Feeling deprived after cutting back? Here are just a few of the ways I "treat" myself while still saving some cash:
- Addicted to a company's products? Ask about discount cards. Most of my bath and body products are purchased from The Body Shop, so it was worth it to me to purchase one of their frequent buyer cards. I've done the same at Barnes & Noble and the savings adds up! (Plus some companies give you a free card renewal or gift certificates/cards after a certain number of uses. I paid for one TBS "Love Your Body" card two years ago and earned two free renewals along with over $100 in free product!)
- Big on magazines? Subscribe to your favorites. If I find a publication that I really enjoy several issues in a row, I invest in a subscription instead of paying the full newsstand price. (Keep your cancelled check or receipt; some of these may be deductible depending on your field!)
- Into manicures, pedicures and facials? If you have a favorite spa, ask about frequent visitor programs. If you don't, start trying some of the wonderful, inexpensive products at your local drugstore or discount stores like Target. They're chock full of good stuff...just look for products formulated for your skin type and needs. You might be amazed at all the offerings out there. Even better, hire a sitter and get together with some girlfriends at one person's house, pour some wine or sparkling cider, and pamper each other. You'll get some laughs too!
There are tons of other ways to splurge...think booking travel through discount sites, frequent visitor programs at your favorite hotel chain, the works. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Think about what you love to do and check with the salespeople or service providers you use for it. Knitting? Ask the owner of your local shop about a frequent buyer card...a stamp for every 5 skeins of yarn, with freebies for a full card, maybe? The finer things in life don't have to be pricey, but if they are, there are surely other ways you can save while you play.
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