Fixing the Ferret: Lessons From a Faulty Toy

My daughter fixed her ferret with a foot of fishing string. As such, our story about a defective toy has a happy ending. Our quick repair taught us valuable lessons. Here's what we have learned:

• Hit the return button. Why didn't we return the broken toy, asked one reader after reading the original story: Cheated By a Ferret: One Child's Lesson. We have several reasons: 1) We lost the receipt; 2) we trashed the original packaging, and 3) most importantly, we were too annoyed to think of the obvious. Anger can be counter-productive. Anger can be expensive. The faulty ferret should have been returned for cash or store credit.
  
  


• Be creative: My daughter found inspiration in a piece of clear fishing string, which resembled the original "invisible" string that made the ferret move. From her repair, I learned to think outside the tackling box and to constantly consider ways to find new uses for everyday materials that are around the home.
  
  


• Repair, recycle, reuse: It's tempting to toss out worn, broken or outdated merchandise, including toys, clothing and shoes. We live in a disposable society, and we're often quick to contribute to landfills. My goal is to find new uses for old items, including an old teapot, worn out socks and old calendars.

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Wash It Yourself & Other Ways to Save Money on Organic Fruits, Veggies

My children appreciate the added flavor in organic fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Unfortunately, organic products, which are grown and packaged without pesticides, artificial coloring or preservatives, are expensive. The following strategies have helped us to purchase organic products while staying on a tight budget.

• Follow the loss leaders. Grocery stores and specialty chains typically offer several heavily discounted items each week. These promotional items are called loss leaders because stores are willing to take a financial hit on them in order to bring consumers into the store. Stock up on sale items in the organic section and build menus around them.

• Stay local. In-season and locally produced fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper than out-of-season items that have been imported.

• Wash it yourself. We pay a premium for veggies that are already washed, peeled or cut. When time allows, I save money with do-it-yourself washing, peeling and chopping of fruits and veggies. The savings are significant.

• Hit the freezer. I love organic blueberries, but when the out-of-season price spikes to $6.99 for six ounces, I go to the freezer aisle. That's where I pick up a 10-ounce package of organic berries for about $4. The freezer section offers a variety of frozen organic fruits at reasonable prices. Frozen fruits are great for snacking or baking.

• Join an organic co-op. Before we let our membership lag, we were part of an organic food co-op in our neighborhood for over a year. We have since joined another group and are pleased with the savings. Our produce bill has dropped by 30 percent due to the co-op, which purchases fruits and vegetables in bulk from local, organic farmers.
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Sharon is the author of the Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money -- a coming of age memoir about money -- and a contributing writer in Wise Bread's 10,0001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget.

I Found Money in Vanilla Yogurt

Peeling back the foil lid of a yogurt container, I found 50 cents. Of course, there were no coins floating in the yogurt like blueberries. But a 50-cent-off coupon was imprinted on the label. Lesson: It pays to read the fine print. Some manufacturers are spending more marketing dollars on direct-to-consumer promotions, which means that coupons and other discounts are directly tattooed on to the product.

That strategy has prompted me to pay more attention to packaging and labels. And I have been rewarded. Here's a sample of the information and promotions that I have found bundled into containers of my favorite organic yogurt brand:

• Cooking Lessons: I found a recipe for strawberry muffins on one label.


• Green Tip: Buying a 32-ounce container of yogurt involves less packaging/less waste than purchasing five containers of 6-ounce yogurt. In fact, on a penny-per-ounce basis, buying the larger container is like getting one extra serving free of the smaller container. That green and thrifty tip was printed on the large yogurt tub.


• Free Magazines: By purchasing and saving four foil yogurt lids from 32-oz containers, I could have qualified for a free subscription to one of my favorite magazines. I purchased the required amount; washed off the labels and saved them in a desk drawer. And then my organization skills stalled. The postmark deadline came and went. The foil lids are still in my desk drawer. Maybe I'll use them to create an origami sculpture.

Meanwhile, I saved over $1 on my most recent yogurt purchase: The large tub was on sale for $3.00 (down from $3.79). I redeemed the 50-cent-off coupon, and I received a 10-cent rebate because I had my own re-usable shopping bag.

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Are Going-Out-of-Business Sales Real Deals or Just a Money Grab?

The first time it happened, I thought I was crazy. While flipping through so-called sale merchandise at a going-out-of-business sale for a department store, I thought the prices looked insane or maybe -- I wondered -- there was something wrong with my inner calculator. Had someone doubled the original prices before marking everything down just a tad bit? Are the prices real; are the discounts genuine?

That was during the 1980s in Pittsburgh, when I had rushed to a final sale with hopes of scoring great deals. Instead, I left the store feeling as if I had narrowly avoided a scam.

More recently, I have carted around those same feelings of disbelief as I have sampled other going-out-business sales. Are some final sales just one more money-grab before a store or company closes its doors for good?

As a shopping skeptic, I am not alone. In the last several weeks, I've received validation from other shoppers and the media, who have expressed doubt about the true value of final sales.

So shoppers beware: We have to do our homework; know our prices before walking into a going-out-of-business sale. Here's a roundup of articles and posts related to going-out-of-business sales.


How to Shop a Going Out of Business Sale



Going Out of Business Sales



Researcher: Be wary of going-out-of-business sales
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How I Use E-mail to Get Free Facials & Other Stuff & Services

My e-mail account scores freebies that I actually use. On a very selective basis, I have given my e-mail address to a few of my favorite stores and have scored free products and services that I actually use.

Over the last six months, one of my favorite stores, Origins.com has sent promotional materials offering free in-store facials, 25-percent-off discount specials, product samples and (my least favorite) buy-something-get-a-free-gift offers. I like Origins skincare products because many of the items are certified organic products, paraben-free and effective. Of course, I also like my homemade spa products, but I have also been very satisfied with the cosmetics and personal care products at Origins.

Likewise, friends have enjoyed the perks of preferred customer status at various clothing stores, including Loehmann's. Through standard mail or e-mail, friends have received advanced notice of sales and extra coupons, which have translated into real savings.

Here's my strategy:

1) Do Homework: Identify favorite stores and companies. Check the privacy policy. Avoid vendors who will sell your e-mail account.

2) Consider Alternative Accounts: If you're reluctant to give up your private e-mail account to a store or vendor, consider establishing a separate e-mail account for subscriptions, stores, e-flyers. Gmail, hot mail and yahoo are some of the free alternatives for additional accounts.

3) Open and Read: Deadlines will pass; offers will expire if you don't open your mail.

4) Be Smart: A deal is not a deal if a purchase involves items that you don't really need or like.
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How I Averted an Emotional Spending Binge: My Six-Step Program

It was a blue Monday and I was headed for a blue-light special driven by emotional spending. Fortunately, I detoured from the frivolous spending path with this six-point strategy.

• Face check: As I was toting a pair of brown Nine West shoes -- reduced to $10 -- I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I was not a happy shopper. My eyes were glazed with dollar signs and my energy was as sluggish as the economy. The sight of my tired face was a wake-up call. That reality check had me bouncing out of the shoe aisle.

• Thrift-store counter-attack: As I pushed through rows and rows of marked-down items, I realized that none of the shirts or skirts impressed me. In fact, if those same items were on sale at a thrift store, I would have turned up my nose. My new anti-shopping query: Would I buy this same item at a thrift store?

• Need-based questions: Of course, I evaluated each item with the classic question: Do I need this item or do I just want it? But I also started to think of what I really needed in my life, and that wish list does not include new clothes.

• Billable hours: Utility, medical, food and education bills flashed through my eyes as I eyed the flashy merchandise. How many hours would I have to work to pay for a shopping spree? The numbers did not work for me.

• The Children's Network: After all my talk about tough economic times and sacrifice, how would I have justified bringing a shopping bag of impulse purchases into my home? What would my children have learned from that example?

• Re-directed energy: From the emotional-spending department, I pushed the cart into the emotional debt aisle. I owed baby gifts to two friends and I found cute outfits for $4.88 each. And I located a discounted copy of a Twilight book (number #3 in the series) to replace the copy that my kids had borrowed from a friend, but lost. I'll collect the replacement tab from the kids, and I'll wrap the baby gifts.

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Mad Reader: Your Frugal Ways Are Silly! Too Thrifty?

Maybe somebody took the last muffin from the frig, or maybe there was not enough milk for his coffee, but one reader fired off a sharp retort about one of my recent articles about thrifty living: ( More Ways to Squeeze Savings From Home and Food Products )

Basically, the reader told me to get a life and go shopping in language that delivered a sharp rebuke to my alleged political affiliation. ("You've got to be an Obama voter," he said.) He also used the word "silly."

His arguments: Squeezing the last drop out of a bottle of hair conditioner and using smaller amounts of paper towels represented silly wastes of time. He implied that I was suffering from a recession of the mind and that my columns about thrift were only contributing to the economic woes.

And if I really wanted to save money, I should take real action and stop chatting on the cellphone, he said.

"Get a life. Really, if times are so tough that your skin-flint ways must be utilized, then get rid of your cellphone, cable TV, and start washing the dishes manually."

Hmm...There was more a bit more, but that's the main thesis.

Personally, I think the little things count. Squeezing the last drop of conditioner from a plastic bottle, conditions my mind to think about how I can get the greatest mileage from other areas of my life.

It's like playing scales on a violin. When I practise my violin, I play boring, scales -- nothing fancy. But I play small, basic notes -- over and over again -- to prepare my fingers, ears and eyes for concertos and other complicated compositions. It's an exercise in discipline.

Besides, small things count. That's what countless editors have told me during my days as a television desk assistant and, later, a newspaper reporter. When I would shrug about a small typo in a name or title, my editors would give me stern lectures. "If I can't trust you with the small facts, how can I trust you with the big facts?" -- one editor argued during a grueling editing session. (With that voice in my head, I have learned to master the art of fact-checking!)

As a writer, reporter and frugal blogger, I am far from perfect. But I've absorbed the lessons that I have learned from news directors, editors and other media professionals. I've learned to count small change in order to enhance my ability to count the big-ticket items in life.

And, Dear Reader, I already know how to shop. Trust me! I've been shopping for years. I could write a book on shopping. In fact, I have written a book about shopping. And I will continue to make purchases as needed, with a few personal treats and periodic manicures/pedicures. That's the Duchess part of my frugal gig. I don't believe in deprivation. I am so spoiled. I eat organic blueberries almost every day.

But the truth is: I have spent a lot of money during my young adult years, and I'm all shopped out.

And FYI: I have a frugal cellphone plan; I don't have cable television. I run my dishwasher about once a week, and I often wash my dishes by hand. But those frugal actions are also driven by another green -- I also believe in an eco-friendly approach to living. I've been shrinking my carbon footprint.

I'm grateful to that reader for writing. Thank You! He made me consider how the slowdown in consumer spending could further deflate the economy. He has a point! But his note prompted me to think about the shopping bags stuffed in my closets and cabinets, and he gave me something to write about on a rare cold day in Miami.

So, again, thank you sir!

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Hunting for Deep Discounts & Thrifty Gifts at Post-Holiday Sales

From home decorations to costumes, post-holiday sales offer great bargains. For that reason, I prefer to buy costumes and masks in November, Thanksgiving dinner table decorations in December and holiday presents in January.

It's a shopping strategy I learned from my grandmother, who stocked up on Halloween candy long after the last trick-or-treaters had gone home. Post-holiday discounts are compelling. Typically, holiday-themed merchandise is sold at half price days after the holiday, with markdowns falling to 70 percent to 95 percent of the full retail price within two to three weeks after a holiday.

Last November, for instance, we purchased an angel costume for my daughter -- complete with gold wings and a halo -- for about $5 from Target, down from the full price of about $20. She wore the ensemble for a costume party in March. Halloween sales also provide a great opportunity to stock up on orange dessert plates, black napkins and candy, which can be used at parties throughout the year. Likewise, scary merchandise -- skulls, witches and ghost -- can be purchased and saved to create a spooky atmosphere at backyard summer carnivals and birthday parties.

Discounted cloth napkins, centerpieces and holiday-themed serving dishes can be stored for coming years. Every year, for example, my parents set the table with Thanksgiving accessories saved from year to year. What's more, some holiday merchandise -- without symbols or other holiday markings -- can be used year-round. I have post-holiday place mats and cloth napkins in seasonal colors that brighten my table in the summer and spring.

My family, however, has made some post-holiday shopping errors. Based on those mistakes, I offer these tips:

• Show restraint. Mesmerized by a 95 percent off post-Halloween sale, last year we purchased a Star Wars Yoda costume for our dog. He hated the getup.
• Watch the calendar. As time passes, sale merchandise gets really picked over. It's a balance between getting the best price and purchasing merchandise you really need.
• Look for expiration dates. One year, my grandmother purchased Halloween candy that was filled with worms. The candy was returned.


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BOGO Trap: Buy Eight, Get One Free? I Don't Think So

A little boy -- a first grader -- tried to explain a little bit of soda pop economics to my daughter. Here's the pitch: Collect eight bottle tops, he said, and you'll get one free soda.

My daughter was amused, but not impressed. "You mean, I have to buy eight sodas to get the free one," she asked. "That's not a good deal."

I was proud that she had grasped the dangers of Buy-One/Get-One (BOGO) free purchases. It's a lesson that stumps many little kids and adults. At some point in our shopping careers, we've all stumbled over the buy-a-lot/get-a-little-free pitch. For instance, one salon offers promises a free manicure after the 10th session. Additionally, one area coffee shop has a similar buy 10 (coffee cups) and get one free. Perhaps those offers are valid if you are really a frequent customer. But what if you feel compelled to spend a lot just to get the so-called freebie?

The lure of free stuff is hard to ignore, even when we know better. This past week, for example, I seriously considered traveling quite a distance from my home to collect a free $10 gift certificate from an area store. Fortunately, I began to calculate the cost of that free gift, including the value of my traveling time. What's more, very few items at that store cost $10 and it's very likely that my free gift would have cost an additional $30-$50 out of my pocket.

Bankrate.com has a great list of money traps to avoid, including the BOGO Trap: 7 'psycho' money traps and how to beat them. Here's how to elude the BOGO spending bait:

"Whenever you see the term 'free,' consider it a warning to slow down and consider your choice very carefully," says Ariely. Do the math and always consider what you are giving up when you choose the item attached to something "free." Usually -- but not always -- there is a real cost to something touted as "free." -- Dan Ariely, the James B. Duke Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University and author of "Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions" as quoted in Bankrate.com

"7 'psycho' money traps from Bankrate.com

1.The lure of 'free'
2.The 'anchor-price' persuasion
3.The instant-gratification attraction
4.The dollars-to-donuts decoy
5.The separate-buckets blunder
6. The 'sacred-fund' slip-up
7.The lost-money fallacy"


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Telling My Daughter the Truth about Her New 'Friend,' The Salesclerk!

I had to tell my daughter the truth. At the risk of hurting my baby's feelings, I had to tell her that the cool teenager in the 'tween-age clothing store was not really a friend. The 16-year-old salesclerk --so cute, so charming -- was more interested in my 10-year-old daughter's wallet.

I hope I did the right thing.

'Tween Queens

Here's the scenario: To kill time before a movie, my daughter and I wandered into a store that targets girls ages 8-12. It's a great concept. Driven by Miley Cyrus --Hannah Montana -- and other young stars, the 'tween market for merchandise is hot.

Preteen girls have allowances and a desire for cute clothes and trinkets. As a frugal mom, I should have re-directed our window-shopping expedition. But my daughter wanted to check out the bright store, which featured videos, magazines and other gear from various Nick Jr. and Disney stars.

Immediately, a salesgirl in a ponytail and jeans, swooped down on us. Before I could say "bling-bling," the cute salesclerk had picked out several outfits for my daughter, complete with a cute matching cap.

Long Lines, Short Time Frame

With our movie about to start, we did not have time for the dressing room or the lengthy cashier line. My daughter promised to return. After the movie, my daughter gushed about the really nice salesclerk as we ran back to the store. (What was I thinking? Clearly, I had 'tween fever!)

"She was so nice," my daughter said. "She spent so much time with me. I just want to go by and say 'hi' to her. I promised her that I would come back after the movie."


Shopping Reality Trip

At this point, I halted in the middle of the crowded mall.

"She's not really your friend," I blurted out. "She just wants you to buy all that stuff that she picked out for you."

"You mean she doesn't really like me?" My daughter is visibly distressed.

I soften up and carefully select my words.

"Sure, she likes you. But she also likes your business. She wants you to buy those outfits. She makes more money when you spend more money," I said.

Reconsidering the Merchandise

When we returned to the store, my daughter made a big effort to track down and wave to the friendly salesgirl, who at this point was best-buds with another little girl and a huge stack of trendy clothing.

My daughter studied the cute plaid hat. It was $15. I mentioned that the hat might be cheaper --marked down -- in a few months. But I still let her decide if she wanted to spend her hard-earned money, (she works as a mother's helper), on the little cotton cap. My daughter returned the hat to the display. She'd rather save her money and besides the line was still so long.

What would you have done? Would you have told her the truth about the salesclerk? Should I have continued to let her believe that the cool clerk was a friend?

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By the way, I'm hosting a Q&A session at a Wise Bread Forum:

"For this entire week (8/18- 8/24), Sharon Harvey Rosenberg (The Frugal Duchess) will be answering questions in our forum about blogging, personal finance, and her new book Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money Anywhere "

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Here's how to buy my new book:

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Shopping, Buying & Other Money-Saving Tips from eBay Expert

I enjoyed reading "eBay’s Guide to Financial Fitness." The money-saving tips were smart and include advice about using misspelled words to bargain hunt.

Here are the tips:

"First-Time Buyers


Never assume. Missing information in the item description? Don’t fill in the blanks; directly contact the seller before you commit to buying anything. Click on the “Ask seller a question” link from any listing to email questions and get more detailed information.

Research! You can find virtually any information you need online. Start by researching product information, reading reviews and checking the value of what you’re buying. The more you know, the more successful you’ll be.

Follow through. When you buy it, pay for it quickly to complete the transaction.

Use PayPal. PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay online. Beginning this holiday season, PayPal will provide you with unlimited coverage on your purchases.

Frequent Buyers

Hidden Gems. Find a great deal by using search terms with spelling mistakes (sometimes sellers forget to spell check their listings) or search for an item with the terms “outlet,” “liquidation” or “refurbished” to find a bargain.

Communicate. If something needs to be addressed during the transaction, contact the seller directly. The best way is to reach the seller is via email or, if a number is available, give them a call.

Analyze feedback. After you’ve narrowed down your search, check seller feedback and ratings for each item. Remember, give preference to the seller with the highest feedback score – it means they have the best reputation as a seller.

Don’t be afraid. eBay is set up to hold people accountable. If a problem cannot be resolved by contacting the seller directly, rely on eBay. To get more information, click on the Security and Resolution Center link located at the top of any eBay.com page and report your problem.

eBay Addicts

Be adventurous. If you’re comfortable and frequently use eBay to buy from one or two categories, consider exploring other categories to find new, unearthed items. For example, an antiques dealer can find great vintage items in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories category beyond just shopping in Collectibles.

Consider pre-owned. To save some cash, consider searching and purchasing used items. Review your search results to select the item that best suits your needs – chances are you’ll come across the perfect find at a great price.

Trade up. If you’re looking for a little extra cash to purchase the next must-have item on your list, all you have to do is sell an item on eBay. Voila! You’ve now recycled, cleaned house and earned money to purchase another great product.
Luxuriate! On eBay, you can find a range of high-end items, from consumer electronics to clothing and accessories. Be as specific as possible when searching for an item – include both the brand name and model number. You can also add in helpful search terms like “authentic,” “collectors,” “rare” or an era to help narrow your search."

--source: Jim “Griff” Griffith, eBay’s Dean of Education and author of “The Official eBay Bible,” has been the foremost education expert on eBay since 1996, when he was invited to join the company as its first customer support representative."
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Here's how to buy my new book:

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Beat the $600 Average for School Shopping: CCCS Tips

These are helpful school supply shopping tips from CCCS:

'According to the National Retail Federation, families will spend $594.24 on back to school purchases, compared to $563.49 last year.

"Families can expect to see rising costs on everything from uniforms and school clothes to supplies for their child and the classroom," said Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. "Advanced planning, careful shopping and a little research can go a long way in helping you stay within your budget."

• Make a budget and stick to it: Decide how much you will spend on school supplies ahead of time and, if possible, set aside the cash to avoid overspending. Use school shopping as an opportunity to teach your child about making choices by giving them a set spending amount to purchase some of the items they will need. They will learn that if they want the special folders, they may need to forego the fancy markers.
• Take inventory: Begin with a list of all back-to-school needs and expenses including supplies, equipment, clothing, and fees for sports, music and science labs. Next, check around the house for what your family already owns. Look for and reuse calculators, rulers, pencil sharpeners and anything else that is still in working condition. Last year's backpack may be just what is needed to start the new school year. In fact, wait just a few weeks after school starts and many backpacks and other accessories will be on sale for a fraction of the original price. Most students will not need entirely new wardrobes-just fill in the gaps with a few new outfits or uniform pieces. Well-maintained musical instruments and sports equipment are considerably less expensive than new ones.
• Plan your shopping: With gas prices at record levels, it may not pay to go to several stores to save a few cents on school supplies. Check the newspaper and online ads and map out your shopping plan to maximize you savings and stay within your budget.
• Shop at school: Many schools offer pre-packaged school supplies for students. Often coordinated by the PTA as a fundraiser, families can purchase supply packs from the school at costs comparable to what you would pay at a retailer. You will save time and gas by not having to shop, and your child's supplies will be waiting for them on the first day of school.
• Shop online and at discount retailers: Several national office supply stores are offering good online prices for school supplies. Look for free or inexpensive delivery. Outlet stores, big box stores and discount chains can save you money on uniforms and other school supplies. Check out your neighborhood consignment shops and thrift stores too. Some have designated space for school uniforms and you may get some great bargains."

Source: Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS)

Queercents: How to Stretch Your Food Dollars

Ten tactics to stretch your food dollar! That's a new weekly series from Queercents, a personal finance blog. Topics include: "Don't Throw It Away: How to Properly Store Food So You Don't Waste Money,"
Here's a link to recent posts in the series. Written by Serena Freewomyn, the posts offers simple tips for making your food budget more flexible. Here's a preview of topics:

• Making Your Food Dollar Stretch: Rethinking Meat
• Amazing Grains: Getting More Bang For Your Buck
• Eat Your Broccoli: How Nutrient Rich Veggies Can Save You Money

Queercents is a personal finance blog serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The author of the series is an expert in food. Here's her bio:

Freewomyn has a degree in Women’s Studies from Arizona State University and attends the Le Cordon Bleu’s Culinary Management Program at Scottsdale Culinary Institute. A proponent of the “buy local” lifestyle, Freewomyn writes about her love of fresh produce, “I think the movement towards decentralized food is wonderful. It’s good for the environment and it reduces the factor of increased fuel costs that are driving up food prices. But the best part is that local produce just tastes better.”

Cash in Shopping Mistakes & 6 Other Simple Steps to Save $1,000

Bankrate.com has a great list of "7 steps to an extra $1,000." The list contains some of the standard suggestions (use the library, cut the grocery bill), but there are a few that really caught my eye. My favorite: "#2 Return unopened, unused items."

"If you're looking for extra money, your closets or drawers are a good place to start," says John Mruz, president of Juggling Duck Organizers in Morristown, N.J. source: 7 steps to an extra $1,000

From light bulbs in the wrong size to a shirt (new with tags) that never got worn, our closets and drawers are often stuffed with shopping mistakes. We can save money by returning unused items that we don't want, don't need or should not have purchased in the first place.

In my home, we just returned a $10 calligraphy pen to Office Depot. The writing tool was originally purchased because we had planned to address party invitations with calligraphy. But the pen was the wrong format for my beginner-level skill. I needed a calligraphy marker rather than an elaborate calligraphy fountain pen, which would have been harder to use and more expensive.

That pen-in-package sat around our house for weeks. Eventually, we returned it to Office Depot and exchanged our mistake for a box of Thank You cards, which we really needed. In the past, I may have just eaten the loss and thrown the calligraphy pen into the back of a desk drawer. More space-hogging clutter for my brain!

Our homes are often filled with shopping mistakes that we are either too busy, too lazy or too embarrassed to take back. As a result many of us have trinkets, clothing and other items (new with tags) stored around our homes.

Some of these items find a second life in thrift stores and in hand-me-down piles, where I have spotted new merchandise with tags thrown in with used items. Giving away our shopping mistakes is one solution. We can also hit the return button at the customer service desk at our favorite stores. Or we can shop less. That last strategy ranks high on my to-do list.

Here's the full list of 7 steps to an extra $1,000 from Bankrate.com:

1. Look for discounted dinner entrees
2. Return unopened, unused items
3. Look for extra grocery savings
4. Check out materials from the library
5. Bundle cable, phone and Internet services
6. Negotiate with monthly service providers
7. Stash money for easier savings next year

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Sharon Harvey Rosenberg is the author of The Frugal Duchess of South Beach: How to Live Well and Save Money... Anywhere!, which will be published in June of 2008 by DPL Press.

The Discount Party Dress: How I Cut Costs at Loehmann's

So I broke down and purchased a new dress for my son's Bar Mitzvah party. I saved $40 to $330 -- depending on the "base" price (see below) -- and received several compliments about my party outfit. Here's how I spent less:

Boutique Adventure: My trip began at a small South Beach (SoBe)-style boutique. I saw a cute two-piece outfit. The problem: the top was $144 and the skirt was slightly higher. Bottom line: Rather than pay about $300 for the outfit, I went to Loehmann's.

Loehmann's Experience: I purchased an asymmetrical black and gold dress. Through a series of markdowns, I cut costs. Here's the math:

• "Advertised" price: $390
  
• Store price: $99.00
  
• Yellow tag price: $79.90
  
• Cash register discount 20% off -$16 = $64
  
• Loehman's frequent shopper discount 10% off -$6.40 = $59.60. Note this program was free to join. I enrolled at the register and immediately received a 10 percent cut on my bill, which the saleswoman had already rung up. (It was fun to see the bill drop still lower.)

Final price: $59.60

Savings vs. original store price: $40.40

Savings vs. advertised department store price: $333.40

Savings vs. SoBe boutique outfit: $230.60

Of course, I know that I didn't really "save" money. I just spent less. The real bottom line: I had a good time at the celebration and the dress was just a small fraction of the event.

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The Frugal Duchess Booktique
The Frugal Duchess of Beauty Store

Book Shop of Fear
The Poetry & Drama Queen
Frugal Jazz & Blues
Frugal Comic Book Connection
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Permanently Altered: How I Avoided Red-Tag Seduction

After over a year without new clothes, I recently went shopping for party clothes to wear to an important family event. But four stores and several hours later, I returned home with clothes for my children, but nothing for me. Clearly, my new clothes boycott has permanently altered my shopping patterns. Here's how:

Red-Tag Fatigue: I looked at the sales rack and yawned. In the past, red tags with alleged savings of 60 percent to 75 percent discounts would have made my heart beat faster. But I've done the math and I'm not impressed by red tags. If a garment was originally marked up by 500 percent or 1000 percent over the wholesale price, a 60 percent price shave doesn't sound like such a must-have good deal.

Quality Patrol: Rather than a shopping cart of just markdowns, I was looking for an evening outfit that was stylish, well-cut and affordable. That process takes time. But in the past, I've snapped up clothing that almost fits or almost looks good. I've also spent a small fortune getting clothing tailored to fit my frame. This year, I declined to waste money on near-hits that just sit in my closet or make me look bad.

Is it Really for Me?: One year, at Marshall's I saw a cute outfit that was literally marked down to 50 cents. (Honestly!) It was a two-piece floral cotton outfit that looked sort-of preppy. Wearing that cotton suit with its big fake-gold buttons and white Peter Pan collar, I looked like I should have been lunching with the ladies in Palm Beach. Correction: I looked like a Palm Beach wannabe (a social pretender) in a cheap imitation of a Lilly Pulitzer suit that was poorly cut and soooo not me. Bottom Line: I wasted 50 cents buying an outfit that was affordable, but out of character. I was lured by the 50-cent red tag. This year, a reality check kept me away from the cash register.

Old Clothes Ties: Like a past heartache that won't fade, I'm constantly drawn to the old clothes in my closet. Do I really need to buy a new party outfit? Can I wear something old? Is it possible to update an older garment with new shoes or a hat? Can I buy a new jacket to wear with an older dress? Those were a few of the questions that slowed my progress through the racks.

Wait-and-See: I actually saw several dresses, suits and gowns that I really, really liked. But I left the store empty-handed in order to take time to think about those purchases. It's a wise move and I've promised to sit down at least once while shopping: (I Won't Eat or Spend While Standing Up.) I've made mistakes in the past by making impulsive decisions about clothing, finance and relationships. A wait-and-see attitude forces me to make mindful choices about my money, wardrobe and life.

Need vs. Wants: Of course, I made sure that other family members purchased what they needed and wanted for the party. But when I thought about what I needed, I looked down at my feet. At the end of the day, I went to the parking lot with a $15 pair of leather clogs (marked down from about $60) to replace an old pleather/plastic pair from Payless ($6 on sale) that I had purchased about two years ago. My old shoes were really beat up. I started to leave them on the street for a homeless person, but my children vetoed my plans. Their arguments: 1) No one could fit into my Cinderella shoes and 2) No homeless person would want such a worn pair of slip-on heels.

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Watch Your Back: I Fought a Ceramic Elephant

I just wanted to buy a little black dress for my daughter, but first I had to fight a ceramic elephant dish and other buy-me, buy me stuff that surrounded the check-out line. It was a battle for my wallet but I made it through the maze of merchandise without spending extra money.

The back story: For the first time in over a year, my family is in the middle of a major shopping spree due to my son's upcoming Bar Mitzvah celebration, with about 200 people. We've saved money, by making our own invitations (DIY Invitations: Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings & Other Formal Parties) and finding a very affordable party site: (Big Party; Small Budget: A Frugal Event Planning Guide: Pt. 1). But I promised my mom and dad, that we would not wear recycled clothes for the event: (Mutiny: Rebellion Against Used Party Clothes: Frugal Event Planning Guide Pt.2). So we went shopping.

Our shopping cart: We've been fairly disciplined and have found great deals. We benefited from store-wide clearance sales. For example, At Marshalls, I found a pretty party dress for my 10-year-old daughter, but getting to the checkout counter was a challenge. There is a single lane -- an airport style line -- that feeds the different cash registers. This long line is hemmed in --on all sides --by stuff: Lots and lots of stuff with red tags. Most of the marked-down merchandise was from the December holiday season and I wanted to bring everything home with me. Here's a list of what I saw at the checkout line:

• ceramic elephant dish $3.00


• coffee table book: psychic pets about $12


• large red serving platters about $5


• tree-shaped sugar lollipops (a set of 10 for about $6)


• crossword puzzle books (hardback)


• box of note cards: $6


• dining room table $199


• milk chocolate-covered Oreos $5 for a small container


• Happy holidays (signs) and wreaths


• tree ornaments


• cookbooks


• an exercise CD $2.50 for a boxed set of two (This item assaulted me in Target.)

Bottom Line: Standing in the checkout line can be hazardous to your wealth.

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Previous Posts

Happy MLK Day! A News Roundup

How to Recycle Eyeglasses, Suits & More

6 Ways Going Back to School Can Pay Off

My Dog Dances in the Rain: Why I Want to Live Like Scruffy

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Sharon Harvey Rosenberg is the author of The Frugal Duchess of South Beach: How to Live Well and Save Money... Anywhere!, which will be published in the Spring of 2008 by DPL Press.

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Frugal Lessons from Luxury Shoppers: 3 Basic Questions Before Paying

High-end consumers can teach us a few things about getting the most for our shopping dollars. That's one of the tips I picked up from the January issue of Town & Country . The shopping rules are outlined below with a few of my comments.

1.Quality counts: "What is the quality and the level of workmanship of this object? Is this crocodile tote bag really worth several thousand dollars?" --Pamela Fiori writes in her Editor's Letter. Frugal Translation: Check the seams. Examine the product. Here are a few questions that I ask myself: Will this tee-shirt really hold up in the wash. Will this skirt look like a rag in a year? Will this dollar store toy be broken in a few days?

2. Consider packaging. T&C comment: "Is the packaging up to the product?" Frugal Translation: Forget the packaging! I don't want to pay for pretty cardboard and extra bows. Just give me a decent product at affordable prices, wrapped in recycled materials.

3. Shop where they treat you well. On this point, T&C delivered a few surprises. It turns out that some super expensive stores have horrible customer service, and that's a major turnoff for wealthy shoppers. In fact, one woman cancelled a huge order at an expensive Madison Avenue store that treated her poorly. "Snootiness and intimidation don't work anymore," the T&C editor writes: "Why can't luxury retailers figure out that the way to a customer's heart is through caring, considerate service. It baffles me."

In contrast, some mass market chains such as J. Crew deliver excellent service. Here's what the T&C editor has to say on this point: "At any J. Crew I have ever shopped in, I have experienced the kind of service that I expect from stores selling products at ten times the price." Frugal Translation: J. Crew, Target and Payless might provide a few tips for luxury retail stores. I never realized that discount shopping was such a luxury.

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Mutiny: Rebellion Against Used Party Clothes: Frugal Event Planning Guide Pt.2

It's a frugal mutiny and I've been overruled by higher powers: The Grandparents! My folks -- who have worn recycled fashions to other galas (Recycled Cinderella: Same Outfits, Different Holiday Balls) -- will not let me dress up their grandson in either borrowed, second-hand or gently used clothing for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah celebration. And they have wired money -- directly to a seventh -grader -- to make sure he gets a new suit for his upcoming celebration. Thank you M&D!

What's more, the members of my household have loudly vetoed the hand-me down cocktail dress that I had planned to wear for the evening party. I guess I'll have to go shopping. (Sigh!) It'll be the first major clothes shopping outing in our house in over a year. The Result: Part 2 of my Frugal Event Planning Guide: The Clothes Budget is turning out differently than I had planned.

I had a plan to dress us up in borrowed or recycled fashions for the celebration, which includes a day-time religious service and an evening fete. I had planned to write about our borrowed fashions. And besides, we've saved money by making our own invitations: (DIY Invitations: Bar Mitzvahs, Weddings & Other Formal Parties) and selecting an elegant, but frugal party location: Big Party; Small Budget: A Frugal Event Planning Guide: Pt. 1. We've all been on the same page, but I now have a clothes war on my hands.

For the birthday boy, we were going to shop at an upscale consignment store in Coral Gables, a very wealthy community in South Florida. The Rationale: Somewhere in the racks, there would be a suitable dress suit (possibly a designer outfit?) that may have been worn once or twice by another middle-school boy to a formal event. But if my son will feel more celebrated and confident in a new suit and shirt, who am I to argue?

My wardrobe selection included a beaded navy and silver dress, with a jacket. The style is very art deco and the beading resembles the photo on this page. It's a very pretty hand-me down from a friend and I've received compliments when I've worn it before. But I have to admit that my friend last wore the outfit to a party in the early 1990s. And with a few alarming looks my family has given the dress a firm thumbs-down. It doesn't look like me, they say and -- horrors - it's look a little dated and less than gently worn. Okay, so I'll buy a new dress! Twist my arm and make me scream: Ann Taylor, Macy's, Marshall's, Bloomingdales or Saks! I'm there. (There is also a cute consignment store in South Beach that I plan to check out.)

So I've learned these lessons:

• Be Flexible: Sometimes recycled fashion works; sometimes it doesn't. It's important to keep an open heart and an open mind.
  
• Don't embarrass your family


• Listen to your folks, especially if they offer to pay the bill.
  
• Remember the bottom line: The purpose of a party is to celebrate and it's important not to let other issues: clothing budget, frugal planning or other concerns disrupt the party.
  
• Have Fun!

And finally, when I have to make a choice between a funny frugal story and my family, the family always comes first.

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Previous Posts
Fourth Grader Joins Flea Market, Hires 4 Employees, Sells Crafts and Prints Money

Full-Time Teacher, Weekend Cook: Part-Time Jobs To Pay Bills
How to Get More Value From Your Home
Squeeze In Exercise Without Spending Lots of Time & Money

What Gas Leak? Mom's Nose vs Car Dealer & $49 Service Bill
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Sharon Harvey Rosenberg is the author of The Frugal Duchess of South Beach: How to Live Well and Save Money... Anywhere!, which will be published in the Spring of 2008 by DPL Press.

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Park Carefully: 10 Frugal Tips for Post-Holiday Shopping

If you plan to hit the malls tomorrow, here are 10 tips that have saved me time and money:

1. Find original packaging. You'll have a better chance of returning merchandise if you present the original box.

2. Collect your paperwork: Come armed with credit-card receipts, store receipts and tags. With the right paperwork, I've received dollar-for-dollar value for returned items in the form of cash or a credit on my account. Without receipts, you could lose money. Here's the scenario: You paid $35 for the dish set. But in the post-holiday markdown, the set has been reduced to $18. With a receipt, you'll get $35 back for the return. But without the receipt, you'll receive an $18 store credit.

3. Don't give up if you lack documentation. Many stores offer flexible return policies, even if you don't have a receipt or the original packaging. However, without a receipt you'll only get store credit, at best.

4. Collect names: If you have problems returning an item, start a new paper trail at the store. Collect names and speak to a manager if necessary. Remain polite.

5. Stay home: I save the most when I skip the post-holiday sales.

6. Get a head start: December 2008 is only 12 months away. Holiday merchandise will be marked down. Pick up gifts for steep discounts. Shop with a list.

7. Wait 'til January: If you think prices are low now, just wait until January. From thrift stores to upscale chains, January is a great time to pick up bargains.

8. Eat before you shop: Don't shop on an empty stomach. If you're hungry, even the little box of Godiva chocolates will look like a good deal. Trust me: Once at Macy's, I was so hungry that I purchased super-rich chocolate for an amount that could have been applied to a college fund.

9. Park near the stores you will visit: Limit your walks through the mall. I know one bank analyst who parks near the exterior doors of each door he plans to visit. This discipline makes him less vulnerable to impulse purchases because he spends less time walking through malls.

10. Start a gift closet. Instead of returning unwanted presents, why not just stash them away in a re-gifting closet? Build an inventory for the future. This step will accomplish two things: 1) you'll save money on future presents and 2) you won't be tempted to spend more money during your latest shopping trip.

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Sharon Harvey Rosenberg is the author of The Frugal Duchess of South Beach: How to Live Well and Save Money... Anywhere!, which will be published in May of 2008 by DPL Press.
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Previous Posts

Today:

Holiday Zalute to Zo (Miami Heat!): 10 Reasons To Cheer for Alonzo Mourning

How to Recycle Christmas Trees: Mulch Conversion
Yesterday:
Life Lessons from Oscar Peterson: Tribute to a Jazz Man
Beyond Fruitcake: 25 Frugal Things To Do When You're Bored After Opening Presents
Sell Your Home Faster with DIY Home Staging: Make Your Home Look Like a Hotel

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