"Go generic and save thousands." An actual quote from the article here.
Cause this is news.
And no other article or blog or morning show or advice-giving-good Samaritan hasn't already said this.
Pros: ...helps us steer clear of... unsafe? generics...
Grr.
My best advice about generics isn't all that new or exciting: try them. If you like the generic version, buy it. If you find it unsatisfactory, stick with the brand you like.
(since I didn't have a tag about generics, maybe this is the first time I've posted about a generics-themed article)
Showing posts with label article. Show all posts
Showing posts with label article. Show all posts
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Miracle Product that is Baking Soda
I've tried to lay off the article posts, but this one about uses for baking soda made me excited.
While I knew about some of these uses, like a deodorizer, cleaning scrub, even toothpaste, my own usage of baking soda has been somewhat limited to cooking and baking. (until recently, that is, but more on that in a later post.)
I'm not sure if it is the actual tips in this article, or the fact that it was one of my Yahoo! headlines today that makes me more excited. The uses aren't new. The knowledge isn't new. The packaging of said knowledge into an easily accessible and understandable bundle is. (somewhat) At the very least, such succinct lists are new to me.
I'm just happy that the resources are out there, and seem to be so plentiful. And I'm glad that I've been doing a bit of research into such matters. As we run out of things and are unable to make it to the store, I find myself reaching back into my memory banks to see if I can remember an alternative. Sometimes, I can. Other times, I vaguely remember something but not the entire recipe, or find I don't have a crucial ingredient. At any rate, moving and limited store-access has really helped to stretch my imagination, and helped us be a tad bit greener as a result, I think. (broken water heater helps, too. No long, hot showers when there is no hot water...)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Shellac
Ok, so this post is a little random.
Have you heard about a Shellac manicure?
Basically, it is a manicure process and products that are guaranteed to last at least two weeks without chipping. As someone who has gotten manicures and pedicures in the past (and given them to herself), this idea intrigues me, because it is nothing if not frustrating to go to just finish the process, and reach for something, only to smudge the polish. I end up using my hands so much that polish is all but futile on my fingernails, so I eventually just stopped painting them. (Although, my toe nails have been red for years. I love this. I just need to find more eco-friendly polish.)
I've brought this article up because I am still trying to figure out just how I feel about it. One the one hand, I am amazed at the durability, documented by the journalist's slideshow. But, on the other, I am terrified at what is actually making the polish have that staying power. Even acetone won't take it off? Wow. (That, and I've used the term "shellac" as a verb to describe a woman with way too much make up on.)
I'm lucky enough to have nice-ish nails naturally, so I'm not too anxious about the next nail-trend. It is interesting to follow sometimes.
As intriguing as the 2-week guarantee is, I think I'm leaning towards being more weary of this product than happy about it.
What about you? Thoughts? Opinions?
Have you heard about a Shellac manicure?
Basically, it is a manicure process and products that are guaranteed to last at least two weeks without chipping. As someone who has gotten manicures and pedicures in the past (and given them to herself), this idea intrigues me, because it is nothing if not frustrating to go to just finish the process, and reach for something, only to smudge the polish. I end up using my hands so much that polish is all but futile on my fingernails, so I eventually just stopped painting them. (Although, my toe nails have been red for years. I love this. I just need to find more eco-friendly polish.)
I've brought this article up because I am still trying to figure out just how I feel about it. One the one hand, I am amazed at the durability, documented by the journalist's slideshow. But, on the other, I am terrified at what is actually making the polish have that staying power. Even acetone won't take it off? Wow. (That, and I've used the term "shellac" as a verb to describe a woman with way too much make up on.)
I'm lucky enough to have nice-ish nails naturally, so I'm not too anxious about the next nail-trend. It is interesting to follow sometimes.
As intriguing as the 2-week guarantee is, I think I'm leaning towards being more weary of this product than happy about it.
What about you? Thoughts? Opinions?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Laundry detergent!
In the course of my normal blog and article readings, I've come across a few recipes for making your own soap (cold-pressed), shampoo bar, laundry (this one has a dish soap recipe, too) detergent (and here), and even your own deodorant. (this link has everything from deodorant to laundry liquid to window cleaner to furniture/wood polish)
Imagine my disbelief, and giddiness at seeing this article in Yahoo Finance Wednesday morning. It starts off talking about how we tend to use too much detergent when we launder our clothes, since as formulas have become more concentrated, people haven't adjusted down the amount they dump in the wash. Another blogger has a great post about this article: Everyday Frugal, Everyday Green.
Aside from wanting to avoid the ingredients in some detergents, there are other reasons to check how much detergent you use versus how much you actually need. If you pour too much into the washer, will you go through the bottle quicker, and end up buying more. This means that you'll be spending more money than you have to, and buying more plastic bottles (or cardboard boxes) to throw away. Also, if you use too much detergent, it may not all get rinsed out, and you will end up with soapy residue in your clothes. This may not adversely affect you, but it may irritate your skin.
What makes me happy about this article is that the author didn't just talk about ways to reduce your detergent usage, she actually tried making her own laundry detergent, giving a recipe to follow should her readers want to give it a go.
I haven't made my own detergent yet, although the prospect intrigues me. I just monitor how much I pour into the wash and try to buy the "good" stuff.
Have you recently re-evaluated your detergent usage? Or have you tried to make/do you make your own laundry soap?
Imagine my disbelief, and giddiness at seeing this article in Yahoo Finance Wednesday morning. It starts off talking about how we tend to use too much detergent when we launder our clothes, since as formulas have become more concentrated, people haven't adjusted down the amount they dump in the wash. Another blogger has a great post about this article: Everyday Frugal, Everyday Green.
Aside from wanting to avoid the ingredients in some detergents, there are other reasons to check how much detergent you use versus how much you actually need. If you pour too much into the washer, will you go through the bottle quicker, and end up buying more. This means that you'll be spending more money than you have to, and buying more plastic bottles (or cardboard boxes) to throw away. Also, if you use too much detergent, it may not all get rinsed out, and you will end up with soapy residue in your clothes. This may not adversely affect you, but it may irritate your skin.
What makes me happy about this article is that the author didn't just talk about ways to reduce your detergent usage, she actually tried making her own laundry detergent, giving a recipe to follow should her readers want to give it a go.
I haven't made my own detergent yet, although the prospect intrigues me. I just monitor how much I pour into the wash and try to buy the "good" stuff.
Have you recently re-evaluated your detergent usage? Or have you tried to make/do you make your own laundry soap?
Monday, April 19, 2010
Yahoo agrees with me!
...on HFCS!
An article on what nine ingredients to avoid in food, and guess what! they are overwhelming fake or manufactured ingredients!Some things to avoid include:
Artificial flavoring, colors, and sweeteners, even "friendly"ones like Splenda.
High Fructose Corn Syrup made the list. Our body processes it differently than sugar-sugar. Apparently, it has to go through the liver.
Shortening, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. Go on, try to say that three times, fast. These are palm and soybean oil, among others. These have high levels of trans fat. So, don't simply believe the nutritional fact graphic, because if the content of something, per serving is 0.4 grams or less, they can round down to 0. Sooooo - something can have partially hydrogenated oil, but still claim to have 0 grams of trans fat in their nutritional facts section. Can I just say how mad that makes me?
I'm also upset to learn that Yoplait yogurts have HFCS in them. We were at the store, buying yogurts to have on hand for breakfast, desserts, and sweet treats (trying to be good and avoid ice cream!). Dannon and Yoplait were both on sale for 50 cents a single serving carton (I know the big carton is more cost effective - but the flavors!!). I looked at the ingredients for several flavors of both, and quickly put the Yoplait down. I suppose it is nostalgia that makes this loss sting more than others. I remember my mom getting Yoplait, and collecting the tops to send in. Guess I won't be doing that anytime soon.
Even if HFCS are/were fine in moderation, who can eat them in moderation without being vigilant in an attempt to avoid them!
Just wanted to share!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
We try to be thrifty and green...
....and then this happens. They really don't make things like they used to. This article outlines a few of the items that are actually designed to wear out or need to be replaced, not repaired or re-used. This is frustrating to me, in multiple ways. It makes me feel like the companies are lying to me, and just duping me into a vicious cycle of consumerism. It's hard to break that desire for new things. Hey - I may as well be honest - it is hard for me sometimes. And, it's not green to design throw-away things, especially throw-away electronics, and such. And, it is not frugal to buy things that are simply going to wear out on you, with little to no hope of being repaired.
There are only five things (or categories of things) on the list, and most of them are things that we can do without. Like MP3 players. I really like my iPod; it was a Christmas present from my husband a few years ago, and I love the portability of it, and how much of my music collection can fit in such a convenient package. (In total, I think I've spent less than $40 on iTunes - the vast majority of music on my iPod is uploaded from my CD collection.) If it broke down, or required a super expensive repair, I'd probably go back to listening to my CDs, the radio, or to playing the songs in my head.
I can't say that I was super surprised by fashion, textbooks or ink cartridges being on the list. I just shared an article about saving money on printing by being savvy with your font. So, there's that. And textbooks, especially college ones, where you actually have to go buy the books yourself (something I didn't have to do at public high school).
I could probably rant and rave about textbooks for a good while, but won't. I'm just happy that as a language and literature major, I was spared the exorbitant cost of science and math textbooks, for the most part. I briefly talked about what I did to recoup the investment in college here. I would also try to buy what I could from these sources, saving me money.
Fashion. Well, I've never been particularly fashionable myself, although, sometimes what's "in" cycles around to include my tastes. This is when my packrat tendencies work in my favor, and I can dust off that old pair of stockings or pants, and wear them with confidence. Although, truth be told, I was probably wearing them even when they weren't "in." I like wearing some current pieces, and new clothes do make me feel special, but, having been a youngest child, I'm used to wearing hand-me-downs, and while it took me a while to get this attitude, they are just clothes. As long as they are clean, well-kept, and fit (and I like them), I'm usually ok with not being "current." It is just easier to focus on a few, classic pieces that look good on you, and are well made.
Anyway. The deliberate making things to be a lesser quality, so that consumers are essentially forced to re-buy things really upsets me. It feels like they are lying to me. Not a big fan of that.
Does any of this surprise you? How do you feel about it?
Friday, April 2, 2010
What not to buy... in bulk?
Most of us in the US have seen or shopped in a big box store. I'd wager to say that a majority have also step foot in the big club stores (like Sam's Club, Costco, BJs and so on). Anecdotally, I gather that you used to actually be a small business of some sort and pay a fee to gain membership and the privilege of buying mondo boxes of pretzels, mints, paper towels and toilet paper. Now, anyone can go in, sign up, pay their fee, and shop the bulk aisles. As far as I know, there are still perks or extra discounts (or something) for actual business owners.
If memory serves, about 10 years ago, it seems that it was only businesses and Y2Kers who were buying in bulk. (Ok, so maybe 11 years for the Y2Kers - can you believe it has been that long!) Buying a small surplus of staples so you didn't run out, or having a decent pantry wasn't outrageous, but having 96 rolls of toilet paper in a home, or the tub of mayo as large as a house plant was.
I'm sure exactly when the shift happened, and I think that it may have pre-dated the economic recession, but now, buying in bulk is all the rage. (I will also admit that it could be as simple as me not being aware of the phenomena earlier.) We think that buying the larger bottle of something is automatically saving us money. More is more. People will stroll Costco on Saturday afternoons with their family, making a meal out of the samples.
And going right along with that were the articles and tips for shopping in bulk. A lot of these tips are really just transferred over from the grocery store, or coupon shopping. If you wouldn't buy it without the coupon/in a smaller amount, don't buy it with the coupon/in bulk. Don't buy more than you can use before it spoils. Think about the space you have, and don't buy what won't fit.
Recently, I came across this article about what not to buy in bulk.
Did you know that brown rice has a shorter shelf life than does white? I didn't. (The article doesn't provide a timeline.)
And the note about not buying candy in bulk because then you are just more likely to eat more. Yeah - done that. Extra calories taken in and extra money spent. Not good.
Things like nuts, condiments, and vitamins should be purchased in reasonable quantities, as they will spoil. Of course, if you are going to a pot-luck, or donating to a soup kitchen, then super-sized condiments may actually be used up quickly.
The article also cautions against buying paper towels, toilet paper and diapers in bulk. For diapers, it is because you never know when the baby will grow, rendering the diapers too small. I think that the "buy what you can use in a reasonable time" rule of thumb is helpful here. Of course, if Junior has an unexpected growth spurt, donating or gifting to someone else who has a little one is a way of keeping the extra diapers from taking over your home. Still doesn't recompense you for spending on diapers you couldn't use. (If you decide to clothe diaper, I imagine this is a moot point. Do cloth diapers have 'sizes?')
The article's main qualm with buying PT and TP in bulk is storage. While it is wise not to let these paper products over-run your life, I think that this isn't the best reason to include PT and TP on a grand list of what not to buy in bulk. There are ways to find extra storage. Above the fridge, under the bed, that shelf in the closet no one can reach easily. That being said, I'm not advocating renting a storage unit so you can save 10 cents a roll on TP, or that you buy more than will fit in your house. Of course, if you have hoarding tendencies, you probably should avoid the bulk warehouses.
Really, I just wanted to share this article, and throw my 2 cents in about paper products. I do know the alluring siren's call of the warehouse store. Sometimes, my eyes glaze slightly at the sight, but I just have to remember that we have a budget, both of money and space, and that just because it is bulk, doesn't mean I am actually getting more for my money, saving money, or that I should buy it.
How do you feel about warehouse stores?
If memory serves, about 10 years ago, it seems that it was only businesses and Y2Kers who were buying in bulk. (Ok, so maybe 11 years for the Y2Kers - can you believe it has been that long!) Buying a small surplus of staples so you didn't run out, or having a decent pantry wasn't outrageous, but having 96 rolls of toilet paper in a home, or the tub of mayo as large as a house plant was.
I'm sure exactly when the shift happened, and I think that it may have pre-dated the economic recession, but now, buying in bulk is all the rage. (I will also admit that it could be as simple as me not being aware of the phenomena earlier.) We think that buying the larger bottle of something is automatically saving us money. More is more. People will stroll Costco on Saturday afternoons with their family, making a meal out of the samples.
And going right along with that were the articles and tips for shopping in bulk. A lot of these tips are really just transferred over from the grocery store, or coupon shopping. If you wouldn't buy it without the coupon/in a smaller amount, don't buy it with the coupon/in bulk. Don't buy more than you can use before it spoils. Think about the space you have, and don't buy what won't fit.
Recently, I came across this article about what not to buy in bulk.
Did you know that brown rice has a shorter shelf life than does white? I didn't. (The article doesn't provide a timeline.)
And the note about not buying candy in bulk because then you are just more likely to eat more. Yeah - done that. Extra calories taken in and extra money spent. Not good.
Things like nuts, condiments, and vitamins should be purchased in reasonable quantities, as they will spoil. Of course, if you are going to a pot-luck, or donating to a soup kitchen, then super-sized condiments may actually be used up quickly.
The article also cautions against buying paper towels, toilet paper and diapers in bulk. For diapers, it is because you never know when the baby will grow, rendering the diapers too small. I think that the "buy what you can use in a reasonable time" rule of thumb is helpful here. Of course, if Junior has an unexpected growth spurt, donating or gifting to someone else who has a little one is a way of keeping the extra diapers from taking over your home. Still doesn't recompense you for spending on diapers you couldn't use. (If you decide to clothe diaper, I imagine this is a moot point. Do cloth diapers have 'sizes?')
The article's main qualm with buying PT and TP in bulk is storage. While it is wise not to let these paper products over-run your life, I think that this isn't the best reason to include PT and TP on a grand list of what not to buy in bulk. There are ways to find extra storage. Above the fridge, under the bed, that shelf in the closet no one can reach easily. That being said, I'm not advocating renting a storage unit so you can save 10 cents a roll on TP, or that you buy more than will fit in your house. Of course, if you have hoarding tendencies, you probably should avoid the bulk warehouses.
Really, I just wanted to share this article, and throw my 2 cents in about paper products. I do know the alluring siren's call of the warehouse store. Sometimes, my eyes glaze slightly at the sight, but I just have to remember that we have a budget, both of money and space, and that just because it is bulk, doesn't mean I am actually getting more for my money, saving money, or that I should buy it.
How do you feel about warehouse stores?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Bargains for being ageless?
Recently, I came across this article about bargain beauty secrets for looking younger. As someone who does care about how I look, and always interested in finding new beauty tricks and tips, I clicked. I have actual opinions about some of the tips, but about others, I plead ignorance. Like those about make up; I plead ignorance about make up.
Some highlights:
Add volume to hair by using mousse. Generally, this necessitates washing (or at least wetting) your hair in the morning, and using a blow dryer (which I don't have, and haven't had since December 2004). The idea and technique discussed is sound, though, should you want to use mousse. And a blow dryer. If not, and you are a bit of a planner, washing/wetting your hair the night before, and sleeping in curlers, pin-curls or even a bun placed on the top of your head (a very lovely sight, I assure you ;) ) can temporarily 'train' your hair to stand up a bit. Another quick volumizing trick - part your hair differently. If your hair is used to laying a certain way, changing that up will give you a bit of volume.
Hot oil for luster. Admittedly, when I first saw the line "Give yourself a hot oil treatment," I cringed, thinking about how if you don't do it right, or use the wrong oil, it can do more harm than good. But... they highlighted jojoba oil, something I haven't gotten around to talking much about, but want to. So... their method is actually pretty good. Plus, the whole cool-water-trick is good hair care in general. Kudos. I'll add that you can also try an apple cider vinegar rinse. This is one of those things that I haven't gotten around to trying myself, but have heard good things from long-hair communities (yes, on LiveJournal).
Most of the other tips, honestly, I have no experience with. And, the article is geared towards helping you look younger. I am still regularly asked if I am a student at the university where I work. (granted, there are some older grad students, but still...) A lot of the tips are also on how to use make up, something I don't really use. Aside from my admitted lack of experience with applying make up, I have yet to find one that doesn't feel heavy after an hour or a few, or that doesn't make me break out after using it.
What are your thoughts on these tips? Helpful? Do you have anything to add?
Some highlights:
Add volume to hair by using mousse. Generally, this necessitates washing (or at least wetting) your hair in the morning, and using a blow dryer (which I don't have, and haven't had since December 2004). The idea and technique discussed is sound, though, should you want to use mousse. And a blow dryer. If not, and you are a bit of a planner, washing/wetting your hair the night before, and sleeping in curlers, pin-curls or even a bun placed on the top of your head (a very lovely sight, I assure you ;) ) can temporarily 'train' your hair to stand up a bit. Another quick volumizing trick - part your hair differently. If your hair is used to laying a certain way, changing that up will give you a bit of volume.
Hot oil for luster. Admittedly, when I first saw the line "Give yourself a hot oil treatment," I cringed, thinking about how if you don't do it right, or use the wrong oil, it can do more harm than good. But... they highlighted jojoba oil, something I haven't gotten around to talking much about, but want to. So... their method is actually pretty good. Plus, the whole cool-water-trick is good hair care in general. Kudos. I'll add that you can also try an apple cider vinegar rinse. This is one of those things that I haven't gotten around to trying myself, but have heard good things from long-hair communities (yes, on LiveJournal).
Most of the other tips, honestly, I have no experience with. And, the article is geared towards helping you look younger. I am still regularly asked if I am a student at the university where I work. (granted, there are some older grad students, but still...) A lot of the tips are also on how to use make up, something I don't really use. Aside from my admitted lack of experience with applying make up, I have yet to find one that doesn't feel heavy after an hour or a few, or that doesn't make me break out after using it.
What are your thoughts on these tips? Helpful? Do you have anything to add?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Interesting ways to use your freezer to save money
I found this article the other day, about weird things to freeze to make the last longer. Thought it sounded pretty interesting, and if you haven't read it yet, it does contain some new information. At least, new to me.
Here are some highlights:
Keeping candles in the freezer will help them burn longer
Some battery life can be extended, but only certain kinds are worth the cold shoulder.
Some seeds! will keep in the freezer, and even germinate better.
(re-use soda or other plastic bottles, fill with water as a freezer-filler. But really, with all your candles, batteries, seeds, soup, and meat already in there, will there be much room for the home-made ice packs?)
Pantyhose - really? Even if freezing it keeps it from running, I'm not sure that I wear it enough to siddle into cold pantyhose in the winter. Although, come summer, it might actually be refreshing. I just keep clear nail polish handy, and catch runs as soon as possible. And, if it will remain covered by my skirt or shoes, continue to wear the hose.
Laundry - this makes it easier to iron? Not sure I see that. But considering my aversion to ironing, and what happens when I actually do try to iron, don't see trying this one any time soon.
I will add:
nuts - I still have some cashews in the freezer from an alum fundraiser back in NC. You can buy nuts in bulk, on sale, or what-have-you, then freeze. That way, you don't have to spend your days and nights making unending batches pecan cookies. (Co-worker favorite, but I kept almost-burning my fingers rolling the blasted things in powdered sugar.)
juice - we'd freeze the cartons of juice for my lunch box growing up. That way, it would be cold, and keep the rest of my lunch from over-heating, and the juice would be liquid again by lunch time. Plus, they can make a fun, slushy treat. And, you can use these in the same way that the article recommends using those old soda bottles to keep your freezer full and functioning.
Do you have any freezer secrets? Care to share?
Here are some highlights:
Keeping candles in the freezer will help them burn longer
Some battery life can be extended, but only certain kinds are worth the cold shoulder.
Some seeds! will keep in the freezer, and even germinate better.
(re-use soda or other plastic bottles, fill with water as a freezer-filler. But really, with all your candles, batteries, seeds, soup, and meat already in there, will there be much room for the home-made ice packs?)
Pantyhose - really? Even if freezing it keeps it from running, I'm not sure that I wear it enough to siddle into cold pantyhose in the winter. Although, come summer, it might actually be refreshing. I just keep clear nail polish handy, and catch runs as soon as possible. And, if it will remain covered by my skirt or shoes, continue to wear the hose.
Laundry - this makes it easier to iron? Not sure I see that. But considering my aversion to ironing, and what happens when I actually do try to iron, don't see trying this one any time soon.
I will add:
nuts - I still have some cashews in the freezer from an alum fundraiser back in NC. You can buy nuts in bulk, on sale, or what-have-you, then freeze. That way, you don't have to spend your days and nights making unending batches pecan cookies. (Co-worker favorite, but I kept almost-burning my fingers rolling the blasted things in powdered sugar.)
juice - we'd freeze the cartons of juice for my lunch box growing up. That way, it would be cold, and keep the rest of my lunch from over-heating, and the juice would be liquid again by lunch time. Plus, they can make a fun, slushy treat. And, you can use these in the same way that the article recommends using those old soda bottles to keep your freezer full and functioning.
Do you have any freezer secrets? Care to share?
Monday, March 15, 2010
GSC: Grocery Store Confidential
I found this article about tricks to make you spend more at the grocery store interesting, and helpful! Now that I've confessed my displeasure with shopping and savings articles, I start finding ones that are actually... helpful!
1. Entrance, or "chill zone" - Stores place impulse buys, like DVDs and seasonal, promotional items here specifically to entice you. I think I knew this, subconsciously. The description reminds me of walking into the Food Lion we frequented in NC, and we rarely bought anything from that section because they weren't displaying brands or products we normally bought. The article recommends lingering a bit to see what is there and remind yourself that you don't need it. I see how that could work; you don't feel like you are denying yourself, instead, you are simply allowing yourself a choice. However, you can easily make the less frugal choice.
2. Produce at the front - This one was a bit of a surprise to me. Thinking about it though, I am hard pressed to remember a traditional grocery store [not a big box store] where produce wasn't right next to the entrance, on the right hand side, waiting for me to start my circuit. Selecting your produce first does go against the idea of gathering your perishable foods last, so they have less time at non-ideal temperatures and in less-than-ideal conditions. I may have been going about this all wrong! (But... what about the idea of shopping the exterior of the store only/first...?)
3. Specials - Just because it is on sale, doesn't mean it is a bargain, or going to save you money. If the product or brand isn't something you would have purchased anyway, then a sale price or coupon doesn't necessarily make it a bargain. In fact, if the only reason you would only consider a product is because of a coupon or sale, you are better off skipping it all together.
I'm going to divert a bit here, and also mention something that I've noticed Kroger here doing for a while; I'm sure other stores do it to - I just shop at Kroger more often. Kroger's sale price tag is yellow. Bright, you can see it from miles away yellow. This is very helpful when you are scanning the bread aisle or beans, or what-have-you for the cheapest price. However, what they started doing is mimicking their sale tags (color and size) for the regular price of their brand of a product. So, instead of a white tag, saying the X product is 2.99, there is an over-sized yellow tag, with 2.99 in big lettering, and something akin to "everyday low price" in much smaller lettering. I guess they figure they've trained us to associate the yellow tag with sales and savings, making us more inclined to just grab the product with the yellow tag. Who knew grocery selling/shopping could be so covert?
4. Buried Products - By moving the most popular products to the center of aisles, they are forcing us to walk past and look at more options. More expensive options, different product options, and so on. The more we see, the more likely we are to buy. Here is where a list, and sticking to it, can help. Or, as they suggest, skipping the impulse buy, and seeing if you really want or need it later. They are right, usually we forget about it, or decide we don't really need it. I'd say that shopping with a spouse or a partner can be helpful here, because there is another person present to help keep impulses in check. (This can backfire, too, but, really, what can't?) And again with the sneaky grocery selling!
5. Private labels - These used to be pretty bad. But now, they are actually quite good, and a number of people find themselves preferring some store brand items over name brand ones. Private label = store brand, therefore they are cheaper, right? Unfortunately, no. Usually, this is the case. However, name brands have gotten wise to the fact that people are buying store brands with wild abandon, and sometimes will offer sales (and even coupons) that make their product cheaper. So, as the article says, comparing prices and prices per unit each time is the only way to ensure you get the best price. Time consuming, yes. Worth it? Depends on your preference.
6. Samples - This is similar to my mom always telling me not to go to the store hungry. Sampling will trigger your body to expect a big meal, which, as they say, makes you a less discriminating shopper. Which is also what shopping when hungry does. The article recommends saving sampling until you are about the leave. If you are disciplined about your shopping, you could probably make it through the sampling gambit unscathed. Or, you could not shop when samples are offered. I've really only ever noticed lots of sampling stations on Saturday mornings. So many other people are shopping at that time, too, making it a crowded headache, which also makes it harder to really take your time and price-shop. So, avoid samples, and you avoid the rush!
I'm still in a bit of awe at just how sneaky those marketers are. They sure do know their stuff. But I know some of their stuff, too. So do you! What do you think about these tricks? Do they work, and do you have your own tips for avoiding their carefully crafted traps?
1. Entrance, or "chill zone" - Stores place impulse buys, like DVDs and seasonal, promotional items here specifically to entice you. I think I knew this, subconsciously. The description reminds me of walking into the Food Lion we frequented in NC, and we rarely bought anything from that section because they weren't displaying brands or products we normally bought. The article recommends lingering a bit to see what is there and remind yourself that you don't need it. I see how that could work; you don't feel like you are denying yourself, instead, you are simply allowing yourself a choice. However, you can easily make the less frugal choice.
2. Produce at the front - This one was a bit of a surprise to me. Thinking about it though, I am hard pressed to remember a traditional grocery store [not a big box store] where produce wasn't right next to the entrance, on the right hand side, waiting for me to start my circuit. Selecting your produce first does go against the idea of gathering your perishable foods last, so they have less time at non-ideal temperatures and in less-than-ideal conditions. I may have been going about this all wrong! (But... what about the idea of shopping the exterior of the store only/first...?)
3. Specials - Just because it is on sale, doesn't mean it is a bargain, or going to save you money. If the product or brand isn't something you would have purchased anyway, then a sale price or coupon doesn't necessarily make it a bargain. In fact, if the only reason you would only consider a product is because of a coupon or sale, you are better off skipping it all together.
I'm going to divert a bit here, and also mention something that I've noticed Kroger here doing for a while; I'm sure other stores do it to - I just shop at Kroger more often. Kroger's sale price tag is yellow. Bright, you can see it from miles away yellow. This is very helpful when you are scanning the bread aisle or beans, or what-have-you for the cheapest price. However, what they started doing is mimicking their sale tags (color and size) for the regular price of their brand of a product. So, instead of a white tag, saying the X product is 2.99, there is an over-sized yellow tag, with 2.99 in big lettering, and something akin to "everyday low price" in much smaller lettering. I guess they figure they've trained us to associate the yellow tag with sales and savings, making us more inclined to just grab the product with the yellow tag. Who knew grocery selling/shopping could be so covert?
4. Buried Products - By moving the most popular products to the center of aisles, they are forcing us to walk past and look at more options. More expensive options, different product options, and so on. The more we see, the more likely we are to buy. Here is where a list, and sticking to it, can help. Or, as they suggest, skipping the impulse buy, and seeing if you really want or need it later. They are right, usually we forget about it, or decide we don't really need it. I'd say that shopping with a spouse or a partner can be helpful here, because there is another person present to help keep impulses in check. (This can backfire, too, but, really, what can't?) And again with the sneaky grocery selling!
5. Private labels - These used to be pretty bad. But now, they are actually quite good, and a number of people find themselves preferring some store brand items over name brand ones. Private label = store brand, therefore they are cheaper, right? Unfortunately, no. Usually, this is the case. However, name brands have gotten wise to the fact that people are buying store brands with wild abandon, and sometimes will offer sales (and even coupons) that make their product cheaper. So, as the article says, comparing prices and prices per unit each time is the only way to ensure you get the best price. Time consuming, yes. Worth it? Depends on your preference.
6. Samples - This is similar to my mom always telling me not to go to the store hungry. Sampling will trigger your body to expect a big meal, which, as they say, makes you a less discriminating shopper. Which is also what shopping when hungry does. The article recommends saving sampling until you are about the leave. If you are disciplined about your shopping, you could probably make it through the sampling gambit unscathed. Or, you could not shop when samples are offered. I've really only ever noticed lots of sampling stations on Saturday mornings. So many other people are shopping at that time, too, making it a crowded headache, which also makes it harder to really take your time and price-shop. So, avoid samples, and you avoid the rush!
I'm still in a bit of awe at just how sneaky those marketers are. They sure do know their stuff. But I know some of their stuff, too. So do you! What do you think about these tricks? Do they work, and do you have your own tips for avoiding their carefully crafted traps?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Fun with a Slide Show!
Here, we have a slide show that claims to show painless substitution to save you money.
1) Tights - buy non-designer instead of designer tights. Yeah. Seems a bit obvious to me, but then again, not sure I wore a single name-brand piece of apparel when I was growing up. Perhaps this particular tactic is a part of my childhood skill set.
2) Grocery store - buy store brand instead of brand name. Often, yes. For me, this is where couponing, should you do it, coupled with things like grocery store club cards, and comparing price per unit/ounce/sheet comes into play. A coupon does not always make a name brand product cheaper, but conversely, a store brand product isn't always the most frugal option either. Making the switch from name- to store- brand products that you purchase frequently will certainly help to bring down your overall bill. So will smart shopping. I guess my approach isn't so much painless as it is time consuming. :)
3) Movie Rental - opt for Netflix, not the brick and mortar store (if you can still find one). 5 bucks month for two movies (what they suggest) won't satiate the movie viewing appetite at my house. Honestly, we've recently discovered the joys of Redbox. The selection isn't always great, and outdoor locations do make on the spot browsing a bit chilly right now, but at a buck (plus tax) a day, it is far friendly on our wallets. We've also found out that you can search individual machines online and reserve specific movies. It does require a credit or debit card.
4) Coffee - froth the milk for your latte at home. Seems that they are suggesting a pseudo-latte, depending on your definition of latte, by brewing your own coffee, then adding the frothed milk. Substituting at-home coffee for cafe-coffee is always going to be a money saver. If you choose to go the route of buying a frother for the home, just make sure you research the appliances, and buy one that suites your needs, without breaking the bank.
5) Mail - pay bills online (automatically) instead of ponying up for stamps to mail them. Paying bills online is certainly a great way to eliminate paying for stamps and envelopes, and helps to cut the amount of paper you use. Scheduling online payments also helps you control when the money will actually be taken out of your account. All good - my sticking point is a personal one: setting up automatic drafts. A great idea in theory, especially if you are salaried, and always paid on the same day/date. If your pay amount or schedule is subject to change, automatic drafts feel risky to me. It can also be a pain to try to cancel automatic drafts once a service is terminated.
Having worked at a gym that sold auto-draft memberships, I fielded my share of phone calls from ex-members who were still being drafted. Sometimes it was their fault, sometimes ours, sometimes the bank. Also, we currently have our car insurance automatically drafted from an account. When we moved, we sold one car, and took it off our policy. Or so we thought; a random audit by the insurer placed the car back onto our payment plan, and for a few months, we were charged for a car that was 600+ miles away, titled under someone else.
*And*
6) Drinks - drink at home with your friends before going out. Or don't drink? Haha! Alcohol is expensive. Alcohol at a restaurant is mind-boggling. At a time when ordering a soda or iced tea (or sweet tea!) at a restaurant can easily add 2 or 3 dollars to your bill (per person), ordering one alcoholic beverage can be like adding a whole other entree! If drinks and friends are the motivation for going out, starting the outing at someone's house could be a more frugal alternative. Of course, this is provided that you do so responsibly, knowing your limits, and always having a designated driver, or alternate method of getting home. A cab ride is always going to be cheaper than driving drunk.
So, what do you think? Are these suggestions truly a painless way to make a few substitutions and save a bit of money? Are my critiques too heavy handed?
1) Tights - buy non-designer instead of designer tights. Yeah. Seems a bit obvious to me, but then again, not sure I wore a single name-brand piece of apparel when I was growing up. Perhaps this particular tactic is a part of my childhood skill set.
2) Grocery store - buy store brand instead of brand name. Often, yes. For me, this is where couponing, should you do it, coupled with things like grocery store club cards, and comparing price per unit/ounce/sheet comes into play. A coupon does not always make a name brand product cheaper, but conversely, a store brand product isn't always the most frugal option either. Making the switch from name- to store- brand products that you purchase frequently will certainly help to bring down your overall bill. So will smart shopping. I guess my approach isn't so much painless as it is time consuming. :)
3) Movie Rental - opt for Netflix, not the brick and mortar store (if you can still find one). 5 bucks month for two movies (what they suggest) won't satiate the movie viewing appetite at my house. Honestly, we've recently discovered the joys of Redbox. The selection isn't always great, and outdoor locations do make on the spot browsing a bit chilly right now, but at a buck (plus tax) a day, it is far friendly on our wallets. We've also found out that you can search individual machines online and reserve specific movies. It does require a credit or debit card.
4) Coffee - froth the milk for your latte at home. Seems that they are suggesting a pseudo-latte, depending on your definition of latte, by brewing your own coffee, then adding the frothed milk. Substituting at-home coffee for cafe-coffee is always going to be a money saver. If you choose to go the route of buying a frother for the home, just make sure you research the appliances, and buy one that suites your needs, without breaking the bank.
5) Mail - pay bills online (automatically) instead of ponying up for stamps to mail them. Paying bills online is certainly a great way to eliminate paying for stamps and envelopes, and helps to cut the amount of paper you use. Scheduling online payments also helps you control when the money will actually be taken out of your account. All good - my sticking point is a personal one: setting up automatic drafts. A great idea in theory, especially if you are salaried, and always paid on the same day/date. If your pay amount or schedule is subject to change, automatic drafts feel risky to me. It can also be a pain to try to cancel automatic drafts once a service is terminated.
Having worked at a gym that sold auto-draft memberships, I fielded my share of phone calls from ex-members who were still being drafted. Sometimes it was their fault, sometimes ours, sometimes the bank. Also, we currently have our car insurance automatically drafted from an account. When we moved, we sold one car, and took it off our policy. Or so we thought; a random audit by the insurer placed the car back onto our payment plan, and for a few months, we were charged for a car that was 600+ miles away, titled under someone else.
*And*
6) Drinks - drink at home with your friends before going out. Or don't drink? Haha! Alcohol is expensive. Alcohol at a restaurant is mind-boggling. At a time when ordering a soda or iced tea (or sweet tea!) at a restaurant can easily add 2 or 3 dollars to your bill (per person), ordering one alcoholic beverage can be like adding a whole other entree! If drinks and friends are the motivation for going out, starting the outing at someone's house could be a more frugal alternative. Of course, this is provided that you do so responsibly, knowing your limits, and always having a designated driver, or alternate method of getting home. A cab ride is always going to be cheaper than driving drunk.
So, what do you think? Are these suggestions truly a painless way to make a few substitutions and save a bit of money? Are my critiques too heavy handed?
Friday, February 26, 2010
Article on saving money that might actually help me/people save money
One of my whole reasons for starting this blog was a feeling of dissatisfaction with the "Save money! Now!" articles that kept popping up on my computer screen. They seemed to be geared towards people with money to spare who were temporarily squeezed or simply looking to be smarter with their money.
I came across this article today, though, on Yahoo. While it falls into some of the same traps, concerning ATM fees, collecting your spare change daily, and coffee-house coffee, and assuming a decent credit history/bank account, there is some information that is helpful.
"Know how you use plastic" - a sound piece of advice, because it is easy to deny your own habits. This is something about which I have had to be honest with myself. For me, if my card is getting too much of a work out, a mental reminder isn't enough. Physically removing it from my wallet/purse, and putting it someplace where it is inconvenient to access helps. Someplace like a box, tucked away in the closet, or the freezer, in a bag filled with water. Having to de-clutter a closet or defrost a card will make you think twice about using that card.
"Are you really going to pay yourself first." - I like direct deposit, and my automatically deducted retirement plan payments. Splitting your direct deposit amongst savings versus spending accounts is a great way to ensure money is getting saved. But, this pre-supposes that you have a job who will do direct deposit (which does seem to be more frequent now), and that you have a bank account. I used to think that everyone did, but have learned that grown-up does not equal bank account, for various reasons. If you live a cash-only life, I'm not sure what to tell you, other than the envelope method sounds like a good place to start.
"Have paychecks deposit paychecks into savings account" - again, presupposes a bank account... see above?
"Allow yourself only one ATM withdrawal per week" - How about avoid ATM withdrawals at all costs? I'm thinking of the fees involved. The article seems to be thinking that if you automatically get cash back off of every debit card transaction, you are not fully aware of how much cash you are spending, which is true. Taking a moment to think about your expected cash needs for a given time period, and then using only that money is a safe way to go about using cash.
"Record credit card purchases as you make them in your check register" - I like the idea behind this: keeping track of CC spending, as if it were debit card spending. Not only does it help you keep track of your spending, but it also ensures that you will have the money to pay the bill, and pay it off. So, no late or missed payments, plus, you'll be able to pay off the balance monthly (assuming you start doing this at a 0 balance, yada, yada...) It is the application where I am weary. My uneasiness stems from the fact that I live almost a cashless existence. If I have cash, I will spend it like water. So, that means I use my card a lot. So, I should be recording everything, but the simple truth is I don't. Do I need to do some serious behavior modification, probably.
"Save your spare change" - I guess these guys are trying to cover all bases by talking about ways to save with CCs and with cash. I can attest to the value of saving spare change, having helped collect over $100 in coins, mainly pennies, from my mother-in-law's house when they moved. Should you start using cash more in order to have change to save? Should you stop spending change in order to collect it up as a holiday stash? I'm inclined to say no. If you use cash, and have change, save it. If you are currently using change to buy bread and milk, keep on. So, this is a good idea, but I'm not sure that I would drastically alter my behavior in order to do so.
"Bag the savings from taking your lunch" - An interesting idea. Seems to be a lot of work if you aren't using cash to buy your lunch in the first place (at least a lot of work for your mouse, if you online bank, or for your teller, if you go in daily to transfer $5 from checking to savings). I suppose you could always just say at the end of the week "I took my lunch X number of days, so I saved Y," and transfer that. But then, I wouldn't have written out my entire thought process. And what fun would that be. So, yes, this is a good idea, but what about people who are taking their lunch because that $5 lunch excursion would have equaled no rent money? C'mon, guys, these are the kinds of things I contemplate.
"Pay yourself once you've paid off a debt" - I like this. If you don't have other debt you'd rather put the money towards, this is great. I don't think I can be reminded about this enough. I admit it, I am tempted to keep up with various different Joneses sometimes. A reminder to keep paying myself and my future is always good.
"Give yourself time to think about purchases." - my husband does this, the "it'll be here tomorrow; if not, I wasn't meant to have it." Frustrates me sometimes. But, I realize the wisdom in it. We don't usually go back for the item, or if we do, it is gone. Honestly, can't remember what it is we haven't bought.
Alright, there you have a little insight into my brain. What do you think? Did you like the article? Am I being too nit-picky, or not nit-picky enough?
I came across this article today, though, on Yahoo. While it falls into some of the same traps, concerning ATM fees, collecting your spare change daily, and coffee-house coffee, and assuming a decent credit history/bank account, there is some information that is helpful.
"Know how you use plastic" - a sound piece of advice, because it is easy to deny your own habits. This is something about which I have had to be honest with myself. For me, if my card is getting too much of a work out, a mental reminder isn't enough. Physically removing it from my wallet/purse, and putting it someplace where it is inconvenient to access helps. Someplace like a box, tucked away in the closet, or the freezer, in a bag filled with water. Having to de-clutter a closet or defrost a card will make you think twice about using that card.
"Are you really going to pay yourself first." - I like direct deposit, and my automatically deducted retirement plan payments. Splitting your direct deposit amongst savings versus spending accounts is a great way to ensure money is getting saved. But, this pre-supposes that you have a job who will do direct deposit (which does seem to be more frequent now), and that you have a bank account. I used to think that everyone did, but have learned that grown-up does not equal bank account, for various reasons. If you live a cash-only life, I'm not sure what to tell you, other than the envelope method sounds like a good place to start.
"Have paychecks deposit paychecks into savings account" - again, presupposes a bank account... see above?
"Allow yourself only one ATM withdrawal per week" - How about avoid ATM withdrawals at all costs? I'm thinking of the fees involved. The article seems to be thinking that if you automatically get cash back off of every debit card transaction, you are not fully aware of how much cash you are spending, which is true. Taking a moment to think about your expected cash needs for a given time period, and then using only that money is a safe way to go about using cash.
"Record credit card purchases as you make them in your check register" - I like the idea behind this: keeping track of CC spending, as if it were debit card spending. Not only does it help you keep track of your spending, but it also ensures that you will have the money to pay the bill, and pay it off. So, no late or missed payments, plus, you'll be able to pay off the balance monthly (assuming you start doing this at a 0 balance, yada, yada...) It is the application where I am weary. My uneasiness stems from the fact that I live almost a cashless existence. If I have cash, I will spend it like water. So, that means I use my card a lot. So, I should be recording everything, but the simple truth is I don't. Do I need to do some serious behavior modification, probably.
"Save your spare change" - I guess these guys are trying to cover all bases by talking about ways to save with CCs and with cash. I can attest to the value of saving spare change, having helped collect over $100 in coins, mainly pennies, from my mother-in-law's house when they moved. Should you start using cash more in order to have change to save? Should you stop spending change in order to collect it up as a holiday stash? I'm inclined to say no. If you use cash, and have change, save it. If you are currently using change to buy bread and milk, keep on. So, this is a good idea, but I'm not sure that I would drastically alter my behavior in order to do so.
"Bag the savings from taking your lunch" - An interesting idea. Seems to be a lot of work if you aren't using cash to buy your lunch in the first place (at least a lot of work for your mouse, if you online bank, or for your teller, if you go in daily to transfer $5 from checking to savings). I suppose you could always just say at the end of the week "I took my lunch X number of days, so I saved Y," and transfer that. But then, I wouldn't have written out my entire thought process. And what fun would that be. So, yes, this is a good idea, but what about people who are taking their lunch because that $5 lunch excursion would have equaled no rent money? C'mon, guys, these are the kinds of things I contemplate.
"Pay yourself once you've paid off a debt" - I like this. If you don't have other debt you'd rather put the money towards, this is great. I don't think I can be reminded about this enough. I admit it, I am tempted to keep up with various different Joneses sometimes. A reminder to keep paying myself and my future is always good.
"Give yourself time to think about purchases." - my husband does this, the "it'll be here tomorrow; if not, I wasn't meant to have it." Frustrates me sometimes. But, I realize the wisdom in it. We don't usually go back for the item, or if we do, it is gone. Honestly, can't remember what it is we haven't bought.
Alright, there you have a little insight into my brain. What do you think? Did you like the article? Am I being too nit-picky, or not nit-picky enough?
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