MSN Money suggests a few mini-splurges to make you feel rich in a poor economy, like buying a lipstick or bottle of wine under $25. Not bad, but not what I would spend my limited resources on. Here is what I would shell out for.
- A massage from students with rock bottom rates. It won’t be the best treatment ever, but in these days it will have to do.
- Lunch at the taco stand. I can fill my belly for less than $5 and have fun getting out of the house.
- A magazine subscription. Using eBates.com I whittled down a $20-a-year monthly mag to about $10.
- Brewed coffee at Starbucks or Organic-to-go. I spend about $1.85 for a medium that I savor all day.
What do you splurge on when money is tight?
January 15th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Mine’s got to be a chicken burrito at Chipotle. With their Chipotle barbecue tabasco, of course.
January 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
I have a list at half.com of books, DVDs and CDs I want. Once in a while, I check the list to see if anything is in my price range and treat myself to something. The list is about two dozen pages long!
January 15th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Where can I get in on student massages? I’ve been making do with cajoling the husband so a student massage would be a relief for us both.
January 15th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Thrift stores are nice, you never know what treasure you might find. Also, the Fashion District downtown (Santee Alley) is a gret place to find cheap fun things (sunglasses for me). I cut out my manicure/pedicure fund and I purchased the PediEgg a while ago and I love it. It really keeps my feet up! Pay 9.99 one time, and use it after a shower to keep your feet smooth. But after a good amount of time has passed, I’ll go get a pedicure and keep it up with this wonderful device.
January 18th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
A2Z Health in Thousand Oaks (805-241-4194) and Reseda (818-344-3940) has student massages.
Also, Massage Center in Chatsworth (818-773-0140).
They also have certified massage therapists for a little more, but nothing like you would pay on the open market.
January 20th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Fantastic! Thanks for pointing these massage schools out. If you live in another part of the country, try Googling “massage schools” with your zip code. That should bring up choices near you. ~Julia
January 20th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I do all my pedicures at home, too. It’s a bit of “me time” that I can enjoy for very cheap! ~Julia
January 20th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Camilla,
Thanks for your question. Try Googling “massage schools” with your zip code. That should bring up choices near you. I had a student massage yesterday and it was very good for the price. ~Julia
January 20th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Nice! Way to fend off instant gratification, Eric. If you get in the mindset of only buying when something is on sale it gets easier to say no to splurges. ~Julia
January 20th, 2009 at 8:22 am
Chicken? The carnitas is totally better. So fatty and yummy. Just hope I don’t find out how many calories I’m ingesting. ~Julia
January 20th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Hey, BB ~
Love your “new” site. It’s well organized and easy to navigate (for this non-techie).
My regular indulgence is getting my hair “done” every week… and it includes a head, neck and shoulder massage. I figured that after years of doing without while my kids were around, I was entitled to a bit of personal pampering. It sometimes puts a crimp in my pitiful pension, but it’s worth the pleasure it gives. I also get a pedicure every month or two (Lore does reflexology on the feet, and it feels sooooooo good), but do my own manicures, as I do as good a job as, or even better than, most manicurists I’ve seen.
January 20th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Suggestion: Put your reply to a particular comment immediately under that comment. It would be easier to follow rather than having to scroll back up to see what someone wrote to which you are replying.
January 21st, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Diane’s suggestion makes a lot of sense. I’ve thought about that before, but it didn’t occur to me to mention it. Thanks, Diane!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Hi Ellie,
Glad you like my new site! I think it is easier on the eyes too. I’m always open to suggestions so don’t hesitate to chime in with your two cents. ~Julia
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 am
FYI – DailyCandy just published a list of places to get heavily-discounted/free spa/salon services at academies around town: http://www.dailycandy.com/los_angeles/article/41306/Beaute
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:05 am
Nice! Daily Candy does have good deals in 12 cities across the country. You can sign up at http://www.dailycandy.com/?choose=1