In the last issue of this eNewsletter, I summarized a story highlighting several new words and phrases that have come into popular use during the recession. I then asked you to submit your favorite recession-related words that have a positive connotation. Among the suggestions: Pam wrote in with recessionables, which pertains to clothing found on […]
Archive | Spending Smart
Money Down the Tube
The average U.S. household now has three televisions, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. That’s one reason why electronic devices today consume 15 percent of the average home’s electricity–up from 5 percent in 1980. A Chicago Tribune article highlighted several ways to tame those energy monsters, starting with your choice of TV. The larger the […]
Gunning for Energy Savings
Want to save on energy costs but roof top solar panels aren’t in the budget? Buy a tube of caulk and a caulk gun. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, homes consume more than 20 percent of all the energy used in the U.S. — more than cars, planes, or offices. And yet the […]
Thrift Stores Thriving
While numerous retail chains are closing stores or putting expansion plans on hold, second hand shop sales are booming. A Chicago Tribune article explained that the recession has turned fashionistas into frugalistas. Goodwill, whose sales of donated items help fund job training for homeless and disabled people, is working hard to capitalize on the trend […]
Mending is Better Than Ending
Lots of businesses are hurting right now, but not those involved in fixing and mending our stuff. According to an article in Time magazine, cobblers and tailors are thriving as people opt to repair old shoes and alter ill-fitting clothes rather than replace them. The same is true for shops that repair everything from cars […]
Dialing for More Dollars
In the last issue of this eNewsletter I mentioned an ABC News profile of someone who easily persuaded many of his service providers – from his health club to his cable company – to reduce their rates. He simply called them and said, “I need to save some money. I know you get it. Can […]
Couponing Made Easy
If you’re serious about saving on the cost of groceries, you probably already know about CouponMom.com. But U.S. News & World Report recently highlighted another good grocery coupon resource–the blog, Frugal Coupon Mom. Ashley Nuzzo, who writes the blog, scours lots of other web sites and blogs looking for the best deals and then posts […]
Of Calories and Cash
There are a number of parallels between the worlds of nutrition and finance. On the negative side, people tend to describe a budget in the same terms they use to describe a diet – it’s something one goes on, as in, “Poor Brian, he’s on a budget.” However, as was pointed out in a New […]
How to Spot a Lemon
This sure seems like a good time to buy a car with all the incentives being offered by ailing carmakers. However, a deal isn’t a deal unless you were in the market for the item anyway. And I’m a strong believer in keeping vehicles as long as possible. But if you really _are_ in the […]
Dialing for Dollars
Times are tough, which means service providers are especially intent on keeping their customers, and that’s making it easier to negotiate better rates. ABC News profiled one man who systematically called everyone from his cable provider to his health club and said, “I need to save some money. I know you get it. Can you […]