How would you spend an extra $100?
It's official. I am a professional public speaker. Last night I talked to a local B'nai Brith service organization about saving money in everyday life. If you'd like me to talk to your group about saving money, email me.
I think it went about as well as could be expected. There was some doubt, however. Earlier in the week, when I was writing notes on flash cards, I was sure I was going to screw up.
What if the audience sat rigid in their chairs, never laughing. What if they yawned or got up to leave? What if I stuttered or had a panic attack?
I arrived a few minutes early and found the lady who hired me, a blog reader named Marsha. She had saved me a seat in the front row. The room was filling up and they brought out more chairs. Marsha said this was one of their best turnouts. I asked who else was on the program.
"You're it, kid."
The lady on the other side of me, Rita, asked me if I spoke often in public.
"Actually, this is my first time." I laughed nervously.
"Oh well, we're a nice group," she said with a smile. "We're down to earth."
I believed her because she reminded me of my Aunt Sarah, who is always on the verge of a giggle. The program began at about 8 pm. A few housekeeping items and it was my turn...
...I told them about my Tuesday column in the Daily News and explained the online component, this blog. I asked how many of them e-mailed and went online to buy stuff. About a third raised their hands. Yikes. So much of bargain hunting these days is done online.
I stuck to my note cards and talked about saving money on groceries, gasoline, travel, eating out, senior discounts and books. I asked questions and fielded questions during the talk. Many folks had great tips and suggestions.
Afterward there was refreshments and many folks thanked me for coming and shared more tips, many of which I plan to share over the next few days. Marsha said she got "good feedback" from the crowd and about a dozen folks signed up for the daily digest e-mail.
It was 9:30 pm when I got into my car, tired and exhilarated. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the check Marsha had slipped me. $100. Wahoo!
On the drive home I mused about what worked (a story about how I negotiated a $150 beachfront hotel room in Cambria) and what I could have done better (talk slower, bring my Tuesday column to show people).
Now how to spend my hard earned cash? Half will go to savings and the other half I want to spend on one of the following.
+ Sprucing up my fall wardrobe at the thrift stores on Melrose.
+ Taking a capoeira class or three to learn more about this Brazilian martial arts dance. I took a yoga-capoeira class on vacation with a guy who does Hollywood stunts and am intrigued.
+ Getting a 60 minute sports massage at The Massage Place. So painful, but the mechanics of my body work so much better afterward.
If only I could chose all three! So if you had an extra $100 to spend, what would you do with it?
4 Comments
Leave a comment
About The Bargain Hunter
Daily News staff writer Julia Scott loves to find bargains on everything from groceries to Gucci. Her tips will help keep your hard earned cash where it belongs - in your pocket.
My Facebook Profile
either pay off a bill or help to pay it off...it's wise to get rid of all debt! (if only the government would listen!)
congrats on your first professional talk, hopes for many more in the future. It's good to reward yourself so enjoy that $50 bucks.
Congratulations, Julia. I'm extremely impressed and envious. If anybody wants to hire me to speak to their group, I'll be there in a flash.
Spend the money on coffee.
Take $1 and frame it... it'll always remind you of your first dollar earned as a speaker... my husband and I did this when we started our own business 18 years ago... that framed dollar still makes us smile...
Take the other $49 and buy an outfit... dress, shoes, purse... to wear at your next speaking engagement and floor the audience with how little you spent on your attire 'cuz you bought stuff on sale and used coupons...
Take the remaining $50 and save it to start a fund for your next get away with your hubby...
Enjoy! :-)