Timing is Everything...

Not to bring up the dreaded “E” word again (yes, economy), but I know in “times like these,” we are all concerned about pinching our pennies just a little tighter. I don’t know about you, but when people start talking that way, I start getting depressed – I like my life the way it is thank you very much and I don’t feel like changing it all around just because the economy has a mind of its own. (P.S – I’m aware that just sounded very spoiled…) However, thanks to Mark Di Vincenzo, author of Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon, and my super chic friend Amanda Munn (who recommended the book), we finally have some hope!

Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon is “a guide to the best time to buy this, do that, and go here.” So in other words, it helps you to save money by focusing on the time of day, month, or year that you do things. I love the concept (thought up by the author’s wife in the middle of the night) that you can get a deal by doing things at different times – he gives us all of the insider tips we always wanted to know, about everything!

You definitely need to check out the book yourself (at $14 you can’t afford not to), but in the meantime, let me share a few snippets from my favorite tips. (Not all of them are about money, but all of them are an insightful guide to the world around us – see for yourself!)

1) When is the best time of the day to go to a garage sale to find a real treasure?

Before it’s scheduled to open. That’s when antique shop owners and other store owners get there, and they know what they’re looking for and how much it should cost.

2) When is the best time to buy Broadway tickets?

A few hours before the show starts, when theaters are most desperate to fill their seats and may offer deep discounts.

3) Which is the best month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? (just in case you were planning a trip…)

January, February, August, and September are the months when the weather in this part of Tanzania is mildest and climbing is safest…

4) When is the best time of day to cold-call a big shot?

Between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Many top executives – the real decision makers – rose in the company because they work a lot of hours, and many of them get to work early to catch up on paperwork and answer e-mails. So call then, before their secretaries arrive, start answering their phones, and block you from talking with them.

Seriously though, you need a copy. How else will you know when is the best time to buy shoes, write poetry, or see the Mona Lisa? Yes… it’s all in there!

(Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon is written by Mark di Vincenzo, and published by Harper Collins; image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/)