Key Entities

• Rachel Carlisle: Real estate worker and self-published cookbook author.
• Leveraged a short Times Square billboard ad to promote her personal brand.
• Times Square Billboard Rental: Digital advertising platforms offering brief time slots for surprisingly modest fees.
• TikTok Community: Amplified Carlisle’s story, turning it into a viral post about “adult money” freedom.
• Betty Crocker: Iconic brand Carlisle humorously aimed to outdo.
• Symbolizes big-name competition for homemade cookbooks.

Bias Distribution

Left: 0% (0 sources)

Center: 100% (2 sources)

Right: 0% (0 sources)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

(No specific coverage or critique—light human-interest story with minimal political angle.)

Centrist View

Emphasizes the novelty and personal branding aspect.

Right-Leaning View

(No specific coverage or critique—similar neutral/lifestyle framing.)

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