By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.
pupismyname/Flickr
I am against paying retail. Hence my motto, “Friends don’t let friends pay retail.”
However, sometimes even I have to go to a store and purchase something new. Hey, it happens to the best of us.
Let me assure you that when I do this deed I also ENSURE that I know the store return policy and keep my receipt, packaging and tags. If I am not 100% satisfied with my purchase, I return it.
I am amazed how many times I see items at yard sales, thrift shops and swaps that are brand new with their tags still attached. I always wonder about the economic condition of the seller. Are they wildly wealthy? Did they lose the receipt and figured they couldn’t get their money back? Or did they think it wasn’t worth the trouble?
I doubt anyone that is wildly wealthy is reading my blog (but if you are and want to make a donation to me, I am a willing recipient.) As far as returning items without a receipt; many stores will give you (more…)
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.
HikingArtist.com/Flickr
I have just 25 minutes to speak about budgets at an upcoming conference – such a short period of time. As I started to prepare my talk I realized staying on budget and out of debt has only five key points.
1. You have to want it. No seminar, book or popular online money management software will help you to stay on budget unless you really want to. It’s like quitting smoking cigarettes. You must make a firm and true decision to DO IT!
2. Spend less than you make. Oh so easy to say but that is the bottom line. Somehow you have to increase your income and/or decrease your outgo until you are spending less than you make. It’s simple math.
3. You have to spend time looking at actual numbers. Our finances have become so automated that you can get paid, buy your food, pay your bills and transfer money to your significant other’s account without ever having to actually confront your economic condition. I spend at least one day a month going over my finances with a fine tooth comb. I examine all the receipts and evaluate where we are spending money. I balance every month’s statement and earmark money for upcoming expenses (like my daughter’s birthday or a new mattress.) I do most of my accounting with pen and paper. Bargain Babe has a 15-minute budget that is fairly simple.
4. Spending should not be an emotional decision. I don’t buy something (like a $750 leather jacket) because I “just HAVE to have it” or I “can’t live without it.” If I want it so badly, I should plan for it. Most often, all the items you buy on impulse won’t stand the test of time. Of course, I have a slush fund built into my budget that allows me the luxury of buying a little something (like a pretty hair clip) for myself when I see it – IF I really want it.
5. Ensure that the entire family understands and agrees with the above four items. It is vital that everyone is on the same page when it comes to budgeting. If necessary, have family meetings to go over these points until you have agreement. It just won’t work if everyone isn’t on board.
I’d love to hear any of your budgeting tips.
Lab2112/flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
While researching a post on saving money at the movies, I asked Bargain Babe’s Facebook friends for tips and some suggested sneaking in! The idea bothered me for days and got me thinking about five scenarios where I have to chose between taking the ethical high road and saving money.
Is it ethical to sneak into movies? What about buying counterfeit DVDs?
I’ve never snuck into a movie and what bothers me about this is the same thing as buying a counterfeit DVD, made when someone records the movie with a hand-held video camera from inside the movie theater. The person burns the recording onto DVDs, slaps on a cover sheet, and sells it on the street for a big profit. The problem is that the little guy gets cheated. Sure, the movie executives and stars make the big bucks, but the no-names are more likely to lose their jobs when movie studios don’t make the expected money. By doing both these things, theaters have to raise their cost and the buyer goes from being frugal to being cheap.
You’re walking down Canal Street in New York City or the Fashion District in downtown Los Angeles and you spot counterfeit brand name items at bargain prices. Ethical to buy?
No. The fake bags, shoes, and shades emblazoned with a designer’s initials or logo may be far less expensive, but you are still paying for the brand name not the item. I have no problem with a bag that looks similar to a brand name bag as long as you don’t try to pass it off as the name brand with fake logos and tags. My reason for not buying knock offs is that I’d be mortified if I got called out by the designer while walking down the street – although not very likely, it could happen. Also, why would I waste money on fake items? I rather work hard and get the real thing.
You’re heading to the movies and sneak in snacks to avoid paying for the expensive theater popcorn and soda. Ethical?
I’ve sneaked in snacks and the only reason I don’t think it’s unethical is because I am not stealing from the theater. If I didn’t bring in snacks, I still wouldn’t buy the expensive popcorn and soda. By snacks, I mean almonds or a protein bar and not a full meal.
You’re in an all-you-can-eat buffet and you wrap a leftover muffin in a napkin and stick it in your purse. Ethical?
I figure the food is headed for the trash so why not pack it up to enjoy later. Technically, I paid for it, but I draw the line at packing an entire meal for later.
You ask for a cup for water at a restaurant with a self-serve drink station and you fill it up with soda. Ethical?
This is one of my pet peeves. I can’t stand it when people do this, especially if they’re eating with me. I feel like any minute we are going to get called out. This is stealing and will force the restaurant to raise their prices so everyone loses.
avilasal/Flickr
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.
It’s HOT and you blew it by ignoring my advice to buy an air conditioner during the winter. Before you make an impulse buy, do a bit of mathematics for best results.
The first thing you need to do is measure the space that you want to cool. You need to know the square footage, which is easy to figure out. Just measure the floor. Measure in one direction and then measure in the other direction. Then multiply the two numbers. Ta-da! Square footage.
Now take your square footage and multiply that by 35. That will give you a general idea of what SIZE air conditioner to buy. That doesn’t mean how big in inches. It means how big in BTUs – British Thermal Units.
Every window air conditioner has a cooling capacity number that ranges from about 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs. (Larger systems are usually rated in tons of cooling with a ton being equal to 12,000 BTUs.) The higher the BTU value, the stronger the air conditioner is. BTUs determine how much cooling the unit can deliver in an hour. Too little BTUs and you won’t get cooled off. Too many BTUs and you will waste energy and MONEY – yikes!
For those of you living in high humidity areas here is a bit more insight: Many people buy an air conditioner that is too large, thinking it will provider better cooling. However, an over-sized air conditioner is actually less effective — and wastes energy at the same time. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This leaves the room with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.
Once you determine your BTU need (square footage multiplied by 35), make sure that you make adjustments for room location and heat load:
- If the room is shaded, reduce the BTUs by 10%
- If the room is very sunny, increase the BTUs by 10%
- If the air conditioner is in the kitchen, add 4,000 BTUs
- If the room is going to be occupied by more than 2 people most of the time, add 600 BTUs per person
Another thing to consider is EER, which stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio.” Air conditioners’ EERs usually range from 8.2 to 10.5. The higher the number, the more efficient the machine and the more expensive to buy, but cheaper to operate. It’s a numbers game.
OK, so now that you know what size air conditioner you need, look on Craigslist. If you can’t find what you are looking for there, check out one of the big box warehouse stores like Sam’s Club, Costco, or BJ’s. They have competitive prices and their return policies are fabulous. Don’t buy an air conditioner online because the shipping cost will be enormous.
When installing your window air conditioner, use a window that is in the shade. Ensure that there is space around the inside and outside for air flow. In other words, don’t put the air condition up against the back of your couch or right up against a bush outside. Insulate where the window and air conditioner meet to make sure there is no air leakage around the unit and the window. Make sure that you clean the filters on a regular basis as this will increase the efficiency and life of your air conditioner.
OK, those are my tips. Good luck and stay cool.
Vancouverfilmschool/Flickr
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.com.
I love theater and I go as often as I can. I’m not sitting in the high priced seats, but I’ve learned to get great tickets at equally great discounts. I like to sit in the front row of the cheapest seats. If I can’t get the front row, then I get the back row because I can stand up or sit on something if there is a head in my way. I’ve found that the cheapest seats (especially in a small venue) are almost as good as the most expensive seats. I always make sure that everyone in my party has their own pair of binoculars so you can really see up close.
Here are some other ways to see fabulous theater at bargainista prices:
- Wait until the last minute and then use discount ticket sites such as tkts for New York and Goldstar for Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, DC Metro, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle. Note, Goldstar was a Frugal Festival sponsor.
- Volunteer or work at the theater. I’ve always thought working as an usher at a very good theater was just the coolest job. The pay isn’t great, but you get to see some of the best actors in action.
- Group ticket sales. For some theaters, a group is as few as 10 people. Groups get excellent discounts and sometimes the person who organizes it gets a free ticket.
- See theater that is less well known. TheaterExtras is a seat-filling audience development organization that gives complimentary tickets in New York and Los Angeles to its members. For the price of a Broadway ticket, you can get practically free tickets all year. There are also special savings for members of a theatrical union, student or senior citizen. Indicate that I referred you (bobbisbargains) and I’ll get a little credit as well.
- Check to see if your city is part of the Artsopolis Network, which provides listings of free local events and discount tickets. Some of the cities that are included are Boston, Phoenix, Nashville, Flint, Grand Forks and Philadelphia. Sorry New York and Los Angeles – no site for you, but you have plenty of other cool sites.
No matter how you do it, go to the theater and support the arts. Do you know of other ways to get great deals on theater and entertainment venues? (more…)
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Reader Lauren Y. wins the review copy of The Cheap Diva’s Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living for her comment that reveals she’s lived paycheck to paycheck but hadn’t learned her lesson until she got laid off for the second time:
For most of my working life I’ve lived pretty much (or barely) paycheck to paycheck. I’ve been a waitress, office assistant, temp and receptionist.
Despite all those short-lived, low-paying jobs, I didn’t really learn my lesson in frugality until I was laid off for the second time. As I said before, I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck (or was “underfinanced”, as I like to say when I’m feeling fancy) but I’d never been broke. After that second layoff, I was BROKE. I had to figure out how to pay for rent, utilities, food, gas and medicine. Since I was laid off from another low-paying job, my unemployment check wasn’t going to cut it. I took as many temp jobs as I could to cover rent and utilities. To save gas, I combined errands and limited my driving to necessary errands and work. I found a state-funded pharmacy to help pay for my medicine. Finally, I started using coupons (which i got from my mom’s newspaper), only shopped at stores that doubled coupons and learned how to stretch meals.
Fortunately, I eventually got a decent paying job but that unemployment-broke spell put the Fear of Brokedom in me. The first thing I did after getting the job was pay off all my consumer debt. It took a lot of major changes but I managed to do it in a little over a year. Now I’m trying to learn how to go from survivor mode to healthy savings mode. To me, “healthy savings mode” is where I can be frugal while still enjoying life. I’m not there yet but I’m working my way towards it.
Lauren, I hope this book continues to help you learn to live a frugal life but also helps you enjoy every minute of it. If you missed the book review, author Stephanie Ann writes about her tips and tricks to getting good deals and shows you how to make some cash by selling your clutter or by creating your own job.
In the book, Ann shares her story and shares she was living paycheck to paycheck after a series of low paying jobs and long periods of unemployment. It can be difficult to get laid off especially when you have credit card debt from trying to make ends meet but it is important to take care of yourself to look fabulous and once again conquer the world.
If you didn’t win my review copy you can purchase it on Amazon for $13.45.
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Stephanie Ann, author of The Cheap Diva’s Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money!, shares her tips and tricks to living large on a small budget in her 224-page book. Ann is the creator of thecheapdiva.com, a budget style blog.
In her book, Ann shares her secrets to scoring deals and shows you how to make money by cashing in on your clutter or creating your own job. The book is a fun and fast read with hints of humor that come from anecdotes she shares about her time working in various home décor and retail businesses. The book also includes a handy list of websites sure to save you money.
The book is divided into five parts: Money, Fashion, Beauty, Home Décor and Entertainment.
So what makes Ann an expert in frugal living ? “For starters, I was living the frugal lifestyle long before it was fashionable,” she writes. With a series of low-income jobs and prolonged periods of unemployment, she said she’s built a “healthy sense of mistrust of employers” and many “healthy savings habits.”
If you would like to learn the secrets to a frugal and fabulous life for free, leave a comment detailing your short-lived jobs and how they helped you learn to tighten your financial belt. You may end up being the lucky winner of my review copy – signed by the Cheap Diva herself!
Comment by Friday, July 9 at 9 a.m. PST for a chance to win. If you can’t wait to get your hands on the book, you can purchase it on Amazon for $13.45.
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.
basykes/Flickr
I recently received an email asking me where to get a chair re-upholstered at an affordable price and I instantly thought of a very unknown resource – occupational centers and technical schools. These are public schools that teach older students occupations like:
- furniture upholstery
- fashion design
- web graphics
- auto body repair
- landscaping
- floral design
- construction
- baking/cooking
- hair and beauty
- and much more
Most of these schools connect folks like you and me with students looking for experience at low fees. Many of these students are looking for experience and to build a portfolio and referrals. The work might not be perfect, but if you get a student who is just about finished with their studies, you could get a great product and a great deal.
I used a student to help me with my home landscaping. He was awesome. He educated me on different plants and helped me to pick out what would grow in my yard. He was very reasonably priced. As a matter of fact, I paid him more than he asked because he charged so little for all the work he did.
In California these schools are part of the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (CAROCP.) In the Los Angeles area, these schools are called Los Angeles Occupational Centers. The mission of these occupational centers is to “provide exemplary career education, career development, and workforce preparation that contribute to student academic and career success and to the economic development of California.” These schools are also a resource for you to find classes at a very reasonable price. Classes for eligible students are around $50.
In New York State, there are New York Technical and Vocational Schools. I don’t know if their tuition is as reasonable as the California schools, but the advice about hiring students remains the same. I’m sure that there are similar schools in every state in America.
And who knows, the student designer that you use to help you create a custom wedding dress might just turn out to be the next hot thing. Think how lucky you will be to have one of their early works. You’ll be able to tell people that you knew they were headed for greatness.
Have you ever hired a student to do work for you?
Related posts:
Home improvement: DIY a waste of time?
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
seq/Flickr
Laundry is inevitable, but wasting money isn’t. A couple years ago, I realized I was spending too much money getting my clothes to smell like a summer breeze. Since then, I have completely changed my habits in the laundry room. Here are some tips sure to save you cash.
Use cold water – There is no need to pay for heating water when you don’t need it. I used to love washing in steaming hot water because I thought it was the only way to get rid of germs, but it is not. Use cold or warm water depending on what you’re washing. Aside from saving on heating water, I find my jeans do not fade as much, which cuts down on my shopping expenses.
Forget the fancy laundry products – Multi-tasking detergents with additives such as bleach and stain removers are more expensive than plain detergent. Instead, use natural cleaners that you may already have in your arsenal like baking soda to whiten, borax to remove stains and vinegar to rinse your clothes. Natural cleaners and a little elbow grease can work wonders and are much less expensive than fancy laundry products. When adding soap, don’t follow the manufacture’s instructions; instead experiment to find the right amount for your clothes. Often, the amount of soap you need is less than directed. Making your own soap is also inexpensive but time consuming. Savings: cost of fabric softener, stain remover and bleach approximately $3 to $4 per bottle.
Stop using drier sheets. Every time you toss a dryer sheet in the trash it is like throwing money away. Instead, consider going without or use drier balls. I recently bought a set of drier balls for $4 and like the results.
Do full loads, back-to-back – Doing laundry throughout the week is a bad idea if you want to reduce your electricity bill. When you wash and dry all your clothes in one day you are using less energy to heat up the drier because it is warm from the previous load. Also, make sure you use the right settings for your washing machine to avoid using extra water or time for lightly soiled clothes.
Ditch the dryer – Whenever possible use a clothesline to save on your utility bills. If you do not have room outside, try an indoor drying rack or use extra hangars. If you want your clothes soft, toss them in the dryer for 5 minutes after taking them off the drying rack. Clothes dry incredibly fast outside mid-day.
Wear clothes more often – The most effective way to save money on laundry is to just do less of it. Wearing your clothes more than once before tossing them in the hamper is the first step. Jackets and sweaters can be worn more than once. I won’t tell you how long I wear my jeans before tossing them in the hamper – that’s my dirty little secret – but I can tell you that washing clothes less often cuts down on doing laundry and its cost and extends the life of your clothes.
Now that you’ve read my dirty laundry secrets, share yours! What tricks do you use in the laundry room to save money?
koka_sexton/Flickr
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.
I recently received an email that asked:
“We are moving and will have to get some things to make our new place work. Any ideas on where to get any of this, as affordably as possible, would be greatly appreciated. Of course we want beauty, environmental excellence and very low cost. Natch.”
My response:
Everything that you are wanting is available for free or drastically reduced rates on Freecycle, Craigslist, Recycler, thrift stores, or yard sales. Shameless promotion: you’ll also find a lot of housewares at the Frugal Festival Summer Swap this Saturday, June 19 in North Hollywood.
The biggest thing is that you MUST have access to a van or truck to be able to easily pick them up (especially with freecycle.) People move all the time and practically give away their furniture because it is cheaper to give it away than to move it or store it.
It is also important that you know your color scheme. If this is something you care about, then carry color swatches with you at all times.
Measure the space you have available for your items (couch, bookshelf, etc) and have this information with you. Measuring includes knowing the size of the doorway or hallway you have to fit the item through. There is nothing worse than finding out that your new couch or fridge doesn’t fit through any of your doors. Big bummer! Have a tape measure in your purse or car so you can get the exact dimensions of a potential item when you come across it. You never know when you will happen upon a desk with a free sign or a random estate sale.
You should easily be able to pick up the following items for no more than 10% of the original price:
- Tables and desks
- Chairs
- Headboards
- Chest of Drawers
- Refrigerators & Stoves
- Bookshelves
- Lamps
- Fans (in the winter)
- Heaters (in the summer)
- Kitchen items
- Flower vases
- CDs & DVDs
- Books
- Clothing
- Knick-knacks
- Picture Frames
- Couch
- File Cabinets
I suggest you do not buy the following items used because they could carry pests:
- Rugs
- Mattresses
- Pillows
Have you found great stuff for your home or apartment for free?
cdsessums'/flickr
By Mike Barclay of 10centsworth.com
Everyone loves to save money, but are we really saving ourselves money or are we scrimping pennies just to say we saved a few bucks? There is a difference between being frugal and being cheap. To be frugal requires common sense and effort whereas being cheap is looking at the surface value of what you’re buying.
Being frugal (there are two types) is looking at something from the perspective of value. Value comes in many different forms. Money, time, energy, etc. For example: A frugal person will go out and get the proper tools necessary for a maintenance project (spending a little bit of extra money if needed) so they can get it done correctly and efficiently the first time. A cheap person will try and use makeshift tools (like a piece of wood for a hammer) and cut corners to save money. The cheap way may seem like it’s saving you money but when you factor in the extra time and effort, not to mention the future maintenance you’ll probably end up having to do because your first attempt was shoddy, it ends up costing you more.
What about when you go in to a mechanic to get a new set of tires? They offer you a warranty in case anything happens, but it’ll cost an extra $100. Initially you might pass on it. Why spend an extra $100 when you don’t need to, right? Let me pose this next scenario as a remedy for those types of thoughts.
Car tires usually aren’t supposed to be replaced one at a time. It throws off the axis and adds wear and tear to the other tires. If you blow out one tire and go back to get it changed and they tell you you’ll need to change out all 4 tires (averaging around $400) suddenly that warranty doesn’t look so bad, does it?
One thing I see a lot of currently involves laptop purchases. I’ve noticed people going through alternate avenues to buy a computer, like eBay or Craigslist. Second hand computers may be cheaper in the initial purchase, but you’re losing out on a few things. First of all, the warranty you’d get buying a new computer is null and void. This means that any repair you need comes straight out of your wallet. Purchasing second hand also means you don’t know what condition you’re receiving the laptop in is. So those repairs could come sooner than you’d like.
A frugal shopper will do their research, and spend the extra money to get the most out of his or her purchase rather than focusing just on the price tag. It all comes down to perceived value and actual value. Which category are you in? Frugal – or just plain cheap?
adria.richards/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz
Staying fit and healthy can stop doctor’s bills from rolling in but hitting the gym can be costly. The good news is that there are many affordable ways to get a proper workout without slimming your wallet. Here are some ways to help you reach your fitness goals.
Go back to college – If you still live near your alma mater, many universities offer discounted gym memberships to alumni. Some of these gyms are better than private gyms and include all the amenities. Cost: monthly membership fee.
Hit the pavement – Go jogging or walking around your neighborhood for free. If you want a different scenery head to your nearest park. Remember to carry water to stay hydrated and a cell phone in case of an emergency. Cost: $50-$100/year for running shoes.
Exploit your insurance – Many insurance companies reimburse you half or all of your gym’s fees. Check with your provider to see if they can help you out. Cost: phone call to insurance company.
Take a hike – Need a workout that will get your heart pumping and blood flowing? Try walking on a slope. Hiking can be a great way to get a workout without the monthly dues. Cost: gas to drive to park.
Exercise videos – If you are easily bored with the same workout routine rent exercise videos from your local library for free. Most libraries have a variety of exercise videos ranging from yoga to Tae Bo. But whatever you do, don’t become delinquent with your checked out material or it will end up costing you. Trust me, those fines can quickly add up. Want to avoid the fines? Check out online exercise videos. You can find just about any type of exercise you’re interested in to get moving. Cost: none.
Mooch off your company – There have been studies that show a correlation between healthy workers and an increase in work productivity. Many companies are investing in their workers by helping them pay their monthly gym fees. Check with your company to find out what they can do for you. Cost: visit to your HR department.
adwriter/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
Summer is the time to have fun but you may find yourself sitting at home bored if you’re broke or just trying to stay on budget. Here are some sizzlin’ ideas that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Beach – If you live near the coast, the beach is one of the best places to head to when the weather gets warm. The best part is it’s free, though you will likely have to pay for parking. Pack a snack, apply some sunblock and grab your swimsuit and in no time you’ll be having fun in the sun.
Museums – Many museums are free or have free days. Some may ask for a suggested donation that you do not have to pay, like the Met in New York City. Many museums also offer free admission later in the day. Check the museums’ website for more information or call and ask if they have free or discounted rates. If you are a student or teacher, you may also qualify for a discount or even free admission! If you are a Bank of America customer, you can get free admission to participating museums, plus zoos, science centers and botanical gardens.
National Parks – Parks in general are great places to escape to when you can’t seem to peel yourself off of the couch. If you’re tired of your local park or just want to explore new scenery, head to a national park. Most national parks are free. For those that usually charge an entrance fee, there are national park fee-free days. Here are this year’s dates:
- June 5-6, 2010
- August 14-15, 2010
- September 25, 2010
- November 11, 2010
Find more free attractions near your area and share with us what you plan to do to combat boredom without breaking the bank during the summer days. Got kids? There are plenty of ways to cheaply entertain kids.
By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains
With the Frugal Festival just around the corner on June 19 in North Hollywood, I thought I should write a primer on the basics of swapping. There are two basic kinds of swaps, free and paid.
- Everything that is being swapped at a free swap is free. Some free swaps charge admission, which indicates higher quality items will be swapped. Admission to the Frugal Festival is $5 if you bring swappables. If you come empty handed, admission is $10. Admission is free at 2p.m. for the final hour of the swap.
- Bring things to the swap that you no longer want, but that are in good working order. Clothes should be clean with no stains or holes. Electronics should work. Games should have all their pieces.
- The idea is that everyone brings things to the swap. Some swaps are loosely organized and you just set them out on a table or blanket and walk away. Once you set them down, you no longer own them. They are free for anyone to take. At other swaps, such as the Frugal Festival, the organizers sort the swappables to make it easier to find what you want.
- Most swaps do not insist that you bring things to swap, but it is only good manners that you bring things to add to the swap.
- If someone brings a box of fresh picked tomatoes, you would not take the entire box. You would take one or two of the items so that others could share. Let us not be greedy.
- If a swap is running for several hours, it is fun to stay for the whole time and see what kinds of items show up. It is a nice community time. You meet nice people. You can bring something you would like to share, like a craft or a talent such as massage or balloon sculptures. However, if you just want to drop in and leave, that is fine as well.
- If the swap is being held outdoors, you may want to bring a chair and shade. You may even bring a table or a blanket to put things on.
- Bring something to put your new treasures in while walking around. If you put something down, it becomes fair game again and it just might be taken by someone else while your back is turned. If the item is big, you might want to put it in your car so you can continue to browse. At the Frugal Festival, each swapper will receive a free reusable bag to put their finds in.
A free swap is a nice way to get rid of things you no longer need and send them off to a loving family that want them. It’s a win-win situation.
Hope to see you at the Frugal Festival June 19, 2010 at the NoHo Performing Arts Center, which is located at 11020 Magnolia Blvd in North Hollywood. The swap drop off begins at 10 a.m. and runs until noon. From noon to 1 p.m. the organizers and volunteers sort the swappables. The swap begins promptly at 1 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. We are primarily swapping clothes, shoes, and accessories, but will also have areas for media and housewares. For more info, visit the Frugal Festival website.
David Hilowitz/Flickr
I was having lunch (using a coupon, of course) with one of my most frugal friends when she laid a bomb on me: there are only two types of frugal people.
I have always believed there are many types of frugal folks because financial situation, upbringing, and goals vary widely. But when she explained herself, I realized she was right.
Type No. 1 – Frugal by Nature
Type 1 folks are frugal by nature. Spending money causes us pain and we often go without spending even if it would make our lives easier. We will go without, postpone, or delay to save. We will spend extra time researching a product irregardless of how much – or how little – we stand to gain, dollarwise. We will drive extra miles to shave a few bucks off a purchase. The bottom line is that we get an emotional hit from snagging a hot deal and are willing to deny ourselves to score.
Type No. 2. – Frugal by Necessity
Type 2 folks are frugal because we have to be. We recently got laid off, have a partner/spouse who lost a job, or left a job or to raise a family. We want to use coupons and look for sales to save. We are savvy enough to recognize we need to budget and alter our spending behavior, but get hung up because spending money brings us joy, even if we later feel stressed out by our cashflow. We do our best to distinguish between needs and wants. Bottom line is we get an emotional hit from having a new thing, regardless of price.
I know I’m type No. 1 because I am such a firm believer in doing things myself to save money that I often get into ridiculous situations, like the time I made my summer intern create thousands of homemade raffle tickets. Or the time I decided to distribute flyers across Los Angeles via bicycle on a 95-degree day to save gas money. Or the time…
Which type are you?
