I am a lover of the written word. Being an only child, it was my favorite pastime and guilty pleasure. Guilty pleasure because every now and then, I would sneak in a Judy Blume book unbeknownst to my parents. Now as a 41 year old woman with my own children, I still believe in the power of a good book. But, alas, books are expensive! So what is a fly momma on a budget to do??
Library: Not your home library, but thee library. The County, City, Public Library. FREE books...what a concept! The library is a tremendous free source for books, periodicals, newspapers, DVD's, audio books, e books and internet service. If my children need a book for school...the library. If I want to read a book...the library. If we want to check out a new movie...the library. Of course, you must return the items within 3 weeks; however, they can also be checked out again up to three times continuously. Also, if the library does not have what you are requesting; they can order it from another library. You can opt to be notified by mail, email or text message when it is available at your library of choice.
Digital Books/ e-books: Let's face it...technology has arrived and it's not going anywhere, anytime soon. Don't be afraid of it, embrace it! I recently purchased a Sony Reader Daily Edition for $399 (free shipping and no tax) from an online store that I googled. Other reputable digital books are also made by Amazon (the Kindle) and Barnes & Noble (the nook). I like the Sony version because it is touch screen, has free library access and books can be downloaded from the Sony store, as well as, www.overdrive.com. This digital book runs on a 3G network (Sprint); which allows you to download books anywhere at anytime. I have downloaded two books thus far. The average cost of an e-book is around $10. The average cost of a new, hardcover novel is around $20...so it's half the cost. I can store hundreds upon hundreds of books in one small device that fits in my purse...gotta love that! Books that I do not need for future use, I head to the library. Books that I would like to keep (for whatever reason), I download on my reader.
Real books: Ok, so the library and the digital book concept didn't work for you and you just want the old school paper book...I got you covered. Purchase online, use a coupon code, buy "previously read," and avoid shipping at all costs. Example, I recently became enthralled watching G. Garvin's (sexy chef) show on Tv1. Chef Garvin's latest book is entitled "Dine In." We were obviously on the same budget minded wave length, so I decided to purchase. The library was not an option because this is a book needed for future use. The e-book was not an option because it would not be practical. Therefore, I knew I had to purchase a real book. First step: Comparison shopping websites and coupon codes. The top sites are bizrate.com, nextag.com, shopzilla.com, pricegrabber.com, smarter.com, coupons.com, pronto.com, couponcabin.com, ebates.com, fatwallet.com, woot.com, dealnews.com and dealcatcher.com. Once you have found your vendor (Amazon.com is great for books), buy used if possible. G. Garvin's book new is $24.95 list price. I purchased a "like new" copy on Amazon for $3.00 + $3.99 shipping...can't beat that with a stick. Additionally, if you purchase books frequently, Barnes & Noble has a membership club for $25 annually that will save you over 40% on your purchases.
The Bottom Line: If you just need a book, go to the library. If you like to read and don't have the need for a paper version, purchase an e-reader. If you love to read and need the paper version, shop smart and do not pay shipping unless you got a great deal!
Tune in next time for dining out bargains.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Coupon Sunday
Welcome to my blog! If you've reached me than it is probably safe to assume that you are someone who is attempting to save money in the naked city. I hear you and I personally feel your pain! A little about me: I am a divorced, mother of five (three children, two dogs & a hamster), college instructor, and soon to be re-entry graduate student. I like to enjoy the best that life has to offer for myself and my family. So how is that possible in today's economy? Believe it or not, a lot easier than you think.
I have been a restaurant junkie for many, many years! You have to admit that the concept of dining out is amazing. You are hungry. You have a taste for, let's say Italian. You gather your loved ones, arrive at your destination, order, eat, pay and leave! No shopping, preparation, or cleaning. But alas, have you taken a close look at your credit card statements from month to month? Well, I don't know about you, but mine have been nothing short of ridiculous! So, I decided that President Obama isn't the only one who feels it's time for a change...
Coupon Sunday: Not to be confused with my favorite "holiday," Superbowl Sunday; Coupon Sunday is the granddaddy of them all when it comes to grocery store coupon savings. The Los Angeles Times is my private jet to grocery store euphoria. The Times is currently running a tremendous special that I believe is worthy of posting. With one phone call to (800) 326-5500 and $1.99 a week, the Thursday-Sunday Times, will be delivered to your doorstep. In addition, a $10 Vons gift card is included along with ALL ACCESS. All Access is the electronic version of the paper that will be delivered to your email address at no additional charge.
Time: I have had many friends say "I would love to clip coupons, but I just don't have time!" In reality, we all make time for activities that appeal to us. So my response is, "I don't have time to waste money." If we can spend time watching television, mindlessly surfing the web or picking fleas off the dog (oh I'm sorry, that's something my dad used to do to our dog)...than we have time to clip a few coupons.
Another time waster in the coupon world is what I call "doing too much." There are many ways to locate coupons these days. Newspapers, sale papers, magazines, coupon websites, etc. My #1 rule is to not overdo it. I focus mainly on the Times and the Sunday sale circulars (my favorite is CVS Pharmacy). I prefer "paper" coupons over "cyber" coupons. But, that is just MY preference. The key is to find the one or two sources that work for you and utilize it.
In addition, don't be what I call a "sale whore." Only clip coupons for items that you use, need or want. Don't hoard coupons for items that have no use in your household. I have a good friend that is a single, working mom with a son in college (out of state). She is known for going to Costco and returning with items she cannot use. Her reasoning is "It was on sale!" My response is "I understand, but you bought a months' supply of cat food and you don't own a cat!"
Coupon Organization: Ok, now that you have chosen your coupon source and clipped ONLY the coupons that pertain to items specific for your family, it's time to organize them in such a way that you do not become overwhelmed and discouraged. Choose a ready made or personally created small storage box or folder for your coupons. Be sure to use dividers to separate items by your favorite market's aisles or your own purchase habits. For example, divide your coupons by "Aisle 1, Aisle 2, etc." or "freezer, meat, hygiene, kids' lunch, condiments, dairy, etc." And as mentioned previously, too many unnecessary coupons can innundate your storage box. A good rule of thumb is to always remove expired coupons each time you add new ones. Keep your storage unit in your car so that your coupons are easily accessible even during those impromptu trips to the market.
Finally, my favorite tip for coupon usage is to get the maximum bang for your buck by using coupons on SALE items. Unfortunately, the glory days of "double coupons" are pretty much over. I make up for this new economic downturn by practicing the art of self discipline. No matter how much I want an item, I know that it will eventually be on the "sale block" (pun intended) soon. SAVE those coupons for the day the item is on sale AND you will trim (pun intended again) a tremendous amount of money from your grocery bill. Eating in is not always the easiest or most glamorous way to dine; but it sure will make your credit card statement a whole lot easier to stomach!
Stay tuned for my next blog when I discuss economical ways to build your library!
I have been a restaurant junkie for many, many years! You have to admit that the concept of dining out is amazing. You are hungry. You have a taste for, let's say Italian. You gather your loved ones, arrive at your destination, order, eat, pay and leave! No shopping, preparation, or cleaning. But alas, have you taken a close look at your credit card statements from month to month? Well, I don't know about you, but mine have been nothing short of ridiculous! So, I decided that President Obama isn't the only one who feels it's time for a change...
Coupon Sunday: Not to be confused with my favorite "holiday," Superbowl Sunday; Coupon Sunday is the granddaddy of them all when it comes to grocery store coupon savings. The Los Angeles Times is my private jet to grocery store euphoria. The Times is currently running a tremendous special that I believe is worthy of posting. With one phone call to (800) 326-5500 and $1.99 a week, the Thursday-Sunday Times, will be delivered to your doorstep. In addition, a $10 Vons gift card is included along with ALL ACCESS. All Access is the electronic version of the paper that will be delivered to your email address at no additional charge.
Time: I have had many friends say "I would love to clip coupons, but I just don't have time!" In reality, we all make time for activities that appeal to us. So my response is, "I don't have time to waste money." If we can spend time watching television, mindlessly surfing the web or picking fleas off the dog (oh I'm sorry, that's something my dad used to do to our dog)...than we have time to clip a few coupons.
Another time waster in the coupon world is what I call "doing too much." There are many ways to locate coupons these days. Newspapers, sale papers, magazines, coupon websites, etc. My #1 rule is to not overdo it. I focus mainly on the Times and the Sunday sale circulars (my favorite is CVS Pharmacy). I prefer "paper" coupons over "cyber" coupons. But, that is just MY preference. The key is to find the one or two sources that work for you and utilize it.
In addition, don't be what I call a "sale whore." Only clip coupons for items that you use, need or want. Don't hoard coupons for items that have no use in your household. I have a good friend that is a single, working mom with a son in college (out of state). She is known for going to Costco and returning with items she cannot use. Her reasoning is "It was on sale!" My response is "I understand, but you bought a months' supply of cat food and you don't own a cat!"
Coupon Organization: Ok, now that you have chosen your coupon source and clipped ONLY the coupons that pertain to items specific for your family, it's time to organize them in such a way that you do not become overwhelmed and discouraged. Choose a ready made or personally created small storage box or folder for your coupons. Be sure to use dividers to separate items by your favorite market's aisles or your own purchase habits. For example, divide your coupons by "Aisle 1, Aisle 2, etc." or "freezer, meat, hygiene, kids' lunch, condiments, dairy, etc." And as mentioned previously, too many unnecessary coupons can innundate your storage box. A good rule of thumb is to always remove expired coupons each time you add new ones. Keep your storage unit in your car so that your coupons are easily accessible even during those impromptu trips to the market.
Finally, my favorite tip for coupon usage is to get the maximum bang for your buck by using coupons on SALE items. Unfortunately, the glory days of "double coupons" are pretty much over. I make up for this new economic downturn by practicing the art of self discipline. No matter how much I want an item, I know that it will eventually be on the "sale block" (pun intended) soon. SAVE those coupons for the day the item is on sale AND you will trim (pun intended again) a tremendous amount of money from your grocery bill. Eating in is not always the easiest or most glamorous way to dine; but it sure will make your credit card statement a whole lot easier to stomach!
Stay tuned for my next blog when I discuss economical ways to build your library!
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