Dec

19

Searching for Specials

Filed Under Travel and Entertainment | Comments Off

I just spent HOURS on the internet looking for a deal to take the hubby and I to Sea World in Orlando.  penguinsOrlando is probably the world’s capital of cheap amusement, starting with the place you lay your head.  

I looked at several discount travel agencies (I will list links to some of them next week), and got us set up with a hotel and some food.  Now, what I wanted was discount tickets for Sea World.  Checked on the SW site, a few others, Googled discounts and visited some other sites where I could find deals that I might be eligible to participate in — which I wasn’t.  So, lots of time invested for a really minimal ROI.   Honestly, I got to save a few bucks, but I’m not sure it was really worth the time.  Today’s tip — sometimes you have to measure money saved in relation to what you could have done with the time, and sometimes, it’s just not worth it.   Check back in a few days and I’ll give you some stuff that will be (worth it, that is).

Nov

24

An Inexpensive Spa day at a Very Expensive Spa!

Filed Under Health and Well-Being | Comments Off

It was pouring rain here in South Florida last Friday, steam is rising from the streets — a perfect day for a little self pampering, courtesy of my bank and credit card loyalty programs. I pull into the very ritzy hotel and spa just minutes from my house, valet park the car, (self parking, which would have been my first choice, is unavailable due to construction), and head into the lobby. At the spa desk, I have my valet ticket validated (always ask!) and proceed to have a beautiful day at the spa. First, a workout in the luxuriously appointed gym, followed by an invigorating shower in a booth with jets on the ceiling and walls, and one of those big raindrop showerheads which gives me a cold blast in between hot cascades, then soothing jacuzzi, a few minutes in the sauna, a cup of tea in the calming waiting room, and then…

a full body scrub followed by a relaxing, yet invigorating massage. But wait, there’s more — one of the best facials I’ve ever received, where I speak with the aesthetician about life, business, husbands and bargains. Of course, this is one of my best topics — and this day was one of my best bargains! How did I do it? To begin, my credit card offers a cashback bonus on money spent. Instead of cash, however, I choose a gift certificate, where I get even more value than the cash. So for $180 I receive a $250 spa certificate good at several international hotel spas. Then, I find an ad in a local magazine for 20% off my spa services. Since they add a 20% service charge, then take off the 20%, it’s like not having to pay extra for a tip. So, all this for $265, plus $5 for the validated parking, plus $1 tip for the valet, less the gift certificate for $250, gives me a luxury spa day for $16! Ahh, I DO love a good bargain!

Advice for the day: always be on the lookout for multiple discounts for the same things. ALWAYS sign up for cash-back and other incentive programs. When you need a new credit card, or are just looking to lower your rates and/or get bonuses, try to find some that offer you good rewards. I’m looking for a good place for you to start and will report back shortly. And we’ll definitely talk more about credit cards soon.

Life is good.

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