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Here’s a comment left on my post titled Are You Saving More?:

Well, I’m still saving above 30% gross, but the truth is, I used to save more than this.

The reason why is because of a lot of “recession deals” that I finally decided to take advantage of. I have literally years of stuff that I’ve put off simply because I didn’t want to pay the full price so to speak. Even now, there are some good deals out there.

For the “average American”, if you will pardon the term, the recession has made them pull back in order to weather this financial storm. However, for people who I think are already frugal and wielding cash… it’s still a buyer’s market out there.

This comment summarizes a couple things that I wanted to comment on:

1. I agree that when times are tight that people with cash can snap up some great bargains.

2. We are doing some shopping ourselves, and I thought I’d share our purchases with you.

Let’s start with the list of things recommended to buy before the economy improves. Of those, we are currently looking at buying:

• A house — Maybe, but not likely IMO.

• A car — Probably next fall. Will the economny be better by then? Probably, but probably not so much better that car prices will have shot up.

• A vacation — Looking at going somewhere warm this winter.

• A laptop — Probably around back-to-school time. This will be a business-related expense. Thanks for your help.

• A Television — On the verge. Thanks for your help again.

• Furniture — We’ve purchased a new entertainment center (that will hold our TV), our first one in 15 years (the old one was looking a bit ratty.) We also plan to buy a couple chairs for our living room (we currently have just a couch — we trashed our only recliner, 35 years old or so, when it simply gave out.)

In addition to those items, here’s what we’re looking at doing/have done:

• We had our deck washed and stained (first time in 10 years.) We got a GREAT price and helped a friend with a painting business at the same time.

• Our furnace is 22 years old or so. Thanks to the Congress, we now have a $1,500 tax credit incentive to buy a new one, and we’re planning on doing so. Will get a new AC too — 13 SEER will do here in the north. I may write a post on how we’re going about buying a heater and air conditioner.

• We’re having the glass in two windows replaced. Probably not saving as much due to the economy as we are simply by getting bids. But the seals are broken and replacing them should save us on utility costs in addition to looking nicer.

• We’re looking at getting cable TV. Ever thought you’d see me write that? Ok, before you think it’s the $99 a month 500-channel package, it’s only basic cable (we can’t get all the channels we used to thanks to the digital conversion — thanks, US government) plus an add-on for the Fox Soccer Channel. One way to become a better soccer ref is to watch more soccer (or so I’ve been told.) Since my son and I are working on making money as soccer referees, I wonder if I can write off the TV (at least in part) as a tax deduction as a business expense. Anyone think I can?

• A Wii is on our list. Winter’s can be long and hard here in Michigan and we’re looking for a bit of winter-time fun that will be a bit more active.

How about you? Anyone out there buying more during the tough times?