If you’ve been listening to all the hullabaloo that’s been going on about the current state of our economy, then you’ve probably heard the line that says we’re in the worst economic period since the Great Depression. Maybe we are, maybe we’re not. I’m no economist. I went to J-School. But as our current president reflects on past presidents to guide his policy during this time, we can reflect on the frugal precedents (kaching!) our ancestors set, says Bill Shrink of the blog Shrinkage Is Good.
Before I go any further, I would like to praise Mr. Shrink for the name of his blog, Shrinkage Is Good. It takes some cajones for a dude to write under such a headline. Btw, pun intended.
Mr. Shrink notes that, despite the depressing nature of the Great Depresssion, people were able to stay afloat during desperate times using common sense practices that may not seem so common today . Mr. Shrink offers advice like buying only what you need and avoiding debt like the plague. And, get this dolls, he says to consider buying things used. Jeepers. Who woulda thunk it?
Read the rest of Mr. Shrink’s 16 Depression Era Money Saving Tips here. It’s the cats pajamas.
Photo: practicalowl / Flickr
The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.
Alerts:
- Free sandwich with purchase. Today only, until 2 pm local time, get a free Grand Slamwich at Denny’s restaurants with the purchase of a Grand Slam Breakfast.
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The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.
Alerts:
- Get the 30 Minute Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, which regularly goes for $150, for $60 today at Amazon.com. The camcorder, according to the product
Continue reading »
The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.
Alerts:
- Free movie rental. Valid today only, redbox.com offers a free 1-night DVD rental via coupon code “TS473G”. Not bad for DVD rentals that are already pretty low
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Welcome to the Frugal Finds Weekend edition! The Blawgirl dishes out tips every Saturday morning on how she tries to be a smarter shopper.
Be sure to check back 11:30 (ish) Monday through Friday when The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper.
I didn’t like going to swap meets when I was younger. To my young, malleable mind, they were the epitome of unhipitude, and I, a girl who had transferred out of a private, Catholic school into the California public school system, couldn’t risk (more) unhipness. I wanted to try to fit in, wear what everyone else was wearing, have what everyone else had. And the alphas at the school certainly did not wear fake Nike T-shirts and buy Tamagotchi knockoffs. That, plus the fact that my mother and grandmother always brought umbrellas or unsightly, Scarlett O’Hara-sized hats to keep from getting tan (as many Asian women are taught to do), made me quake in my jelly sandals about possibly being seen by a classmate whenever I went to the local outdoor market.
I’m glad that I have gotten over that.
Today, I love, love, love my local swapmeet, or as my dad jokingly calls it, “SM” (not to be confused with S & M because that is just eww coming from a parental unit). And if you’re a deal seeker or one who loves to haggle for a lower pricetag, you may just grow to love your local SM too.
The SM is not for the weak hearted, however. If you like order, knowing where to find things, and knowing just exactly what things and what brands you want to purchase, it might not be the place for you. You have to be willing to walk down aisles, roll up your sleeves, sometimes dig through bins to find things you’re looking for. But oh the wonders to be had.
I’m certain the offerings vary from place to place, but, if my SM is any indication, you can find almost anything: fresh produce,
processed food stuffs, jeans, shoes, dresses, blouses, purses, accesories, plants, used stuff, new stuff, furniture, and even pets (I saw someone buy a trained cockatoo last week) all for way below what you would pay for those products in stores, and even lower if you get on the seller’s good side.
An example: Two blouses=$10. A pair of jeans=$8. A pair of cute heels=$5. Sunglasses=2 for $10. Picking up an entire outfit for less than $50=priceless.
Besides the deals to be had, the cheap prices draw many people from many different cultures to the markets, like moths to a steeply, discounted flame. This creates a bazaar-like atmosphere, where the haggling is done in many languages, and in many types of dress. Tagalog, Mandarin, Spanish. Jeans and Ugg boots, saris and even full-on burquas. If you don’t go for the deals, just go for the culture. It is truly something to be seen.
There doesn’t seem to be an online directory of all the swapmeets in the United States, but, if you’re in the Orange County, Calif., area you can try checking out The Orange County Marketplace (Costa Mesa), the Goldenwest College Swap Meet (Huntington Beach), or the Cypress College Swap Meet (Costa Mesa), which were voted the top three markets in The O.C. by The Orange County Register.
You can also check out the California Swap Meet Association Web site, or visit my local swap meet held every 7 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at Nogales High School, 401 Nogales Street, La Puente, Calif.
Happy shopping, bargain hunters! See you on Monday!
Photos: SteevzStuff / Flickr and Laura Grace / Flickr
The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.
Alerts:
- Ritz Camera is closing over 300 of its 700 stores as part of its bankruptcy reorganization plan, according to MarketWatch. For the closing stores, liquidation sales begin April 4, and will run until stock is depleted. A complete list of store closings is available here in PDF format. (via DealNews)
- If you’re a Borders Reward member (which is free, btw!), you can get 50 percent off best sellers using this print-at-home coupon. Sale runs today through Sunday. (via CheapTweets @bearabledeals)
Gadgets and Gear:
- TigerDirect.com is offering the HP 550 Celeron 2GHz 15.4″ Widescreen Notebook for $429.99. A $50 mail-in rebate brings the computer, which originally costs $499, to $380. You just tack on another $1.99 for shipping. The rebate ends August 30. (via DealNews)
- Dell Small Business is offering the Dell Vostro 1510 Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8GHz 15.4″ Widescreen Notebook, which is originally listed for $897, for $499 with an additional $25 for shipping. Sales tax is added where applicable. (via DealNews)
- The HP Home & Home Office Store offers the HP Pavilion dv4t Pentium Dual-Core 2GHz 14.1″ Widescreen Notebook in Espresso Black or Moonlight White for $569.99 with free shipping and a free deskjet printer via the directions found on the DealNews Web site.
- CellHut.com is offering the Jabra BT5010 Wireless Bluetooth Headset for $29.99. Apply coupon code “DNEWSBT5010N” to drop it to $9.99 with free shipping. (via DealNews)
- Staples offers its Staples Loft Large Desk for $99.90 with free shipping. (via DealNews)
Entertainment:
- If you want to get a little traveling done before law school, Travelocity currently has deals on 100 hotels that cost less than $100 per night. They are also offering $100 off a 5-night flight/hotel combo via code “TOYOTA100″ and $75 off a 3-night Vacation in Savannah via code “SAVANNAH75″. An example: room rates at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas start at $26.28 beginning April 26. Deals expire April 30. (via DealNews)
Odds and Ends:
- Cooking.com is offering the Joyce Chen 14″ Carbon Steel 9-Piece Wok Set for $49.95 plus $9.99 for shipping. Suggested retail for the set is $90. The 9-piece set includes a 14″ wok with dome lid and bamboo handles, 9″ spatula, 13″ slotted spatula, 12″ corner spatula, cooking chopsticks, 12″ wire fry rack, and 5″ stainless steel skimmer with bamboo handle. I don’t know who this Joyce Chen is, but, if you don’t know your pots and pans, lemme ‘splain why a wok is on this list: You can pretty much cook anything in a wok, which makes having one in your cooking arsenal a good frugal investment.
- Buy one Grand Slam Breakfast and get a free Grand Slamwich 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 at participating Denny’s. (via CheapTweet via Nation’s Restaurant News)
- Free mini churros with purchase of mini sirloin burgers at Jack In The Box using this coupon. Coupon valid through April 10. (via CheapTweet via Coupon Cravings)
- Get 50 percent off one item at Old Navy using a coupon. Follow directions at the DealNews Web site to get the coupon. Offer expires April 9.
Thumbnail: Steve Wampler / Flickr
The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.
Alerts:
- Want to take a trip to San Francisco this weekend? If you’re in the Los Angeles area (Long Beach), you can fly up to San Francisco for $14 one-way! The offer from JetBlue is for flights booked today for travel by April 8. The flights from San Francisco to New York have already sold out, so it would probably be a good idea to jump on this deal quickly. (via DealNews) UPDATE (2:45): I just visited the JetBlue site and all four of the flights they were offering have been sold out!
Gadgets and Gear:
- The HP Home & Home Office Store is offering the HP G70t Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz 17″ Widescreen Notebook, model no. NJ774AV, for $569.99 with free shipping. Follow the directions at the DealNews entry for the laptop.
- Apple is currently offering 12 factory refurbished MacBook Pro Notebooks starting at $1,349. If that’s too rich for your blood, you can go with the refurbished MacBook 2.1GHz Intel Core 2 Duo in white for $849. (via DealNews)
- Dell Home is taking 20 percent off select Inspiron notebooks of $799 or more with coupon code “B$89KMG909?2WN” with free shipping. Sales tax is added where applicable. Deal ends April 30. (via DealNews)
- Get an Iogear GME222A Wired Optical Mini Mouse w/ Retractable Cord from Newegg for $9.99 with free shipping. (via CheapTweets via DealUniversity)
- CompUSA is offering the Targus Brilliance Convertible Notebook Case for $24.99 with about $14 for shipping. Not bad for a bag that normally goes for $89.99. Wear it as a messenger bag, as a backpack, or a manbag. The bag features a padded shoulder strap, MP3 player pocket with headphone port, side magnetic pocket, padded workstation, and support for most laptops with screens up to 15.4″. (via DealNews)
- Get a task chair for $10 from Micro Center. It looks kinda basic, but you can upgrade later on. (via FatWallet)
- If you already have a task chair and want an upgrade, you can pick up the RS To-Go Nulla High-Back Microfiber Chair in gray for $79.99 with free shipping from Office Depot. Coupon code “41074467″ brings the price to $67.99. (via DealNews)
Entertainment:
- Amazon.com is offering Seasons 1-10 of “ER” for $163, which is quite a markdown from its list price of $468. If you missed the past decade of unpronounceable medical ailments there’s no better time than these last four months before orientation to catch up. Personally, I’m a “Grey’s Anatomy” kinda girl, but maybe the McGranddaddy of today’s medical dramas can cure your pre-law school ills (haha!). (via DealNews)
- iTunes free downloads. “The Truth in 24″ a documentary about racing. Top app: Skype.
- If you miss you some Buffy the Vampire Slayer, why not check out the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The HBO series “True Blood” is based on this vampire tale where humans and vamps live among each other. A box set with the six of the books in the series is available for $28 via Buy.com via treebeardbooks. (via DealNews)
Odds and Ends:
- To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Old Spaghetti Factory is offering 40 percent off its pasta dinners on Tuesdays. Click here for a link to the coupon. (via CheapTweets via DaddyODeals)
- Also, I just checked the Entertainment.com Web site again, and they’re still offering their 2009 entertainment books for all cities for $15. With free shipping, that’s up to $36 off select books, according to DealNews. Entertainment Books contain hundreds of 2-for-1 and 50 percent off coupons valid at many restaurants, hotels, and services in your area, just select the right book for your city! An example: The Orange County (Calif.) book regularly goes for $40, but is being offered at $15 with free shipping!
Photo: {platinum} / Flickr
The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper. Find a new Frugal Finds 11:30 (ish) p.m. PST every Monday through Saturday! Also, each post is updated as I come across items. You’re welcome.
Alerts:
- Today only. Entertainment.com is offering its 2009 Entertainment Book for all cities for $15. With free shipping, that’s up to $36 off select books, according to DealNews. Entertainment Books contain hundreds of 2-for-1 and 50 percent off coupons valid at many restaurants, hotels, and services in your area, just select the right book for your city! An example: The Orange County (Calif.) book regularly goes for $40, but is being offered at $15 with free shipping!
- Drop by between 4 and 6 p.m. today 1 at Juice It Up and get a free 16-ounce Strawberry Wave. Find your nearest location here. (via OC Deals)
Gadgets and gear:
- Newegg.com is offering the Toshiba Satellite L305-S5933 Pentium Dual-Core 2.16GHz 15.4″ Widescreen Notebook, model no. PSLB8U-027025, for $499.99 with free shipping. (via DealNews via Newegg)
- More from newegg.com: A factory-refurbished Canon PIXMA IP2600 Inkjet Printer, model no. 2435B022, for $24.99. Coupon code “RC243510″ brings the price to $14.99 with free shipping! Find a Brother printer for as little as $47. Find more at DealNews.
- Cabala’s is offering a super cool 3-in-1 Full-Spectrum Lamp for $29.99. Shipping adds an extra $8.95, or pick it up at the store for free. The lamp can be used as a floor lamp, table lamp, or clamp-on reading lamp and features an adjustable goose-neck section. (via DealNews)
- If you’re still driving without a handsfree device, you can pick up the Samsung WEP700 Bluetooth Headset with noise cancelling for a slick $19.99 and get free shipping with coupon code “EMCLPPM27″. Offer expires April 6. (via CheapTweets via TechBargains)
- Walmart offers the Eastsport Dome Backpack for $9.88. You can have it shipped to you for 97 cents more or order it online and pick it up for free at your local store. Backpack features include a front-pocket organizer, two mesh side pockets, padded lumbar support, contoured padded shoulder straps, and more. (via DealNews)
Entertainment:
As a Browncoat, I had to throw this in: You can buy the entire series of Joss Whedon’s “Firefly” for $20 at Amazon.com! Or you can just watch it for free on Hulu.com, where you can find tons of old and new shows to watch for free! They also recently added a documentaries section that includes the popular doc Super Size Me.- iTunes free downloads. Free Peter Bjorn and John ‘Nothing to Worry About’ music video download. Top free app: Skype.
Odds and Ends:
- Get a coupon good for a free ice cream e-mailed to you when you sign up for Baskin Robbins’ Birthday Club. You’ll also receive special offers and coupons, including a discount on a birthday cake. Offer expires April 30. (via CheapTweets via CouponHungry)
- Participating Ben & Jerry’s stores will offer free ice cream cones to everyone during its Free Cone Day April 21 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. No purchase necessary and one cone per person.(via DealNews)
- At Quiznos retail stores, buy a Toasty Torpedo Combo Meal and receive another Toasty Torpedo sandwich for free with a printable coupon. All you have to do is play the Toast & Destroy game and register your email. Coupon expires April 15. (via DealNews) The game isn’t that bad. You’re a sandwich-firing toaster that has to blast through french fries, burritos and pizzas. Think Galaga whilst battling coronary artery disease. On a side note: I think it would’ve been hella funny for that other sandwich company’s spokesman Jared to come out as a Bowser, king-of-the-koopas-type boss. I challenge you, Interwebz Flash game geniuses, to make it happen for me.
On a side, side note: I think my nerd stripes are showing again with the Firefly, Galaga and Super Mario Bros. references. Crap.
Photo: Madelena Pestana / Flickr
The Blawgirl crawls the Interwebz to find steals and deals for the frugal law student and the competitive bargain shopper.
Alerts:
- Ending today. Restaurant.com is offering a 70 percent off already-discounted, print-at-home restaurant coupons. Use coupon code ‘SAVE’. (via CheepTweets via techbargains.com)
- Ending today. Get a factory-refurbished Brother HL-2040 Monochrome Laser Printer worth $79.99 for $30 with coupon code “RC204020″ and a $30 mail-in rebate. With free shipping, you get an $80 printer for $30! Visit DealNews for the link to the rebate.
- Ending today. Get an HP All-in-One for as little as $69. Get the HP Photosmart C5280 Q8330A, with coupon code “HPC528030″ at Newegg. For more printer deals, visit DealNews.
Gadgets:
- Toshiba Satellite A355-S6925 16″ NoteBook for $600 with coupon code EMCLPPM66 through April 6. (via DealUniversity)
- Netgear WGR614 Wireless-G router for $16.99 and free shipping. (via DealUniversity)
- Canon PowerShot A480 10.0 MP 2.5″ Digital Camera for $119.00 through April 6. (via DealUniversity)
- 25 percent off and free shipping of Dell Studio desktops of $1,149 or more with coupon code “52KZSVRL0DVBMT”. Deal ends May 1. (via DealNews)
Entertainment:
- RedOctane is offering the Guitar Hero Metallica Wireless Bundle for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, or PlayStation 3 (as pre-orders) for $99.99 with free shipping. The coupon code “GHMETAL20″ brings it to $79.99. (via DealNews)
- Free subscription to Spin magazine for your Vodka recipe. (via MyDealsBlog)
- Borders Rewards members can get 25 percent off today through Thursday with this printable coupon. (via OC Deals)
- iTunes free downloads. Angel Taylor ‘Make Me Believe’ (pop). John Cage ’4’33″ (whiskey tango foxtrot? hint: It’s four and a half minutes almost two minutes of silence!) Top free app: 3D Brick Breaker Revolution.
Odds and ends:
- CVS pharmacy online is offering 20 percent off everything March 30-April 1. From the CVS main page, you use coupon code CVS ‘spring20′ at checkout (via CheapTweets via FatWallet)
- Free full-size Pantente Pro-V Nature Fusion while supplies last. (via Frugal Freebies)
- Buy one get one free large or medium lattes at Seattle’s Best coffee! Visit JustPlainFrugal for the coupon link!
- Two-piece chicken and biscuit meal for $1.99 at Popeye’s Chicken. (via FatWallet)
- OK. Had to follow up the fried chicken entry with this: 2-year adult membership at 24 Hour Fitness All-Sport, All-Club for $299. Word on message boards, however, is they try to sell you stuff when you go in to register, so put the blinders on and don’t give in!
Photo: Experiment 33 / Flickr
Gizmodo is a great technology blog that also throws in some interesting geek-related news (think Playstation, Xbox, Super Mario Bros., the Princess Leia slave girl outfit, etc.). If you’re looking for reviews for laptops or gadgets, this is a great place to get feedback.
The thing about technology, however, is that it can be pretty expensive. Gizmodo’s answer? Its daily Dealzmodo post, which lists technology, and sometimes fast food, discounts and rebates.
Here’s the latest posting: Gizmodo: Gadget deals of the day.
The site also recently listed an offer for $200 of the $999 white MacBook. You can find out about that offer here.
Thumbnail: Steve Wampler / Flickr
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