These are the top 10 things you can do to make a difference in building a local economy, make smart budget changes and eliminate over commercialism.
10) Drop that mouse!
Do not use the internet as source for any of your holiday shopping. Get to the nearest Main Street and hit those local stores. If they do not have the product you want, have them order it. I do it all the time.
- Do not assume you are the only one that requests a specific item.
- The store will probably order a sensible quantity for their own stock.
- Tell others what you did and where to make the request.
09) Avoid Box Stores!
I can’t stress enough to avoid all box stores. To run a large national chain store there is always an added expense to management, administration and ownership salaries. No matter what you pay, they get the biggest piece of the pie.
- If you buy on your local Main Street the profit will remain on Main Street.
- Create local jobs.
- Every time you buy at Walmart/Kmart and even franchise stores 75% of the profit go to someone who doesn’t live near you.
Every franchise or box store has their products ship. These business do not buy milk from local cow, lettuce from local farmer, or even napkins from a local paper-mill. Everything comes from over seas!!! If you have a need for a hamburger and fries . . . go to your local diner.
08) Read The Label
Look for an address where the product was made, not distributed. The goal is buy within 100 miles of where you live. If you can’t find something local then ask yourself “Do I really need it?”; maybe you don’t.
At the very least any product, especially food products should be made in your own country.
07) Research
Be informed about a good price. You do research for a home, car and other large ticket items. You need to research even for the small items.
What you might find all you need is just a simple upgrade, adjustment or tweak. These tend to make a product better. Always check these options and weigh costs of all options.
06) Haggle
Just because the label is printed with a number, it doesn’t mean you have to pay that price. Go to the manager, ask for a discount. If you have done your research prove that you can get a better price. It will always get you either the same or lesser price.
05) Pull The Plug
Commercialism dictates needs and wants . . . evaluate your need. Those commercials on television are meant to invoke that inner child or selfish thinking of “if I have that I will be happy”. Evaluate your actually need . . . stop buying for want.
04) Quality vs Quantity
What is wrong with practical gifts with one quality gift. Socks, gloves, coat, hat . . . then then pull out that one gift they really wanted. Don’t show love through presents. Spend time and give personal attention to those in your life; that is the greatest gift.
03) Think Long Term
There are gifts that are worth their price and last beyond 5 years. Here are a few:
- Laptop (I have one that is 5 years old – just get the extended service)
- Tivo (Feel the Tivo Love)
- PDA (You do not have to have an iTouch or a cell phone)
- Netflix – A 3-DVD out program is the best deal (read more).
- Roku – Netflix online content viewer.
02) Cut the Cable
There isn’t anything that can’t be watched online. Cut your cable and only use internet and antenna. If you are sports lover each major franchise has content live online (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and many more coming). Watching online will soon replace all broadcast televisions.
The average cable bill with internet is over $120/month, broadband access (at the speed you need) will be about $60/month.
01) Stop Buying New
If you are a gamer there are a few places to get games without paying $60 a game.
- Believe it or not always look to your public library. You can just get about anything in the library including DVD, video games and a great source for free internet access.
- DVD rental stores are not for renting . . . buy it used.
- Start a local group for gamers. Meet up and share games. Also, it is a creates a new way to socialize.
If you are a person who has to have the latest and greatest gadget . . . stop. Buying new technology has proven a down fall. There are always problem with pricing, programming and features missed that is fixed either later (sometimes a couple years later) or not at all with all adjustments with the next generation. Learn to be patient. Wait it out.
Other thoughts
- Comic Books vs Graphic Novels (be patient and wait for the complete binding. This can save you over $12.)
- Download vs Box (more and more companies download their products . . . usually cheaper)
Personal Thoughts
If you must have it all . . .
- Look for store models or as-is (which is usually cosmetic) products.
- Going off name brand (especially televsions) can save you hundreds
- Think outside the box. For example:
- A projector vs television (it will be larger and can hook up all your gadgets easier and most are networked already for multiple viewing)
- Electric car vs regular automobile (never paying for gas again. Most have a 100+ mile per charge. If your one way commute is less than 30, this might be a better deal)
- Laptop vs Desktop (laptop uses less energy and portable. The software is no different. There are in fact laptops made for gaming, video and business . . . know your need to get the best product)
- Ubuntu vs Microsoft/Apple (instead of paying for upgrades go with a laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed). Ubuntu is free. There are many other free operating systems pre-installed on many systems. Do research.
There is nothing wrong with being concerned with how and where your money is being spent. I hope these help. Being a smart consumer is more important than just being a consumer. Put the purchase power back in your hands and expect more for your dollar.
Gotta love this post. I’m going to purchase my friend the Nixon Rubber Player! I hope he enjoys it.