The company’s annual summer sale has begun. It lasts through July 5, but the discounts only apply to in-store merchandise—and the best stuff is generally scooped up early on. Check out details here.
Cheapskate Wisdom from … Meryl Streep
“Expensive clothes are a waste of money.”
What Comes After the Recession
In case I’ve misread signs that the recession is not ending anytime soon, check out a Time special package about what’s likely to happen next.
Dad-Recommended, Dad-Approved Father’s Day Gifts
A great list of potential gifts for fathers—put together by a dad in Georgia, so you know it’s legit. (Reality check: We really, really don’t want any beauty and grooming essentials.) Most of the gifts on the Georgia dad’s list are free, like one I suggested earlier. All are cheap. And all will make the old man happy.
Q&A with the Co-Founder of Swaptree.com
Look around your house. There are probably books you never read, CDs you never listen to, and DVDs you never watch. Wouldn’t it be great if you could trade them in for something new you’d enjoy? You can. Swaptree.com is here to help. The site lets users barter goods they’re willing to part with (say The DaVinci Code in hardback) for …
It’s a Deal: Free Smoothies Today
June 19 is National Flip Flop Day—quite a week for quirky pseudo-holidays, huh?—and to celebrate, Tropical Smoothie Cafés are giving out a free 24-ounce Jetty Punch Smoothie to every customer wearing flip flops. Orange Julius stores are also giving away smoothies today, but you have to print out a coupon. No flip flops required.
Signs the Recession Isn’t Ending: A Top Ten List
Or maybe these are signs of the apocalypse. I’m not sure. Unemployed horses! Bankers invading the CIA! Nickel is a hot investment! Mayhem!
The High Line by night
I paid my first visit to New York’s new elevated park tonight. First thing tomorrow I’m headed down to D.C. for a meeting of something called the Financial Regulation Reform Collaborative, where I’m supposed to keep peace among the Bebchuks and the Posners in a panel discussion and generally learn stuff I don’t know. So don’t expect …
Cheapskate Wisdom from … a Pet Psychic
“I’ve interviewed dogs about clothing, and most do not like clothes. They think clothes are silly, and that they cause people to see them as cute instead of seeing their true nature.’’ So pet owners might at least scale back on spending by skipping the doggie outfits. Read more about one dog lover’s take about why it’s wrong to …
Need a Redo? Some Great Places to Start Over
Business Week has compiled a list of the 22 best places in the U.S. to say “do over.” If your career has bottomed out and you’re interested in a change of scenery—along with more opportunities—check out the list.
Celebrate a Made-Up Holiday Today! There are Two to Choose From
And wouldn’t you know it? Both revolve around topics near and dear to cheapskates everywhere. So what would you rather do to join in the festivities: Save some money by riding the bus? Or go off the deep end and splurge on a massage, perhaps a $40 steak and a flat-screen TV to boot?
New column: A fun-free recovery
My new column on what happens after the recession ends is online, and if you’re really into the topic you can listen to me talk about it on The Takeaway.