Old Happy Purchases

A lot of popular blogs and magazines  frequently feature things to buy. Spring is in the air! Time for new stuff in the latest colors! Everything you bought in previous seasons is out-dated!  I admit that I’ve been tempted so many times and if you are, too, you might need to do this little exercise, too.

Go through your house or closet and remind yourself of past purchases that still make you happy. You might be surprised that many things you thought of as “investment” pieces did not bring about as much happiness or return-on-investment as expected.  You might also get a small dose of happiness from old purchases and not feel the need to buy new things.  At least that’s what I was hoping when I wrote this post (inspired by my new spending mentality due to “Your Money or Your Life” Regular readers will be tired of my constant reference to this book by now).

So here goes my list of old purchases that still make me happy:

1. Peacoat: A classic in blue that I got a good deal on
2. Leather boots from Italy: Pretty and classic; needs a little shine!
3. Party dress:  Looks like new because I only wore it once! I wish I had occasion to wear it again.
4. Bathroom Cabinet: A small change that greatly updated our bathroom.
5. Sweater Dress: Still pretty new. An excellent deal and so comfortable!
6. Selected DVDs of classic TV shows: I can watch some shows over and over again.  Which reminds me of #7…
7. Old books that I can re-read and that I never get bored of.
8. Black fake leather purse: Maybe I’m too old for fake leather but I love it and don’t care. It’s sporty but still OK for work environments.
9. Shiny black leather flats: I think I love it more because it’s from a designer brand.  The cobbler was doubtful about adding shoe taps on it until he turned it around and saw that it was made in Italy.
10. Red Land’s End sweater: Work appropriate yet so comfortable. 
11. Gray cardigan: I wear this all the time.  Hides the butt which makes it very practical, too.
12. Dark jeans: It’s on the skinny jean side and I’m sure that trend is over but I do love it.

Just by doing this quick exercise, I realized that love for stuff can wear off pretty quickly.  For example, a pretty blouse from one of my favorite designers would have definitely made this list just two years ago.  It’s still in good shape but I don’t wear it as often anymore for some reason so I can’t say that I love it.

Ironically, in some cases, the more I’ve worn something, the more likely it will fall off the list because it doesn’t look shiny and new anymore.  Since I’m a complicated person (haha), I can also say that if an item does not get that much use, I love it less because it did not meet my expectations in some way.

Furnishings did not make the cut because my kids destroy furniture.  My favorite pillow is stashed in a closet out of reach and I’m tempted to sell or give it to someone who can really appreciate it.

Technology wasn’t included but I admit that I love the use I get out of various tech stuff.  I would give up many things before cutting internet access!

What old things are making you happy right now?  Please include clothing items, shoes, and purses so that I don’t feel shallow.

Unexpected Savings And Deals

I am sort of “in the middle” when it comes to saving my latte money (i.e. couponing/frugality/small savings ). When I read money-saving blogs, I’m equally amazed and a bit confused about the lengths that people go to for free/cheap drugstore goods — multiple transactions, rolling over rewards, coupon tricks, stockpiling etc…  At the same time, I do periodically try to snag deals at drugstores using a combination of manufacturer and store coupons AND sometimes it does take a lot of time/effort.

While I do think that saving big is more important in your overall financial health – learn to negotiate, improve job skills, get a better paying job, invest wisely, don’t buy more house than you can afford, etc.. — sometimes I do have the time and energy to work in small savings.  I still make beginner “mistakes” and forget prices but I thought I write down some recent small savings and see if it makes any difference.

$20 gift card – Olay Rebate with $50 purchase of products, all of which I got on sale at pretty good prices.

$10 gift card - for signing up for online bill payment

$50 cash – for signing up for a savings account. While I don’t recommend opening and closing multiple accounts, this one did not have many restrictions.

$4 in Rite Aid register rewards - I used $2 rewards plus a $1 manufacturer coupon to get a “free” bottle of shampoo.

$6 cash – free meal at Panda Express for buying a $25 gift card.   Panda Express never satisfies my craving for real Chinese food but I know I’ll end up using the gift card.

$20 in Target gift cards – for spending $50 at Target.  I got this deal twice.  In the first transaction, I had to buy a couple of kid toys and spent $61.  In the second transaction (another visit), I bought a large bag of dog food and 2 other items, spending $55 total.   I try to get good deals and stick to my shopping list rather than buy enough just to make the $50 requirement for the gift card.

$15 Ebates check - If you shop online, it’s worth signing up for Ebates or similar service. I don’t know how Ebates makes money but if you go to the ebates website first, then click through to an online retailer, they give you cash back quarterly just for making your usual purchases.

$7 cash – for signing up with the Fresh & Easy Friends loyalty card. I haven’t redeemed it yet but it should be pretty straightforward

$10 gift card – for watching a health care video.

$142 Total. 

Plus, “Bonus” unexpected savings that didn’t give me cash but helped the bottom line:

$25 savings – Found an obscure code on some tech forum that worked and got 1-year of McAfee at an amazingly low price; Previous year I got the entire year free with a little-advertised Bank of America customer promotion.

$12 (value) – one year free subscription to Whole Living magazine for Harry & David purchase.

$17 free haircut – at Supercuts.  You have to get 10 cuts to get 1 free.

$4 in free food  – Many businesses have survey information printed on the end of their receipts. It’s quick to fill out and you get small perks or a chance to win major money.  Plus, it’s your chance to give valuable feedback that actually does get taken into consideration for a store location’s employees.

Lesson learned: Little savings do add up.  However, I find the drugstore game tactics to be more of a headache than even rebates!

All of the above “little savings” is probably my subconscious way to avoid calling my phone company. I need to do that pronto and re-negotiate my rate (again).

Finally, as a reminder to everyone who hates to negotiate, all those little savings also do not compare at all to my recent negotiations at work that resulted in a nice bonus. 

How far do you go to save money?

November 30: Tips For Gift-Giving

Every Wednesday, I’ll (try) to post up a Simple Living Tip, with an emphasis on tips that can be done while living a more traditional 9-to-5 life.

In my ideal world, everyone on my Christmas list would want exactly the same thing or variations of the exact same thing (candles for all!) and that “perfect” item would be reasonably priced or on sale.  Obviously this isn’t the case.  And I’m not the best person to give gift-giving advice.  I often forget special occasions and I have set very low expectations with family and friends in this area.  See this post for clarification. 

However, even I hold on to the notion of finding that perfect gift, which makes me procrastinate and adds unnecessary stress during the holiday season.  If you’re a busy 9-to-5′er like me, how do you simplify gift-giving?

Here are some ideas:

1. Look at Gift Guides: Many websites and catalogues put together a suggested Gift List based on recipients and sometimes price levels.  I find J. Crew’s guide very useful though pricey.  If you don’t want to stick to one company or store, a lot of magazines, blogs (and websites) compile gift lists from several sources.  Francophile? Looking for something unique?  Lots of kids, nephews or nieces? Gifts for do-gooders? On a budget?  There are gift guides and ideas out there for everybody.
2. Just pull the trigger and buy:  All too often, I have a good gift idea but I hesitate to buy just in case I think of something better. Before you know it, it’s the last weekend before Christmas and I have to run to the mall.
3. Speaking of malls, think outside the box for gifts: You can avoid the malls altogether by looking for gift options elsewhere.  There are some nice items at Starbucks or grocery stores.   This will help you avoid one of the major holiday stressors: crowds and parking lots!
4. Give Food: Everyone loves to eat, right? I’m not talking about the generic cheese  and cracker basket.  You can select one based on a person’s preference whether it’s for Italian foods, vegan, meats, fruits or something more exotic. To personalize it more, throw in a cookbook or recipe.
5. Magazine Subscriptions:  There are magazines for every possible area of interest from cat lovers to fashion to cars.  The recipient will get a monthly reminder of your thoughtfulness!
6. Nothing Wrong with Gift cards (or cold hard cash): I think many people don’t want to give cash so gift cards are a good substitute. In my family, it sometimes becomes a gift card exchange (here’s your Target gift card. thanks. here’s your Kohls gift card. thanks!) but it’s the thought that counts. Just be sure to pick a gift card from the recipient actually shops at that store!

Of course there are always “those people” who seem impossible to shop for yet want gifts.  My Dad is one of those.  I never have any idea what to give him…If you’re “one of those” who have everything you want or few hobbies, please do people a favor and give suggestions (if asked of course)!

Is holiday gift giving stressful for you? Do you try to find the perfect gift for people on your list? What are your favorite gift-giving shortcuts?

November 16: From the Land of Bikinis to the Land of Missoni

Chiara of the Blonde Salad blog, wearing Missoni

Part of the reason for my new interest in shopping has to do with our move to Italy (still in the “someday” stage).  While California appears to be fashion-conscious, it really does have a casual anything goes vibe that makes it easy to ignore trends.  That’s why I am a little obsess about upgrading my wardrobe right now.  I aspire to land in Italy with a preppie, casual California style that is unique yet not horribly off-trend in the land of Missoni, Marni and Armani.   Yes, my plan for moving right now consists of shopping for clothing…I do plan to hold off on shoe-shopping til I cross the pond. I’m not that insane.

While I have visited Italy many times, my perception of Italian style is limited. It will be interesting to see if my ideas change once I actually live there.  Right now, I am inclined to think that Italian style does not come cheap.  However, there are ways to mimic Italian style on a budget.

Real-life Italian style is also about the elegant, finishing touches and how you put it together.  Even if you don’t have a huge bank account, you can mimic Italian style with smart choices, creativity and attention to detail.  When I think of quintessential Italian style, I remember a woman I saw in Parma — she was riding her bike along the cobblestone streets, her long brown hair waving behind her.  Her outfit was simple and elegant — elegant slim black pants, black flats, and a crisp white buttoned shirt – what caught my eye and made the outfit was the finishing touch:  a long double/triple strands of pearls that carelessly caressed her neck.  It’s the small touches that complete an outfit.

Tailoring is key.  This is common advice in any fashion magazine.  However, Italians seem to take this seriously and you see the evidence of it especially among the well-dressed men.  Overall, tailoring is an inexpensive way to take your style to a higher level.  Note: If you’re new to my site, I’m referring to native Italians, not the Jersey Shore stereotype of Italians.

Spend more on a few classic pieces and spend less on trendy items.   In general,  Italians are more trend-conscious than Americans.   That’s because when something becomes popular in Italy, everyone from young to old (male and female) seem to be aware of it.  If a trend isn’t gender-specific (say, a certain way to tie your scarf or a certain color), it really appears to be EVERYWHERE.  Obviously if you are following trends, it can get hard on the budget.  However, a good rule of thumb is to never spend too much on popular trends.  As much as you love the current trend, it somehow always look outdated the next year.  For example, a few years ago the color lavendar was super trendy in Italy.  A budget-conscious Italian friend bought a pretty lavendar scarf and wore it all season. Fashionable and smart!

Appearances are important.  In L.A., you can get away with going out in your sweatpants. Hey, it’s even a badge of honor to wear fashionable yoga outfits around town.  In Italy, attire is definitely more formal.  In other words, even if you’re picking up cigarettes at the corner tabacchi, you don’t want to look like a bum.  This isn’t cheap because it means you have to have nice casual clothes along with work clothes.

My husband reminds me that it’s better to maintain your individual style rather than follow the herd.  I completely agree.  Even if I adapt my style somewhat to Italian trends, I think that no matter where I end up, I’ll always have my own California style.

Goals: Accountability

Even with my goals posted, I still have to read through it daily in order to remember and take action.  Of course the best thing about posting up goals on a blog is accountability so here goes…

• Update wardrobe. Purchased so far this year – $30 for a sweater, belt and striped shirt (via a Land’s End Canvas LivingSocial Deal), $26 for a sweater and $35 cotten dress perfect for next summer.  I also realize that I need to create a list so that I don’t go overboard so here goes in terms of priority plus my maximum price: 1 pair of dark straight leg jeans ($50),  1 jersey wrap type dress (work/casual; $40),  1 skirt (work/casual; $40), 1 pair of ballet flats or heels (preferably in brown/neutral tones; $70),  1 -2 blouses that are comfy as t-shirts but more  dressed up ($20 each).
• Eat fish at least twice a week.  At least once – twice a week, I’m making this my default choice. If there’s fish on the menu, I’ll order it (unless it’s fried).  Leaving myself “no choice” is probably the only way I can remember this goal!
• Don’t focus on saving money too much.  I am constantly reminding myself that I’ve rarely found lower prices on diapers and wipes than at Amazon.com, although I don’t know if this is still true now that they dropped their discount from 30% to 20% only.   I still compare prices way too often.
• Enjoy parenthood. Sometimes this is easy; sometimes incredibly hard.
• Exercise on the weekends.  Not happening….
• Don’t expect others to read my mind.  My poor husband should appreciate this one.  I should also add “not to make mountains out of mole hills.” I sort of “let it go” in terms of a comment he made and the anger dissipated quickly rather than blow up.
• Pamper myself.  I bought myself an iced coffee,  just because.
• Let go of my idea of a “perfect” clean house! 

Bonus goal of doing good: Bought co-worker an iced coffee, praised several colleagues that helped me on a big project, looked into joining a credit union.

I’ll do my next update in early December.

October 12: Too Many Choices!

Every Wednesday, I’ll (try) to post up a Simple Living Tip, with an emphasis on tips that can be done while living a more traditional 9-to-5 life. 

One step I’ve taken to simplify my life is to limit my choices whenever possible.   At night, I lay out my work outfit (clothes, shoes and jewelry) so that I don’t dig through my closet in the mornings.  Although I like stocking up during sales, for certain household goods and groceries, I try to stick to favorite brands or just go generic.  I try to keep my to-do list short and sweet (or at least put the top 3 priority to-do items at top).

Alas, life is not so simple.  I wrestle over many shopping-related choices (see post about buying a planner) and spend way too much time trying to pick the perfect lipstick.

That’s why it was rather eye-opening to read an  article about choice in  Oprah magazine.  I’ve known for years that we’re bombarded with choices in life, from major life decisions to your choice of cereal.  While the article was about making better choices, these same tips could also lead to a simpler life.  I thought I’d share a few of their best tips since I don’t have the link to the original article.

1 ) Identify your goal: Many people make bad decisions because they don’t really know what they want.  For example, a person hates his/her jobs and quits without knowing if 1) hate their field/work itself, 2) hate aspects of their job or 3) hate their bosses/coworkers.   If it’s #1, the person should change careers.  If it’s #2, he/she should stay in their job but work on delegating tasks or taking on more interesting projects.  If it’s #3, he/she should change jobs but stay in the same field.  As you can see, knowing the real reason is crucial for making a good decision.

2) Eliminate Choices: The Oprah article cited cameras as an example. Pick a few features you really want and then ignore the rest. This is a good tip when you buy anything from cars to clothes.  Identify what is really important to you and don’t focus on qualities that don’t matter as much.

3) Don’t worry about finding the best: Some people get into decision paralysis because they want to make sure they bought the best. Sometimes good enough is good enough.  One time I purchased airplane tickets at a very good price.  However, even after making this non-refundable purchase, I continued checking travel sites for plane tickets just in case I saw a better deal, (which I didn’t and couldn’t do anything about anyway).  Luckily I didn’t do this for long before realizing how silly this was!  However, I have to be more conscious of this tendency and be happy with my choices and move on…

4) Don’t sweat the small stuff.  They advise making rules for yourself that you don’t question. Decide on a certain brand of toilet paper and don’t mull over the other choices.  I really need to follow this since I spend too much time looking for good deals and then often end up just  buying from Amazon, Walmart or Target anyway.

Do you think your life would be simpler if you had fewer choices? 

{Expired} LivingSocial Deal: $20 Voucher To Whole Foods For $10

Okay, I’m a hypocrite. I don’t really like Whole Foods but I bought this deal.  My husband likes their meat, fish and cheese selection and they do have quality organic products (at a high price!).  This deal is valid at Whole Foods nationwide but must be purchased today (Sept 14) and used by December 13.

Below is my referral link with more details:

https://livingsocial.com/deals/123805?ref=personalized-link-box-26737037&rpi=26737037

No, I don’t work for LivingSocial!  While I do think these one-day deals might not always be best for small merchants, I don’t have qualms about using these one-day deal sites for big retailers.