Frugal Family: Five Ways to Save this Week

This week's hot spots for the frugal family are centrally located in downtown Enumclaw.  Each are within walking distance of each other thus saving additional costs on the ever-rising price of gasoline.

1.  .  This facility was built based on the idea of providing health and wellness for all members of the community, especially families.  Recent renovations and improvements are a big plus and the atmosphere is fitting for people of all ages.  When you sign up for a one year contract, they will waive the $30 membership fee and for a family of three or four, that is a savings of up to $120!  To see more you can visit their website at www.enumclawfitness.com

2.  .  A patron once said to me that this was Enumclaw's best kept secret and a must for miscellaneous shopping needs.  There often is a misconception of local small businesses and that they charge more for their products but the exact opposite is often true.  Small businesses are often less expensive than their big box competitors.  Such is the case here where office supplies go head to head and often come out lower than their competitors such as Office Depot and Staples. So why shop big when you can shop local, run into your neighbor for a chat and of course, save money.

 (One more plus is the sale and clearance table found near the back of the store which is well worth a once look over.)

3.  .  As her business card states:  "For the whole family."  Yes it's tiny and older and does not have the crazy frills of the more modern salons but Kelly can get down to business and do it for cheap.  Children's hair cuts are a mere $11 and men's cut are only $15. 

Women's hair varies but all I can say is from personal experience is that I used to pay $45 or higher for a haircut until I discovered a local barbershop in my hometown who gives me a fabulous $12 cut...need I say more?  Gals, you never know until you try...and besides, it's just hair.

4.  .  Wonderbread step aside; here comes the local bakery.  There is nothing better than bread, pastries and cakes made fresh daily and served warm for a great price.  Here, you are not paying extra for additives and preservatives because there are none.  Looking for a deal for the family meal--just ask for specials which can be found here daily.  When inquiring if there was a day-old table or bin I was told to just come in and "I'll make you a deal!"  Now that is good ol' fashion business at a great price.

A bonus family activity worthy of mentioning is the fact that Aaron Brenner's also has baking classes which could be all sorts of fun.  To view the menu or classes please visit their website at www.aaronbrennersbakery.com 

5. .  Music is one of the great pleasures of life but can be very expensive.  Enumclaw Music offers used instruments such as guitars and also provides rental instruments--just in case that certain family member decides that the cello is not what they want to play. 

Excellent savings can be found and one discovery which could be fun and of course frugal compared to a lot of other activities is the option to take private lessons. For example, private 30 minute guitar or drum lessons are offered once a week for four weeks for a very affordable $80/month which is only $20/week.  For this price, Enumclaw may just have a new Partridge Family Band. 

For more information, please visit their website at www.enumclawmusic.com

*As a special musical note provided by one of our readers, Enumclaw Music has added more vinyl records from the collection of Ken McRae. Priced $1 to $5. 

Stay tuned for next week when we offer even more amazing frugal family finds.