I used to love shopping, it didn’t matter whether it was inside the store or window shopping, I loved the excitement of seeing nicely arranged, new and colorful things. Now I’ve learned that if I stay out of the stores—unless I need something, I’m less likely to decide that I must buy some “wonderful” thing. And then the something that goes with that thing…things I often didn’t even know existed until I saw them!
Sometimes however, shopping is useful in order to know who has what, so you’ll know where to look when a need arises. Okay, so I still enjoy shopping but more often than not, when I get home I appreciate what I already have all the more. The key is being disciplined and purposeful in your shopping, knowing what you truly need and can truly afford.
Insights on stretching your money & your outlook—surviving difficult economic times & helping others *from one who’s been there*
My husband and I have faced many lay-offs in the past twenty years; each time we hoped to learn something new so that we could help others in the future. Now is that time. As my we worked to “stay afloat” (the opposite of “going under”!) during lean times, I read every money-saving book and magazine on our library’s shelf--some things I’ve worked out for myself. Now that my husband has a steady job, we’ve continued many of these practices as a part of responsible living. In my posts, I’ll include ideas for different levels of need—stretching dollars when you still have some income and stretching even further (when you think you can’t) when the income is gone in hope of helping you hang on until you get some income. I’ll also address things we learned about attitudes—ours and those around us.
I invite you to comment with your money-saving ideas and accounts of what has worked for you, since community is one of our greatest resources. While I’m writing as an American in the framework of the American economy, I also invite those of you from other nations/peoples to share what you’ve learned about stretching resources since many things can be applied anywhere. (Do know that I will delete any comment that’s derogatory or has foul language.) Please share this blog with others who are stretching and help them keep from “breaking”.
Showing posts with label Enjoyment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Enjoyment. Show all posts
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Respectable Discounts
If someone in your household is eligible for a senior discount, make the most of it. Though the qualifying age for senior discounts varies—and continually changes, many businesses and organizations offer them. Banks offer free checking, grocery stores—especially natural food stores, and thrift stores offer percentage discounts on certain days while restaurants often offer “early bird specials” for seniors in the late afternoon. If a policy isn’t posted, it doesn’t hurt to ask—if a business doesn’t offer a senior discount perhaps they will if enough people ask (sometimes one or two inquiries is all it takes for a new policy to be written—depending on the size of the business). Even the U.S. National Parks Service offers a special deal for those 62 and over and those in their car. http://www.us-parks.com/golden-age-passport.html
Friday, April 9, 2010
Movies
You can still watch movies! Maybe not at sky-high cinema prices (though matinees, student & senior discounts help) but public libraries usually have a decent selection of DVDs even if you have to order ahead. Usually, patrons have access to the entire library collection and can request a particular title sent to their branch—for “free” (Library cards are very cheap & your tax dollars pay for the libraries whether you use them or not). Note: Many library systems have fallen on hard times, so in order to keep this valuable resource available, contact your local officials to let them know how important the libraries are to making it through our economic hard times.
If you must have the “latest release” and can’t wait—The “Redbox” automated DVD rental system at our local grocery is a popular alternative to high rental prices—vending new releases for a dollar but I think it’s only for one night and you have to have a credit card(makes me nervous that we might be late).
If you must have the “latest release” and can’t wait—The “Redbox” automated DVD rental system at our local grocery is a popular alternative to high rental prices—vending new releases for a dollar but I think it’s only for one night and you have to have a credit card(makes me nervous that we might be late).
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