The Shopping Center
The Dollar Stretcher
by Gary Foreman

I don't go shopping very often. Like most guys I don't like to shop. So I do as little of it as possible. This past Saturday I spent some time in a local shopping center. While I was waiting for my son I sat back in my car and observed.

It's a fairly typical shopping center. Marshall's was the big anchor at one end. A variety of stores. I was there for the music store.

I scanned the different stores. I couldn't help but notice the tanning salon and nail salon. They were next door to each other and had similar names. Might even have the same owner. There was also a Merle Norman cosmetics store.

Near the music store was a dentist. The sign out front said "Bright Now!" I thought that was an interesting name for a dentist's office. Guess they do more dental cosmetics than dental repair.

Nearby, although not apparently connected in any way, was an orthodontist's office.

Looking around the center it appeared that about half of the businesses were in business to help us look better. Or at least feel better about the way we look.

Don't misunderstand. I like to look good and to be surrounded by good looking people. We probably all do.

But it seems strange to me that there's enough business keeping people looking good to support that many stores. I don't know what was all available to shoppers 100 years ago. But, I'd almost be willing to bet that half of retailing wasn't dedicated to appearances.

Maybe I'm being too critical. Then again, it might be a good idea to take a look at your check register and credit card statement. Separate out the items that you really needed vs those that just inhanced your appearance. You just might discover where all that missing money is going.

Keep on Stretching those dollars!
Gary

Gary Foreman is the editor of The Dollar Stretcher.com website and newsletters. Not only does the site host thousands of articles on various ways to save money, but you'll also find a vibrant forum where people share their dollar stretching ideas. Visit today!

The Dollar Stretcher
by Gary Foreman

I admit that TV commercials fascinate me. What's really fun is peaking underneath the assumptions that they make. Take the latest one from Verizon. A young twenty-something man runs into a girl of about the same age. The conversation makes it clear that they knew each other in high school. The girl makes some comment about the guy being "Mr. Unwilling to Commit". She asks about the whole group of Verizon people that are following the guy. He explains that they came with his plan. And the biggest benefit is that he only pays for the minutes he uses. She comments "so you haven't changed a bit" as she walks away. The message is clear. He's still a loser because he doesn't make commitments.

But I congratulate "Mr. Unwilling to Commit". He's smart not to commit to buying something he doesn't need. I only hope that he's as wise when he buys a car. How many people sign up for 5 years of payments only to regret it half way through the payments?

Our friend might actually be a much better choice for the young lady. He's a better catch than someone who falls in love quickly, gets married quickly and puts her through a divorce a few years later. My guess is the young lady will learn that lesson herself someday.

 Keep on Stretching those dollars!
Gary

________

Gary Foreman is the editor of The Dollar Stretcher.com website < www.stretcher.com> and newsletters. Not only does the site host thousands of articles on various ways to save money, but you'll also find a vibrant forum < http://community.stretcher.com/forums/> where people share their dollar stretching ideas. Visit today!