The economy is getting ugly. As those who have read my posts before know I’ve been warning everyone of how the trend was turning sour for years. Now we are in a full recession. If anything, it will be a deep recession that will get close to being a depression. Not to scare people, but the problems are global, meaning it could be awhile before things get better.
Everyone is hurting. I know many people that have lost their jobs as I’m sure many of you have too. The unemployment rate could hit 10%. Now’s the time more than ever to take saving money seriously.
Sadly, the greedy hurt everyone here. They made enough money, but wanted more to the point they took advantage of the system. And stories are still coming out that some bailed-out banks have wasted taxpayer’s bailout money on lavish things and on bonuses. These people obviously don’t understand or care that people are suffering. And some want more money …that they don’t deserve. They need a wake-up call as do we to not accept such behavior.
Make money fair and square. I like Warren Buffet’s quote – “It’s only when the tide goes out that you learn who’s been swimming naked.” And we’re seeing that now with Madoff and others.
STORE BRANDS
The PD did a story on store brands and how more people are buying them now more than ever. Store brands, also known as generic, to me are great for people who don’t use coupons, but for those of us who do use coupons, it is more expensive.
For instance, the story noted that at Wal-Mart a box of Rice Chex cereal cost $3.34 while a store brand package of it cost $2.28. However what the story didn’t mention is that both prices are the everyday price and it doesn’t consider the sale price on the name brand item. Store brands rarely go on sale. And there are usually never coupons available for the store brands. You can always find the name brand Rice Chex on sale and it’s usually $2. Coupons are always available for name brand cereal. By using a coupon at a store that doubles you can get the box for much less than $2. If you have a 75 cent coupon the box will cost you 50 cents.
Interestingly the reporter contacted me about the story. Every story has an angle and she didn’t take mine.
I told her I don’t recommend buying generic items because I can find better deals using coupons on name brand items. And this is amazing. A 32 ounce can of the store brand sauerkraut at Giant Eagle is $1.55 while the name brand Libby’s is $1.25. Del Monte had theirs go on sale the other week for $1. Match coupons with the name brands and you can get it for even less. So don’t be fooled into thinking generic is always cheaper!
Here’s the story:
http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2009/01/lowcost_private_label_brands_g.html
Speaking of stories in the paper, there should be one that I was interviewed on coming out soon in the Sun Press and Cleveland Heights Observer.
WALGREENS
They are selling the Sunday PD for 99 cents on Sundays until 2/8.
GRAVEYARD MALL
Where high prices come to die.
Click here:
Graveyardmall.com
CELLPHONESHOP
Get cell phone accessories for cheap. I got a car adapter and regular power cord for my cell phone for around $4 each. Much cheaper than the $25 to $30 they normally charge for them at the cell phone retail stores.
Get $8 off a purchase of $28 or more. Ends 1/31. Use code: CPS8LLD
Or use code: freeship to get free shipping on orders of $30 or more.
Click here:
Cellphoneshop.com
MYWEDDINGFAVORS
Get wedding favors cheap. Use these codes to get better deals.
FREESHIP175 - Free shipping on orders over $175. Ground shipping only.
SAVE5 - Save 5% (no order minimum)
SAVE10 - Save 10% on orders of $150+
TAKE25 - $25 off orders of $200+
Click here:
Myweddingfavors.com
SOUTHWEST
Travel any day of the week from $49 – $99 one–way
Book by January 26 for travel by March 11, 2009
14–day advance purchase
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
The Grill @ Bainbridge Commons
American Greetings - They are closing stores in Richmond Mall, Great Lakes Mall, Chesterland, Ashtabula Mall, Wadsworth, Chagrin Falls and Galleria. The stores do business as Gorant, American Greetings, and Carlton Cards.
Circuit City - bankrupt - all stores closing.
Here’s a good story about store closings sent to me by Lisa C – thanks!:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106466/Where-You-Won't-Shop-in-2009
OPENINGS
Rite Aid – On East 185th
Grotto Wine Bar – Shaker Square
Joe
http://www.joethecouponguy.com
