Today, I'd like to balance the scales by telling you about some things that I'm surprised more people don't have. You don't have to be rich to splurge, or to have good stuff. In fact, if you know where to look, you can get some great bargains on great stuff. For example, I'm surprised that more people don't have:
Pebble. The Apple Watch is outrageously expensive, but that doesn't mean that you can't afford a smartwatch at all. I've had my Pebble for nearly two years, and it's perfect for me. It's Apple and Android compatible, the battery life is better than the iWatch, and 8 apps are really all (or probably, more) than you need for a watch. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, and the price is much more reasonable (starting at $125-$150). Yes, you can have a smartwatch. Why don't you?
Focus T25. Forget the gym. This high intensity workout will get you in shape faster and in less time than a personal trainer and a membership, and you can do the workouts right at home in just 25 minutes. It's a one time investment that will pay off fast. I'm proof: I've been on this workout for about a year, and my doctor said at my recent physical that I'm in the best shape she's ever seen me in.
Roku. Are you really watching 200 channels for $100-$150 a month? I didn't think so. Do yourself and your bank account a favor, cut the wire, and invest in a Roku. There's plenty to watch, and even the paid apps come out significantly less than cable or satellite. If you miss your local channels, get a digital antenna. Trust me, there's plenty to watch on streaming TV, and you get your money's worth out of it. Just one tip: get the box, not the stick. The box works much better!
Kindle. If you love to read, a Kindle is a must. Even my non-tech savy Mom has one, and she loves it! I established in a previous blog that ebooks are generally cheaper than bookstore offerings, the selection is amazing, and frankly, it's super-easy to read on. Plus, you can email PDF and Word documents to it for easy reading there too. They usually retail for $79, but Amazon often runs them on sale, so set an alert and grab one if you don't have it already.
Jewelry. Ladies, if you like nice jewelry, check out Kohls. They often run big sales on the fine jewelry, so you can snag nice earrings or rings for a lot less than you think. I have several pieces from such sales, and I've given them as gifts, too.
Cashmere. Amazon has an outstanding Black Friday sale on Cashmere sweaters. Just log on Thanksgiving night, and you can snag them starting at $60-$70.
I've done blog entries on saving money, but if you need more tips, then I've recently discovered that you can try:
Shopping at Aldi. It's 30%-40% cheaper than retail grocery stores. They don't have everything, but they have a lot, and you can stock up on what they don't have at Walmart.
Using loyalty cards and discount cards wisely. Everybody has a card these days, and you can quickly drown in them, right along with the email solicitations they send you. Just sign up for cards where you shop often, because the rewards pay off at places you visit regularly. We're always getting freebies and discounts at Panera Bread and Which Wich.
Cash in your rewards points. Often, people forget that they have rewards points on debit or credit cards. Don't let them go to waste! I've gotten cash back and several gift cards through them.
Ask the experts. Often, people that are professionals in their field will give you tips on how to get stuff for less if you're nice (and if you tip well). For example, the lady that cuts my hair recently told me that Tre Semme and Dove are the best shampoos and conditioners over the counter that you can get, and are salon quality. Tre Semme is a lot cheaper than most of the brands on the shelves, it comes in huge bottles, and they often run it on discount. Don't be afraid to ask people at places you frequent about deals or ways to save.
See, ordinary people can have nice stuff, if you know where to look and how to invest wisely. There's no secret - it's just wisdom.
That's all today. Have a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Bye!
Pebble. The Apple Watch is outrageously expensive, but that doesn't mean that you can't afford a smartwatch at all. I've had my Pebble for nearly two years, and it's perfect for me. It's Apple and Android compatible, the battery life is better than the iWatch, and 8 apps are really all (or probably, more) than you need for a watch. Plus, they come in a variety of styles, and the price is much more reasonable (starting at $125-$150). Yes, you can have a smartwatch. Why don't you?
Focus T25. Forget the gym. This high intensity workout will get you in shape faster and in less time than a personal trainer and a membership, and you can do the workouts right at home in just 25 minutes. It's a one time investment that will pay off fast. I'm proof: I've been on this workout for about a year, and my doctor said at my recent physical that I'm in the best shape she's ever seen me in.
Roku. Are you really watching 200 channels for $100-$150 a month? I didn't think so. Do yourself and your bank account a favor, cut the wire, and invest in a Roku. There's plenty to watch, and even the paid apps come out significantly less than cable or satellite. If you miss your local channels, get a digital antenna. Trust me, there's plenty to watch on streaming TV, and you get your money's worth out of it. Just one tip: get the box, not the stick. The box works much better!
Kindle. If you love to read, a Kindle is a must. Even my non-tech savy Mom has one, and she loves it! I established in a previous blog that ebooks are generally cheaper than bookstore offerings, the selection is amazing, and frankly, it's super-easy to read on. Plus, you can email PDF and Word documents to it for easy reading there too. They usually retail for $79, but Amazon often runs them on sale, so set an alert and grab one if you don't have it already.
Jewelry. Ladies, if you like nice jewelry, check out Kohls. They often run big sales on the fine jewelry, so you can snag nice earrings or rings for a lot less than you think. I have several pieces from such sales, and I've given them as gifts, too.
Cashmere. Amazon has an outstanding Black Friday sale on Cashmere sweaters. Just log on Thanksgiving night, and you can snag them starting at $60-$70.
I've done blog entries on saving money, but if you need more tips, then I've recently discovered that you can try:
Shopping at Aldi. It's 30%-40% cheaper than retail grocery stores. They don't have everything, but they have a lot, and you can stock up on what they don't have at Walmart.
Using loyalty cards and discount cards wisely. Everybody has a card these days, and you can quickly drown in them, right along with the email solicitations they send you. Just sign up for cards where you shop often, because the rewards pay off at places you visit regularly. We're always getting freebies and discounts at Panera Bread and Which Wich.
Cash in your rewards points. Often, people forget that they have rewards points on debit or credit cards. Don't let them go to waste! I've gotten cash back and several gift cards through them.
Ask the experts. Often, people that are professionals in their field will give you tips on how to get stuff for less if you're nice (and if you tip well). For example, the lady that cuts my hair recently told me that Tre Semme and Dove are the best shampoos and conditioners over the counter that you can get, and are salon quality. Tre Semme is a lot cheaper than most of the brands on the shelves, it comes in huge bottles, and they often run it on discount. Don't be afraid to ask people at places you frequent about deals or ways to save.
See, ordinary people can have nice stuff, if you know where to look and how to invest wisely. There's no secret - it's just wisdom.
That's all today. Have a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend.
Bye!
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