Comments on: I wish I hadn’t bought…

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:24:05 +0000

That’s frustrating, Angus! But the date on your comment leads me to ask Julia if comments typically can be written nearly two months after the initial post to which we’re responding. ???

By: Angus Florist

Angus Florist — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:17:53 +0000

Darn it
I just typed a whole long message, and when I tried to submit it my FireFox crashed.
Did you get it or should I retype it all again?

By: Bargain Babe » Smoking hurts your health AND your wallet

Bargain Babe » Smoking hurts your health AND your wallet — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:09:32 +0000

[...] a week? It could go towards my weekly groceries (especially if you’re trying to keep your grocery spending to around $25 a week), my monthly auto insurance, or credit card bills. You could even use it to [...]

By: Vicky Cranston

Vicky Cranston — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:34:19 +0000

Cross stitch is so versatile! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

By: Diane

Diane — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:25:27 +0000

Do you actually have to return the postage scale to Stamps.com if you don’t continue after the 30-day trial? Why is it “useless”? The one I have from them simply weighs letters and small packages for me, much like something you’d use at home to weigh ingredients for a recipe. I used to have their battery-operated scale; this one is electric. Their creme de la creme model is more expensive and works in concert with their program.

By: Bargain Babe » Reader winner: regretable credit card purchases

Bargain Babe » Reader winner: regretable credit card purchases — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:57:26 +0000

[...] sharing her spending regret. This contest started with my decision to single out one purchase on my credit card bill each month that I regretted. I hope that reviewing my bill with a critical eye will reduce my [...]

By: David Magee’s 5 Tips for Starting Over

David Magee’s 5 Tips for Starting Over — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:40:37 +0000

[...] Bargain Babe for her insight today. Her tips on purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables and doing a “self-check” on your credit card statement every month were [...]

By: Laure

Laure — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:10:00 +0000

I saw 2 darling sets of notecards, which I thought would be perfect to use for any occasion, or would be good to use for any unexpected occasions when I need a quick gift. They were on sale, so no returns permitted.
I brought them home and realized that (1) I already have plenty of notecards to use for notes and (2) apparently I have had this same idea in the past, as I have more than enough new sets to use for gift-giving purposes. What a waste of $! I need to remember to check what I have before I make new purchases! My impulsiveness again has cost me…

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:21:46 +0000

Regarding Stamps.com.: I’m guessing there’s a typo, but what is a $50 postage stamp? What did you mean? We have been with Stamps.com for several years at work. It serves us well there and is a good product. Additionally, we get discounts for certain mailings, e.g., Priority Mail. I believe you also can get discounts by using the USPS online or other online postage companies. The one drawback I have encountered with Stamps.com is customer service. It exists and can be effective, but there is often a long wait, which is not good if you need help NOW.

Regarding buying something I don’t really need, if that’s how I feel after the purchase, I make sure to return it timely. I seldom purchase online because of shipping charges in both directions, should I want/need to return an item. Also, I can try clothing on at a store.

By: kathy boscarino

kathy boscarino — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:50:35 +0000

i am so mad at myself for not being more organized. I am a librarian and I did not realize that Dr. Suess’s birthday was sneaking up on me on March 2nd. I wanted to buy some bookmarks for the students to celebrate his birthday. Well when you order $20 in bookmarks and need them in 2 days you pay $30 in shipping!! Such a waste of money.

By: SarahV

SarahV — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:16:53 +0000

Julia, I don’t really have a poorly made purchase to discuss (but maybe my ex-husband…), but I wanted to say thanks for being so honest with your regrets. Our society has become very materialistic and if you don’t have the latest and greatest of the hot new device (ipod, car, laptop…) there must be something wrong with you. Anyway, I love your site and this piece on something that you regretted purchasing was great.

By: chrisM

chrisM — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:29:16 +0000

My 17 year old daughter wanted a pair of TOM’S shoes for her birthday in February, so I went on line, ordered them, paid for shipping. $17 for shipping–only to realize they came from Valencia and —we live in Sylmar.
Wish I’d looked into shipping fees first.

By: JUNIE

JUNIE — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:26:05 +0000

It’s hard to believe you can eat healthily on $1 per meal. Good food is much cheaper than getting sick or buying over the counter medicines. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish!

By: Becky

Becky — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:15:31 +0000

I have started “CVS-ing” and have been stocking up on supplies that they are basically giving away. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower soap. Things that I will always use. I just found out we are moving and now we have to donate it or move it all. So bummed that my bargain finds are not going to be put to good use by my family. It does take a lot of trips and time to find the corresponding coupons that make the purchase worthwhile.

By: Becki Gaskins

Becki Gaskins — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:30:59 +0000

I not only bought flowers I didn’t need,it is too cold to plant! I love pansies, and they were only 67 cents apiece,but now they will sit till it gets warmer,and then they will die when it’s hot.. if only I had bought them last fall….
It’s an addiction I have, I have to stay out of the nurseries!!!!! Someone please help!