January's quantifiable savings

January’s quantifiable savings: at least $95. For the first time since I’ve been keeping this Blog, I am going to actually save the money instead of reuse it for other purposes. . .Oh, and I brought my lunch to work nearly every day this month.

Buy one, get one free

Bought a BK chicken sandwich with a “Buy One, Get One Free” coupon. Saved $3.79.

Attentive customer service still exists in this economy

Like millions of Americans, I am trying to file taxes on the early side. I realized I was missing my December 2008 AmEx statement, so yesterday I called to re-order it. However, I forgot the precise date that I was missing, so the Customer Service Representative told me to call back tomorrow and that there would be a $5 replacement fee. I called back on Saturday, verified that it was indeed the December statement. John, the CSR, commented that a customer for 17 years should not have to pay the $5 fee. Wow! I offered to compliment him to his Supervisor, but he declined and wished me a blessed day. God bless you, too, John. Saved $5.

Referrals

I went to the mall to finally replace two watch batteries. One jeweler told me they’d have to send my watch away. Zales, their competitor across the mall aisle, gave me a discount coupon for the mall’s watch kiosk. I ended up getting $5 off what should have been $20 ($2.50 off per watch at $9.99 each). Which jeweler do you think I’m going to see next time I’m in the market for bling?

While waiting for the watch to be fixed, I wandered to Bath & Body Works because a friend gave us BBW gifts for Christmas and I loved them. I purchased lotion and shower gels for $2-$5 clearance. Great deals.

Assessment

Purchased color paper at a cost of 4.29/packet. The same item was priced earlier in the week for $6.29, but I kept an eye on it. Additionally, I saved 50 cents using a CVS coupon. Saved $2.50 Same day: was offered opportunity to purchase a discount card for $5 at a beauty supply. I had to weigh the volume of my business with getting 20 cents off of today’s order. Decided to pass for now.

Free meeting dues

I attended an entrepreneurial meeting valued at $20 for free.

Cross-checking & cost comparing previous records

Ordered special folders for my Press Kits. I referred to previous invoices for the item numbers, and learned that the cost has risen 20 cents from 7.29 to 7.49 per pack. I commented on beginning to feel the effects of inflation. The CSR nervously chuckled. Ordered 4 packs anyway. Negative 80 cents.