Maybe I've got this all wrong?

A couple weekends ago I heard a segment on Marketplace Money that really got me thinking. The author basically recommends that instead of cutting down on expensive lattes and finding other ways to save a little money, we should focus our time and energy on bringing in more income. In his estimation, this will be a better use of our time and will allow us to continue to live the lifestyle we want. Some ideas include giving private music or other lessons, helping create PowerPoint presentations, or organizing people's closets.

I see some flaws in this theory. First of all, if we increase our income but still continue to live just at or above our means, we will still have the same problem and will just have to keep earning more money. It seems to me that a combination of cutting our spending and increasing our income would be the best strategy. Come to think of it, I think that we could possibly solve the current fiscal problems in our state (Minnesota, where our state government is currently shut down), as well as national budgets with a similar approach!

So, you're looking to earn some extra income, where to start? If you have professional or technical skills, try http://www.elance.com/, which offers a way to connect businesses who are looking for writers, accountants, and many other skilled professionals to complete specific jobs or assignments. Craigslist has a section with similar postings. If you have some time, possibly look into direct selling such as Pampered Chef. If you're a stay-at-home parent, maybe you could watch another child some days. Or if you are handy you could do some maintenance or fix-it work for friends or neighbors.

Just don't forget to stay thrifty once the extra money comes rolling in.

Link to transcript of the segment: A new way to save Marketplace From American Public Media

Thrifty Travel Tip: Libraries

On a recent trip, we didn't have room in our suitcases to pack many books for ourselves or our daughter. (please don't tell me I should get an e-book reader, already wrote about that) In researching our Caribbean island destination, we found out that there was a robust library system. When we got there, we went to the library and for about $2 were able to get a temporary library card and check out whatever we wanted. The library even had free wifi. We got some great board books for our daughter and novels for us.

So, next time you're heading out on vacation, in the US or outside, see how their library system is before you go. It might help save some pounds in your suitcase.

Another cool thing about libraries

As a parent, the library is a thrifty treasure trove of information and activities. We go to a free baby and me storytime on Mondays at one of our local branches. The children's librarian leads a group of 5-10 pairs of parents and babies as we read four books, sing songs, and have playtime. The whole thing is about a half hour long. What a great way to improve literacy! Another local library has an amazing children's area with puppets, a train set, lots of board books, picture books, and several storytime offerings, for babies as well as toddlers and preschoolers. There are also large sections of parenting books to help us parents figure out what we're doing!

A weekly trip to the library is a must for any kid, whether they are 2 months old or 12 years old. I'm hoping that our trips and the many books we read every day will instill a love of reading in our daughter.

Thrifty Strategy- Magazine Subscription Discounts

When it's time to renew or subscribe to a new a magazine, do you fill out the little card that comes with each issue? If so, you might be spending too much. If there's a magazine you want, Google the title with the word "discount" or "cheap." You can usually find a great deal. We've used this strategy for Businessweek, US Weekly, National Geographic, and several others. The only problem is that it sometimes takes a few months for the subscription to start! Make sure to save your receipt just in case.

Here are some sites:
http://www.mags4cheap.com/
http://www.magsdirect.com/


Another strategy is to give the magazine subscription as a gift, you can usually get a big discount on your subscription. I have done this for Real Simple.

Thrifty Strategy- Library book sales

Have you ever been to a library book sale? Most public libraries have them a few times a year. They usually sell a combination of books they used to lend out and books that have been donated. You can find some great deals and they are usually well-organized, too. My mom got quite a few books for our daughter this weekend at a sale near where they live. I'm sure there will be several coming up now that school has started and it's fall, so do a google search and see what you can find near you!

Fall Book Season

I love to read and am looking forward to the new crop of fall books that are about to be published. Here's an article from the New York Times about some of the biggest ones. Personally, I plan to read Freedom and Fall of Giants. I've already requested Freedom from the library and need to get online to request the other one as well.

Beach Reads Finished, It's Time for the Big Books
New York Times

In defense of books

As I was on the way home from the store today, I was listening to Fresh Air on NPR. The host was interviewing an author and the subject of e-books came up. The author admitted that she does not use an e-reader, and doesn't plan to start.  This discussion came up at book club a few weeks ago, and it seems that more and more people are starting to use Kindles and Nooks, however there are many out there who prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book.

I am in the physical book camp. I love browsing libraries and bookstores and looking at book jackets to see what I might want to read. It's fun to look through my bookshelves at home and reminisce about where I got a particular book or when I read it last. I can underline, take notes, and look back at the notes years later. On a bus or in the airport, I can look around and see what people are reading and get ideas on what I might want to read. My daughter can chew on, grab, and follow along with me as I read to her, and I can pass my childhood books down to her. If some sauce splatters or spills on a cookbook, it's not a disaster of epic proportions, just a memory the next time I use that recipe and see the stain.

From a thrifty perspective, physical books are the clear winner.  You can exchange books with and lend books to others- friends or strangers. There are half-price bookstores and bargain shelves at libraries. Rummage sales offer a bumper crop of books. If you lose a paperback on a trip, you're out $10, not $150 or $200. You can check out any of millions of books at a library for free. Perhaps e-books will someday have these type of options, but as of now, they don't.

Well, back to thumbing through my pile of cookbooks to plan the perfect menu for this weekend!

In praise of libraries

Do you have a library card? I sure hope you do! Libraries aren't just for dusty old tomes and quiet anymore. They loan DVD's, CD's, magazines, books old and new, book club bags, museum passes, host discussions and meetings, the list goes on and on. My local library even has free coffee.

• One amazing deal in the Twin Cities is the Museum Adventure Pass. When you check this pass out, you get two free admissions to a cultural destination such as the MN Zoo or Walker Art Center. 
• If you have kids, many libraries offer free story time for several different age groups as well as summer reading programs
• Often a library or county library system will bring in local or even nationally recognized authors for book discussions
• Many library systems are online, where you can browse for books, renew, and put items on hold via the web. Some even send you email reminders when your books are almost due.

Take a trip to your local library this summer, you won't regret it!