Oct

Like the rest of us, you are probably looking for ways to save money right now. The internet offers lots of resources, but let’s face it–not every “money-saving” website actually helps you save money. So today I thought I would make a list of money-saving websites that I have actually used (and found helpful).

Comparison Shopping

Comparison shopping involves finding prices for the same (or similar) items at multiple stores and it is an important first step to saving money online. The internet has made this much easier, since you can find prices from lots of places without leaving your desk. This step is important because you won’t know when you’re getting a good deal unless you know what your options are. Why should you pay $129 when you could have the exact same item for $119?

If I want a particular item, I usually start by doing a Google search for it. Once there, I like to use the Google shopping tab to compare prices. There are other sites specifically devoted to price comparison, but I usually pick whichever one is conveniently located at the top of my Google search. This is one time when I actually follow the Google ads.

eBay is a great place to comparison shop. I especially like to look at completed listings so that I can see how much items actually sold for. When I’m looking for a book, I almost always check Amazon (which also has reviews).

Don’t forget the regular retailers! Most of them have websites, and those websites provide lots of great information. I would look at Walmart, Staples, Home Depot, or other similar websites to get ideas before making a major purchase. Even if you prefer to buy from a store (not online) you can gather information, models numbers, and prices before you encounter a salesperson.

What are you looking for in this all this searching? Prices, of course, but also make and model information, colors, features, and customer reviews. Saving money could mean getting an item for a better price, getting another item that works better for you, or getting a better model for the same price.

More to Come

I originally intended to write about comparison shopping, discounts, buying used, and not buying all in this post, but it was just too long. So I decided to make this a series, and I will write about discounts tomorrow. In the mean time, what are your favorite places to comparison shop? I would love to hear how you find the best prices.

Oct

Here’s a common conversation in my home:

Tim: “Who’s so-and-so?”

Me: “Why?”

Tim: “I just got a Facebook friend request from them and I don’t know who they are.”

Me: “It’s so-and-so’s cousin. I accepted the request.”

Tim: “But I don’t know them.”

—————

I have accepted plenty of friend requests from people I hardly know, but something in me wonders if I am contributing to the downfall of the English language every time I do so. I believe that “chair,” “chocolate,” and “marriage” all mean something specific. Shouldn’t “friend” mean something specific too?

From my point of view, I have few true friends. I have lots of acquaintances, nice people that I’m glad I know, but few friends. Friends are people that can see your messy house. People who will call you when they have a crisis in their lives. Lots of my Facebook “friends” are really my acquaintances in real life, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be “friends” with them on Facebook.

So when I get a request from someone I hardly know, part of me wants to revolt. We’re acquaintances, not friends. But I am honored that they asked to be my friend, and rejecting a friend request seems so harsh.

I know that there are some possibilities for making levels of friends on Facebook (like allowing someone to see only my limited profile), but those seem so concrete. Actual friendship is so much more fluid and unspoken.

Apparently I’m not the only person wondering about this. Hal Niedzviecki writes in the NYTimes about this issue. A British judge has even ruled that Facebook “friends” are not real friends.

Oct

Today’s libraries are more than just shelves of books. Of course, different libraries have different features, but here are some of the resources that my library offers. Check with your local library to see what great resources they have.

1. Databases
I have put my favorite up at the top. Databases were one of my best friends when I was in graduate school. I used them to find the information I needed for research papers. The best part is that you can often use them without actually going to the library. Databases combine the credibility of published materials with the ease of computer search. Instead of poring over the Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature, you can enter a few search terms in a database and find lots of useful information. By using databases, you can find past news articles, journal articles, and other reference material, even if your library does not own a print copy.

2. Periodicals
This is one feature that I rarely use, except when I’m doing research. However, if you have time to go to the library and do some reading there, you could check out the periodicals and save yourself some subscription fees.

3. Computers
Our library has computers and wireless internet. I have only used this resource once—when the power went out at my house, so my internet was down!

4.  Programs for kids
My library offers all kinds of kids’ events. Currently, I’m not making any use of these programs, since I have no children. However, if I was a stay-at-home mom, I think I would be thrilled to take my children to the library for a free activity!

5. Programs for teens and adults
My library offers a summer reading program for teens, homework help, and a special section for teens (in the main library). For adults, there’s classic movie night, computer classes, Spanish class, special seminars, and book discussion groups.

6. Online resources

• Online card catalog: When I go to the library, I usually want specific books, or at least books on a particular topic. I use the online card catalog to find out if the library has the items I need.

• Book request form: If the library doesn’t have a book that I want, I can request it online.

• Online book renewals: If my book is due back at the library, but I haven’t finished reading it, I can renew it online.

7. Reference
The reference section more than just a special room with encyclopedias. It is your portal to all sorts of useful information, some of which is not available anywhere else. Reference sections usually have helpful librarians who can give suggestions about where you can find the information you are looking for.  Sometimes you can even ask a librarian to find information for you!

8.  Audio/Visuals
There’s no need to rent a DVD when you can borrow one from the library! The Greenville County Library System has several branches, and I have found that the smaller branches tend to have better DVDs, even though the selection is smaller. I think this is because more people visit the main branch, so all of the popular DVDs get checked out. They also have videos and CDs.

9. Book sales
Want cheap books that you can keep? Many libraries have period book sales. Greenville Library has one coming up October 24-26.

10. Comfy reading spots
Naturally, the library is a great place to study. Even you if you are not a student, you might enjoy reading in a clean, well-lit, and quiet environment.

Save money and save trees! Use your library.

_________________________

Search for public libraries here or here.

Oct

Ever wonder where emoticons came from? I have mixed feelings about them, mainly because some people use them way too much. And I especially don’t like the kind that blink or turn different colors. They are useful, especially for indicating jokes/sarcasm. I like sarcasm sometimes, so emoticons can be necessary.

Anyway, I confess that I never really thought about where they came from, even though I know they have become popular during my lifetime.

If you’re curious now, you can go to Wired Magazine and read about their invention.

Oct

I am very excited to announce that I have just opened a store on Etsy called Scattered Fancies. Right now, the store has wall art and bead pendants. I’ve had lots of fun making the stuff, and now hopefully it will make a little money for me! This store is just one of my several attempts to earn money from home.

Visit it here.

Here are pictures of some of the things in the store.

Oct

Money Saving Mom explains how you can get free cleaning supplies at Walgreens here. All you have to do is print the coupons, buy the right stuff, and submit your rebates (it’s easy, and you can do it online!). We went tonight and got a Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaner, Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner, Fantastik, and Shout spray all for free.

Better hurry, though. I think this sale is only good through tomorrow (Saturday, October 11).

Oct

Ever wonder why we decide to buy things? I would love to study all the factors that influence people’s purchasing decisions–factors like location, sales, environment, customer service, and even music or scents.

A recent NYTimes article talks about using design in businesses, and some unexpected results. I’m not sure what I think about the examples, but the idea is interesting!

Here are some other articles about marketing and purchasing decisions.

Freakonomics on why discount stores are full of XXL and XS clothes

Using scents to influence purchases

Oct

This week I went scrounging for deals at the Goodwill Clearance Store. I especially love to look for books there, because you never know what treasures might be waiting at 10 cents/pound. This time I didn’t find very much, but I did find Little Bear.

I read Little Bear when I was a kid and loved it. I’m sure that my childhood copy has long since fallen apart or been sold at a yard sale, but now I have another one, and it’s in great shape! I still like the stories, and I think the simple words add to the charm. Oh, and the pictures are really cute, too.

When I looked Little Bear up on Amazon to make the link above, I was delighted to find that there are other little bear books besides the one I enjoyed as a child (apparently Else Minarik wrote a series!). I’ll have to check those out soon. At the rate I’m going, I will have an entire children’s library before I ever have children!