Mainstreet Money

Mainstreet Money 3-17 Wednesday

Today’s show included discussion on the day’s more interesting business topics. We also had a Philip Shirley on to discuss social media for small businesses.

You can visit Philip’s website for more information on his books.

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Our Mainstreet Money guest for Wednesday was John Crissman, owner/operator ofshavingessentials.biz

John’s website focuses on classic shaving (like how your Grandfather used to shave) with products like badger brushes, luxury shaving soaps and d/e razors.

We’re all looking for the best bang for our buck and classic shaving is just that.  An up-front investment in a good shaving kit ($80 – $100) can save hundreds and thousands of dollars down the line. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to actually ENJOY shaving???

Thanks to John for being on the show. Be sure to check out his website.

The Newsman’s Kit (purchased from shavingessentials.biz):

Razor: Merkur Barberpole 38C ($46.00)

Blades: Derby or Feather (the former is milder, the latter is a ninja blade…no joke) ($4.50ish)

Brush: Semogue 2010 Pure Badger ($33.00)

Soap: Tabac (lady killer!) ($14.00 ….will last over a year)

Total cost: $97.50

…and that’s it. This kit will last a year of daily shaving with the only additional costs being blades, which at $4.50 for 10. I can get about 4 shaves out of my trusted Derby’s. Not bad. Not bad at all.)

This internet forum is also a goldmine of information for beginning shavers.

These videos were much helpful when I started out as well.

Mainstreet Money (3-3)

Today’s guest was a dear friend of the Newsman’s, Chris Young. Chris is the Operations Manager for both the Residence Inn and Courtyard by Marriott hotels in downtown Chattanooga. He offered these tips on saving money the next time you find yourself needing a place to stay:

1. Shop Around: Apparently, according to Chris, the best deals aren’t on any website (e.g., priceline, travelocity etc.) but instead the hotels themselves. He says to just call them up. The best deal on any hotel room is had by shopping around and talking to the hotels directly. Some of us hate talking to humans (read: me) but it could save us a lot of money in the long run.

2. Know what you need: Do you require a full-service breakfast buffet, a concierge’s lounge, a chocolate on your pillow OR are you just needing a place to rest because the kids are driving you crazy and your wife won’t shut up and you hate life and….yeah…

The cost of even the most ridiculous amenities (hair-dryer, for example) are weighed into the room price. Know what you need and don’t go overboard. You’ll save a lot of money just by reigning in