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Expensive
By Daphne | October 24, 2007
Take the expense out of expensive items. Expensive items don’t have to be so expensive. If there is something that you want that is “expensive” there are some things you can do to save some money. Expensive is a relative term depending on your mind set.
I would rather buy a quality item that I don’t have to replace often that also goes with gifts. I would rather give a gift that will not fall apart or be broken in a short time. What can you do? Look at the resources that you already have…
If you have a credit card that help you earn bonus points or cash back see if you can redeem some of those points for a gift card. They are your points don’t let them go to waste.
Online coupon sites are wonderful. Before I click that final submit button when shopping online I always look for a coupon. More often than not, I find a coupon that will reduce my bill by the cost of shipping or more.
Do you complete online surveys or read emails for points? Just like credit card points those add up as well. I have points that I am saving, but did use some for a Marriott gift certificate before which allowed me to pay for one night’s hotel stay when I wanted to take a trip. If you are in a program that doesn’t offer gift cards or cash and only offer premiums or subscriptions then see what you can redeem those points for.
Pay attention to those in store preferred shopper card rewards. You may not want to carry an extra case of cards like I do, but it is worth it when you can earn free certificates for dollars off future purchases or additional points that can accrue and you will get benefits. Customer cards can yield great benefits. I used a $4 certificate this past weekend and only had to pay two dollars and some change for some stationery items.
Has your philanthropy given you a gift? If you make a donation to wildlife organizations or any cause you are often given a premium. You can refuse the gift, but if it is something you personally can use or give away then do it. Some of the items are very nice and can be used by someone. I joined a museum and received a free subscription for a magazine that I already have a lifetime subscription to (it was a limited time offer and would pay for itself within 5 years). So rather than just throwing it away I am going to pass that subscription on to someone else.
Christmas is coming and you need to be a little more savvy about spending this Christmas. I am probably going to do the combination of online and in-person shopping and also give out a few gift cards as well. If you have a gift that is more expensive than you want to spend, give a gift card to the person for the amount you wanted to spend. This way you will not go over budget. Or go in with another friend or relative for a large ticket item. It is about the gift and do not let yourself be pressured into spending more than you comfortably can.
Topics: October 2007 |