Staying In Style In This Economy
Editor’s Note: Anna Hessel with a little help from hubby, Wes, will be offering up for the next seven weeks, 10 tips a week on How to Stay In Style In This Economy. Watch for it every Tuesday.
How to Stay in Style in this Economy…
By Anna Hessel with Wes Hessel
Inflation is being beaten back but basic costs are still high, and service providers are charging more, but there is hope out there. Saving money has always been a challenge but in this current economic climate saving money can be get a bit tricky, but there are certainly ways to shave your budget without losing out on things you need and want, here are today’s suggestions:
Save Me…
Saving money in this current economic climate can be a bit of a challenge, but there are certainly ways to shave your budget without losing out on things you need and want:
- Take advantage of after holiday or seasonal clearances. I buy toys, non-perishable gifts, clothing, and decor items for the following year at significant discount.
- Extended warranties on electronics and other major purchases can be worth the nominal costs. Check the ratings on the warranty provider to see how good (or bad) their track record is, and read their terms and conditions carefully. While it isn’t always the case, good companies are out there. We recently noticed two small white dots on the screen of our TV, which showed up no matter what program source – the extended warranty refunded our entire purchase price on the television. Suddenly, those two dots are a lot less bothersome…
- Check out the numerous travel discount sites, but choose a well-known or at least well-rated one to protect yourself. My husband and I saved big money on a whirlpool suite for our anniversary.
- Discount movie theaters with second run films are a source of entertainment at a fraction of the cost of first run films. Of course, streaming services are a great value, many offer a free trial week or longer, or discounts upon sign-up for a specific period of time. Streaming that is commercial-supported can offer even more savings.
- Take advantage of gift with purchase offers or discounted collections in department stores for cosmetics, and politely ask for samples.
- Beauty schools for haircuts, manicures, pedicures and the like are often cost effective, and the work is overseen by the instructors.
- Clearance cosmetics are fine as long as you check expiration dates and don’t buy open items.
- Your own at-home hair color, mani-pedis, and facials can work just fine. Choose quality products and that does not always mean most expensive ones – do your homework to compare…
- Watch carefully if buying cosmetics and toiletries in dollar stores or other deep discount outlets – many are made in China (PRC) and are not regulated. (Even major big box stores may carry these products, and some are better known brands.) Don’t sacrifice safety for savings. Food items made in China also are not regulated, and safety is in question.
- Clearance racks are great places to find deep discount apparel (or other items, as well). You might need to trim a thread or sew a button but it’s worth it. Remember there is a big difference between fashionably distressed and a mess…
Reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle to maximize savings and stay in style…
