Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Introducing The Frugal Lawyer!

Some of my most popular posts over the past two months have centered around great airfare deals, such as the flash JetBlue one-day sale and incredible fares to Hawaii found here and here.

With the popularity of "deal-finding" on a meteoric rise, I wanted to reach out to a close friend to hopefully share some insight with you.  Nicknamed "The Frugal Lawyer," he constantly scours the internet for great bargains on just about everything.  When I need to make a major (or minor) purchase, I usually consult with him first.


The Frugal Lawyer Himself
Hopefully he will share some of his tricks and methodology in future posts on how to nab that perfect deal.  In the meantime, let me introduce you to the Frugal Laywer via a comprehensive Q&A session!

How and/or why did you get into deal-finding?  What's special about your methodology?

When I feel like I get ripped-off, it really bothers me.  I can't really explain it, but it gives me a knot in my stomach.  So, I just try not to rush into any decision and just do as much research as possible.  For major purchases, I just take my time and get a sense for that good prices are.  Then, when a great deal comes along, I feel comfortable to grab it quickly.  

What websites do you use to find your deals and how often do you check them?

I use a couple of different sites, namely DealNews and SlickDeals.  I found dealnews first, and check it periodically throughout the day.  What really impressed me was that it doesn't just list a sale.  It tells you if it's the lowest price, by how much, and compares it to times the item previously went on sale.  Moreover, it has an "Editor's Choice" section for the truly crazy deals.  If you don't want to check the website throughout the day, you can sign up for the dealnews newsletter where they simply email you the Editor's Choice deals for that day.  It's a great snapshot for bargains over the last 24 hours.

ALSO, I rely on Amazon for a majority of my purchases.  If you don't have time to wait for a deal, their prices are often the best.  Though, there are ways to double-check with Amazon as well.  Did you know that prices for Amazon products can shift daily?  I often consult the ridiculously-named site: camelcamelcamel.com.  This website tracks prices for every product sold on Amazon and can give you a line graph for recent price fluctuations.  So, let's say you are interested in a particular toaster.  You plug the Amazon product link into this website, and you see that it was $10 less last month.  If you are not in a rush, you can set an email alert where they will notify you when the price drops again.  It's awesome. 

What's the one thing my readers can do to save money that they don't do already?

There are tons of way to save money every single day.  The biggest thing is to avoid monthly fees whenever possible.  People are also ripped off every day by cable companies, cell phone carriers, and drug stores.  There are really interesting (and totally viable) ways to cut down on those monthly costs, and I'd love to elaborate on them another time!

What's the single most successful deal you've ever encountered and why?

A couple of incredible deals come to mind, and with them came some valuable lessons.  My first crazy deal involves Joseph A Bank, the notoriously deal-happy mens clothing store.  They advertise deals CONSTANTLY, and it's easy to lump them all together.  The trick is not to get suckered in, and wait for the "big one" - when their clearance merchandise is marked off an additional 50% off.  These deals come around a couple of times a year, and you have to watch for them closely.  One day a couple of years ago I literally stumbled into the deal when I was walking past one of their stores.  When I did some poking around, I saw a  $1000 suit marked down to $200.  To this day, it's my favorite suit.  And I still watch carefully for that sale - it's also a great way to get $100 dress shirts for $20 (they make great gifts for family - and people think you spent way more than you did).


Plenty of Deals to be Had at Jos. A. Bank
How does your spouse feel about your deal-finding.  Does she support it?

I am exceedingly fortunate in this regard.  My wife and I are both incredibly frugal, so we are 100% on the same page about the importance of savings.  I am clearly more obsessive about it, but I am slowly converting her to the dark side of deal finding.  

What is your "most memorable" deal?  

My most memorable deal is also my most shameful, but I honestly love the story.   One day I was looking for a new sportcoat on ebay.  I found a really nice one in my size, and on a hunch I clicked to view the other offering by this seller. Lo and behold, an entire wardrobe was on sale!  With no minimum bids!  After an evening of bidding against one or two pesky people, I walked away with two suits, a sportcoat, three sweaters, and eight pair of fancy wool slacks.  I paid shockingly little money - I think I won one of the suits for like $30.  

After the bidding process, I contacted the seller about consolidating shipping costs.  She was happy to oblige and was very polite.  Unfortunately, she elaborated a bit about the ownership of these garments, and it quickly became clear that this was an estate sale (i.e. the previous owner had passed away).  Some people find this story to be very troubling, but I proudly wear these garments as a badge of honor for the best best deal I have ever encountered.  

Any other parting suggestions/advice for my readers?

Do your research in advance and be ready to pounce when you find that deal.  I really enjoy helping people find deals, but many people are so hesitant to pull the trigger and miss out on the great ones.  It can be frustrating to point people towards one deal after another, only to watch each deal sell out before that person summons the courage to make the purchase.  Figure out the specs you need, decide if refurbs are OK with you (hint: they should be), and grab that deal before it goes away!
----------------------------------------

We look forward to having the Frugal Lawyer's contributions on this site.  If you want to give him any suggestions on future posts, don't hesitate to email me.

Until tomorrow, everyone!

-Charm City Traveler

50 comments:

  1. I think this is really a very nice post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It doesn't get any better than that! agen bola bonus 100 I’ve had other web hosting carriers, but this business enterprise keeps outperforming them all. Thanks…..

      Delete
  2. That was an awesome post thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  3. When you are going to select the attorney, you need to keep in mind few things, initially is the experience of the attorney. provisional patent application

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are the great blogs; I assure you that I really enjoyed a lot in reading.online double glazing supplier

    ReplyDelete
  5. Immediately drawn by essayist's selective method for composing.
    slip and fall accident lawyers

    ReplyDelete
  6. Among one of the finest pieces on the web, awakening in its specificity.
    work accident attorney

    ReplyDelete
  7. At the same time, if the lawyer is not easily accessible and prompt in responding to your phone calls, emails, and requests, you're going to get nothing but frustration.Attorney at Law

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free.
    עו"ד תעבורה

    ReplyDelete
  9. The blog is clear exhibition of the way that, you can bargain with the quality.
    slip and fall lawyers

    ReplyDelete
  10. So be prepared for these timeshare sales people to stall or change the subject away from the requested documentation. Timeshare cancellation attorneys

    ReplyDelete
  11. I real glad to uncover this web internet site on bing, just what I was searching for. Elia & Ponto Law Firm Detroit

    ReplyDelete
  12. what a nice blog . thanks lot of . click > Timeshare Cancellation for more information .

    ReplyDelete
  13. So with this in mind I will rephrase the primary benefit of having a great lawyer by your side as follows: you will make more money. haitian lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  14. Only then would you select that lawyer. Actually, while asking the questions, you'll be able to observe the lawyer's responsiveness and readiness to cooperate with you.  eliaandponto.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.! https://www.gpwlaw-mi.com/new-york-mesothelioma-lawyer/

    ReplyDelete
  16. In spite of the fact that a master lawyer charges somewhat more, his/her insight is genuinely significant. In conclusion, it is imperative to meet the lawyer by and by.Click Here

    ReplyDelete
  17. If not, request that your attorney document papers with the court, to have themselves expelled as the attorney of record for your judgment.read here

    ReplyDelete
  18. You have the directly to speak to yourself. Be that as it may, the law is amazingly unpredictable and changes habitually.תביעה ייצוגית

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your website is really cool and this is a great inspiring article. A Personal Injury Lawyer

    ReplyDelete
  20. electing a lawyer is always a personal matter. But, as with any service providers, the lawyer is just providing his/her service to his/her client. So, the lawyer-client relationship needs be based on trust and open and honest communication so the lawyer could provide the best of his/her service. https://marshallgeisserlaw.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. Keep blogging.. www.employmentlawadvocates.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love this blog!! The flash up the top is awesome!! is indiana a no fault state

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for taking the time to discuss that, I feel strongly about this and so really like getting to know more on this kind of field. Do you mind updating your blog post with additional insight? It should be really useful for all of us. jameslnowlin.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. When looking for a lawyer, it is also important to look for one who is a specialist in that particular type of case as opposed to a general practitioner. Holm Law Group San Diego

    ReplyDelete

  25. A family law lawyer has some expertise in issues identifying with issues that encompass the family. go here

    ReplyDelete
  26. Impressive web site, Distinguished feedback that I can tackle. Im moving forward and may apply to my current job as a pet sitter, which is very enjoyable, but I need to additional expand. Regards. eliaandponto.com/michigan-no-fault-insurance-for-auto-owners/

    ReplyDelete
  27. You have a good point here!I totally agree with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more people will read this article!!! Online Quran Academy

    ReplyDelete
  28. You truly need a lawyer that has had some expertise in your sort of case be that auto injury.lawyers specializing in medical malpractice

    ReplyDelete
  29. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. goldberg persky & white michigan

    ReplyDelete
  30. one thing that i like about the blog could be that the information is very helpful and keeps one informed on issues related to politics.  Bail Bonding

    ReplyDelete
  31. I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. GPWLaw MI

    ReplyDelete
  32. Works incredible Best Electric Toothbrush Black Friday Deals! Protective clean with the diamond head is the way to go! Pair it with a water pik and you'll have the healthiest teeth and gums. Highly recommend this model!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. They took care of my problem just like their very own! It has been a high-quality level for trusting them! Advised to all people!weed measurements

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have a hard time describing my thoughts on content, but I really felt I should here. Your article is really great. I like the way you wrote this information. Canada Visa Types

    ReplyDelete
  35. Betway, BONUS CODE & SPORTSBOOK - KT Hub
    Betway 화성 출장마사지 Sportsbook 영천 출장마사지 Welcome bonus up to $250 in bet credits if your 고양 출장샵 first two 전라남도 출장마사지 sports bets are pari-mutuel, pari-mutuel, 계룡 출장마사지 or parlay. Betway Sportsbook.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I think his a nice lawyer. Thanks for sharing! Yukon

    ReplyDelete
  37. This man really knows what he's doing, I have no doubt that he can find deals for just about anything! I'm glad that he shared some of his secrets with us because I'll be using some of those in order to get some really nice deals on things I want to buy! I will also share these tips with my favorite driveway replacement Fargo ND

    ReplyDelete
  38. If you don't have time to wait for a deal, their prices are often the best. drywall company near me

    ReplyDelete
  39. Impressive interview with this amazing lawyer itself!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Thanks for this post, I am a big fan of this website would like to go on updated.

    Find more info at www.concretesummerville.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Your blog consistently presents high-quality content. It's always a pleasure to visit! Gutter Services Victoria, BC

    ReplyDelete
  42. ApkTodoDesbloqueado is the ideal site for mod apks that offer you everything unlocked in your favorite games . Enjoy enhanced gaming experiences with fast and direct downloads from our vast collection of game mods.

    ReplyDelete