A little over a year ago, a San Diego-based graduate student and blogger who goes by the name Roxy began a simple yet brilliant experiment. At least once a day from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, she nicely asked shopkeepers, waiters, flight attendants, and pretty much anyone else she ran across if they could give her discounts, perks, …
Saving & Spending
What Will a Cheapskate Spend Good Money On? Part II
Even a cheapskate has to spend money sometimes. I’ve asked various frugal folks—bloggers, writers, money-saving and consumer experts—to compile personal, totally subjective lists of the products, services, experiences, and other “things” they’re willing to shell out good money on. Because if a cheapskate is willing to drop cash on …
It’s a Deal: Free Pastry This Morning at Starbucks
Purchase a beverage at Starbucks and a pastry (or bagel, croissant, danish, doughnut, or fritter) is free today, July 21, until 10:30 a.m. Print the required coupon here or simply show a barista the offer on your hand-held device.
The Rise of Wireless Phone “Because They Can Fees”
When your wireless bill goes up by 20¢ or 40¢, it’s hardly a cause for outrage. Or is it? As an LA Times story reports, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint Nextel have all quietly been raising monthly fees with no good rationale, no legit reason.
She’s a Belt-Tightener, Get It? She Designs Tight-Fitting Clothes
“Tightening Belts? She’s the Expert.” That’s the headline of a NY Times story on fashion innovator Diane von Furstenburg. She’s not remotely a tightwad with money. She designs tight, clingy clothes that demand tight belts. Get it? That’s recession humor for you.
It’s a Deal: Two Pairs of Eyeglasses for the Price of One at EyeBuyDirect.com
From July 20 through July 26, all customers can get a second set of glasses for free at EyeBuyDirect.com. There’s a minimum order of $14.95. More details here.
What Will a Cheapskate Spend Good Money On? Part I
Even a cheapskate has to spend money sometimes. Today, I’m introducing a new series of posts in which I ask various frugal folks—bloggers, writers, money-saving and consumer experts—to name the products, services, experiences, and other “things” they’re willing to shell out good money on. Smart cheapskates understand that buying …
Cook & Save Blogs Beyond $50 a Week
The hullabaloo over the Fifty Bucks a Week bloggers brought up the fact that there are many, many interesting blogs out there focused on cooking on a budget. Here’s a round-up of a few other blogs that are at least vaguely concerned with saving money, shopping smartly, and preparing great dishes at home.
It’s a Deal: Flights from $29 on JetBlue
A sale on JetBlue offers one-way flights starting at $29 between Ft. Lauderdale and Nassau, Bahamas, and one-way fares of $49, $54, or $64 for many other flights within the U.S. More details here [http://jetblue.com/UBF/flights/flights.aspx].
Hey Now, You’re a Blog Star: Hottest Blogs are Written by Economists?
Hmmm … should I read waste some time wwilfing at The Onion or dig into a little light reading about macroeconomic theory at Econbrowser? According to a WSJ story, more and more people are going the latter route, trying to figure out where the economy is heading by way of blogs penned by giant-brained econogeeks.
Deep Impact: 10 Ways the Recession Is Hitting Home in Lots of Homes
Divorced couples are living under the same roof because it’s too expensive to really split up right now. There are either more people around the house (because they’re out of work) or fewer people around the house (because they’re working second and third jobs to pay bills and get health coverage). More people are doing their own chores …
No One Said Homeownership Was Easy, or That It’d Make You Happy
A study conducted by a Wharton professor—whose research was all conducted well before the recession and the housing crash—shows that despite all the hoopla about the white-picket-fence American dream of owning a house, homeowners are no happier than renters. Whatever joy homeowners derive from their properties is offset by …