SavvySugar

Savvy ATM: Use This Sticky Solution For Leftover Gift Cards

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:00:01 -0800

Yes, unused gift cards are still a waste. It's hard to hit the magic number when spending and I'm often guilty of shoving them in a wallet or drawer to remember to use . . . until my memory fails me.

Then, when grabbing tea with my pal, GeekSugar, this morning, I noticed her handy trick. So you make the most of every last dollar and cent, wrap sticky notes around each with the remaining balance and take note of any purchases. In addition to being another more obvious use for your phone's calculator, it's a nice way to splurge on an afternoon yogurt without feeling like you've spent hard earned cash in the process.

Shop For Less on Your Birthday

SavvySugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:30:59 -0700

Not only can you score a complimentary meal and free entertainment on your birthday, you can also treat yourself to a little birthday shopping spree on the cheap! Several retailers offer discounts and freebies on your special day - read on to start building your birthday wish list.

Source: Getty

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Michael Jackson, Summer Headlines, Plus What To Shop and Watch This Labor Day Long Weekend!

Molly — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:15:00 -0700

Happy Labor Day! Here's your PopSugar Rush Weekend Edition to let you know where to find the best sales and TV marathons for the holiday. Plus, a look at the Summer's biggest headlines and Michael Jackson's final star-studded funeral. Watch PopSugar Rush now!

Whip Out Your Budget For the 10 Best Cities For Shopaholics

SavvySugar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:45:15 -0800

If you're a bargain shopper at heart, then it may be that the 10 best cities for shopaholics are your best frenemies. These international destinations offer loads of opportunities for finding deals on things that might cost you a whole lot more elsewhere. When you travel to these cities, be sure you're prepared with a shopping budget - all those bargains can add up to a big doozy of a shopping bill. Here are the cities that will likely test your shopaholic tendencies.

Bangkok, Thailand
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Copenhagen, Denmark
Hong Kong
London
Los Angeles
Marrakesh, Morocco
New York
Paris
St. Barts

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Would You Participate in Running of the Brides?

SavvySugar — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 07:15:16 -0800

Some brides will do anything for a bargain, and I don't mean negotiating a few hundred dollars off the venue reservation fees. Friday was the annual Running of the Brides at Filene's Basement, where 1,300 brides stormed the racks to score gowns at extreme discounts - think $12,000 price tags slashed to $700.

EMTs were on hand in case the brides became too rowdy, and reportedly there was a true stampede of pushing and trampling to tear through the 3,000 discounted dresses. Filene's general manager said, "The bad economy has made this a bigger event than ever." Would you say I do to this bridal event or would you pass?

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Money Tip: March Is the Time to Buy a New TV

SavvySugar — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:30:38 -0800

Televisions are far from necessities, but the tube may be getting more use these days as people are spending more time at home. If a new TV has been on your wish-list and you've been saving up for the expense, March may be the prime time for you to make your purchase. In its March issue, Real Simple got the scoop from Greg Tarr, executive editor of This Week in Consumer Electronics, who said you could save up to 15 percent on the cost of a TV from last year's line.

He explained, "New models are introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show each January. Retailers clear out old inventory to make way for the latest items, which ship in March." If you can believe it, March kicks off on Sunday, so start checking the deals at your local electronics stores to find the best buys.

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I'm Asking: What's Your Soft Addiction?

SavvySugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:30:59 -0800

In discussing the relatability of Confessions of a Shopaholic, screenplay writer Kayla Alpert explained how the books spoke to her.

I think, you know, everybody has a secret addiction, some people’s are more extreme, some people are addicted to online poker, some people are addicted to shopping. A lot of women I know have, you know, soft addictions, I know I’m on Amazon.com a little more than I should be . . ."

I can completely relate to Kayla's comment (shopbop.com, anyone?) and I think labeling these innocent habits as "soft addictions" is pretty brilliant. What's yours?

Photos courtesy of Disney

I'm Asking: What's the Most Expensive Thing You Own?

SavvySugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:30:32 -0800

Some people buy for quality, some for quantity, and others just buy the things they love or the things they need. After learning about one frugal woman who says the most expensive thing she owns is a pair of contacts, it made me consider what is my priciest possession. Granted, this particular woman makes a point of not earning taxable income because she doesn't believe in federal taxes, but we're all responsible for deciding what's important to us.

So, tell me, what's the most expensive thing you own? Was it a gift from someone else or did you purchase it for yourself?

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Have You Been Buying Accessories Instead of Clothes?

SavvySugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 07:15:33 -0800

Opening your closet to constantly find the same old staring back at you might make you feel uninspired, but it seems more people are making due with their limited discretionary income by accessorizing the clothes they already have.

While most retailers did not fare well in 2008 and it's expected they will continue to struggle in 2009, the accessories market is projected to increase by 24 percent before the end of 2012. Analysts are particularly bullish on handbags and neckties. Have you been reviving old threads with new accessories?

Would Sales Tax-Exempt Shopping Days Make a Difference?

SavvySugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:30:20 -0800

Retailers are writhing from a rough year and are now hoping for their own kind of bailout. Their proposition doesn't exactly come out and ask the government for a sum of cash, but the federal government would essentially be flexing its money muscle.

According to The Wall Street Journal, The National Retail Federation (NRF) has proposed three periods of sales tax-free shopping in March, July and October 2009 that would each last 10 days. The NRF estimates the arrangement would save consumers about $20 billion ($175 per family). Because states would lose out on much needed sales tax revenue, the proposal includes a catch: The federal government would reimburse the states for money lost, and even states without sales tax would receive some federal money.

The NRF believes these measures would revive consumer confidence at a time when it's the lowest it has been in decades, and therefore ignite much needed spending. Do you think the tax-exempt shopping days would make a difference?

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