poniedziałek, 23 kwietnia 2012

Read Your Favorite Newspaper Online (112/365)

6comments  ShareApril 22, 2012 @ 2:00 pm - Written by Trent
Categories: 365 Ways to Live Cheap
Bookmarks: del.icio.us, reddit

It wasn’t too long ago that our family subscribed to the Des Moines Register. We enjoyed the local news for Polk County and surrounding areas. It kept us in touch with our community and what was going on around us.

The only problem was that the newspapers would build up. If you didn’t read the paper for a day or two, they would start to accumulate. If you were gone on a trip, you were probably going to face a pile of papers on your front step if you didn’t have a friend grabbing them for you (yes, you can sure tell your deliveryperson to stop putting them there for a week, but that doesn’t mean it will happen). Sometimes, emergency trips would happen and you’d come back to find a bunch of papers on the doorstep.

Not only would this amount to a lot of clutter, it would also be a sure sign that no one is home if a home intruder is casing the neighborhood.

We still wanted our local news, though, so over time we migrated to simply reading desmoinesregister.com. It’s actually one of the default pages that opens in my web browser. On an average visit, which happens a few times a day, I visit 10 or so pages on the site, each of which has several ads on it. I’m pretty sure that they earn more revenue (and more profit) in a day from me visiting their site than they ever earned from me buying printed copies of the paper.

Yes, we’re not paying for the paper at this point, but the cost of paying for the paper would largely cover the cost of delivery and the cost of the actual printing and materials related to that. Online, there is very little of that cost.

I am very interested in supporting local news. I want to know what’s happening in my community and I get a lot of value out of that knowledge, from free local events to the politics of the local community.

However, the drawbacks of getting a daily newspaper on my doorstep – the clutter, the cost, and the potential for making others aware we’re not around – add up to enough that I’m much happier being a frequent reader of online sources for local news. Such sources continue to get revenue through online advertisements and don’t have the physical costs of the newspaper itself or the delivery mechanisms.

The newspaper business is going through a challenging time right now. They’re still transitioning from the model they’ve used for hundreds of years – selling papers by delivery and newsstands – to a model that, at the very least, embraces online sales.

Revenues are declining, but according to the study linked above, most newspapers aren’t yet bothering to sell targeted online advertisement. In other words, because they’ve not fully committed to an online business model yet, many newspapers are leaving a lot of advertising money on the table.

As a reader of newspapers, I want them to thrive online, and I’ve seen from the business models of many websites that news can thrive online. As more and more people switch to reading news online, they’ll follow their readers. Like any transition, it takes time and a willingness to try new things. They’ll get there.

From my perspective, the best thing I can do is support my local newspaper online by reading it, which I do anyway because I get value from the information there. The drawbacks of a printed paper – the clutter, the waste, the sign of a person on vacation – are enough to get me to switch away from it. The savings in terms of cost is just icing on the cake.

This post is part of a yearlong series called “365 Ways to Live Cheap (Revisited),” in which I’m revisiting the entries from my book “365 Ways to Live Cheap,” which is available at Amazon and at bookstores everywhere. Images courtesy of Brittany Lynne Photography, the proprietor of which is my “photography intern” for this project.

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Comments #1 Katie @ 2:27 pm April 22nd, 2012

That’s not how the revenue model for local newspapers works.

#2 kc @ 3:20 pm April 22nd, 2012

I’m pretty sure that they earn more revenue (and more profit) in a day from me visiting their site than they ever earned from me buying printed copies of the paper.

Really? What data leads you to this conclusion?

#3 Petra @ 3:29 pm April 22nd, 2012

I also think that they got more money from you when you had a subscription. That doesn’t mean you HAVE to subscribe, because the times are changing indeed. But don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’re doing them a favour.

#4 Michael @ 3:50 pm April 22nd, 2012

They were making more off of the subscription. Best to just stick to the frugal angle.

#5 Jackson @ 4:25 pm April 22nd, 2012

You’re going to see more and more newspapers charge to access content online. Even for print subscribers.

#6 Donald @ 5:00 pm April 22nd, 2012

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1. Spend Less Than You Earn.
2. Don't Over-Think Your Investments.
3. Stop Wasting Time.
4. Eliminate (and Avoid) High-Interest Debt.
5. Talk About Money (And Be Honest).
6. Stop Trying to Impress Other People.
7. Watch Your Progress (But Make It Fun).
8. Take Care of Your Things.
9. Do It Yourself.
10. Plan Ahead Every Time You Spend.
11. Find and Work Toward Your True Passions.
12. Build Real Friendships and Relationships.
13. Improve Yourself Every Chance You Get.
14. Give Without Strings or Regrets.
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Donate to Goodwill (or Your Thrift Store of Choice) (103/365)

11comments  ShareApril 13, 2012 @ 2:00 pm - Written by Trent
Categories: 365 Ways to Live Cheap
Bookmarks: del.icio.us, reddit

You’ve sold items from your clutter individually. You’ve sold some more in bulk. You’ve hosted a yard sale. After all this, you still have some items. What do you do with them?

You’ve reached the point of giving them away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still recoup at least a little value for your donations.

When we have items that seem to be unwanted and are unable to sell, our first option is to donate those items to a charity that can put them to use, whether through selling the items themselves or through using them. The most straightforward way of doing this is through a thrift store.

We simply box up those unwanted items, take them to a local Goodwill (or similar store, such as the Salvation Army), and see if the store will take them.

Typically, donations to Goodwill (and other charity thrift stores) are tax deductible. Usually, you have to keep track of what you donate (they’ll often provide you with a receipt) and then estimate the value of the donation. If you’re filing long form, you can claim the value of the donation as an additional deduction on your taxes, lowering your tax bill.

For example, let’s say you’re in the 25% tax bracket and you donate a pile of items to Goodwill, and you’re able to value the items at $100. If you’re filing your taxes with itemized deductions, you’re going to be saving $25 on your taxes, which results in $25 in your pocket.

(It should be noted that many people do not itemize their deductions and instead use the standard deduction on their taxes, in which case you won’t be able to deduct your charitable donation.)

Sometimes, there are items that the thrift stores won’t accept, which usually includes particularly beat-up items or items that no longer have any value at all. (Hopefully, this is a small pile.)

If you find yourself with items that you simply can’t get rid of in any other way, I suggest boxing them up, labeling the box with “next yard sale,” and then putting them out at your next yard sale at the lowest price. This way, you may yet recoup a bit of value from the items.

Another option is to simply give the items away to people who might use them, such as neighbors or friends. If you know someone who could actually use the item, just give it to them. The goodwill and friendship that you build by being generous is quite valuable. Just be sure that they actually want the item before you drop it on their doorstep, though.

It’s important to remember that these options are best used when you’ve used other tactics to extract value from your clutter already. At this point, you won’t be receiving very much at all per item, so you should use these tactics as an avenue of last resort after you’ve explored other options.

If you’ve gone through all of these steps, you’ve likely cleared a lot of clutter out of your house. You have more money in your pocket and have much more space and access to the items that really matter to you. That’s a double win.

This post is part of a yearlong series called “365 Ways to Live Cheap (Revisited),” in which I’m revisiting the entries from my book “365 Ways to Live Cheap,” which is available at Amazon and at bookstores everywhere. Images courtesy of Brittany Lynne Photography, the proprietor of which is my “photography intern” for this project.

Related Posts
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Hit Thrift Shops and Secondhand Shops in Upscale Neighborhoods (86/365)
Hidden Treasures from Thrift Shops
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Comments #1 Jessica @ 7:20 pm April 13th, 2012

Freecycle. Some people on freecycle will take *anything*. I just had a person today who was thrilled to pick up our old cat litter pan.

Also the “Free” listing on Craigslist. Just put your stuff at the curb and put “Curb Alert: 123 Anystreet, Your City and Zip”.

#2 Roberta @ 7:29 am April 14th, 2012

If you’re going to donate to charity, please make sure your items are truly useful. My volunteer work has included sorting the dropoffs – some of which is just trash – and we have to pay to have that hauled away.

#3 Roberta @ 7:34 am April 14th, 2012

The IRS will question charitable donations if you do not have a receipt. I attach a list of the items to the donation receipt, back that up with a digital photo of all the items, and use a tax program to estimate the thrift shop value. It really isn’t that much work, and raises my comfort level in case of an audit.

#4 Andrew @ 8:28 am April 14th, 2012

This is an overly implistc explanation f how Schedue A will work when applied to tax tables.

#5 Andrew @ 8:30 am April 14th, 2012

I meant to say:
This is an overly simplistic explanation of how Schedule A will work when applied to tax tables.

#6 Johanna @ 9:22 am April 14th, 2012

If you have a bunch of stuff that nobody wants…

#7 Johanna @ 9:22 am April 14th, 2012

…just cut your losses and throw it away…

#8 Johanna @ 9:23 am April 14th, 2012

…otherwise your friends will start to cringe…

#9 Johanna @ 9:25 am April 14th, 2012

…when they see you coming with ‘gifts.’

#10 Donald @ 10:01 pm April 14th, 2012

Use a fragrance that smells good to you every day.

#11 Donald @ 10:02 pm April 14th, 2012

Among these are Eternity, Emporio Armani, Dreamer, Dolce and Gabbana, Acqua di Gio, and Platinum Egoiste.


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Get The Book! My new book, The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams, is available in bookstores now! Check out some of the life-changing experiences the book has given readers! Buy it at Amazon.com or buy it from Barnes & Noble or pick it up at your local bookstore today!Amazon.com
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1. Spend Less Than You Earn.
2. Don't Over-Think Your Investments.
3. Stop Wasting Time.
4. Eliminate (and Avoid) High-Interest Debt.
5. Talk About Money (And Be Honest).
6. Stop Trying to Impress Other People.
7. Watch Your Progress (But Make It Fun).
8. Take Care of Your Things.
9. Do It Yourself.
10. Plan Ahead Every Time You Spend.
11. Find and Work Toward Your True Passions.
12. Build Real Friendships and Relationships.
13. Improve Yourself Every Chance You Get.
14. Give Without Strings or Regrets.
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Single Page | Chronology | Book Review Index
2012: Jan Feb Mar Apr
2011: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2010: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2009: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2008: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2007: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2006: Oct Nov Dec

Popular Discussions» Ten Surprising Things I Like to Buy in Bulk (110 comments)» Deconstructing Robert Kiyosaki (344 comments)» Talking Myself Out Of Frivolous Purchases (104 comments)» Reader Mailbag #71 (114 comments)» The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself (111 comments)» 25 Gadgets That Actually Save Money (106 comments)» What Features Are Most Important For Your Primary Bank? My Thoughts and Recommendations (120 comments)» The Happy Minimum (103 comments)» 30 Essential Pieces Of Free (and Open) Software for Windows (308 comments)» How to Make a Quadruple Batch of a Tasty Casserole Easily, Quickly, and Cheaply (107 comments)» What’s An Appropriate Home Food Budget for a Family of Four? (183 comments)» 100 Things to Do During a Money Free Weekend (144 comments)

DownloadablesShort, downloadable books written by me that you can save to your computer, print out, and share with others. Just $2 each.

31 days31 Days to Fix Your Finances A series of exercises helping you center your financial life around your own core values.the one hour projectThe One Hour Project Thirty one-hour projects you can do to improve your financial situation.twenty big ideasTwenty Great Ideas Twenty personal finance and development books, boiled down to three to five pages each.building a better blogBuilding a Better Blog A collection of all of my blogging techniques - great reading if you're thinking of starting a blog of your own. Recent Articles » Read Your Favorite Newspaper Online (112/365)» Now and Later: The Great Retirement Question» Go Through the “Clutter Attractors” Regularly (111/365)» Ten Pieces of Inspiration #70» Start a “Mail Basket” and Process It Weekly (110/365)» Dependency» Every Time You Buy an Item, Get Rid of One (109/365)» Reader Mailbag: Listening» Borrow Stuff You’ll Only Use Once or Twice (108/365)» The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: Strange and Beautiful Day Edition» Trim Your Magazine Subscriptions (107/365)» The AT&T/Verizon Duopoly (Infographic) Categories Getting Started (1119)
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This site is for entertainment purposes only. Trent is not a financial advisor and no information found on this site should be construed as financial advice.

Please note that thesimpledollar.com has financial relationships with some of the merchants mentioned here. Thesimpledollar.com may be compensated if consumers choose to utilize the links located throughout the content on this site and generate sales for the said merchant.
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Ten Pieces of Inspiration #69

10comments  ShareApril 14, 2012 @ 8:00 am - Written by Trent
Categories: Pieces of Inspiration
Bookmarks: del.icio.us, reddit

Each week, I highlight ten things each week that inspired me to greater financial, personal, and professional success. Hopefully, they will inspire you as well.

1. Kahlil Gibran on joy and sorrow
Without sadness, it’s hard to feel happiness. You have to have the lows to appreciate the highs.

“The deeper sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” – Kahlil Gibran

I think this is why people who have everything often feel sad and people who have many struggles often seem quite happy.

2. Herbie Hancock playing “Canteloupe Island”
I can’t get this one out of my head for some reason. I find myself humming or whistling parts of it all the time lately.

I love how certain pieces of music will just lodge in your head.

3. Thoreau on maximizing the value of a day
This is one of those quotes that different people can pull different meanings from.

“It requires more than a day’s devotion to know and to possess the wealth of a day.” – Henry David Thoreau

In other words, a great day rests on preparation done during the days before: tasks accomplished, skills learned, relationships built, and so on. Every day is preparation for a great tomorrow.

4. No Restrictions
This photo by Russell Lee, taken in 1942, depicts a shepherd and his dog.

No Known Restrictions: Shepherd with his Horse and Dog by Russell Lee, 1942 (LOC)

There’s something beautiful and free about this picture. The man was a shepherd – his life was a simple one. Yet he was able to see so much natural beauty and history during his life.

5. Guy Fawkes on solving a problem
A friend of mine had this as an interesting signature on his email. He’s currently struggling with getting into better shape.

“A desperate disease requires a dangerous remedy.” – Guy Fawkes

An interesting take on self-improvement, to say the least.

6. No Going Back
This photo by Mariano Kamp depicts a pawn on a chessboard, about to make a gutsy move.

No Going Back

We are all pawns, in some way. Will we make that gutsy move?

7. April showers…
The April rainy season has begun in earnest.

april showers

As I look at the cold rain, I remind myself that it is setting the stage for a beautiful May.

8. John Good on being happy and active
Happiness almost always seems to come from doing something. I am saddest when I’m idle.

“Happiness consists in activity: such is the constitution of our nature; it is a running stream, and not a stagnant pool.” – John Good

If you’re sad, get out and do something. You may not relieve the sadness, but at least you’ll have a sense of accomplishment.

9. Leymah Gbowee on unlocking the intelligence and passion in girls
I grew up in a house with two older brothers and no sisters. I have two sons and one daughter. For me, it can sometimes be difficult understanding some of the emotional responses and cultural pressures my daughter has on her because the experience is so different than mine. It’s a challenge, but it’s one that is buffeted with love.

This speaker really hits on something fundamental. I don’t want my daughter to be afraid to or ashamed to tackle anything in life. I want her to be proud of who she is.

10. Jules Renard on loving life’s mystery
With every year that passes, the nature of life seems less clear to me. What does it all mean? How does it really work? I knew a lot more twenty years ago (or so I thought).

“As I grow to understand life less and less, I learn to love it more and more.” – Jules Renard

Even with that mystery, I’m more excited than ever to get out of bed in the morning.

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Comments #1 Johanna @ 9:17 am April 14th, 2012

Your friend doesn’t know who Fawkes was, does he?

#2 Johanna @ 9:27 am April 14th, 2012

(Hint: He wasn’t a weight-loss guru.)

#3 Jackson @ 10:55 am April 14th, 2012

Inappropriateness has never stopped inspiration.

#4 kc @ 11:15 am April 14th, 2012

An interesting take on self-improvement, to say the least.

OMG.

#5 Interested Readers @ 2:10 pm April 14th, 2012

I’m more inclined to think Trent’s friend knows what the quote means and Trent is linking it to the friend’s attempts to lose weight.

#6 BobinPgh @ 8:22 pm April 14th, 2012

I wonder if the shepherd and dog picture was taken with Kodachrome film. Meanwhile, why can’t Brittany make a photo 10% as good as that one.

#7 Andrew @ 8:02 am April 15th, 2012

You have no idea whether this man’s life was simple or not. How condescending!

#8 valleycat1 @ 8:37 am April 15th, 2012

Andrew – In what way is it condescending to say someone led a simple life?

#9 valleycat1 @ 8:39 am April 15th, 2012

Trent may have a romanticized idea of a shepherd’s life, but in his world view a simple life is the ideal.

#10 kc @ 11:18 am April 15th, 2012

I was “buffeted with love” once, and it wasn’t pleasant.


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