I was putting up flyers for the Frugal Fe$tival last weekend when I noticed two thrift stores on Sherman Way just west of Owensmouth in Canoga Park had gone out of business. To my shock Out of the Closest was a discount a furniture store and Aaardvarks Odd Ark was dark.
If anything, in a recession thrift stores should be thriving! Are people not even buying used clothes? My goodness.
I looked online to see how thrift stores across the country are faring. Perhaps the two I saw closed were a fluke. I found these headlines:
Billerica consignment stores hit hard by recession (MA, 7/20/09)
Salvation Army store to close (Mt. Vernon, VA) (7/17/09)
Economy closing Noble Road thrift store (Cleveland, OH 7/9/09)
Helping Hands thrift store closes its doors (Wetaskiwin, Canada 7/7/09)
St. Vincent de Paul closing its doors – seeking small headquarters (Sault Ste Marie, MI 6/26/09)
Thrift shops expect increase due to closing of Salvation Army (Norwich, CT 6/25/09)
And that is just going back one month!
I wonder what the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops has to say about this. An April press release begins, “The resale industry is one of the few recession proof segments of retailing…”
Not anymore. The recession has gone on long enough that the wave of consumers who turned to thrift stores to cut their budget a year ago has washed out.
Get a free 7-day supply of Estee Lauder’s new Advanced Night Repair on Thursday July 23rd from 5-9 p.m. No purchase necessary. The make up maker is giving away 250,000 bottles of the stuff, which apparently helps your skin repair itself. A one-ounce bottle normally costs $47.50. Find a local Estee Lauder counter near you.
Caveats: while supplies last, one per customer.
Thanks Common Sense With Money!
The first time exposed my weakness for coupons. The second time exposed my soft spot for hard-working waitresses. The third time it was the library that did me in.
My library card expired and to get it out of hock I had to pay my $3.50 fine that I incurred last time I checked out a book. Theoretically libraries are free. In practice, they never are.
But I really wanted to check out The Wait by Frank Turner Hollon because the first graph hooked me.
My father almost never got drunk. When he did, it was usually a happy, goofy drunk. But one night when I was nine years old, after a Christmas party, for reasons still unknown, he told me the story of my conception. This is how I remember it.
While standing in line I realized, sadly, that the book was not going to be as good as the first paragraph. But I was already in line. So I paid the fine and endured the indignity of settling my $3.50 debt with a credit card. Charging less than $10 always makes me feel poor. I’m convinced the cashier, or in this case, wannabe librarian, is thinking to herself, “This girl doesn’t have three dollars and fifty cents on her? She probably eats cat food.”
Oh, the injustice of not carrying cash. Perhaps this was the price for breaking my moratorium.
Related:
I get odd looks when I tell people about the Frugal Fe$tival. The usual response is, “A frugal what?”
“We’re celebrating being frugal,” I tell them. At that point they generally shut-up because they figure the less they say, the less I’ll say.
Frugality is a conversation stopper…keep reading on the Frugal Fe$tival blog.
More prizes you can win at Frugal Fe$tival…We’re adding new prizes daily to the free Frugal Fe$tival raffle – and they are really going to knock your socks off! Remember, every adult who attends the Fe$tival gets 10 free raffle tickets to enter whichever raffles they choose….keep reading.
What to do at Frugal Fe$tival…Ahem. A few people have asked me exactly what we are going to do at Frugal Fe$tival. Here’s what!
- Oggle the 28 raffle prizes we are giving away. Carefully debate which raffles to enter with your 10 free tickets that you got for coming. Squeeze all the blood out of your crossed fingers as well pick the winning tickets.
- Exchange coupons. I’ve been saving up a BUNCH to get us started. Bring a few that you are never going to use and trade them in for ones you like!
- Nibble on a free fruit sample from the 99 Cent Only Stores.
- Guess how much change I have been saving in my mason jar-piggy bank, Price is Right style. Whoever comes closest without going over wins!
- Keep reading this post!
Join us at the Frugal Fe$tival this Sunday, July 26 at Woodley Park in Van Nuys from 1-4 pm. This is a totally free, public event! Free raffle! Free parking! Free refreshments! RSVP here. Get directions to 6350 Woodley Ave.
Do you ever buy the 2 liter sodas? It’s a lot of soda to drink in 97 minutes, which is how long it takes to go flat in my experience.
An excellent use for flat soda is homemade popsicles! They are quick, cheap, and perfect for summer.
I made four popsicles last week, above. Two were flat root beer and two were a mix of orange juice and cranberry juice.
I ate a mixed juice popsicle and Alex, BargainBabe.com’s intern, had a root beer one. They were so tasty we both had a second one, er, in the interest of research. The root beer popsicles were a cool, sweet treat, even sans carbonation. The OJ-cran combo is one of my favorites.
I happen to have a homemade popsicle maker, above, but if you don’t you can easily make popsicles with basic supplies you probably have on hand.
- Fill ice cube trays and use toothpicks as the handle. Check in about an hour to straighten the picks. The miniature size is fun for kids and means they can try multiple flavors.
- Fill small juice classes and use a plastic spoon as the handle. Remember to loosen with warm water instead of tugging on the spoon until it snaps.
- Fill muffin tins and use toothpicks or plastic spoons. Loosen as above.
The case for rationing health care is a lot like how we put a price on safety, says a NY Times magazine article. “Health care is a scarce resource, and all scarce resources are rationed in one way or another,” the story says. “In the United States, most health care is privately financed, and so most rationing is by price: you get what you, or your employer, can afford to insure you for.”
Apparently TVs aren’t selling too well so Best Buy is going to sell motorcycles, says Consumer Reports. “The obvious allure of the Enertia—and the other electronic motorcycles available, like the Zero S—is that it is completely electric,” the story says. “Ostensibly, not being dependent on gas would be a great way to save money. I’d be inclined to agree, but the initial investment an electric motorcycle requires is a rather large hump to overcome.”
Get a free movie ticket through Fandango when you pay with your Visa Signature card, says Coupon Cravings. Check if the deal works in your hood.
Frugal Dad says Utah and Virginia have two of the best 529 college savings plans. “According to a recent Morningstar article, The Best and Worst 529 College-Savings Plans, it would appear both Utah and Virginia offer solid plans,” the story says. “Morningstar’s write up about the Utah plan sounded the most appealing to me.”
Tall men make about $1,000 more per year than men two inches shorter than them, says Five Cent Nickel. “The reason for the height effect remains unknown, but it’s been suggested that being tall boosts self-confidence, thereby making people more successful.”
One of the big raffle prizes at the Frugal Fe$tival is being sponsored by BargainBabeLA.com – $100 in cash (in real dollars, not like the Monopoly money pictured).
But how should I give the money away at the Fe$tival? The answer that gets the most votes will determine how I give away the money this Sunday!
Interested in winning? Join us Sunday, July 26 from 1-4 p.m. at Woodley Park in Van Nuys. Details here.
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One study says you will spend fewer dollars if you carry around $100 bills. Hmmm…
Staples has a few pencils, pens, and highlighters for free after a rebate starting Sunday, July 19. Here’s the flyer for my local store but be sure to check your local store to see if the deal is the same.
Get 20% off at Big Lots this Sunday, July 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. as part of their family and friends sale. Gotta be a Buzz Club member (free to join). Get the coupon here. Some caveats.
Get 20% off your entire purchase at Michael’s this Sunday, July 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. Print the coupon here. Some caveats. Excludes UT and Paramus, NJ stores.
Get coupons for free entrees with purchase and 20% off your bill from Marie Calender’s. Print the coupon here. Many caveats so read the fine print carefully. Expires Aug 18, 2009.
Brooks Brothers’ summer clearance has discounts of up to 60% off.
Get 25% off select items at REI.com (online only) using code THNX2U9. Browse eligible items here.
Sears is having a sale today and tomorrow only. Grills are 25% off and patio sets are 30% off. Details here. THNX2U9
What other good coupons have you found lately? Share then in a comment. Thanks!
If the deals are local to Los Angeles, be sure to share them on BargainBabeLA.c.com.
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Are you average? According to the National Retail Federation, the average household with students in grades kindergarten through 12 is expected to spend $549, down from $594 last year.
Is it back to school season already? I’m hearing rumblings that retailers are gearing up for the annual spending spree so I called Mary, who writes The Recessionista fashion blog. She just outfitted her neice and nephew for fall. We talked about what is worth splurging for, where to go low-budget, and what everybody is going to be wearing when the first bell rings.
What back to school purchases are worth spending a little extra on?
The school stuff is definitely going to see some wear and tear. Khakis that have the better weave don’t rip as easily, they don’t catch or snag. But I’m certainly not going to spend $100 on a pair of khakis. Have you seen the new GAP khaki collection? That’s a great look for a high school girl. Those are under $100. I would go out and buy the more upscale khakis that just came out at the GAP or buy Dickies. I spend more than $20 on those.
I get the kids good backpacks. I cannot believe how much stuff these kids are carrying now. From age 6 through high school they seem to have more gear than I have. I’ll even go for an LL Bean backpack. Things that look cute don’t last. Avoid vinyl and backpacks made of mostly plastic.
Sturdy shoes. That’s an area where I spend a lot because the kids are still developing. They’ve got a long way to go before they reach the final growth spurt. They need a good heel, a good Reebok or PJ Clark shoe. I don’t want them to be getting into bad posture, especially if they are carrying books. Don’t go for flip flops or jelly shoes. When they run really fast they fall down on them, their feet sweat and they get blisters. You do want to get them a nice shoe.
What items do you spend less on?
Shirts. I’ll buy them cheap shirts, t-shirts, tank tops, and pull overs. They tear them and they stain them at an incredible rate. Tank tops and shirts at Walmart are two for $15. Also Old Navy has really has cute stuff for boys, girls and teenagers. You can find cheaper stuff that looks good.
What about accessories?
I bought butterfly hairpins for $1 each at H&M. They have cheap ponytail holders and headbands. I also like Forever 21 and Express for cheap earrings. For accessories I also see that Loehmann’s has some stuff in that area – little pearl headbands for girls to pull their hair back. It looks for upscale than it is.
How much do you spend on back to school shopping?
It varies. Honestly, there were times when I was a good Auntie and did my nephew’s total package, about $800. That’s for shoes, several pairs of pants, a backpack. It does add up. Some years I’ve had to buy him supplies, like an art box, paints and crayons. If I weren’t going to get the high end items I could probably do it for $200.
What’s in style?
The girls want the maxi dress (above). This is like a trend from the 60s that is making a huge comeback. It’s a floor-length dress. It’s loose and flowy, kind of a nice thing for summer and early fall.
Tie-dye dresses where the top is one color and the bottom is another color. Vavartos converse dresses. Target sells them. I think they are $35.
Everybody wants the good jeans. Out here in LA everybody wants the skinny jeans and the distressed jeans. The Fred Astaire hats and white plastic rimmed sunglasses. The preppy look – I don’t see so much of the preppy look. I’m seeing crisp white pants and colored tops for girls, a lot of turquoise or fuschia shirts and the smocked hippy dippy shirt.
Resources from The Recessionista:
Kohls ack-to-School Essentials Under $50
Kohls Back-to-School Trends
Under $40
Kohls Back-to-School Accessories Under $25
Get a free pastry at Starbucks on Tuesday, July 21 from opening to 10:30 am when you buy any handcrafted beverage (handcrafted, brewed, iced). Print the coupon here.
Free pastries include muffin, croissant, scones, bagels, rolls, breads, pound cake, morning buns, coffee cakes, cheese danish, apple fritter, donuts, tarts, pies, gluten free cake and the topical paradise bar.
Caveats: one per customer. Supplies are limited. Not valid in Hawaii, airports or Barnes & Noble stores. Read the fine print for all the details.
Thanks, Mark!
Borders just released a coupon for a free paperback when you buy any hardback book. Print the coupon here. The hardback must cost $25 or more and the freebie book must be $8 or less. So you could get $33 worth of books for $25, a 24 percent discount. In stores only. Ends Sunday, July 19, 2009.
Caveats: must be a Borders Rewards member (it’s free to join). One per customer. No rain checks, special orders, or reservations. Excludes previous and online purchases, magazines, comics, coupon books, eBooks, audiobooks, Smartbox products, Rosetta Stone® software, and shipping. May not be combined with sale pricing, other coupons, or corporate, classroom, or other group discounts.
Find a Borders near you.
Yelp.com is a site that on the surface seems like only a place where people can read and write reviews. After I decided to get more involved, I discovered a whole community of people who like to plan and host public events. I’ve found Yelpers are incredibly welcoming to new people and many of the events are free.
One of my friends is going to host a Yelp volleyball/barbecue get-together on the beach. She ‘s going to bring her volleyball and a grill. All the rest of us are bringing our own food. These type of events have been truly a godsend for somebody such as me who is both new in town and quite strapped for cash.
Not all the events are free. Sometimes people are just publicizing a charity benefit they are holding. My first Yelp event was at a rock climbing place where customers paid for an all-day pass. It was much easier to get my money’s worth. I spent half my Saturday there with a nice group of people talking and learning some new climbing games.
You can browse events in your local area by visiting www.Yelp.com/Events
Just had to post this quickly. Walgreens offers $5 off a purchase of $25 in stores onlys today and tomorrow, July 16-17, 2009, only. Some caveats. Print the coupon here.
My frugal wedding buddy Liz Coopersmith of Silver Charm Events just shared this fab deal. The Bridal Warehouse is letting brides-to-be name their own price on in-stock and sample wedding gowns that are already discounted. If your offer is accepted, they contact you within 24 hours with directions on how to complete the purchase. The deal applies to in-stock and sample gowns only.
If you are getting married or know someone who is, consider going to Liz’s workshop for recession brides. She is going to share what all this wedding stuff really costs, the top three ways you can save money, how to negotiate vendor contracts, DIY v. just hiring someone else to do it, what your guests are really going to pay attention to, and what you can stop worrying about right now, and lists and coupons for the best wedding deals in Los Angeles.
The workshop is Sunday, July 19 from 1-3 p.m. at The Gallery at Market Lofts, 645 W. 9th Street (between Flower and Hope, Entrance on Hope St.) in Los Angeles, CA 90015. It’s $20 a person or $30 a couple.
