The Frugal Bostonian

I spend alot of time at the Boston Public Library.  I sometimes have trouble believing that I can actually borrow books and return them when I am done.  Definitely a frugal thing to do, as I don’t have the space for alot of books in my place, and I usually only need to read a book once (but I do have some favorites that I actually own). 

In the past few years, libraries have become more user friendly.  The Boston Public Library offers free internet access (either on their computers, or on your laptop over their wireless connection).   In addition to books, they lend DVD’s and music CD’s.   Borrowed materials can be renewed online (you’ll need your library card number and pin, just go to their website).  Materials can also be reserved online (which means you go to the library website, select what you want, and it will be held for you at the reserve pick-up desk).  Most libraries are in networks, so if the book or DVD you want is at a library 100 miles away, they will get it to the one closest to you.  A friend told me that they have podcast downloads for free (I’ve never done this, but hope to get around to it soon). 

Libraries also host free movie showings, free events for kids, and art displays.  The main branch of the Boston Public Library at Copley is surrounded by bookstores.  I am sometimes amazed that more people don’t just borrow the book from the library instead of buying it.  If you want a book or a movie for a one time use, check out the library before forking over money for it.

A few years ago Jane Goodall was speaking at the Franklin Park Zoo for an Earth Day event.  I very much enjoyed her talk.  I was also impressed with the zoo.  Last year, I bought a family membership.  This is a great deal. 

For $70, two named adults and up to four kids under 18 can visit the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos as often as they want for a full year.  This is a huge savings off the regular cost of admission ($12 for adults, $7 for kids ages 2-12).  Although the adults are named on the membership, the kids are not, so this is also a great way to entertain any kids you happen to be babysitting.  Parking is free (there are free lots, and parking on the perimeter of the zoo).  Parking fills up in the summer, so plan to go early.  The Franklin Park Zoo is accessible by public transportation (I’ve always arrived by car, but have seen the bus).   There is a somewhat reasonably priced snack shop (members get 10% off), but even better: you can bring your own food and drink in!  If you want to be really frugal, pack lunch and a few cans of soda.  Otherwise, grab something at Subways or some other sandwich shop.  Most of the zoo is outside; depending on the weather, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, sweatshirts, or rain gear. 

The petting zoo is usually open from 10-2.  A zoo staff member usually gives a talk at the gorilla area at 2 pm (this is fun to watch, and the gorillas sometimes get snacks of fruit tossed by staff from above).  There are other fun events during the year, including sing-alongs for kids, and halloween festivities. 

Most membership levels are fully tax-deductible.  And, there is reciprocity with 140 zoos nationwide, so you can go to Roger Williams in Rhode Island for free, and many others.   For value comparison, it would cost two adults and two kids about $35 to go to a single two hour movie.  For $70, two adults and two kids can have unlimited visits to the zoo. 

http://www.zoonewengland.org/

A few days ago, I liked some shoes at Sears, but I thought I might find them cheaper online.  I searched around for the style, and ended up finding them at Sears.com for less than they cost in the store.  Sears has in-store pickup, so I ordered the shoes online and picked them up when I was at the mall (the website lets you decide where to pick stuff up, and lets you know whether it is available).  I saved money and earned frequent flyer points!

Here’s what I did:  I went to my frequent flyer accounts (I have continental and american) and went through the link to online partners.  Both linked to Sears, and offered 2 miles for each dollar spent.  I typed in my frequent flyer number (I picked the carrier where I am closest to getting a free ticket) and made the purchase through the airline link, so I will get mileage for the purchase.  And, the Sears website was also offering an additional 10% off, so the price was further reduced.

About 30 minutes after placing the order, I got an email from Sears alerting me that the order was ready.  I printed the email and went to Sears.  There is a kiosk in the back (in the Sears I visited, the kiosk was behind the optical shop and photo studio), and once I started using the kiosk (it scans the bar code on the email printout), someone emerged from the back and helped finish the order.  I had to swipe the credit card I used online, and the saleperson checked my identification.  I was handed the shoes less than 2 minutes after I got to the kiosk.  They were in a bag with a receipt (just like a regular purchase). 

When I first saw the shoes in Sears, they were $50 (on sale from $70).  I ordered them online for $35, and after Sears took another discount, they were $31.50.  After I picked up the order, I went to the shoe department where they were selling for $35.  I saved $3.50 just by ordering online, and I got 63 frequent flyer miles (not alot, but they add up, and it keeps my account active - imagine if you are buying large appliances, that’s alot of mileage).  If you have a credit card that offers mileage points, you’ll get even more frequent flyer points.

If you have the time, it is almost always worth it to check online before buying something - you might be able to pay less, get frequent flyer points, or find it elsewhere for less.  In-store pickup eliminates shipping fees and allows you to avoid dealing with delivery. 

I have also used BestBuy online with the in-store pickup, and have used Barnes & Noble to get books I was going to buy anyway delivered (delivery is free over a certain amount).  Make sure you go through the airline website to get to the retailer, and put your frequent flyer number in.  Otherwise, you might not get the mileage. 

On Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 13), the Fenway Alliance is hosting its 7th annual Opening Our Doors Festival in the Fenway.   Several museums will have free admission, and there are many events and activities.   I am planning to visit the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Christian Science Center Mapparium.  Go to   http://www.fenwayculture.org/ for more specifics.

I surfed around craigslist and found a few more focus group opportunities (these are usually in the volunteer or etc. sections).  Here’s a good one I did last week:

A market research company was looking for people with experience with microsoft office 2007.  I sent them an email, and got an email along with a quiz back in return.  I passed the quiz (excel and word 2007).  I was scheduled for a Sunday session.  The company offices were at the World Trade Center.  Parking was reimbursed - in cash!   After checking in, I was given a choice of drinks and snacks.  I spent about 90 minutes on a computer performing tasks in word and excel, then was asked to rate some materials produced in those programs.  This was very easy.  At the end, I was given a check for $150 for less than two hours.

The only drawback was a convoluted series of voice mail messages confirming that the quiz had been received, and confirming scheduling.  The directions to the facility could have been better (I pointed myself in the direction of the World Trade Center, then ended up running around looking for the actual office). 

Despite the faltering economy, these opportunities are still out there.