Black Belt Shopper
(featured column)
Frommer's
Smart Shopping
by
Larry Wiener
If you've read
my e-book, The
Black Belt Shopper's Guide (currently on sale!), you will see that I
recommend Arthur Frommer for travel information. His Budget Travel
magazine is especially good. More...
Ever the
entrepreneur, Frommer has now come up with a shopping magazine. Published
quarterly, Frommer's Smart Shopping contains tips galore for saving on just
about everything.
The premier issue (Fall, 2005), features the following articles:
* "Save $40 a Week at the Supermarket" (Includes tips on using
coupons, buying toiletries elsewhere, and buying fatty hamburger and then
browning it.)
* "Does It Really Pay to Shop At a Dollar Store?" (Yes, but with a few
caveats. The article even suggests which items to stay away from at which
chains.)
* "Mail Order: Out of the Box (Compares FTD Flowers, Harry and David,
and Omaha Steaks - and rates their lower-priced competitors.)
* "ebay for Everybody!: 20 Tips: How To Buy and Sell on e-bay Like an
Expert" (This article has good tips for both buyers and sellers.)
Other feature articles include "10 Best Bargains of the USA"
(including breakfast at Denny's), 20 Money-Saving Shopping Tips, and
others. The magazine also includes the editor's letter, letters to the
editor, questions and answers, dollar stretches, and a section of articles
called "Bargain Bin."
The Dollar Stretchers section includes tips not directly related to store or
online shopping, but quite valuable to consumers wanting to save money.
That section includes a feature called "Teeth on the Cheap" and
articles about extended warranties (which says that they rarely are worth
getting), colleges under $5,000, and free long distance phone service.
At least the first issue does not have too many ads. Most of the ads are
for toothpaste and similar everyday items. It is tastefully illustrated
and the language is clear and readable.
In case you weren't aware, Arthur Frommer is a prominent publisher of travel
materials. His Budget Travel magazine is a valuable asset to travelers who
want to make the most of their money.
This magazine should be worth the $4.95 it costs regardless of your own shopping
situation. I bought it at Borders, but I am sure it is available at many
other outlets. If you are on a very tight budget, the articles on grocery
shopping and dollar stores will help you make it through the month. If your
budget has a little more for discretionary items, you can also consider some of
the articles on topics such as bargain furniture shopping.
* * *
Copyright
© 2006 by Larry Wiener. All rights reserved.
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