Cost ‘o Cruising

Filed Under Saving Money, Shopping, Travel | Comments Off

Greetings from my very discounted cruise. Here’s a shot of our “little” balcony. our little budget balcony (I am lucky. I am lucky. I am lucky.) It’s pouring tropical rain as we pull into the dock this morning in Costa Maya, Mexico, but that doesn’t stop the intrepid traveler/shoppers as they stream off the boat into the tiny seaport town. As I watch them, it occurs to me that it should be called Costa Lot. For all the shopping hype so far, in only the first day at sea, I can finally see why the cruise industry is able to afford its many low-price fares — they must get a kickback rebate when they sell jewelry, art and liquor. And judging from the money changing hands and the number of hands reaching for the free junk they give out to lure people into the shopping mode, it’s probably enough to pay for the fuel from Florida to the Caribbean and back again.

I am beginning to realize that one of the reasons I can live well on a budget is that I don’t care about shopping, and I have enough stuff. What is it about shopping that gets people so excited? And are there really such great bargains to be had by leaving the US?

My plan today is to ask my fellow passengers why they get so excited about shopping on vacation. For me, it’s the fun of having something that no one else will probably have, and the excitement of saying, when I get a compliment on the piece, that I bought it in Wherever. Are the prices really so great that they can’t be matched in the states? Is the stuff so unique? Is it status? I’m truly curious. Why do people spend so much money when they’re away? How many watches does one person need?

I go ashore to see the country, meet the people, and maybe find some cheap, unique Mexican silver or pottery gifty things to bring home to my friends and family, and a little something for myself, as a memory of this lovely trip. Tomorrow, Belize City. I wonder what’s available there.

Oct

16

Freebies, Deals, Trade-ins and More

Filed Under Electronics, Freebies, Saving Money, Shopping | Comments Off

TradingPost Welcome back! I’m happy to say that we’ve recovered from the hack and we’re back on track helping you save money. Going into the holiday season, we’ve created a new feature — Wise Buys — highlighting RIGHT NOW deals on the hottest items and best prices for Holiday Gifts. Check in daily as we’ll be constantly updating it.

So, for today and to keep you busy over the weekend, here are a few:

This great info sent in by Mindy in New York, a die-hard coupon clipper and price comparison shopper: New Trade in Program announced by Best Buy. Click here for info. Thanks, Mindy!

Have dry eyes? Here’s a FREE bottle of Optive lubricant drops! This is stuff that is just not available at a low price, so Click here to register your info for a personal rebate coupon.

Now, let’s start talking about Christmas — already??? Yes! Hot gift items are available NOW at discount prices — we’re doing our best to find them for you. Shop now, get what you want, and be done, and paid, by December. Here’s some of the biggies:

Amazon announced last week that they were lowering the price of a new KINDLE Wireless Reading Device (6 e-reader to under $260 with free shipping, the lowest price ever. You can also pre-order the next generation Kindle, launching on October 19, or, if you’re shopping for yourself, there are a limited number of refurbished models for $219.

DIGITALLY REMASTERED BEATLES BOXED SET — We think this is THE gift for baby boomers on your list, and Amazon has the lowest price, free shipping and reliability. They’ll be shipping on 10/31.

Click here to go to Amazon.com, and you could probably get your holiday shopping done by Halloween!

And a few discounts, for gifts or for yourself — Shop THIS WEEKEND for these deals:

Get low $2.99 shipping on purchases at OneHanesPlace.com. Enter promo code 611690 at checkout. This offer is valid through October 25th.

Extra $50 off unlocked BlackBerry Storm. MSRP: $899. Kusho.com price: $499.99. Now, just $449.99! Use code BB_STORM_449 through 11/16

Or, Get an unlocked black Blackberry Pearl Flip (8220) for just $239.99. Use coupon BB8210EARL20OFF thru 11.16.

A great freebie from a great resource for beauty products: FREE 27 Piece Mini Makeup Kit With Any Purchase from ELF COSMETICS! Use code LOYAL thru 11/13

Happy Weekend, Happy Shopping, and let us know what we can find for you!

Next week, we’ll talk about ways to make extra $$$ for the holiday season. Meanwhile, for more on Holiday shopping, click here!