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In part one, we will discuss videos, music, magazines and newspapers. Next week in part two, we'll cover well, everything else!
One of my favorite money-saving ideas is to check out videos from the library instead of renting. Your local library, especially in a larger area, is probably cheaper (often free), and may offer longer check-out periods (ours is a week).
If your library has a computerized system, make sure you reserve the videos you want early, especially new ones. Many times, the library will enter new videos into their system when they are still on order, so if one you want is scheduled to be released soon, you will want to get on the list right away.
Using your library for videos is especially good for videos that have been out awhile (at least a year or two). In our area, there are more 30 libraries connected in the library system, so I can request a video, and whichever library has a copy available will send it over in a day or two.
Tip: I have found that some libraries charge a rental fee, and others don't. I have also found that if you check out the video from a branch that doesn't charge that they will not charge a rental fee even if the video came from a library that normally charges a fee.
This is also a great way to let your kids watch a variety of kids' videos (such as Winnie the Pooh, Barney, Sesame Street, etc.) without having to invest in an entire library of videos yourself. After a week, return the videos and get a new set.
The library should also have a number of educational videos, both for kids and adults. This is a great way to see which Phonics video will hold your child's attention before you buy it.
How many times have you bought a CD because of a single song you heard, only to discover that the song you liked is the only good one on the album? Or perhaps you don't want to spend the money for a CD without knowing all the songs. Or maybe you heard a song you liked on the radio, but want to hear more from the same artist. Whatever the reason, your library probably carries a good collection of music on cassettes and CDs, including some of the hottest new titles. This is a great opportunity to check out a new artist or a new album before you decide to purchase the CD. It also gives you a chance to try out a new artist. After listening to the CD for a week or two, you can decide if you want to buy it for your own collection. This is also a great place to try out some new holiday music, but reserve copies early, because in December the Christmas music gets snatched up pretty fast!
Please note, however, that music is protected by copyright laws, and it is illegal to copy a tape or CD that you don't own.
I used to subscribe to a ton of periodicals. What I realized was that in most cases, most of the issues were glanced at, then tossed in a box, basket, or on top of my desk for later reading, which often never happened until much later (I still have copies of Inc. magazine from two years ago that I've never read).
First, I decided which magazines I did read regularly or wanted to keep for reference. These consisted primarily of a weekly newsmagazine and my woodworking magazines, since the projects in those never go out of date, and I enjoy collecting woodworking projects. I renewed the subscriptions to those, and let the rest lapse.
Second, I started checking out magazines from the library. While most libraries won't let you check out the current issue, they will let you check out back issues for one to four weeks. I would also glance through newspapers and current issues of magazines to see if there was any info I needed right away.
This worked out great, since I was still able to read the articles I wanted, but it saved money, saved paper (if you stacked up all the magazines I used to get in a year, they would equal a large tree!), and saved space at home. Plus, since I didn't have to pay for a subscription, it allowed me to look at and read other magazines that I wouldn't have otherwise.
A final note on newspapers: I enjoy reading the newspaper everyday. However, when you add up the expense of a daily newspaper over the course of a year, it can add up. Also, think about all the paper you use receiving a daily paper. Here are two ways to save on newspaper costs, besides reading them at the library.
First, analyze what information you get from the newspaper. Then see if it is available online. Most information that you would need right away can be gotten easily on the internet. I can get local news, weather, sports, and stock updates on a daily basis on my home page. My favorite part of the paper is the comics section, and there are even a number of places on the web to check out the comics, including ones that my local paper doesn't carry.
You may also want to ask around your friends and coworkers to see if they get the paper. You may offer to pay them a minimal amount for each paper they pass on to you, but chances are they will say they just throw them out anyway. If you don't mind getting your news a day or two late, this would be a great savings for you and for the trees! If you absolutely have to have your Sunday comics and coupons, consider subscribing only to the Sunday version of the paper, which most daily papers offer. The newspaper company may offer to give you a subscription to the daily paper for a small additional amount, but again, think about how much this will add up to over the course of a year, and think about the amount of paper that is wasted.
If the library doesn't carry a magazine that you really like, let them know. Many times, libraries have a specific budget for magazine subscriptions and are happy to get suggestions from their customers. The friendly folks at my local library know that woodworking is one of my hobbies, and recently they asked me for a recommendation for a woodworking magazine. I gave my opinion, and a month later, there was the first issue on the shelf!
David Barnett ForYourFamily@juno.com is the editor and publisher of FOR YOUR FAMILY, a twice-a-month newsletter dedicated to assisting your family to become happier, healthier, wealthier, safer, more loving, and more caring toward each other. Our goal is to provide information, humor, advice, entertainment, and inspiration which will affect your family in a positive way. To subscribe, send a blank mailto:ForYourFamily-subscribe@egroups.com
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