Frugal Thoughts around the Blogosphere

There were plenty of frugal articles around the Net this week, everything from Sarah Palin to networking. Here are a few of the pieces I enjoyed:

• Financial Advice for Sarah Palin
• How to Save Money on Printer Paper
• Twenty Networking Mistakes to avoid
• Saving Money is a Male Turn-on

Have a great weekend.

50 Percent Staples Rewards on Case and Ream Paper

Staples is offering 50% back in Staples Rewards on any purchase of case or ream paper from September 14 through October 18. It's a good incentive to stock up on paper for the winter. If you're not familiar with the Staples Rewards program, it's free to enroll and it earns you 10% every day on case and ream paper, ink cartridges (although, I find these are cheaper on Amazon.com), and copies. They also send you special coupons and other offers. You can sign up online and print your card on your computer.

Credit for Cartridges at OfficeMax

Don't just throw your old ink cartridges away. Not only does it contribute to the masses of garbage in America's landfills, but you're wasting money. OfficeMax will give you a $3 credit for each used cartridge that you bring into the store...up to six per visit.

My store just takes the amount off of your total at check out, but I'm told that some stores give you a coupon for future use. Either way, it's money in your pocket.

^{(photo © istockphoto)}

The Power of a Penny at OfficeMax

OfficeMax is offering a variety of items for just one penny through September 13. Some are available in-store only and others can be ordered online. Included are:

• Sharpie Permanent Markers (in store only; limit 2)
• Sharpie Accent Mini Highlighters (in store only; limit 2)
• OfficeMax 50-pack of slim CD jewel cases; buy one, get one for one cent
• 2-packs of Avery Black View Binders; buy two, get one for one cent
• HP Photo Paper; buy one pack, get one for one cent

So make sure to get out to OfficeMax and get some (almost) free markers.

Selling the Plane on eBay

I'm not a big fan of the political conventions. They tend to be a little too self-congratulating for me. I do, however, usually watch...just in case someone says something noteworthy. This year, the highlight of both conventions was when Republican Vice Presidential candidate (and mother of five), Sarah Palin described how she sold the Alaska state private jet on eBay. If that's not in the spirit of living frugally, I don't know what is.

The eBay sale is also a good example of using non-traditional methods in business--something that can benefit any home office. Don't be afraid to take your personal finance saavy, such as clipping coupons, shopping sales, filling out rebate forms, and negotiating the best prices, to your business life.

By the way, the plane didn't sell on eBay, but the publicity surrounding the listing attracted a buyer. You can view the eBay listing here.

^{(photo © AlaskaDude/cc license)}

Free Road Atlas from DHL

I have no sense of direction and distance--a bad thing in these days of exorbitant gasoline prices. So, if a client or a bookstore wants me to visit them or participate in an event, I usually have to consult a map to see if it makes sense to drive that distance.

Fortunately for my dog-earred road atlas, DHL, the shipping company, is offering a new Rand McNally Road Atlas to those that visit their site and complete a short survey about their company's shipping habits. It's a $15 value. To send for yours, visit the DHL Web site.

Office Depot's Tech Recycling Program

Office Depot is making it relatively easy to be "green" and recycle your old computer equipment and electronics. Their tech recycling program allows consumers to purchase a large ($15), medium ($10), or small ($5) box and fill it with as many acceptable tech items as will fit. You then drop it off at an Office Depot store and they will forward the items to the appropriate recycling center.

Not only are cell phones, computer equipment, and other tech items jamming America's land-fills (and potentially leaking dangerous mercury and other elements into the earth), but getting rid of electronics can be a pain in the neck. In my area, for instance, the city only accepts such items twice a year. Office Depot makes being responsible easier. For more information on the Office Depot Tech Recycling Plan, visit their Web site.

^{(photo © 2007 S. Mitchell)}