Tracy Davidson » saving money

Hostels with kids: A surprising way to save money on summer travel

Tracy — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:22:47 +0000

As you probably remember from your late teens and early twenties, hostels are the best place to meet young singles with a yen for traveling and — if my own experience is any indication — a seriousness when it comes to partying. Hostels on a Saturday or Sunday morning are quieter than a church in the middle of the night.

An unusual place to recommend for family travel? Probably, but there are several characteristics that make hostelers kindred spirits to budget-conscious families who are looking for a great travel experience that doesn’t involve crippling credit card debt.

Hostelers are frugal.

I am one of those types who insists on taking public transportation whenever possible while traveling; even putting aside the expense, it bothers me to be shuttled around solo in a polluting cab as a single traveler. And when I’m with my children, carting around American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended car seats is hardly a pleasure.

To read the full story: WalletPop

Two Frugal Mommas

Tracy — Fri, 27 May 2011 02:15:30 +0000

Local moms helping you save money with their venture, Two Frugal Mommas.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Tracy — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 20:00:53 +0000

Are you a parent looking to save money?

Expect to save big this weekend at the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale in Glen Mills this weekend.

Parents trying to get rid of outgrown toys, clothes and more come together during the event to sell their items at steep discounts.

The average Just Between Friends customer purchases items for about a third of the retail price — with the possibility of saving even more during the additional 50-percent off sale on the last day.

The event offers more than 40,000 items and is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday at the Brandywine Youth Club. Admission is only $3 for the first day, but if you sign up for the newsletter you can shop for free.

View more videos at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com.

April’s best buys

Tracy — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 19:57:51 +0000

Cruises are just one of the items you can get deep discounts on during the month of April. Here’s what should be on your shopping list this month!

Prom Purse Strings

Tracy — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 17:32:06 +0000

It’s all the talk among teenage girls: Prom is approaching! It’s very exciting, but it can be stressful for some parents, depending on family budgets and if anyone is facing unemployment. Luckily, there are lots of ways to save, without losing style. I don’t know if it’s the state of the economy or current trends, but it’s now cooler than ever for teens to shop consignment—and the Main Line has amazing consignment stores.

Revivals Boutique in Narberth has high-end prom dresses in sizes 0-14 that range from $100 to $300. Pennywise Thrift Shop, located at 57 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore, also has beautiful dresses, priced $6-$15.

On the flip side, if your daughter has prom dresses that you know she’ll never wear again, visit donatemydress.org. You’ll find a list of local programs that are taking donations so teenage girls can experience their magical, memorable night.

I also love what some shops are doing for “After Prom.” Media’s Sorella Boutique has a contest where they’ll donate $500 to the After Prom committee of the school that buys the most prom dresses. And Kennett Square’s Growing Tree Consignment Store has a program where you can donate some of your consignment earnings to the After Prom at the school of your choice. Visit thegrowingtree.com.

Main Line Today “In the Know” Blog by Tracy Davidson

Great prom dress deals

Tracy — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:59:38 +0000

Don’t stress over prom season, see how to get your dream dress for less.

Mommy Bloggers reach out to budget conscious parents

Tracy — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:53:02 +0000

I sat down with four women from Philly Social Media Moms, a network of mothers in our region who connect online through blogs. From product reviews to money-saving tips to helpful advice to support, these women are not only an advertiser’s dream, but also trusted resources for other moms in the Delaware Valley. Watch my interview with this great group of women and check out their blogs by visiting the links below.

FrugalPhillyMom.com
BellyButtonBoutique.com
B abyMommaBlog.com

View more videos at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com.

Apple said to be working on cheaper iPhones

Tracy — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:37:23 +0000

Apple Inc. is working on new versions of the iPhone that are aimed at slowing the advance of competing handsets based on Google Inc.’s Android software, according to people who have been briefed on the plans.

One version would be cheaper and smaller than the most recent iPhone, said a person who has seen a prototype and asked not to be identified because the plans haven’t been made public. Apple also is developing technology that makes it easier to use the iPhone on multiple wireless networks, two people said.

Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs, who remains involved in strategic decisions while on medical leave, would use lower prices to widen the iPhone’s appeal and keep it from losing further ground to Android devices. Less expensive iPhones may also ratchet up pressure on Nokia Oyj, whose Symbian software is especially popular in Europe and some developing markets.

“Instead of targeting 25 percent of the global mobile-phone market, Apple would be going after 100 percent,” said Charlie Wolf, an analyst at Needham & Co. in New York, who has a “buy” rating on Apple shares.

Google’s share of the global smartphone market more than tripled to 32.9 percent in the fourth quarter, eclipsing Apple’s 16 percent, according to Canalys.

Natalie Kerris, a spokeswoman for Cupertino, California- based Apple, declined to comment.

Apple fell $3.62 to $354.54 yesterday in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. The stock has climbed 9.9 percent this year.

Smaller, Cheaper

Apple has considered selling the new iPhone for about $200, without obligating users to sign a two-year service contract, said the person who has seen it. Android phones sell for a range of prices at AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless and other carriers, and typically come with agreements that include a fee for broken contracts. The iPhone 4, sold in the U.S. by AT&T and Verizon Wireless, costs $200 to $300 when subsidized by a contract.

To read the full story: Bloomberg News

Thrift Week Tip: Energy Cooperative

Tracy — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:00:49 +0000

The Pennsylvania Energy Cooperative has tips for saving money on your energy bills. Coops use group buying power to help individuals negotiate fair prices for products and services. Members of the Energy Cooperative save money on heating oil and renewable electricity.

My Weekend Getaway

Tracy — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 05:45:39 +0000

I don’t usually write about travel but have to give a huge shout out to Peddler’s Village. I recently had the most incredible experience there. I really felt like I had traveled to another place. It was beautiful, quaint, and quiet. I just wanted to breathe deeply as I walked through the courtyards, still decked in lights from the holidays, fresh, beautiful and clean. I breathed deeply from store to store too: from the fresh smells of Soap Opera to the mouth watering smells and tastes at Casa Casale. Each store is an adventure. For the most part, these are not “chain” stores. These are stores with personality. They have interesting, one-of a kind items with incredible charm and warm staff who make you feel like family as soon as you walk in. You feel like you’re in a special community.

I really can’t say enough. It was just great, especially the meal I had at Earl’s. I can almost still taste it.

As we all look for ways to budget and save, I know many people have passed on vacations. Let me suggest this as a day trip or weekend getaway. You will feel like you’re in a different world, a world where you’ll be smiling around every corner.

Peddler's Village

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