Going Budget

There needs to be a new adjective for "cheap" because in an economy that is having amnesia on what the dollar should to be worth, pretty much everyone is downright cheap. My word for this is "budget". The adjective version not the noun. Here are the ways I go budget when I go out.

Groupon. The only way to explore a new activity, salon, or yoga studio you've been wanting to check out. Although, you do run the risk of being referred to as the "groupon girl" by the receptionist when you arrive for your facial. Ehh, I've been called worse.

Goldstar.com. An excellent source for discounted tix in your area. Just subscribe to the weekly emails and you'll be amazed by the great deals that magically appear in your inbox every Tuesday.

Restaurant.com. You pay $10 for a $25 gift certificate at local restaurants through this website (minimum purchase applies, read all fine print). It's a savings of $15 unless you're super budget like me and you subscribe to the emails for a weekly promo code. VOILA... 70-80% savings makes it only 2-3 bucks for a $25 gift certifcate! You're welcome.

Walmart. Eeek, nothing says bottom-feeder like this place but if you can get past the creepy clientele, it's all worthwhile once you're at the register and realize how much you saved. Not to mention all the free entertainment roaming the aisles.

Coupon clippings. This is California not the Midwest, so "extreme couponing" is out, BUT the art of coupon clipping is still very IN. Take my latest score in the sunday paper for $3 off Iams catfood. Apply that $3 to Iams at Walmart and you just made your momma proud!

On budget travel... travelocity is so 2001. yes I know there are a bazillion search engines to find good hotel rates, but the AAA website has never let me down. You don't even have to be a AAA member for most of the deals. Just by booking through the website (www.csaa.com) you can still get the AAA rate at most hotels. Sweet, right?

See? Just because you go budget everywhere doesn't mean you can't get out and try new places. Plus you'll have more money in your pocket to put into savings - conveniently named - for a well-earned vacation!

Got any other tips on how to go budget in this economy?

p.s. In case you're wondering about the blog name change, after 3 years of writing, I decided to update the name to more accurately reflect ME. Davina Defined. Simple and straight-forward. Thanks for reading!