While I find I am truly gifted at squeezing blood from a proverbial stone, I have one major weakness. I love magazines.
I have a couple of subscriptions, usually purchased through neighborhood kids at a discount. I also hear Woman’s World and First calling my name whenever I am in the grocery aisle. I have no self-control over my magazine habit. That is, until now.
What’s A Magazine Swap?
I walked into a dollar store the other day to purchase Silly String for a party my kids were going to. On the counter next to the register, I saw a basket of magazines. There was a sign on the front of the basket that said "Trade Magazines or borrow one and return it later."
I looked at the clerk and motioned to the magazine basket. "Is this for real?" I asked. "Sure," he said. He continued, "If you don’t have a trade now, bring it back the next time you stop by."
Therefore, I took a very tempting Traditional Home magazine that — while it was 6 months old — has made interesting reading.
Thanks to this magazine swap, I saved several dollars that I would have spent purchasing a similar magazine in the supermarket. Since I am in that area where the swap is once a month, I will now make it a point to put magazines I am tired of in my car to trade.
Make Your Own Fun Magazine Swap
While your local dollar store may not have a basket for magazine swaps, you could set up a similar swap at some of the places you frequent.
Ask your drycleaner if you can place a basket for swapping magazines in their store. Speak to your chiropractor about adding a magazine swap basket. See if you can start a magazine swap in your church.
If you feel uncomfortable asking the businesses you frequent to start a magazine swap, then consider making a magazine swap part of your next party or social meeting. Or just swap with a neighbor… it’s a great way to recycle magazines.
See… there are lots of fun ways to start a magazine swap!
Other Magazine Swaps That Are Fun:
I have been a certified tightwad striving for financial freedom since I became pregnant with my first child — and I decided to find a way to stay home with him full-time. I enjoy sharing my personal experiences in my journey back to financial health and planning for a future — which will include sending 2 kids to college and early retirement.
