Spending and Saving
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Saving Strategies Part 72
With unemployment in the double digits and the holiday season kicking into high gear, saving money has never been more important—or simpler. And these days, sometimes the easiest way to save money is to simply ask. Really. Here are some tricks that we are thankful for, this holiday season:..
Upgrade Economics: 5 Steps to Getting a Better Hotel Room
The Great Recession is changing the established principles of economics. Fortunately for the budget traveler, the laws of the hotel room upgrade are now working in our favor.
It comes down to the basic principles of price discrimination—the practice of charging different prices for the same goods or services to different consumer groups. For the budget traveler in a recession, this translates to “You can stay at a Ritz for Motel 6 prices.”
When luxury hotels can’t fill their rooms, they sell their cheapest to discount travel websites. But with the junior suites empty, sometimes all it takes is a friendly smile and some nice feedback for a frugal traveler get the upgrade of a lifetime. So throw out the Rick Steves book and live in luxury while the recession is still going strong, with these five rules:
1. Book Through a Discount Site
Sidestep.com should become your travel homepage. Spend time on travel meta-search engines and read the reviews. Keep in mind that many hotels have incorrect star ratings, so examine pictures and maps carefully. And this is key: Book a hotel room one or two price levels down from the actual room you really want…
A Slimmed-Down Christmas — But Will It Last?
The chestnuts will still roast; Santa Claus will be just as jolly as ever—but there’s little doubt that the holiday season is different this year. From smaller Christmas trees and fewer extravagant gifts, to an increase emphasis on homemade foods and decorations, millions of families across the country are cutting back on expenses without sacrificing the holiday spirit this year.
It’s too soon to tell whether these back-to-basics holiday rituals will turn into lasting traditions or whether they’re just passing trends that’ll be gone as soon as the economy heats up again. In the meantime, we’ve put together a roundup of what’s different this holiday season.
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Downturnaround Deals: Nordstrom, Barnes and Noble, Timberland, Macy’s, Drugstore.com, Target
Every week, we post online coupons for food, clothes, books, gadgets and more, hand-picked for Recessionwire readers by the nice people over at Savings.com.
Receive free shipping on orders of $100 or more at Nordstrom. (See more Nordstrom Coupons.)…
Downturnaround Deals: Gap, Aeropostale, Bebe, Wine.com, Children’s Place, Kodak
Every week, we post online coupons for food, clothes, books, gadgets and more, hand-picked for Recessionwire readers by the nice people over at Savings.com. This week, check out their Black Friday deals, too.
Get 50% off the entire site at Aeropostale. (See more Aeropostale coupons.)…
The Newest Ways to Share and Save
We understand why you might not want to share everything (spouses and swimsuits spring to mind). But saving a few bucks by sharing other things is turning out to be one of the year’s big trends.
Sharing-based businesses are hardly a new phenomenon–though the old fashioned term for it is “renting.” Back in July we put together a roundup of our favorites, including textbooks and movies, back in July. But more companies are jumping on the sharing-is-caring bandwagon, letting customers take temporary ownership of party dresses and eco-friendly cars. After the jump, a roundup of the newcomers…
Swapping is the New Shopping
For the past month, I’ve had to close my eyes every time I pass the window of J. Crew because I am absolutely dying for an oversized, button-down boyfriend sweater – but it’s so not in my budget! But I got one in the end – and I didn’t pay a dime for it!
How did I do it? By swapping.
Swapping is the new shopping – only better! Why shell out your hard-earned cash for something when you can just swap something of yours for the item you desire.
Not only do you get cool new stuff, but it doesn’t cost you a thing…
13 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Gifts
Black Friday may be the day retailers start turning a profit, but for shoppers it can be the day budgets starts plunging into the red. Still, with careful planning and some creativity, you can avoid the chest pains that so often come in January when you open your bills. And cutting down on holiday spending doesn’t mean you have to cut down on the holiday fun—not with our 13 savvy tips.
- Create and stick to a budget. Avoid surprises with a holiday budget that includes everything involved in celebrating the holidays, not just your gift list. Consider the cost of attend parties, making or attend holiday dinners, shopping expeditions, lunches with friends, etc…
Downturnaround Deals: Gap, Red Envelope, HP, GameStop, BackCountry.com
Some of us are starting to spend again (a little). Every week, we post online coupons for food, clothes, books, gadgets and more, hand-picked for Recessionwire readers by the nice people over at Savings.com.
Take 25% off sitewide at Gap. Expires Sunday…too good not to post though. (See more Gap coupons.)…
Curbing Fido’s Financial Strain
Having a pet is a fine balance: We love our pooches, but we know that pet hair isn’t a fashion accessory. They burrow in our purses, poke out of our car windows, and try to lick our face masks away. We’ve compiled the best insider tips to help you scratch away at your pet’s expenses—you and Junior won’t remember how you coexisted without us!
Look For Veterinary Colleges. Money isn’t a reason not to bring your pet in for regular checkups, but vet visits are expensive. Do a quick Google search or refer to this list to see if there are any veterinary colleges in your area. If so, they are probably looking for new patients and likely offered reduced rates. Don’t worry about putting Mr. Fuzzy in the hands of students—they are supervised and accredited for treating animals!…
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