I like going places with my kids, but it can add up fast. Luckily, many kid-friendly places offer "kids free" deals with adult admission from time to time. You just need to look for them, sort of like those kids eat free deals at restaurants. Sometimes these kid entertainment deals are in advertisements, particularly in those coupon mags and envelopes. And sometimes you find even deals by checking Facebook, Twitter and company Web sites.
Deals change all the time, so I keep a list of places we want to go on the fridge to remind me of where we want to go. This helps me remember not to toss out certain ads. I'll take a few minutes searching the web, too. I've seen zoo, aquarium and botanical garden deals in the past.
Since I'm mentioning deals, I did learn today that Shamrock Farms is offering a "Kids Ride Free" deal Saturdays in October, starting Oct. 8. The way it works is you get a free child admission with each paid adult admission during public tours. Some restrictions apply, so do check ahead. The tour includes a look at the working dairy and its history. Cost is regularly $9 for adults and $6 for kids 2-12. Reservations are recommended by calling 602-477-2462. More info: www.shamrockfarmstour.com. And, there are some special tours Oct. 10-14 for fall break. Call for details.
Cheers!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sticking to a list should save you money
I never used to shop with a list, and I wasted a lot of money. My reasoning was I didn't have time to jot it down, and frankly, I'll just remember what I need. Silly me.
These days, I really try to stick to a list. I'm not perfect. I do go off the list if something catches my attention. I just ask myself a few question before putting it in my cart.
1. Do I really need this or am I attracted by the deal?
2. When will I use/eat this?
3. Will this save me money later?
The list keeps me accountable. At the grocery store, it keeps me on track to buy the stuff I need for dinner all week. I also note if I have a coupon with a "c" and pull the coupon out of my coupon box. It helps me remember to bring the coupons, too.
At a clothing store, a list keeps me from impulse purchases. How many times have you bought something that doesn't go with anything, but it was just too cute? Then you had to buy shoes to go with it or a skirt, and suddenly that deal has cost you much more than planned. Now I just write what I need: Brown belt, black skirt, etc.
I also only write down what I know I need after I scan the pantry, closet, garage, etc. Not checking before you go can be a big money- and time-wasting mistake. It only takes a few minutes. In the end, you'll likely find you're spending less because you're getting what you need. And you won't be wasting as much time returning items you didn't realize you had.
Cheers!
These days, I really try to stick to a list. I'm not perfect. I do go off the list if something catches my attention. I just ask myself a few question before putting it in my cart.
1. Do I really need this or am I attracted by the deal?
2. When will I use/eat this?
3. Will this save me money later?
The list keeps me accountable. At the grocery store, it keeps me on track to buy the stuff I need for dinner all week. I also note if I have a coupon with a "c" and pull the coupon out of my coupon box. It helps me remember to bring the coupons, too.
At a clothing store, a list keeps me from impulse purchases. How many times have you bought something that doesn't go with anything, but it was just too cute? Then you had to buy shoes to go with it or a skirt, and suddenly that deal has cost you much more than planned. Now I just write what I need: Brown belt, black skirt, etc.
I also only write down what I know I need after I scan the pantry, closet, garage, etc. Not checking before you go can be a big money- and time-wasting mistake. It only takes a few minutes. In the end, you'll likely find you're spending less because you're getting what you need. And you won't be wasting as much time returning items you didn't realize you had.
Cheers!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Digital downloads for $5 or less
I love music. And it can be expensive.
If I'm uncertain if I'll like a CD, I borrow it from the library first. If I love it, I buy it via Amazon's MP3 Store or iTunes. Though sometimes digital deals are so good, I don't feel the need to sample first.
The best deals I've found typically come from Amazon, but always check iTunes just in case. I downloaded Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" CD for 99 cents. I think I bought Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" for $2.99 or was it $3.99? Did the same with Sheryl Crow's "100 Miles from Memphis." And I can't found how many I've purchased for $5. I think there was Cee Lo Green, Maroon 5, Emily Osment (for my daughter), Natasha Bedingfield, etc. This compares with $11.99-$15.99 at many electronics/music retailers.
Every now and then both of these digital retailers offer free downloads. Got a Sister Hazel album this way.
Sometimes the MP3s are the same price on Amazon and iTunes. That's when discounted iTunes gift cards can come in handy. They'll go on sale at stores such as Best Buy and Target, but they're also available from time to time at warehouse clubs.
Don't forget to make a copy of your download, or back up your computer. I do both. I download copies of CDs that I buy, too, and burn a disc for my car. Can't tell you how many were scratched before I did this. Lesson learned.
If I'm uncertain if I'll like a CD, I borrow it from the library first. If I love it, I buy it via Amazon's MP3 Store or iTunes. Though sometimes digital deals are so good, I don't feel the need to sample first.
The best deals I've found typically come from Amazon, but always check iTunes just in case. I downloaded Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" CD for 99 cents. I think I bought Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" for $2.99 or was it $3.99? Did the same with Sheryl Crow's "100 Miles from Memphis." And I can't found how many I've purchased for $5. I think there was Cee Lo Green, Maroon 5, Emily Osment (for my daughter), Natasha Bedingfield, etc. This compares with $11.99-$15.99 at many electronics/music retailers.
Every now and then both of these digital retailers offer free downloads. Got a Sister Hazel album this way.
Sometimes the MP3s are the same price on Amazon and iTunes. That's when discounted iTunes gift cards can come in handy. They'll go on sale at stores such as Best Buy and Target, but they're also available from time to time at warehouse clubs.
Don't forget to make a copy of your download, or back up your computer. I do both. I download copies of CDs that I buy, too, and burn a disc for my car. Can't tell you how many were scratched before I did this. Lesson learned.
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