Written by:
Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, Broker
Keller Williams Realty
Phone: 919.454.8864
Email: darleen@darleenmc.com

Everyone is crying about the high cost of living - but there are ways in which we can cut back and not feel the pinch as much.

I'm the Queen of Cheap! And anyone who knows me will tell you so. As I've shared with you before, one of my girlfriends once said to me: "Girl, you can make a dollar holler and a penny scream!"

As a business owner, I know that every dime that I have to spend comes out of my bottom line. (Yes, I know that marketing and advertising are investments in my business - but I'm thinking about office supplies.)

I am enrolled in the Staples Rewards program. The other day, I received a pleasant surprise from Staples: A check for nearly $12 back in rewards money to spend on additional office supplies. This might not sound like a lot, but that $12 will buy me nearly 1/3 of a box of copy/printing paper.

Also, on my business credit card, I receive a certain percentage off my bill for shopping at certain businesses, including Staples.

OfficeMax offers the OfficeMax Retail Connect Card - which allows employees and independent contractors to receive the corporate discounted rates on items included in the agreement.

Through NAR (National Association of REALTORS®), there are numerous REALTOR Benefits®, including discounts on overnight shipping, computers, etc.

Also, you may wish to look into your individual company discounts. For instance, at Keller Williams, we receive vendor discounts on telecommunications plans, marketing materials from a number of companies, etc.

If we watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.

Do You Have Any Discounts You'd Like to Share?

REALTOR® on a Mission... NOT Just Seeking a Commission!^TM