Bargain or Premium?

Most business can fall into two categories—those that provide and promote “bargains” and those who offer products and services that are marketed as “premium.” Both approaches work and it is really just a matter of deciding what sort of business you are, what you are selling or marketing, and what works with your target market. As a general rule, if you go the bargain route, you will need more customers than if you promote the “premium” route. This means that if you are providing a product or service that you are promoting and pricing as affordable, a bargain, or a … Continue reading

Seven Things You Should Never Buy at the Grocery Store

There are certain items in the grocery store that will tend to cost you to spend more money than you should. Cut these ten thing out of your grocery store shopping on a regular basis in order to get the most for your money. 1. Cut up fruit and vegetables. You’ll pay much more for fruit and vegetables that have been pre-cut. While these items can certainly be convenient, it usually isn’t worth the premium price plus the shorter shelf life. If you really want your produce already processed, see if there is a version in the frozen food aisle. … Continue reading

Four Alternatives to the Grocery Store

Just fifteen or twenty years ago it would have been unusual to buy your groceries from anywhere other than your typical neighborhood grocery store. Things have definitely changed since then and the average consumer has a whole range of opportunities to shop for food. Gone on are the days when the supermarket was practically the only place most people went to get their groceries. According to the Wall Street Journal, Americans are only shopping for groceries at supermarkets 51 percent of the time. So where are they going for grocery purchases, and will those places save them money? 1. Big … Continue reading

Thrift Stores Are Great

There isn’t one piece of furniture in my house, other than mattresses, that I bought new. It is all thrift store or yard sale finds or someone was kind enough to pass it down to me when they were through with it. I also love decorating and redecorating my home. This isn’t really part of the budget but if I find a great picture or a beautiful mirror and use paint and fabric to build a room around it, everything looks wonderful and I take care of the decorating bug. I know some people who will not shop in thrift … Continue reading

Are Warehouse Clubs Worth It? A Breakdown of Fees Versus Savings

My family used to be avid warehouse club shoppers. We dutifully paid our annual fees and renewed our membership each year. We would shop about once every six to eight weeks and stock up on all of the items, food and non-food, required in our household, as well as a few things that weren’t actually required (premium hot cocoa anyone?). Two years ago, however, we let our membership expire without a renewal. Now, however, we have been thinking about getting one again and are weighing the fees against the probably savings. Will it be worth it? Here is some information … Continue reading

The Change in Generic Food May Help You Save

Here is one way that the downturn in the economy may be good for those of us living frugally, although some caution is still advised. Grocery stores are having to come up with new ways to be creative when selling their food, and they are quick to respond to anything that will sell product. One of the results of people tightening their belts is the fact that most shoppers, even ones with higher income, are now buying generic store brands instead of name brand. This applies to food and other household goods, such as laundry detergent. As bread prices move … Continue reading

Family Travel: Something for Mom in Massachusetts

In my previous blog I encouraged moms to earmark sometime on their annual family vacations to indulge in one of their favorite activities—-be it shopping, horseback riding, getting pampered at a spa, etc. Easier said than done, I know. But, thanks to some creative marketing folks at hotels around the country, travel packages designed specifically for overworked moms are ripe for the picking right now. If you plan to be in Massachusetts sometime in the next few weeks consider taking advantage of these great deals: BOSTON The Boston Marriott is offering a “Baseball and Shopping” package for moms who want … Continue reading

Busy Airport Gets Major Boost

The good news: London Heathrow Airport just opened a new $8.6 billion state-of-the-art terminal with some of the most luxurious accommodations in the world. The bad news: Unless you are a higher-fare premium customer you won’t get the opportunity to indulge in the terminal’s ultra-luxe amenities. Still, airport officials say the addition of the new Terminal 5 will greatly improve the travel experience for millions of travelers who fly British Airways. (The new facility was designed specifically for the 30 million or so passengers who fly with the carrier.) For example, frequent flyers will now be pampered in the terminal’s … Continue reading

Computing Week in Review: March 17th Through March 23rd

Did you know that you might be able to return your outdated HD DVD for a full refund? It is true. Another financial technology bargain is the fact that iTunes may give you free access! Both of these stories and more were featured this past week. Check them out. Here is the Computing Blog week in review for March 17th through March 23rd. March 17th Computing Week in Review: March 10th Through March 16th The safety of my children is a primary concern. That is why I have been busy writing about parental controls in video games. Some os these … Continue reading

Spring Travel Deals in Paradise

Spring break is fast approaching (in fact, some college coeds began their break last Friday), which means millions of families will be hitting the highways or jetting off to celebrate a week of school-free days. If your travel plans include a pit stop in a Hawaiian paradise there are some incredible bargains you should be aware of. For example: The Star of Honolulu is offering an Easter lunch cruise on March 23rd from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23rd. The trip departs from Aloha Tower Marketplace, Pier 8 and caters to families who want to spend the holiday … Continue reading