photos
by
Richard Renda
TotallyCool.net
The MagaZine
ToTaLLy CoOL ®
Turn The
Page Back.

Health & Beauty
Space
Science & Technology
Computers
Electronics & Toys
Parenting
Art
The Well
New York City:
The Big Gotham
Letters & Comments
The Showroom Circuit
Interviews- Legends
On The Fashion Front

Hot Shots
Political Observations
Recipes
- For Community News -
National / International
Sports
Seasonal Fun
A Perfect 10
The Environment
Features
Social Issues/Concerns
Totally Cool (r) Bites
Games
The Fashion Statement
The 2 Minute Blurb
Teen Concerns
Young Adults Concerns
Classified / Personal
Real Estate/ Housing
/ Rights / etc
Living
Sounds & Scenes:
The Good Read
Books & Magazines
The Profiles
Pretty Women
GentleMen
Pets
Philosophy / Spiritual /
The Inner Self
What In The
World Is Totally
Cool (r) To You
History
TC Products
Special Offers
Messages
People Helping People
Vacations
The Photo Booth
Video Editing
Critics Corner
N.Y.C. Landscapes
Museums
The PR
TV
New Laws
Quiz
Film and Video
Music
Accessories
Footwear and Headgear
Totally Cool (r) Kids
Coming To America
Kids Toys
Totally Cool ®
The MagaZine

Editor-In-Chief
Laurie Schechter
We all know that when living in New York City: nothing comes for cheap. And the economy being in the
state that it is in -- buying things for your home can be somewhat costly. That said, there are few options
for consumers to save any kind of money.

Many of us know that buying "store brand" products can be a saving and money in your pocket, but -not
always- is this the case. On a recent trip to the grocery store I was quite surprised to find that laundry
detergent can cost as much as $10.99 and in other parts of the city may rise to the tune of $13.00 or
$15.00 for a large size liquid bottle. There are numerous products that we all need in order to run our home
or apartment in an orderly fashion. In short if you do not have certain supplies you can not do certain things.
Even while buying the store brands which you think are saving you money, you still can do better ! The
evolution of the "99 cent stores" over the past years have proven to be an asset to the modern day shopper.
Very much the same as the "10 cents" stores (five and dime stores) that operated back in the mid 1900's.
In effect the "99 cents" stores (like Jack's in Herald Square, 32nd Street) can save you much more money
than going to the regular supermarket to stock your basic home items. For example: a bottle of premium
brand liquid dish soap can start at $3.00 and the store brand which I last checked rang in at $2.25, but
going to your 99 cent store this product can be bought for 99 cents ! That makes good sense.

This "good cents" approach does not limit itself. The 99 cent stores have many things for the home that we
have found to be of great use. And I frequent them as often as possible. Also that old New York saying
"I shop everywhere ... but I buy on 14th street" can not be more true. The large variety of products these
bargain stores carry make it possible for you to stock your kitchen with things overlooked like common
household spices, not to mention great deals on Sodas. Which are usually sold two cans for 99 cents. If
you live in a home where Soda is the main drink of choice, this is a must !
Along the same lines for saving a couple of extra dollars there are other discount vendors and closeout
stores in almost every town and city like Sam's Club or BJ's which requires a membership and cost about
$35.00 dollars to join. They allows buyers to buy products for just above cost. Especially when you buy it
in bulk. They pass the savings on to you by dealing in volume and their products much of the time are sold
by the case. If you have the space to store some product in bulk you knock off two birds with one stone.
You saved money and you do not have to buy as often as you may have in the past.

One of the more prominent stores we have in New York City is a store called "Odd Job Trading." For
food, toys, clothing, electronics, and a myriad of other items, this merchant has served New Yorkers as
a haven for bargains beyond belief. For example, I had bought a jug of Soft soap 61.oz for $4.99. It listed
for more than $10. Rest assured -- that purchase will last our household at least a year. And I do not have
to worry about having soap to clean my hands. You know. The "What do I need today" Syndrome. Now
if I had bought the hand soap at retail, and moreso if I was only able to buy the smaller pump size bottles
at 3 dollars each we would be spending at least $30.00 -- just to keep my hands germ free. I think I saved
at least $25.00 here ! The only drawback you may find with this sort of store (be warned) is if you see an
item that you want and need -- you have to buy it at that moment. Also buy big. Because it will sell
out in just a matter a days, if not in a matter of hours.
The Story of
"Good Cents."

by Richard Spiegel
A Key To Peace
Review
Birth Dreams
Winter 2001
Hide Away
On page Music Credit:
Mick Jagger
on Virgin Records

You need a Java-enabled browser to hear audio clips on this page.