It doesn’t matter the holiday (Valentine’s Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas), you’ll always find lots of seasonal clearance the day after the holiday.

That’s the time to stock up for next year. And the longer you can wait, the better the savings.

Typically, seasonal clearance starts at 50% off and slowly works its way to 90% off — depending on the store. The clearance schedule varies widely by store with some starting at 75% off just to get their shelves cleared quickly.) 

This is where it’s a bit of a gamble for bargain hunters because the longer you wait for a better discount, the lesser the selection of merchandise.

If you’re a die-hard cheapskate, you’ll check with the store every morning (or every other day) following a holiday to find out the current percentage off.

The key is to get there early, when the clearance hits the sweet spot, which, for most bargain hunters, is 75% off. The window period for clearance is usually about 7 to 10 days after a holiday.

After that, it’s usually all gone. (Did you know Target clearance that doesn’t sell often ends up on the shelves at the Goodwill?)

When the clearance hits the right percentage off for your budget, that’s the time to get into high gear. Selection varies widely by location.

Therefore, you may want to make a quick run to every location in your area of town for the best chance of getting everything you want.

Can you imagine getting $100 worth of holiday merchandise for $25 or, even better, if you can wait for 90% off, for only $10? It is possible, you just need to be diligent and a little patient.

I find the best deals at Target, Walgreens and Walmart. However, don’t forget to check the grocery store aisles for discounts, too. 

Before you jump into the world of seasonal clearance, you have to be somewhat organized. It’s important to know what you already have “in stock” at home, so you’re not overspending.

Plus, you’ll need to have a little storage space to keep your items clean and undamaged before they’re ready to be used for the following year. 

My best piece of advice is to look for seasonal merchandise that’s “transitional” — meaning the items can work for other holidays, occasions or celebrations. For example, Easter’s pastel-colored and spring-themed merchandise makes the perfect backdrop for a Mother’s Day brunch or gathering.

Or use some of the red Christmas merchandise for Valentine’s Day. The trick is to be creative and think outside the box!

Here are the seasonal items I stock up on and why:

Christmas Trees

December 26 (or after) is the best time to search for a new Christmas tree, if your old one needs to be replaced. (Or if you’ve never had one!)

Clearance Christmas trees usually sell really fast, so you don’t want to wait too long to snag one. You can find just about every size and shape, as well as ones that already have lights on them. 

Most Christmas trees start at 50% off because stores want to get rid of the bulky items to make room for the next seasonal merchandise. If you wait too for bigger savings, you likely won’t find much on the shelves. 

Wrapping Paper

If you look closely, not all wrapping paper has tiny Christmas trees, penguins or snowmen on it. I always look for wrapping paper that’s a solid color or has no-holiday related design (just festive or colorful) because it can be used for other gifts year-round.

Tip: Lots of kids-themed holiday wrapping paper is just covered in princesses or superheroes — perfect for birthdays! And, even if there are tiny snowflakes in the background, will the kids even notice?

Bows, Ribbons & Gift Bags

Many of these items can easily work for other occasions, especially gift bags — just look for solid colors or even plain bags that you can decorate however you want. All of the shiny, colorful bows and ribbons work perfectly to top of any present throughout the year.

Plus, the discounted ribbon is great for craft projects or decorating for a party. Because most people aren’t thinking long-term, you can usually find these items at 90% off, if you wait. I often get many of these items for under 50¢.

Candy

Candy seems to be central to every holiday. And that’s why there’s always tons of holiday-themed candy on clearance, especially after Easter, Halloween and Christmas. This is where it pays to read expiration dates and think how you could “repackage” some of those sweet treats. 

Many hard candies have expiration dates more than a year out, which makes them perfect for the following year’s holiday. (I once found Hammond’s candy canes for 10¢ at King Soopers that didn’t expire for nearly two years — regularly $2!)

For chocolates, you can use them for your candy dish at work or home. Let’s be honest, people don’t care if they’re eating a peanut butter egg in July, they just want something sweet, right?

Clearance candy is perfect for other dessert or cookie recipes. Who is going to know that little bits of chocolate bats are in their Christmas cookies?

Another trick is all of the red and green candy (including M&Ms!) at Christmastime. You could easily separate the colors for a batch of red Valentine’s Day and green St. Patrick’s Day candies for your candy dish or desserts. The key is to look for other ways the candy can be used. 

With Valentine’s Day just a few months away, clearance Christmas candy can prove to be a huge savings. Many of those boxed chocolates are simply wrapped in seasonal paper or with a bow.

Most boxed chocolates are shrink-wrapped underneath all of the holiday packaging. Simply remove the holiday paper or bow and, voilà!, you have a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day!

I have regularly found fancy Godiva chocolates in department stores at 75% off. It’s considered “Christmas” simply because of a red bow and holly, but the decorations are easily removed. 

Most importantly, you definitely don’t want to give expired chocolates or candy. Therefore, always look for an expiration date and be sure to store it properly (cool and dry) at home.

Toys

January is the time to check stores for toy clearance because there’s always lots and lots (and lots) of inventory. This is the time to buy birthday presents for your little ones, as well as for all of those birthday parties they’re bound to get invited to throughout the year.

If you’re a true planner, you might even start prepping for next Christmas.

Gifts

Christmas time is when stores bring in lots of seasonal gifts — shaving kits, beauty/manicure sets, desk top toys, games and more. Again, this is the time to stock up on gifts for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation, etc.

You can often find gifts for under $5.  Bargain hunters always like to have a stash of “cheap” gifts on hand for thank-you or congratulations gifts, dinner party host gifts or unexpected birthday invites.

If you have a gift closet, you’ll never show up “empty-handed” and the recipient will never know that you paid next to nothing. It’s the thought that counts, right?

Greeting Cards

This category is tricky because most individual greeting cards are pulled by the distributor at grocery and specialty stores.

The secret here is that they often hold onto them and bring them back out of inventory for sale the following year. (Note: On occasion, I have found individual holiday cards marked down at Target.) 

Now, for boxed holiday cards, the story is different. You can usually find most of those marked down, alongside all of the other holiday merchandise. Find a style/design you like and stock up. Just remember where you stored them.

How do you use seasonal clearance throughout the year? What’s the best deal you’ve found in the seasonal clearance aisle?

Yours in Cheapness – BKC

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I occasionally thought about cutting the cord. However, I was apprehensive because I was just so used to having access to so many channels.

What would I do without cable? The answer seemed daunting to me mainly because I wasn’t quite sure what my options were without cable. 

Yes, I knew all about the streaming services. However, what would I do for local news and all of my favorite shows on network television?

Without cable, I figured that would all just disappear and I’d be stuck searching YouTube for clips or full episodes. 

That’s when I discovered . I didn’t even know another level of YouTube existed. (It’s okay, you can laugh at me. Us more mature people are sometimes out of the loop!) 

With YouTube TV, I can watch live TV and still enjoy all of the cable channels at significant savings.

I now pay roughly $75 each month with YouTube TV — $100 less than what I was paying at Xfinity! I’m angry I didn’t make the switch sooner.

As a “cheapskate”, just thinking about all the money I wasted over the years makes me crazy. I could have spent all that money on other bills or tucked it away in my savings account. 

Note: I have the Base Plan with YouTube TV. However, you can upgrade your account with other packages and/or premium streaming services at an additional cost. 

Plus, I can add shows to “My Library” for easier access. And, best of all, will record my favorite shows, so I can watch them whenever it’s convenient for me. The change has been absolutely for the better.

And signing up was quick and easy — within just minutes and I was ready to start watching my shows again. No cable box, cords or set-up appointments necessary! 

YouTube TV has local network coverage in nearly all U.S. TV households, including live coverage from the major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, CW, FOX and NBC).

All you need is an internet-connected device to log into your account and start enjoying “cable TV” again. In my case, I mainly use my Smart TV to access YouTube TV. However, you could watch shows from a smartphone or computer, too. 

Answers to Readers Questions

What about the Internet? 

I didn’t use Xfinity for my Internet access, so cutting the cord was easy for me. If you use Xfinity for cable, phone and/or Internet, the decision and process will be more complicated. You may want to call Xifinity and find out what the cost will be without cable and make a decision based on the math.

Can you fast-forward during commercials on recorded shows?

Yes, you can fast-forward through commercials on recorded shows in your library (DVR).

How to Save $50 with YouTube TV

Note: The referral offer is subject to change. Please double-check before signing up. 

New customers to YouTube TV can save $50 on their first bill . (If, after one month, it’s not meeting your needs, you can always just cancel.) 

My experience so far has been totally positive. I just wish I had made the change sooner! 

Have you cut the cable cord? What did you do in its place? Drop a comment below.

The post Bryan Blathers: How I Finally Cut the Cord with Xfinity Cable and Saved $100 Every Month with New Service appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

This post is long, so, if you’re not a PRINCE fan, feel free to drop out at any point. No hard feelings.

My Minneapolis vacation started with attending the Official PRINCE Tribute Concert on October 13. (The show lasted almost 5 hours and they performed 45 songs. By the end, I was exhausted!) While some of the performances were great, it only served to remind me that no one will ever compare to PRINCE’s stage presence, charisma, energy and immense talent. (It’s been six months since he passed away and I’m still very sad.) In any case, the sole purpose of the trip was to visit the mysterious Paisley Park.

I opted for the VIP tour for $100, of course. (There is also a general admission ticket for $38.50.) The museum opened October 6, but, because of issues with the City of Chanhassen, it will only operate on a temporary basis until a final decision can be made later this year. As of now, the dates are very limited. I’m lucky to be one of the first (and few) to walk through the doors. One of my lifelong dreams became a reality on October 14. As a fan, I always envisioned Paisley Park to be far off in some magical forest full of elves, rainbows and unicorns. (It is PRINCE’s home, after all, right?) To my surprise, it was just off a busy road near strip malls and retail stores. Plus, it was smaller than I expected.

First, just like his concerts, there are no smartphones or cameras allowed. Smartphones are bagged and locked in small grey bags, so you can keep it with you throughout the tour. Then, in the gift shop, there’s an unlocking station. It’s a very strict policy. If you take the VIP tour, there is an exclusive photo opportunity with his purple piano. (For the photo, bring your own flash drive. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to buy a Paisley Park one for $10. A photographer takes your two photos and then downloads them to the flash drive immediately.)

My group was told the facility was largely left the same, since his passing on April 21. Of course, they made some modifications for security and display purposes. First, you’re greeted with a large mural of PRINCE’s eyes looking down on you. (It felt as though PRINCE was reminding you to “behave” in his home.) The walls and ceiling are painted with clouds. The carpet is covered throughout with stars and moons.

The whole complex felt very “heavenly” and “whimsical”, just like you’d think. All of the furniture and décor was swirly, quirky and unique, with lots of candles everywhere — everything was just “PRINCE-y.” (The whole place had a very flowery, incense scent about it, too.) Plus, his music was playing throughout the tour. Visitors are strongly encouraged to dance, just as he would have liked.

The first stop was the atrium, with his doves Majesty and Divinity cooing from above in their huge white cage. (Yes, actual white doves!) This was the most emotional part of the tour because his ashes are on display in the middle of the room. (The urn was a small replica of Paisley Park, with his signature symbol in purple and encrusted with crystals at the front.) From the atrium, you could enter various rooms highlighting different albums with costumes, instruments and hand-written lyrics. You can also step into one of his private offices and an editing suite.

Plus, throughout, you can view various awards and plaques on the walls. Right off the atrium was small kitchen/dining area, which you could peek into through the French doors. It felt more like a small diner, but with much more flair. There is also a small couch in the kitchen, where he enjoyed snacks and watching basketball on TV.

Next, you’re directed to two recording studios, where all the musical magic happened. Studio A was huge and Studio B was smaller, more intimate. As a special treat, fans are given the opportunity to listen to the final track he was working on for a jazz album. Plus, PRINCE was a huge fan of ping-pong. And, in Studio B, you could pick up a paddle and play on his actual table. (Our guide told us it was the original table, but another guide was overheard telling her group it was not. For me, I’m telling everyone I played ping-pong on PRINCE’s actual table!)

Studio B was also where I got to sit at his piano and have my picture taken. Something over came me and I shouted, “I love you, PRINCE!” right before the photo was snapped. Some visitors giggled, but I wasn’t embarrassed. I’m glad I got to say those words aloud in Paisley Park. (I just wish I could have said them to the man himself.) Yes, I know I look a little goofy in the picture, but I was really excited. (FYI – Since my tour, because of disrespectful fans, you can no longer sit at the piano. It’s now all behind a purple velvet rope and you can just stand in front of it.)

Next up, you step into the purple-lit “Purple Rain” room. With the iconic movie playing in the background, you can see the motorcycle, “Purple Rain” coat and purple piano used in the film up-close, as well as his personal script and the Oscar he won for Best Original Score. Off this room, there are two displays (with costumes and props) highlighting his two other movies, “Under The Cherry Moon” and “Graffiti Bridge.”

You then head down what PRINCE called his “History Hallway” with various photos and awards highlighting major milestones in his distinguished career. Next, you’re shown another small office and then you head to the soundstage. The soundstage was huge, with concert footage playing on the large screen. (I got emotional again because I realized I will never see him in concert again.) There were also more displays of costumes and instruments. Finally, you can sit in his NPG Music Club VIP room. I sat down and reflected on the man, his music and creative influence. (Yes, I had lots of Kleenex with me throughout the tour.)

Before you head to the ubiquitous end-of-tour gift shop, there’s a room highlighting his Super Bowl halftime performance in 2007, which many critics consider to the one of (if not, the) best halftime shows of all-time. Next, they have a display of some of the gifts, notes and mementos fans left on the Paisley Park fence following his death. It will be a rotating display, as thousands of items were left.

The gift shop merchandise was mostly black t-shirts with large prints, a few beanies and Paisley Park tour book. (If you can believe it, no purple items, except for ping-pong balls!) They also tote bags, mugs, posters, a key chain and necklace. The prices ranged from $10 to $33. Interestingly, there was no actual Paisley Park merchandise — no t-shirt, polo or hat with the Paisley Park logo and “Chanhassen, MN” underneath it. (I was ready to spend big bucks, but nothing appealed to me. All I purchased was a key chain.) In the gift shop, you can also enjoy some of PRINCE’s favorite food and snacks, all vegetarian in accordance with his wishes. I tried the sampler platter, cookies and cake — all very good. The food prices ranged from $5 to $12.50.

Now, my love for PRINCE did not cloud my judgement. Many fans have decided to wait for a year or so before visiting, so all of the kinks could be worked out. Part of me wishes I had. There were too many people. The “expert” tour guides knew very little about PRINCE. And, to be quite honest, the whole experience was very disorganized and chaotic.

No one was checking for VIP wristbands, so there was absolutely no need to pay the extra $60. Many general admission ticket holders just tagged along with VIP groups or wandered into any room they wanted. (The only exception was the photo opp, but, if you had a flash drive, you could have easily had your picture taken.) If you’re a fan, I would encourage you to wait awhile before visiting. They need to have better structure and organization for both VIP and general admission tours.

It feels like they rushed into the venture. In my opinion, it might have been wise to open up the museum on or around the first anniversary of his passing. (The love is always in the details.) Plus, as a fan, I wish the urn had been at the end of the tour — in a simple room with low purple lights and an instrumental version of “Purple Rain” playing softly in the background. It was hard to pay your respects with so much chaos and noise all around, especially since it’s the very first stop on the tour.

By next year, I bet many of the rooms will be off-limits or more restricted. I also suspect much of the original carpeting and décor will have to be changed or replaced. Unfortunately, people are disrespectful, so I assume there will be lots of damage and/or theft. (I witnessed one guy nearly knocking over a coffee table, as he tried to rush the crowd. I also saw another fan touching items in one of the offices.)

It will no longer be “as PRINCE left it” very soon, so I’m glad I got to experience it right from the beginning. I was deeply grateful to be in his home — truly a purple dream come true! Many fans may never get the chance to visit, so I extremely fortunate to be one of the first to experience Paisley Park. I love you, PRINCE!

(By the way, Minneapolis was a great city with lots to do and see. It feels very similar to Denver in many ways.)

Are you a PRINCE fan? Do you ever plan to visit Paisley Park? What’s your one indulgence in life, no matter the cost?

I look forward to our next chat. Remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it! :-)

The post Bryan Blathers: My Paisley Park Experience appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

Once again, I lost my keys a few days ago. However, this time, it was no big deal because I recently . (Tile is a tiny Bluetooth tracker and easy-to-use app that finds everyday items in seconds, like your phone, keys and wallet.) I’m a total cheapskate, but I splurged on a Tile for $25. (The price drops to $17.50 each, if you buy a four-pack. And $16.25 each for an eight-pack — perfect for families!) And it’s been well worth the time and anxiety it’s saved me…more than once now.

This is how it works: You , download the app, register your Tile and, then, simply attach it to whatever item you want. (The app is very simple and set-up takes less than two minutes.) Then, when you lose the item, open the app and search for it. If your Tile is within the 100-foot Bluetooth range, it will play a loud tune until you find it. If you still can’t find your Tiled item, you can expand the search by using all Tile apps in the community.

The feature is 100% private, so no one knows you’re looking for a lost item, but you. (In my area, I have nearly 1,500 Tile users that can assist me in finding an item.) If your item is located, the app will give you a general location of where it’s at on a map. (The Tile also works in reverse. If you lose your smartphone, you can use the Tile to locate it — even if the phone is on silent.) For more information on how it all works, .

I know I’m not the only lifetime member of the “Lost & Found Club.” I’m sharing because it’s been so helpful to me. (I have one attached to my keys and another in my wallet. I also bought one for my elderly parents, who are always losing their house keys.) If you’re a “regular loser”, I can’t highly recommend it enough.

My only criticism is that I wish the Tile itself were a bit smaller and thinner. (Actually, I wish they made one small enough to discreetly attach to my eyeglasses!) I no longer have the panic and stress that ensues, when I reach into my pocket and realize my wallet is missing. Or, when I’m headed out the door and can’t find my keys, only to start a frantic search. (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been late for an appointment, meeting or movie because I have to spend 30 minutes looking for my keys.) I’m so happy I found Tile. It’s been the perfect find for a “loser” like me!

Do you regularly lose your wallet or keys? Do you have any tips for keeping track of them?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

The post Bryan Blathers: Are You A “Loser”, Like Me? appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

It was my first-time buying a home, so I was nervous and excited. (I was able to put down about 35% in cash because of my money-savings ways. I told you I was a born cheapskate!)

I also wish someone had warned me about the HOA fees. I thought it was all part of my monthly payment. For a person who budgets every penny, the extra bill was a total shock. I still cringe every time I write the monthly HOA check. It was not in my original budget, darn it!

(If you’re a first-time homebuyer, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. I wish I had been more confident in the whole process.) Okay, back on point…again.

Now, I’m not the friendliest person. On the Internet, I may seem “out-going and friendly.” However, I am not. I tend to be shy, reclusive and a home-body. I’m just not a “people person” at all.

However, you’d think living in such close quarters with others that I would be forced to meet my neighbors. No, not true. You’d be surprised at the powers of someone who wants to be left alone. (My advice: Don’t make eye contact and walk fast!)

In the first 12 years, I never met any of my neighbors. Not one. Nada. Zippo. With one notable exception. I was on a first-name basis with the unit owner directly above me, thanks to his washing machine hose bursting just six months into my moving in. (We had another “watershed moment” a few years ago, when his water heater leaked!)

Let’s just say, Mr. Water and I are not on friendly terms. (In both cases, he never apologized or offered to help with the damage or inconvenience in any way. And you wonder why I don’t like people?) Him aside, I could not tell you one thing about the dozens of people who lived just feet away from my front door.

That was true, up until a few years ago. That was when the wonderful twins came into my life. To get to my front door, I have to pass their front door — always decorated for the appropriate season or holiday, whether it’s large hearts or spooky ghosts.

Plus, they’re amazing gardeners, so the pathway is always blooming with colorful flowers and plants in the spring/summer. I smiled every time I passed (and still do) because the flowers and decorations brighten my day, no matter my mood.

With my head down, I passed for years giving off please-don’t-talk-to-me vibes. One day, while watering the plants, Geraldine caught me off guard on my fast-paced walk to my front door and started chatting.

Next thing I know, she’s giving me a tour of her condo. Soon after, I met her identical twin, Nadine. (By the way, I’m convinced they should both be professional interior designers. They have an eye for design, color and layout…and mostly from consignment stores and thrift shops.

My kind of ladies! I’d love to submit them for one of those reality shows on HGTV. Their fun personalities are perfect for TV…plus, they’re twins!)

We’ve been friends ever since. We go to dinner and the movies on occasion, share treats/gifts with one another and have a good ol’ laugh-fest every few weeks catching up on the goings-on of the complex.

I like to send them funny cards in the mail, even though they’re two steps from my front door. Nadine also bakes the best bread and cookies. (I get giddy every time I see a bag hanging on my front door because I know it’s from my favorite neighborhood bakery!)

There is no hidden motive or selfish act, like so many relationships today — just good friends. I like them and they like me. We’re “different” in so many ways, but that’s what makes the unexpected friendship so special. (We laugh because I cry at every Hallmark commercial and they never shed a tear!)

In the end, the valuable lesson I learned is to never shut yourself off from the generosity and kindness of others. And, in turn, don’t be afraid to be generous and kind to others. (I also gleaned the importance of not judging someone because of their gender, race or age, as can be so easy to fall into nowadays.)

I’m a 45-year-old Mexican-American man. The twins are 70-year-old Caucasian women. (In truth, they’re celebrating their 70th birthday this summer. However, they don’t mind me sharing their age because they look fabulous!)

First off, I don’t make friends easily. And, secondly, I would have never even considered the twins as “potential friends.” If I had kept steadfast to my self-imposed “rules”, I would have missed out on the joy and laughter their friendship brings into my life — not to mention, the homemade banana bread!

Don’t be like me. Take a chance and say, “Hello!” to the neighbor you always see walking their dog or co-worker you always pass in the break room, but don’t even know their first name. You just never know where friendship may bloom.

Do you have an unexpected friendship in your life? Are you friends with someone “opposite” of who you are?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

The post Bryan Blathers: The Importance of Being Neighborly appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

Along with big prizes, I have also won numerous smaller prizes, including concert tickets, gift cards and free items — everything from a jar of pasta sauce to a football. I keep a journal of all of my wins — big and small. (I still remember my first win from KMGH in elementary school. I won a stuffed teddy bear from the “Noell & Andy” show. Does anyone else remember that show? I was so excited to hear my name announced on TV!) I seem to win a good prize every few months. And, by “good”, I mean anything valued at $25 or more. UPDATE: Yesterday, I won VIP tickets (with a meet & greet) to see Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on June 5 — plus, $100 to spend on food and drinks at the venue!

Everyone thinks I’m lucky, but I’m not. The trick to winning a sweepstakes is to…(drum roll, please) just enter. I already check every promo sign I see for bargains, rebates or bonus offers. However, I also keep an eye out for sweepstakes. I have a touch of OCD, so I always have to read the fine print. (I’m the one at the store, down on my knees, writing down the fine print at the very bottom of the promo display.) That’s where you find the entry period, entry limits (again, read my story about meeting Paula Abdul) and any AMOE (alternate method of entry.)

Here’s what I look for before entering a sweepstakes or giveaway: I prefer local sweepstakes (limited to Denver, Colorado or the region.) I also like sweepstakes with a very limited entry period — usually a month or less. And, finally, I always zero in on sweepstakes with multiple entry opportunities. (I keep a stack of stamped postcards on my desk exclusively for mail-in entries.)

Where do I find all of my sweepstakes? I find them everywhere — in-store, on Twitter, on Facebook, in the newspaper, in advertisements, on the radio/TV, at grand openings and on local media websites. There are more local sweepstakes and giveaways than you think.

With these three standards, I have won lots of local sweepstakes (probably about 75% of my wins) — obviously because I’m putting the odds in my favor. With local sweepstakes, you are, more than likely, competing with hundreds or thousands of other entries. Whereas, with a national sweepstakes, the number of entries skyrockets. However, I must admit, I have won the best and biggest prizes from national sweepstakes. Yes, I still enter national sweepstakes for cars, trips or big bucks — just not with as much fervor.

That’s not to say, I don’t appreciate a $25 or $50 gift card. For a bargain hunter like me, a gift card is a bonus and budget-stretcher. I never use a gift card at face value. I always spend it with a coupon, sale price or promo. I can often double its value. (I won a $100 Conoco gift card a few weeks ago, so that’s 5 fill-ups for FREE!)

FUN FACT: Did you know there’s a difference between a sweepstakes and contest? A sweepstakes is won by chance and a contest is won by skill.

I’m due for another “big” win. There’s nothing like opening your e-mail inbox (but not in the Spam folder, those are usually fake) and seeing “Congratulations” in one of the subject lines or getting a knock on the door from the FedEx guy needing your signature for a package or confirmation letter.

In the end, I know I’m not that lucky. I simply do what most other people won’t do — stop at every entry pad I see and enter. And, always, always, read the fine print. It’s just takes a few seconds to complete the form and the pay-off could be big…or, at least, a free dinner or show tickets.

If you start entering sweepstakes, good luck! Just know you have a little friendly competition out there and he’s entering as often as you are and reading the official rules to get an advantage over you.

(*With so many tickets, I was sure there would be a big cash prize in the lot. Let me tell you, it’s a fun hour of scratching 60 $10 lottery tickets! However, in the end, my biggest prize was $50 — with a total haul of about $200.)

Do you enter sweepstakes? Have you ever won a big prize?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

Here are more “Bryan Blathers” you may enjoy:

• Can Money Buy Happiness?
• My #1 Tip For Target Clearance
• Thank You, Kind Strangers
• How I Filled My Gas Tank for $3.90

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My issue is that the advice is always coming from someone who’s already successful and wealthy. These shows and books never highlight someone who’s struggling or not well-off financially. Hindsight is always 20/20, right? It begs the question, “Which came first the chicken or the egg?” (The media creates this illusion that being happy or successful is achievable with the right attitude, only to make many of us feel like we’re flawed.) It’s difficult to “take risks”, when you have lots of bills to pay. It’s easy to sit high atop a perch and espouse such wisdom because you don’t have to worry about money. Most successful people don’t answer to anyone, so “being yourself” comes much easier.  Yes, I believe success has much to do with hard work and drive, but timing, talent and luck also play significant roles. (Not to mention, who you know often helps immensely. We all know people woefully unqualified for their job, but keep it because of who they know, right?) It’s hard to “follow your passion”, when you have financial responsibilities bearing down on you. It’s hard to “be yourself”, when your financial well-being hinges on answering to others, namely authority figures.

Let’s admit it, we all put on a “work face.” Otherwise, most of us would be unemployed, if we shared how we really felt or thought. There’s just simply no way you can share your true beliefs or expose your quirks in the workplace — not without great sacrifice or repercussion. To “be yourself”, one must make themselves vulnerable and not many of us have the luxury or freedom to do so. (Right now, I’m lucky to work with Laura and Claire. They know I’m a bitter bargain hunter with a silver tongue!)

My point is that money doesn’t buy happiness. However, it does buy freedom of choice. And, with the freedom to do what you want, when you want, you can find lots of inner peace, joy and extra time. I would love to take a vacation without regard to the price tag and lots of them. I would love to have a chef, masseuse, driver and personal trainer, each at my beck and call. (Yes, I know my examples are extreme, but I just finished watching an episode of “Master Class” on OWN. Darn you, Oprah!)

I would love to not worry about and prepare for the next big financial emergency in my life and focus on those activities of which I’m most passionate. (Time really does fly, when you’re in your zone and truly enjoying yourself.) Basically, I would love to answer to no one, other than my daily whims. (Who wouldn’t?) And, if I were to dream big, I would love to start a line of sarcastic greeting cards. (You know, the kind you can only send to someone who really gets you and knows your sense of humor really, really well. I like the company name “Cantankerous Cards” or “Fake Sentiments.” You can’t take them. They’re mine! I’m calling my copyright lawyer right now.)

I hope one day to find enlightenment, but, for now, I’m just worried about paying my bills and keeping my head above water. (Luckily, I’ve been a saver, since college. I feel for anyone who’s not able to do so. It does provide a small window of comfort and peace.) And, yet, I still read every book and watch every TV show that declares it knows the secret to being a happier and more fulfilled person. Maybe, I will win the lottery one day and better understand the experience of having lots of money at my disposal. Who knows? My theory could be wrong! (I just know that, if I ever came into big bucks, I would still clip coupons and look for the best bargains. It’s in my blood!)

My friends and I always have great debates about the meaning of happiness and success. Do you agree or disagree? Can money buy happiness? What would you do for a “living”, if money were not an issue? 

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal — you just need to look for it. :-)

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My first experience with his music was when my older brother, on break from the Navy, brought home a cassette of “1999” for my middle brother. I commandeered it and fell in love with it. Next, that same middle brother took me to see “Purple Rain” (just a few months later) at the Villa Italia twin theater in Lakewood. In those days, the rules were much more lax because it was R-rated and we still got in, even though I was only 13 and my brother was 17. Much like every teen, I played “Purple Rain” a thousand times that summer — never skipping a track. (I still get emotional every time I hear “The Beautiful Ones” and the title track.)

I knew from a deep place in my soul (even at such a young age) that I would be a lifelong fan. I was obsessed with PRINCE in junior high and high school. I even signed every yearbook, “Bryan & The Revolution.” The love affair never wavered in the succeeding years — I bought every album on release day, saw every movie  on opening day and joined every official fan club.

If you knew me, you knew I was a devoted PRINCE fan. (I have a PRINCE playlist on my iPad with more than 50 songs. I could listen to it all day and love each track just as much as the last.) I was fortunate to see him in concert every time he stopped in Denver. The first show was on July 3, 1986 at McNichols Arena, part of his Lovesexy tour. And, sadly, the last was just a few years ago at the Ogden Theatre on May 13, 2013, part of his Live Out Loud tour. (There were a few rumors he might perform at Red Rocks this summer, as part of his very well-received Piano And A Microphone tour.)

I even traveled to see concerts in Boston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. (I’m definitely a cheapskate, but, when it came to getting a ticket to see PRINCE, money was a non-issue. That’s what credit cards are for, right? Emergencies.) As a super fan, I was lucky enough to have three interactions with the man. Albeit each brief, but each special and unexpected:

1. I was on a business trip in Detroit and at the right place, at the right time. (I definitely believe in serendipity.) I was right there, when he stepped out of a limousine for his then wife’s dance performance at the Detroit Opera House. I shouted, “Prince!” (Okay, it was probably more of a scream.) I reached out to touch him and was pushed back by a bodyguard. I distinctly remembered he smelled of flowers and had sparkly hair. I was on walking on air for days, never thinking I would be so close to the icon again.

2. A few years later, I went to see PRINCE in Las Vegas at the Aladdin Casino. In a strange twist of fate, I ended up sitting a few rows back from the stage — even though I was near the end of the queue to get in. (The show was basically “festival seating” — first come, first served, but with seats. I got my time mixed up and showed up late. I was devastated.)

To my benefit, I was traveling solo and they needed to fill a single seat up front. The stars must have been aligned because I was plucked from the back of the showroom and moved to the front. I don’t think I’ve ever been so grateful to be “alone.” It gets better. Toward the end of the show, PRINCE asked if there were any “dancers” in the audience. Now, I’m not a dancer, by any means. However, somehow, without any thinking, my hand shot in the air.

Again, I was plucked from the audience and brought on stage. The only directive was a brief mention by a big, burly security guard not to touch him. Next thing I know, I’m moving my hips and pretending to dance. I was in shock. (For the record, security pulled several audience members on stage — mostly young, beautiful women. I must have stood out for sure, as a pudgy Mexican with no rhythm!)

As the show ended and PRINCE was leaving the stage (on my side!), I unconsciously stuck out my hand to shake his. Admittedly, he gave me a slightly weird glance. He, however, gave me a fist bump. I touched PRINCE! Again, I noticed his sparkly hair and air of flowers. I only wish I could have shared my gratitude with him for his artistry and music, but, of course, I was tongue-tied and our interaction lasted mere seconds.

(FUN FACT: My shiny face is on the official DVD release of the show — “Prince Live at the Aladdin Las Vegas.” By which I mean, the actual physical DVD itself — right there near the right-side at the bottom. I’m the one wearing glasses!)

3. My finally meeting with PRINCE was in Boston, as part of his Musicology tour in 2004. Luckily I was in the front row, thanks to the New Power Generation Music Club — his official fan club, at the time. As the concert was about to begin, there was some hustle and bustle, right in front of me. Lots of people with flashlights and all whispering on walkie-talkies. Next thing us fans knew, a small black curtain opened up from underneath the stage and out popped PRINCE.

Of course, those of us to witness this magical event went ballistic. With bodyguards at his side, he methodically went down the front row and handed each of us a copy of the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower magazine. I was the last one to get a copy because his presence was causing too much commotion, so security whisked him back beneath the stage. He said something to each person, but I couldn’t hear him because of the shrieks and shrills — some of which were coming from me. (I’m not a religious person, but I keep the magazine in a special place.)

No one ever expects to have an opportunity to interact with or meet their idol. Not even once, let alone three times. I know my experiences with PRINCE were brief and even, some might say, inconsequential. However, to me, each one meant the world. One of my all-time favorite PRINCE songs is “Sometimes It Snows in April.” Sadly, it does.

Thank U, PRINCE. Your music brought me so much joy and will for years to come…and for so many others, too.

Are you a PRINCE fan? What’s your favorite PRINCE song? Do you have any PRINCE memories?

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However, after using a Groupon voucher several months ago, I have a new favorite Chinese restaurant — at 6585 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. in Greenwood Village. (It’s a relatively new restaurant — just a little more than a year old…I think.) It’s located next to the Greenwood Plaza Stadium 12 movie theater, tucked behind CB & Potts. (Perfect for a dinner-and-a-movie night, especially on Sundays because of the theater’s $6 ticket prices!) This is definitely a case of “don’t judge a book by its cover.” The exterior is a bit shabby, looking a little run down. However, it’s deceiving because the atmosphere inside is rather “fancy” and modern. The outside clearly does not match the inside, night and day.In the past six months or so, I have eaten there several times and the service has always been excellent and quick. More importantly, the food is always delicious. (Note: I only order the sesame chicken. However, my dining cohorts promise the other dishes are just as delicious. Plus, they like the fact that they serve a very full glass of wine!) I’m one of those “snobs” that’s very particular about my chicken. I can’t have any fat or gristle. Once I bite into any, I’m done. I can’t eat anymore. Done. However, I’ve never once had a “bad” piece of chicken at the restaurant. I actually now have a craving for its sesame chicken.

The dinner prices (around $12) are reasonable, with decent portions. Of course, the lunch menu is a better deal (around $8), especially because it’s served with soup, egg roll, fruit and fried rice. Unfortunately, every time I go, there are not many customers. I think it suffers from a bad location. You can’t see it from the street and, even then, it’s somewhat “hidden.” I hope my little recommendation helps.

If you love Chinese food, you really should give ’em a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. (The also offer FREE delivery within a three-mile radius, with a minimum order of $18.) They’re open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (For those wondering, I was not paid or compensated for this review. I just really like the place! Of course, businesses using Groupon hope they attract new loyal customers after initially offering a significant discount. In some cases, it works — even on a cheapskate, like me.)

Don’t forget, ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË High On The Cheap has a Daily Deals page with a round-up of all of the deals from Groupon and other daily deal sites — click here. Clean up your inbox and let us do the work for you!

In fact, Min J Asian Cuisine continues to offer a voucher on  — $12 for $20 worth of food and drinks.

Do you have a favorite place you found only because of a discount or promo?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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My best tip for shopping Target clearance is to never assume the price tag is correct — always scan the item at one of the self scanners throughout the store. More often than not, I find that the discount is greater than what it’s tagged. (You’d be surprised at the number of items I’ve found at 70% off.) Let’s admit it, most people are lazy and assume the clearance tag is correct. That’s where going the extra mile (or, in this case, a few extra steps) really pays off. (Unfortunately, clearance prices vary by store — just because an item is 50% off, for example, at one location doesn’t mean it will be the same at the location a few miles away.)

There are many theories out there on the Internet about Target’s markdown schedule regarding the days of the week when certain departments get discounted. However, I’ve never found any of it to be true. There are too many factors that determine markdowns, including market area, unsold stock and manager discretion. As a result, it’s very tricky to narrow down an exact policy. (And, of course, Target is totally mum on the subject.)

From my shopping experience, what seems to be true is that Target increases the discount on unsold clearance merchandise every two weeks. (However, don’t assume the next markdown will go to the next percentage interval — say, from 30% to 50%. I have seen many instances where markdowns jump an interval, from 30% to 70%, as an example, for those items they need to get rid of quickly.)

If you’re a “clearance hawk” and watching a big-ticket item closely, I suggest going back every 7 to 10 days to check, if it’s been marked down again. (I don’t think it’s worth the time and energy to keep checking on small items, unless I happen to be in the store.) It’s a bit of a gamble, as other smart shoppers may be watching the same item. You just have to know your budget and what you’re willing to pay bottom line.

From my knowledge, if a clearance item goes unsold, it’s salvaged and headed to the local Goodwill. However, I’ve noticed that many of the items cost more at Goodwill than its lowest price on the Target shelf.

Finally, bargain hunters all know this tip — you can use manufacturer’s coupons on top of clearance prices for maximum savings. When you combine 70% off with a coupon, you can often get items at bottom-of-the-barrel prices. I have bought so many grooming and grocery items for under 50¢ each at Target, thanks to “double-dipping.” (I had to stop my clearance runs for awhile because I was running out of space for all of my bargains!)

Have you ever found a great clearance deal at Target?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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The experience reminded me about the importance of giving back, no matter how small. For me, I keep a stash of snacks in a tote bag in the backseat of my car, so, whenever I see someone holding a “Need Help” sign, I can hand them a bag of nuts, crackers, dried fruit or granola bars. (I’m still a “cheapskate”! Everything in the bag I get for pennies on the dollar because of coupons and sale prices/clearance shelves. The $10 the family saved me I will put toward finding more snacks for my “give back tote.”)

I would love to hand out $5 or $10 bills, but I struggle with whether or not it’s really helpful. I feel better about handing out food, knowing the money is better spent (and wisely.) Plus, the food is something they truly need. (If you can’t tell by now, I’m a big softie — so I often give one person a little care package of several items. If anything, I figure they will have “meals” for a day or two.)

We are so quick to judge others, myself included — often negatively. When in reality, we have no idea about another’s journey. (Can we all just agree, life is not easy for anyone? Everyone has difficulties to overcome. Yes, some are bigger than others. However, when it’s happening to you, it can be overwhelming.) I know my journey has, at times, been met with challenges, whether it has been family drama, losing a job, dealing with unexpected bills, health concerns or those nagging self-esteem issues. (I’m not alone, right?)

No one is perfect, but we’re all so fearful of showing any vulnerability or weakness. (You never see anyone tweeting or posting about their low moments — only the highlights. It gives the false impression that everyone else is happier than you and living a much better life. It’s one of the reasons I don’t have a Facebook page and probably never will. I don’t have much patience for anything inauthentic or fake. Did I mention I despise reality TV?) Yet, there is so much power and strength in knowing you’re not alone. Don’t we all hope that, if we or a loved one ever needed help, there would be unconditional compassion from others?

With the state we’re in today, I hope we can all find any opportunity (big and small) to be kind to one another, individually and as a community. I, for one, will keep trying to pay-it-forward, whenever I can. Here’s an idea: “Random Acts of Cheapness” — sharing coupons with strangers at the check-out stand!

Have you ever had a pay-it-forward experience — either as the recipient or, better yet, as the giver?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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To me, it’s just one big game: They’re trying to get my money and I’m trying to keep my money. There’s no better feeling than walking out of the grocery store with several bags, knowing you’ve only spent $20 or so on $100 worth of groceries. (It might help that I have a bit of a photographic memory. I can match up coupons with sale prices rather quickly.) Okay, I’m boring you now. Are you ready for my #1 tip? (Drum roll, please.)

You cannot be brand-loyal or store-loyal. You must go to the savings — meaning you cannot expect to shop at one store, always buy the same detergent (for example) and get the best savings. I shop several stores each week for the best deals on specific items, including Target, Walgreens, Rite Aid, King Soopers and Safeway. (I like Albertsons, too, but it’s a bit trickier because they have so few locations.)

I know, I know. The first response I get is that it’s too much time and a waste of gas. Not so, if you plan ahead. I make my shopping list for each store based on its weekly circular and my coupons. Then, map out my errand route to ensure I’m not backtracking.

Now, this requires focus — you cannot get distracted. That’s why I usually shop solo and on a full stomach. I’m in and out at each stop in about 20 minutes, so my entire trip takes a few hours. Of course, it helps to shop in the morning or late evening to avoid long check-out lines. (You can also save time and gas by taking advantage of price-matching policies at select stores, namely Target and Walmart. There are no grocery stores that price match, as far as I know.)

As for not being brand-loyal, my shopping list is solely based on what’s on sale and what coupons are available. If one week Tide is on sale, that’s what I buy. However, if next week Gain is on sale, that’s what’s in my cart. In my opinion, most national brands are the same quality and get the same results. (This is the part where others disagree.)

Unless you have an allergy or specific health needs, you just need to break away from all the marketing noise or family traditions. (I know people that buy a specific brand for no other reason than that’s what they grew up using.) If you’re not a regular bargain hunter, it takes practice. However, once you see the savings add up, you’ll be hooked. Trust me.

Do you have any tips for saving money in the grocery aisle?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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I will never forget those magical words: “Enter as often as you wish.” The only stipulation was that your name, address and phone number had to be printed on a piece of paper. (It’s important to note here that it did not state “hand-printed.”) Nor did the entries have to be mailed. They could be dropped off at the Rocky Mountain News front desk. (Also, an important point in my story.) On the way home, I stopped and purchased a package of notecards. About 20 entries in, my hand was getting tired and my handwriting was getting sloppy. It did say “printed” in the official rules, right?

Being the genius I am (*cough, cough*), I decided to have a rubber stamp made with the required information. I expedited the order and had the rubber stamp in hand in a day or two. Of course, with this new tool, I pumped out the entire package of notecards quickly. That was easy! I decided to get another package of notecards. However, this time, I found notecards on clearance for 10¢. I bought a whole dollar’s worth! (I told you, I’m a born cheapskate.) So, for the next few weeks, the sweepstakes became my summer hobby. Every free moment I had, I was stamping away. I simply kept going back and buying more clearance notecards.

Now, here’s where it get interesting. I was not keeping track of my efforts. I just kept stamping, boxing my completed entries and stacking them in the corner. With the deadline approaching, it was time to drop them off.  (Are you sitting down?) When all was said and done, I had 10,000 entries! Here’s where it gets sad and pathetic: I was too embarrassed to drop them off! (Surely, they would me see as nothing more than a freak, dropping off case after case of entries.) What to do? You make your mother do it, of course! (To this day, she still cringes every time she hears “Forever Your Girl”.) I didn’t even go with her, when she did the dirty deed. (No, I did not win “Son of the Year”.) She claims to have received several questionable looks. Apparently, the secretary even made a few you’re-not-going-to-believe-this phone calls.

You know how the story ends. I won! (Although, it might have made for a better story, if I hadn’t won, right?) The woman who called to inform me that I won mentioned that there were 14,000 entries total and 10,000 were mine. On the big night, I was not allowed to bring a camera. Remember, those were the days of no smartphones (or Internet as we know it), so no Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to share it with the world. However, there was a staff photographer on site to document the whole experience. (Side note: I never received the promised photos of me actually interacting with Paula. *wah, wah* I called every sponsor for weeks, but never received a reply. Remember, I’m a bit obsessive, so it was multiple calls and letters. I know they still remember me.)

Paula was so tiny and sweet. However, I did notice she was a bit cautious when we were introduced, “So, you’re the one who entered 10,000 times!” Let’s just say, I’m pretty sure security never took their eye off of me. Little did they know that I was not a deranged fan, just a fan of her music…and fine print. (If you notice, most, if not all, sweepstakes nowadays require all entries to be “hand-printed.” I like to think I played a small part in that rule change!) Okay, so, technically, there was no actual dinner. However, there was food backstage and I needed a good headline to catch your attention. (P.S. Ms. Abdul, if you ever read this, I would still like my photos or, at least, an autograph.) Full Disclosure: Guess who I took as my “plus one”? No, not my mother! I took a friend. Thanks again, mom!

Have you ever met a celebrity? (If so, who and how?) Better yet, do you have a sweepstakes story that tops mine?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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It was a combination of promotional offers at King Soopers. First, I purchased gift cards on January 23, when the grocery store offered 4-times (4x) the fuel points on all gift cards. However, I didn’t purchase just any old gift cards to get the offer. I purchased gift cards for stores I knew I was going to spend money at anyway, including Target, Amazon and Starbucks. (I don’t recommend spending money on gift cards for extra fuel points, if it’s not in your budget.) With my regular grocery purchases, I quickly accumulated 1,000 fuel points — worth $1 off each gallon of gas.

Next, I have the King Soopers/U.S Bank credit card, which offers a bonus 25¢ off per gallon (when you redeem, at least, 100 fuel points) for the first three months. Combined, I earned $1.25 off per gallon of gas. Of course, I wanted to maximize the savings, so I waited until the gas light came on and, even then, I still drove for another 25 miles or so. (Let’s just say, my car was running on fumes, when I pulled up to the gas pump. Why fill up a partial tank, when I could fill up a full tank and save more money, right?)

Here’s the final breakdown: Regular unleaded gas was $1.56 a gallon minus my $1.25 discount equals 31¢ a gallon. (To be precise, it was .319 per gallon.) Now, I come from the school of “if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it”, which means I pay off my credit card in full every month. Therefore, I understand that many people will be unable to use my methodology. As a self-proclaimed “smart shopper”, I’m compelled to remind readers that credit card bonus offers are not bonuses unless you pay the balance in full every billing cycle. (The interest you’re paying each month basically nullifies any perceived “perks” because, in the long run, you’re paying for them anyway via the fees.)

The point of sharing my “gassy” experience is that you should always look for ways to double-dip on promo offers (when possible) and maximize any rewards you’ve earned. (Plus, I like being a show-off. Look, I saved more money than you!)

Have you ever earned big savings, thanks to combining promo or discount offers? How do you maximize any rewards you’ve earned through credit cards or loyalty programs?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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1.) PRINCE — I have been a die-hard fan, since my older brother brought home a cassette tape of “1999” in the early 80s. I commandeered it and played it until it broke. I’m still mad at my parents for refusing to buy me the “Prince pirate shirt” at Merry-Go-Round. I also wanted the “When Doves Cry” jacket, but, at $100, it was never going to happen. The man has so many amazing songs in his catalog. My all-time favorites are “The Beautiful Ones”, “Sign ‘O The Times”, “Sometimes It Snows In April”, “Joy In Repetition”, “She Always In My Hair”, “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man”, “Sweet Baby”, “17 Days”, “Little Red Corvette” and the list goes on and on and on… FUN FACT: I once danced with (actually, just near) the purple icon on stage in Las Vegas. He even gave me a fist bump! (For the curious, he was sparkly and smelled like flowers. He does actually exist!)

2.) BANANAS — I love anything banana-flavored, especially candy or gum. It’s hard to find, trust me. I’m always on the search for new or limited-edition products. Nestlé once offered a banana-flavored chocolate bar, as part of its tie-in to Disney’s “Tarzan” movie. Darn limited-edition products! If you find any, please let me know immediately. Really, I mean, like, right now!

3.) CATS — Yes, I am a proud cat-loving man! I, like so many others of my gender, thought I would always be a “dog person” until I met Riley. Now, I can’t get enough of him and his furry relatives. If only you could hear all of the “baby talk” that goes on in my condo, you would either laugh or feel sorry for me. (Either way, I’m okay.)

4.) MOVIES — I love the movies! (No, not sitting at home watching a movie on some device, but actually going to the movie theater. I’ve always enjoyed the whole experience, since childhood.) Last year, I saw 70 movies. My favorites were “Brooklyn”, “Trainwreck”, “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (Truth be told, there are some years when I have seen more than 100 flicks. Can anyone say “sad and lonely”? *laugh*) I prefer Regal Cinemas, mainly because of its Regal Crown Club. I just reached 16,000 points. (I don’t know why I’m so proud of it, but I am. How silly, right?) Given you earn a reward every 50 points, I’ve earned 320 freebies, so far — that’s lots of FREE movies, popcorn and soda.

Oh, yeah…I love Diet Coke. I won’t tell you how many I drink in day, but it’s not in the single digits! (Yes, it’s a habit I sorely need to break.) Plus, I’m a stickler for good grammar in my own work and that of others. I love to sit at home, pop open an ice-cold Diet Coke (or enjoy a piping hot chai tea), take out my trusty red pen and correct junk mail — a perfect afternoon! Remember, the power of good grammar — “Let’s eat, grandma!” is much different from “Let’s eat grandma!” Oh, the difference a simple comma makes! (I just realized that I use far too many exclamation points in my writing!)

Did you know I used to be a loyal reader, just like you? I remember learning about MHOTC via a blurb in 5280 Magazine in late 2010. Laura and Claire got “tired” of me sending tips and finally asked me to just join the team. Of course, I accepted and never looked back. Getting paid to find deals, write a column for The Denver Post and attend media events — dreams do come true!

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just need to look for it. :-)

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My go-to tip for bargain shopping at Target is to never trust the clearance sticker — always scan the barcode to get the true price. I can’t tell you the number of times the actual sale price is lower than what’s on the little yellow sticker. I have found so many items at 75% off or more.

If you ever find clearance at 90% off, consider yourself extremely lucky and buy whatever it is immediately! It’s extremely rare for clearance to hit 90% off at Target — usually just seasonal/holiday merchandise.

It’s this extra effort that makes the biggest difference in finding major savings. The average shopper typically bypasses the clearance racks because it’s “too much work” or too time-consuming. And those that do may just glance at the ticket and assume the ticket is correct.

That’s where my time-tested tip of gathering a cart full of clearance and spending a few minutes scanning each item at one of the red price-check stations throughout the store is so valuable.

Target has just made some noticeable changes to its clearance that’s made the work of smart shoppers nearly obsolete. The store has become more organized with its clearance and, in an effort to clear the shelves quickly, is promoting its clearance more prominently than ever before.

I spotted the change over the last few weeks at several locations, so my “frugal feelers” were up and acutely aware of how it would impact die-hard bargain hunters.

I quickly realized that this new strategy would change the clearance landscape significantly — especially as I was finding more and more empty clearance shelves.

What has Target changed?

The store is now placing some clearance right near the checkouts with signs highlighting the price reduction.

They’re now tagging the shelves with little, yellow tags highlighting the specific percentage off.

Rather than moving all clearance to specific endcaps in the store, they’re keeping some of the items in their respective aisle and highlighting the clearance price there.

The changes may not be company-wide. Maybe just at select locations for now. However, I’m assuming it’s rolling out to all stores. There is no official announcement from the big box retailer. These are just my observations as a longtime connoisseur of Target clearance. I still miss the old orange-reddish clearance stickers. (If you’re a regular at Target, you know what I mean.) I can’t quite grasp the new yellow stickers, but I guess they stand out more. 

What the changes mean to shoppers is that clearance is now more visible than ever before. The casual bargain hunter and/or average shopper can now spot clearance items with little to no work. It’s no longer a time-consuming task to find clearance at the big box retailer.

Instead, Target is heavily promoting it to all customers, which means it will sell quicker. 

I understand why Target is making the change. Open shelf space means more money.

Rather than clearance sitting on the shelves for weeks (or possibly months) and taking up valuable space, the store can replenish empty shelves with new regular-priced merchandise faster. 

Plus, by highlighting clearance, it means more merchandise will sell at a lower percentage off because the average shopper considers 25% off a “great deal” and will buy it  — better for Target’s bottom line, whereas, many die-hard bargain hunters won’t touch clearance until it hits 50% off or more.

In the end, it now probably means fewer items will reach the higher percentages off because it’s all being snapped up by “regular shoppers” at the lower price reductions. 

My bargain-hunting heart is torn. Of course, I love saving money, but I also have a passion for helping others save money.

For the casual bargain hunter: It’s great news because the change means finding clearance will be easier than ever before — with minimal effort.

It will train shoppers to take a pause and look at the yellow tags for quick clearance finds. They’re almost impossible to ignore.

For the seasoned bargain hunter: It means we will have more competition in finding big savings. Ultimately, deal seekers will probably have to make more visits, to be right there at the sweet spot — when clearance hits the shelves and/or the discount is increased.

It also means the days of finding lots of clearance at 70% off will be few and far between.

Ultimately, it means more of us will save money, which is always a good thing!

I fear lots of people are living beyond their means, so I encourage everyone I know to “come to the cheap side.” It’s okay…there’s plenty of room for all of us. 

Happy bargain hunting!

Learn how you can save more money with Target’s loyalty program, Target Circle — click here.

For more tips on saving money at Target, click here.

The post Bryan Blathers: Target Clearance Is Easier To Find & Why Die-Hard Bargain Hunters May Hate It appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

And now’s the perfect time to consider audio books, if it’s never been on your radar before. (With a wireless speaker, it can easily become a fun family activity. Hello, Harry Potter!) My go-to site is, of course, . There are thousands of titles and so many genres from which to choose.

Here’s why I love audio books so much:

Reading Comprehension

I consider myself a book worm — an avid reader since elementary school. However, as I’ve celebrated more birthdays than I’m willing to admit, I realized that my reading comprehension was not as strong as I had thought.

When reading a physical book, I regularly found myself a few pages in and realizing I didn’t even know what I had just read — often going back to re-read sections. It was just too easy to be distracted with my own internal thoughts.

Eventually, I became one of those people with stacks of books on my desk or nightstand that I was “going to read.” (I know I’m not alone, right?) I’m talking dozens and dozens of books.

Guess what? I never read them. (They all ended up at a garage sale at the bargain price of just a buck each — a total waste of money.) For me, reading became an activity that required lots of extra time and focus.

With audio books, it’s the complete opposite. I find myself more engaged than ever before, easily digesting all of the information. Having the book read to me allows me to focus on the words and, as a result, I feel like I’m fully understanding the information.

Whereas before, I always felt a little lost or confused. Audio books renewed and reinvigorated my love of “books.”

Time Saver

Yes, there is something to be said of curling up with a good book on a couch or under the covers. However, for me, audio books became much more convenient because I can listen to them anywhere. It’s still comforting to put in my wireless ear buds and lie in bed enjoying a good story. In some ways, it’s just as peaceful and relaxing.

But that’s not where I listen to most of my audio books. It’s in the car. I can play the audio book through the car stereo or sometimes wireless speaker. And, best of all, it’s made fighting traffic more bearable and less stressful.

Who cares, if I’m stuck in a traffic jam, I’m enjoying Malcolm Gladwell’s latest bestseller. Now, I actually enjoy the chore or running errand because I know there’s a great story waiting for me. (I have even been known to sit in my driveway for 10 minutes or so, just so I could finish a rather exciting chapter or section.)

I also find household chores much more enjoyable, while listening to a book. At home, I enjoy audio books through a wireless speaker, headphone or Alexa. It’s made folding laundry, cleaning dishes or dusting much more fun. I often get so caught up in the story that I forget I’m scrubbing the toilet.

Everyone Has A Story To Tell

Just as I’m not a fan of super hero movies, I can never get into fictional books or fantasy worlds. My preference, by far, are memoirs and biographies. I can’t enough of learning about someone’s journey, famous or not. (The celebrity memoirs are fun and interesting, but the story of someone overcoming a challenge or difficult journey has been so much more rewarding.)

I have gleaned so much insight and strength in learning about how others have survived or succeeded. Of course, preference is up to each individual person. I just find non-fictional books much more fascinating, insightful and, often, educational.

In any case, Audible offers a wide variety of books — something for everyone. Maybe one of these days, I will dip my toe back into a fictional story.

Voice of Reason

Okay, this can be either the best part or the worst part of Audible — the narrator.

For me, while the story is important, the narration has equal impact on the enjoyment of a book. I will always prefer audio books read by the author. When it’s read by the author, it feels more authentic and has much more emotional gravitas.

This is especially true for memoirs. It becomes much more of an experience because you can feel the emotion behind the words, whether it’s joy or sadness.

And I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve cried more than once while listening — most notably, when you hear someone sharing a breakthrough triumph or deeply tragic story and you can hear their voice catch or tremble. I feel like I’m part of the story. I never thought I’d cry listening to a book by Chelsea Handler, but I did!

On the flip side, many books are read by a professional narrator and most are great. They just lack a touch of that personal connection to the story. The difference here is that each narrator has a unique tone, cadence or pacing that can affect your enjoyment.

Again, most are wonderful and just perfect. However, on occasion, you’ll find one that sounds “too robotic” or insincere.

Audible has two remedies for this: First, you can change the rate at which the book is read — you can slow the pace down or speed it up. (Speeding up the rate of speech to 1.25x or 1.5x often works for me.)

If that doesn’t work, Audible has a very generous policy of returning or exchanging a book you don’t like, no matter the reason. It’s one of things I most appreciate audible. I can exchange a title, if I don’t enjoy the story, have trouble with the narrator or realize it’s not what I expected.

I can usually tell within the first chapter, if I will finish the book. With more than 150 books in my Audible library, I’ve probably returned about a dozen. Each time, it was simple and easy — no questions asked.

Price Points

Initially, I thought audio books were super expensive — mainly because my only reference were the CD versions. (Yes, I’m old!) Those audio versions were often around $30 to $50 — depending on the length of the book and number of CDs. (I don’t think they even exist anymore. Do they?)

Those days of having to switch CDs to listen to the next section are long gone, everything is now digital — much more convenient and reasonable in price. Plus, I don’t have a shelves and shelves of books that I have to maintain or clean.

The price of audio books isn’t necessarily cheap, but it’s reasonable. The longer the book, the more expensive it is. However, Audible has made it much more affordable through its membership services. You can join at different levels and get so many credits applied to your account.

Each credit is worth one audio book and this where the savings are helpful. The credit is good toward any book, regardless of the price. That same credit can be redeemed on a book that’s $10 or $30.

Plus, members get 30% off the price of books, when your credits are used up for the month and you want to listen to more books.

This is where I encourage members to use their credits wisely. Take your monthly membership fee and divide by the number of credits you get each month. That’s basically what you’re paying for each book.

Let’s say, it averages out to be about $12 per book. Then, why would you redeem that credit on a book that costs $8? You’re losing money. You’re better off just paying for that $8 book outright and saving your credit for a more expensive title. Make sense?

Another money-saving tip for members is to purchase the membership gift card for $30 found at most grocery stores at the gift card kiosk. While the gift card is intended to gift someone a three-month membership to Audible (one book a month), it has a different value for existing members.

If you already have an account, the redemption of the gift card simply immediately adds three credits to your account — making each credit just $10. This is usually cheaper than Audible’s add-additional-credits-to-your-account rate, which usually equals out to about $12 per credit. Unfortunately, I learned this late in the game and lost several potentially “free credits” because I overpaid for months.

BKC’s Bestseller List

As if my opinion has any value or impact (hello, ego!), here are the best 5 audio books I’ve listened to in the past year:

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Okay, I loved this book for so many reasons. I don’t even know where to begin. It’s the best audio book for me, so far — so well-written, well-read and powerful. It’s the memoir of the young woman raped by Brock Turner. I appreciated it so much, I even wrote my only review ever on Audible — . (It’s the second review on the list.)

Life Will Be the Death of Me…And You, Too! by Chelsea Handler

I wasn’t a huge fan of the comic and TV show host, but I liked her. However, this memoir changed it all for me — such a raw and honest story about her search for clarity and purpose in her life. Being read by her only makes it that much powerful. This one had me bawling, but in such a good way. I walked away about having more insights about my journey.

Love, Lucy by Lucille Ball

The book is the referred to as the “valentine the TV legend left for her fans — a warm, wise and witty memoir written by Lucy herself.” (The manuscript was found years after her death.) It’s read by her daughter Lucie Arnaz, so it feels even more personal. You almost feel like you’re listening to the comedy legend herself. 

Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer

The book offers lessons on punctuation and the rules (and non-rules) of grammar. It’s strictly for grammar nerds, grammar police and those who love word play. I wish I could take my red Sharpie everywhere and make edits!

The Beautiful Ones by Prince

I’m a huge Prince fan, so, of course, this is on my list. It’s short, but so insightful about  one of music’s most enigmatic geniuses. I have listened to it multiple times with equal awe, joy and sadness each time.

There are two ways of joining:

Get one (1) audiobook and two (2) Audible Originals each month for only $14.95 per month — .

They also .

Each month includes: Three (3) titles for each month: one (1) audiobook and two (2) Audible Originals and 30% off any additional audiobooks

One month – $15

Three months – $45

Six months – $90

The best value! Twelve months – $150

To join, . 

Other benefits:

• You can listen anywhere, anytime via the Audible app.
• Enjoy easy audiobook exchanges. 
• You have access to Audible book library forever, regardless of membership status.

Love the Tattered Cover?

We also love promoting and supporting local businesses, so here’s an option to support our beloved Tattered Cover:

is a service not unlike Audible. However, it’s an indie company that markets only through independent bookstores. Every purchase made through Libro.FM,  whether a membership or an audiobook, benefits local bookstores. 

During the crisis, you can for $15 and all of the proceeds will go to the Tattered Cover. 

The post Bryan Blathers: Listen Up! Audio Books Are Great & Here’s Why I Love Them appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

In any case, the purpose of this post is to share an interesting experience I recently had that made me rethink the universe and my own life (and death.) I wasn’t actively looking to read any books about spirituality or the universe.

However, somehow, the book Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson came into my world — completely by chance or so I thought. I read a few pages and figured I’d probably just add it to the shelves of the many books unread in my home.

(Don’t we all have dreams of reading more? I know I’m not alone. If anything, the books give the appearance that I’m well-read, so there’s that.)

However, I kept reading. In the introduction, she got me with the notion that there’s “a reason” her book entered my life path. How could you not continue reading? (For the record, this is not a sponsored or affiliate post. It’s all true.)

The book reviews the author’s beliefs about the universe, the energy of love and what she calls “spirit guides.” According to her, we all have a “Team of Light” on the other side watching out for us on this side — usually loved ones, but, sometimes, spirits we’ve never met. I was skeptical, but kept reading.

The book is much more deep and thoughtful, but I’m summing it up (poorly) for time’s sake. One of the main themes in the book is that the universe is always showing you signs you’re on the right path, as well as signs from your “guides”, but only if you’re open and present to witness them. 

This is where it gets weird and interesting.

I finished the book within a day or two and couldn’t stop thinking about the possibilities the universe may (or may not) present to each of us. I was telling a friend about it and wondered if he ever received any signs from his Mother who passed away nearly 10 years ago. (Important Fact: His initials are DMS.)

He recalled a brief experience of seeing a woman at the end of his bed, after she passed, but didn’t think much of it at the time. Was he dreaming? Was it just his overwhelming grief?

He mentioned how much he’d love to have a sign from his Mother that she’s still with him. That was it — just a quick conversation between friends, no serious thought given. 

We spent the day running errands together and had lots of options in both our time and travel plans on how to accomplish our goals for the day. At the last minute, tired and exhausted, we begrudgingly decided to make one more stop at a second grocery store. A stop that was completely unnecessary.

We passed a few open parking spots for some odd reason and parked further away from the entrance. As soon as we pulled in, my friend gasped. I looked up and the personalized license plate on the car directly in front of us read DMS MOM. (I get teary again, even just writing about it now.)

We couldn’t believe it. We both sat there stunned, experiencing a combination of joy and sadness with a little disbelief. (Okay, lots of disbelief.) The experience altered the way I look at the universe.

There were so many reasons for us not to come to that moment, but, in retrospect, it must have been something greater guiding us to that exact parking spot. The message from his Mother could not have been any more clear and direct. She will always be with him. 

The author also encourages readers to ask for specific signs from the universe. Not to say that it will magically manifest right in front of you immediately, but it will appear to you in due time.

Maybe not in the literal physical form, but in a variety of different ways — an image through a song on the radio, an unexpected encounter or, well, the possibilities are endless.

For no reason, a blue diamond appeared in my head, as I finished the book. As a result, I secretly whispered to the universe, “If I’m on the right path, I want to see a blue diamond.” I did not tell anyone. I made it my mission to keep my eyes and ears open looking for any sign from the universe.

A few weeks passed and no blue diamond. Maybe I’m not on the right path? Should I be splurging more rather than saving money? (Never!) To my astonishment, the day I gave up on seeing any sign from the universe, I found my blue diamond.

At Target, I nearly crashed into a fellow customer coming out of from an aisle in a rush. On the back of his arm, right above his elbow, was a single tattoo — a diamond (as in gem) in various shades of blue.

Had I or he made any change to our movements (even by just a second or two) in the store or, as a matter fact, in the day, we would not had this chance encounter as complete strangers.

For him, I was probably nothing more than a nuisance, but, to me, it was a much more meaningful experience. Again, the sign from the universe could not have been any more clear. 

Finally, just a few days ago, I was thinking of a friend who I had not talked to in several months. I was about to send her an e-mail about the movie “The Farewell” (which I had just seen earlier in the day), knowing she would like it.

However, I was running late for a movie sneak preview (yes, I love going to the movies), so I had to wait to send her a quick note in my rush to get out the door. Walking into the Landmark Greenwood Village, I hear, “Bryan!” I look up and it was the friend I was just thinking about, Lynn. Guess what movie she had just seen? You guessed it! “The Farewell.” 

Maybe, there’s more to this “universe thing” than I know. The collective experiences make me rethink all those times I thought about a loved one and suddenly their favorite song played on the radio. Or those chance encounters I deemed random, but thought, at the time, “I was just thinking about you.”

Notably, I recall the time I was headed to my Aunt Lucy’s funeral, nearly 10 years ago, and, in highway traffic, a car darted in front of me. I was caught off guard, but, mainly, because the license plate frame on the Volkswagen was from the TV show “I Love Lucy.” At the time, I simply thought the odds of that happening must be astronomical and left it at that.

Why have I always felt deals, discounts and coupons seem to find me? Are my “spirit guides” also bargain hunters?

I know it may seem silly, but I’m starting to wonder how my passion of saving money has led me to this point in my life — sharing deals with so many loyal, wonderful readers, like you. (I meet so many MHOTC readers unexpectedly at the oddest times. I no longer think it’s just a coincidence because it happens too often.)

While I will always be on the look out for sale signs, I’m now keeping my eyes out for the bigger signs in my journey. 

I have read many books in my life. (To be fair, as of late, mostly audio books. That counts as “reading”, right?) However, rarely has a book had such a profound shift on my perspective of all things I knew to be true. I’m looking forward the next sign from the universe. Purple banana, where are you? (Prince fans will get my reference.)

Have you ever had any signs or chance encounters that seemed coincidental, but left you thinking, “That was weird”?

UPDATE: I had a cousin pass away a few weeks ago. Her family nickname was Gigi. I have now seen the name Gigi in three unexpected places, since she passed away. It’s not a common name, so it’s highly unusual.

I have never seen the name in anywhere ever before, but, now, all of the sudden I’m seeing it everywhere. It just makes me wonder how much the universe is working for each one of us to live our best life. 

Yours in Cheapness – BKC

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That’s not to say I don’t know any “senior citizens” who are young and vivacious, like my 70-something twin neighbors — click here. It’s just that, unfortunately, my parents do not fall into that category. And, trust me, they’re not offended by the term “old.” My father almost swallowing his tiny hearing aids, thinking they were pills, always provides amusement at family gatherings. Or the fact that whenever the phone rings on the TV one of them inevitably answers the phone. “Hello? Hello?” (If you can’t tell, my family has a good sense of humor about it all.)

The one thing my parents have mastered is saving money. My mother has always loved a good clearance rack and my father can’t get enough of thrift stores and garage sales. (Out of their three boys, I’m the only one who got the “bargain bug.”) As a result, my family is well-versed, when it comes to “senior discounts.” MHOTC gets the occasional request for more posts about senior discounts. And, thanks to my parents, I’m somewhat of an “expert” on the topic.

Senior discounts are tricky, in large part, because they’re rarely promoted. It’s almost like an “insider’s secret” at many businesses, so vetting such deals is nearly impossible. Then, there’s the issue of what age qualifies as a “senior.” Brace yourself, some places consider 55 the threshold! While it varies widely at other places, from 60, 62 or 65. And, finally, the discount varies widely by store.

For example, my mother always has to ask about a “senior coffee” at every place we eat. (It doesn’t matter, if it’s fast-food or sit-down.) Frustratingly, it varies greatly at the same chain restaurant — at one location, it’s FREE; at another, it’s 50¢; and, yet, at another, they’ve never heard of such an offer. (Some places will offer a soft drink for non-coffee drinkers.)

We’ve even had varying responses at the exact same location on different days — much depends on who’s behind the counter. (For fast-food, because almost every location is independently owned, any such discount is at the discretion of the owner.)

And, when we do find a “senior discount”, it’s typically for just 10% or 15% off. (If you’re dining out, the senior discount barely covers tax or tip.) That’s where a little math helps. (For the record, I don’t consider anything under 25% off to be much of a savings.) Because businesses do not allow customers to combine offers, senior discounts are not always the best deal.

From my experience, my parents always find a better deal via coupons, promos or sales — all of which are offered to the general public. No age limits or requirements. To my point, a buy-one-get-one FREE coupon or meal deal (entrée, side and drink) offer far better savings than a measly 10% off. For the best deals, sign-up for your favorite restaurant’s e-club or loyalty program, as members always get exclusive discounts and/or coupons. For a round-up of more than 200 clubs and how to register, click here. 

In the end, I would not completely discount senior discounts. (Clever, huh?) At those business that don’t often offer any sales or promos of any kind, a senior discount might be your best bet. Just be sure to clarify, if the discount applies to just one item or an entire purchase. Does it apply to sale or clearance prices? (If you’re dining out, does the discount apply to the entire tab or just the eligible person’s order? Some places may apply the discount to an entire party, as long as the “senior citizen” is present.)

Don’t be shy. Ask at your favorite retailer or restaurant, if they offer any senior discounts. However, research potential bigger savings first — (as always!) search MHOTC, read promo signs, review the sales ad or do a quick search on the Internet. The senior discount is not always your biggest savings or only option.

 The best senior discount, in my opinion, is at Walgreens (55+). The drugstore offers 20% off regular price merchandise on the first Tuesday of the month. For those “non-senior citizens” reading this post, tag along with an older qualifying friend or family member to get the discount. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I’ve tossed a few items in my parent’s cart for the senior savings. I just pay them back in the car.

I could be wrong, but I feel like “senior discounts” are becoming a thing of the past — maybe because people are living longer? Or because it can have a negative connotation, especially because “seniors” are more active and engaged than ever before. I just feel like I don’t see as many, as I once did, several years ago. 

How do you feel about “senior” discounts? Do you know of any great discounts for seniors around town?

I look forward to our next chat. Remember, there’s always a discount. You just need to look for it. :-)

The post Bryan Blathers: Are Senior Discounts Really Worth It? appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

I’m assuming, if you get our daily e-newsletter (if not, ) or read our site with any regularity, you’re already a seasoned deal finder. However, we still often get readers upset because they did not get a deal. Typically, their frustration is aimed at us and/or the business. In reality, much of their anger could have easily been avoided with two very simple skills.

Some are lucky to be born a “cheapskate.” Others sharpen their skills over time and become experts. I fall somewhere in between.

After learning a hard lesson about credit card debt ($3,000!) in college, I have not carried any credit card debt since.

My golden rule is that, if I can’t afford it, I have to save until I can. The rule forces me to re-think every dollar I spend. Do I need a chai tea for $4 or would I rather put that money toward a summer vacation?

From my experience, it’s the small unnecessary purchases you eliminate that add up quickly. (I think, because it’s a buck or two here and there, most people overlook them and only focus on saving money on big purchases.) 

It’s not only about saving money though. The other half is about spending money wisely.

That means always being on the search for a coupon, discount or promo. In my world, I never pay full price for anything I do or purchase.

When you’re constantly taking advantage of deals and discounts, you’re bound to encounter issues. I experience problems just about every week. They’ve become just “a bump in the road” on my way to savings!

Based on my years of bargain hunting, there are two traits that have served me well in ensuring I get the proper savings for any discount, promo, coupon or sale. 

#1 – Be Inquisitive

Always confirm first. If you’re frequenting a business or restaurant because of a specific bargain, look for a promo sign or ask an employee to ensure the deal or promo is still in effect and that you’re at a participating location.

If you’re using a coupon, be sure the to read the fine print for any date, time and/or location restrictions. Also, if you want to be extra cautious, ask an employee to ensure the coupon will be accepted, especially at restaurants.

Do this, before you’re seated, before you order or head to the checkout lane. An inquisitive nature will always save you lots of frustration. Even better, if you’re totally unsure, call ahead to save gas, time and avoid any trouble. 

A few moments will save you from that awkward moment, when you get the bill and realize you’ve made a mistake or overlooked some part of the fine print. Never assume.

Knowledge is power. 

#2 – Be Assertive

You can’t be shy in the world of bargain hunting!

Don’t pay until you’re positive you’ve received the proper savings. This one shocks me every time, but we have readers who pay for a purchase in-person or online and, then, get upset because they did not get the discount.

If the total doesn’t seem right to you, ask to review the bill. Better yet, always review your tab regardless. Overcharges are more common than you think.

You can even simply ask the employee to confirm you received the discount.

Online, if you don’t see the discount on the final checkout page, do not hit “Purchase.”

When in doubt, ask to speak with a manager or call customer service. (Online, always be sure you’re using the proper promo code — many are character sensitive, especially with upper- and lower-case letters.)

The trouble is that, if you pay for an order and don’t receive the discount, it can be very time-consuming and difficult to get a price adjustment.

This rule definitely applies to any ticket discounts for sporting events or concerts. Once you’ve bought the tickets, you’re stuck because tickets are almost always non-refundable.

I’m a die-hard cheapskate, so all of this is second-nature to me. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve cancelled an entire order or had items removed from an order at checkout because I did not receive the proper savings from a sale, promo or digital coupon.

Online, if I don’t see the proper discount reflected on the final purchase page, I simply close-out of the page and contact customer service. You are not required to purchase an item just because it’s been scanned. All of the power is in your hands until you’ve paid.

I think some people may be too embarrassed to address any concerns or cause any so-called conflict for fear of being seen as rude or unfriendly.

Don’t be. It’s your money. You must be your own consumer advocate, when it comes to saving money. You can be polite and straightforward at the same time.

On the flip side, if you encounter an employee being rude or giving you pushback, simply ask to speak with the manager.

They deal with customers all day, so it’s not the end of the world. Most are well-versed in providing quality service, so they usually on your side and want to make you happy. 

Bonus Tip

I notice more places asking customers if they want a receipt. I’m astounded that most people decline it. Always, always get a receipt — even if it’s via e-mail or text.

First, it’s the best way to verify sale prices or discounts. Second, if there’s a problem, you’ll need a paper trail. Without a receipt, you’re likely to have great difficulty in proving your case and, ultimately, getting a price adjustment.

Being assertive is also helpful in returning items. I have some friends and family that are embarrassed about returning items.

It’s not a confrontational experience. Most businesses want customers be happy, so returning items is a big part of providing good customer service. As long as you have your receipt, it’s an easy and quick experience. (Even without a receipt, most businesses will work with you and provide store credit.)

It’s your money and, if you’re unhappy, you’ve changed your mind or a product is defective, it’s well within your rights to get your money back. You wouldn’t throw away 20 dollars, would you? That’s exactly what an item is you don’t return — money sitting on the table.

Just be sure to review the store’s return policy, so you’re prepared and informed. All have time limits, usually 30, 60 or 90 days.

The one exception is for electronics, which typically have a much shorter window period. Don’t be lazy and let time run out. Make returns a priority — simply add them to your weekly to-do list.

The main point is to be assertive, not aggressive. Being polite and patient will get much further, if you encounter a problem.

Raising your voice, using foul language or causing a scene will lose you credibility and you’ll probably leave empty-handed. A smile goes along way!

Without a doubt, the biggest issue smart shoppers encounter is a misinformed employee. . 

It’s all just a big game!

For me, I see the whole thing as one big game…”they’re” trying to get my money and I’m trying to save my money. There are rules to the game, so no cheating.

However, you’ll be better off, if you follow the two biggest rules according to me – ask first and be assertive. Bargain hunters rule!

What other traits do you think are important to being a great bargain hunter?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just have to look for it.

The post Bryan Blathers: The Two Traits of a Great Bargain Hunter appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.

This is how my random act of kindness went horribly wrong. I was having lunch with a friend at a very popular seafood restaurant on Monday and also doing a bit of eavesdropping. (See, I’m not such a good person!) Soon after we were seated, an older gentleman (probably in his late 60s/early 70s) was seated at the booth next to us. Our waiter made the usual introduction, noted the specials and took our beverage order.

Next, he moved on to the elderly man with the same drill. However, in a cringe-worthy moment, the waiter unwittingly made an insensitive joke as he introduced himself to the solo diner, “Hey, you couldn’t find any one to have lunch with you.”

In a you-would-never-expect-this moment, the elderly man responded, “My wife passed away last week and this was her favorite restaurant, so I’m having lunch here for her.” He started crying and so did I. The waiter was shocked (obviously), responded with an awkward apology and sheepishly walked away.

Throughout the meal, the older man sniffled and wiped away tears, as he nibbled on shrimp and sipped his cocktail. I could feel his loss and pain. As our lunch progressed, I couldn’t stop thinking about this woman I never met and the wonderful journey the two must have experienced.

Let’s just say, I used more napkins to wipe away tears than melted butter. What are the odds that the universe would present me with a moment like this again? I knew the right thing to do was to pay for his meal. (Normally, I’m a total cheapskate, but the tight grip on my wallet loosens, when the right heartstrings are tugged. Oh, you’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!)

As ours and his lunch was coming to an end, I patiently waited for the waiter to grab the little black folder from his table. Once he did, I quietly followed him around the corner to meet him at the register, so as to be incognito. I informed the waiter I wanted to anonymously pay for the man’s bill.

The waiter immediately excused himself for a few seconds, went out of view and returned. (This will be important later.) He, then, proceeded to shower me with compliments and happily accepted my credit card.

I must be honest, as a true-blue bargain hunter, I choked at the $50 tab for one person, but I was committed to doing the right thing. I also didn’t want to shortchange the waiter, so I added a $10 tip. (For $60, I could get six or seven lunches with the right BOGO coupon or promotion!)

I quickly returned to my table, anticipating the special moment when the older man was informed his tab was covered by a stranger. However, when I returned, his table was empty. Maybe he went to the bathroom? We waited for several minutes, but still no widower. It quickly became apparent the gentleman had left the restaurant. This is where it gets weird, disappointing and sad.

In a strange twist, the waiter did not know I witnessed the gentleman paying by cash. I quickly grabbed the waiter and inquired about not seeing the money returned to the man. Quick on his feet, the waiter pretended to run outside in the rain and catch the man in the parking lot — even though, at this point, nearly 15 minutes had passed. (Clearly, the man was long gone.)

However, he did not know we could see the entire parking lot from our vantage point. Our “friendly” waiter ran outside, stood in the rain for 15 seconds or so and rushed back in. Much to his dismay, I called him on it. (In retrospect, he was hoping I would simply assume he found the man, shared the good news and returned his money.)

I soon realized that, when I initially approached the waiter about paying the bill, his quick disappearance around the corner was to pocket the man’s money. The waiter in his late 20s, who openly talked about his wife and young daughter at every table and praised me up-and-down for my kindness, turned my generosity into greed for his own benefit. I won’t bore you with the details, but we ended up getting the manager involved and, in a final resolution, the waiter handed over the money.

It was all very awkward, uncomfortable and disappointing, as you’d expect. If I had not witnessed the gentleman paying cash, the waiter might have gotten away with pocketing a $60 “tip” from a grieving widower. He could have easily told me the man paid by credit card and I would have simply assumed he was never charged.

The experience won’t dampen my next opportunity to help a stranger, but I will be bit more cautious. (I will also be sure my next act of generosity will be at a less expensive restaurant, say McDonald’s or Taco Bell. Okay, I’m a cheapskate with a sense of humor!)

In the end, the saddest part is that this lonely gentleman left the restaurant never knowing that a complete stranger reached out to share a little love and compassion in his time of need. I also hope the waiter learned a small lesson he can share with his daughter about the importance of always doing the right thing.

Have you ever had an act of kindness go wrong or backfire?

I look forward to our next chat. And, remember, there’s always a deal, you just have to look for it. :-)

The post Bryan Blathers: No Good Deed Goes…? appeared first on ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË.