How To Save Money In Harrisonburg, Virginia

     I know one thing we all have in common is the daily financial struggle.  And working class people have always been known to help each other.   So I figured I would share what I’ve learned about getting around in this town on a budget in the hopes that it could help some of you folks.

Whether you’re new to Harrisonburg or new to being broke, welcome friend!

And now, without further ado, I present to you the first edition of:

The Better Budget Bureau’s list of 

Bitchin’ Businesses in the ‘Burg

Food:

Sharp Shopper $ – No matter your diet, you can save hundreds a month by getting the majority of your groceries at Sharp Shopper.  The savings will astound you.  Not open on Sundays.

Food Maxx $ - All kinds of foods from all around the world at low prices.  One time I ate a few mushrooms before going in there and it was better than a museum, it was a world tour.

Aldi $$ - Coming soon, almost open, also hiring cashiers for like $17/hour or something.

Farmer’s Market $$$ - This is your best option for fresh food and an inspirational time.  Only open Tuesdays and Saturdays 8-1.  My best advice to save $ there is to show up right when everyone is starting to clean up and see if you can glean anything they didn’t sell for a low price.  Also, I believe if you get food stamps, you can get market tokens for half price so that would take the $$$ down to a $$. 

Furniture:

Mercy House $ - Best prices on anything you might need (shelves, dishes, candles, pillowcases, lamps, etc).  Also, they deliver furniture for only $5 if you live in town.

Household Items:

Ollies $ - They have everything you might need, new and often name brand for jaw-droppingly low prices.

Appliances:

There is a new little store in the same shopping center as Ollies, directly to the right of it.  They buy and sell used large appliances for unbeatable prices.  And they deliver.

Construction:

Mercy House Building Supply Store $ - right beside Mercy House on 42.  People drop off their extras and you can buy them for pennies on the dollar.

Gifts:
Horizon Gifts $ - Go there first.  Very affordable crystals too.

Car Tires:
Fitzgerald's Tire in Waynesboro $ - Whether you need new or used tires, there is no other option really.  The super-cool ladies in there will sell, install and align you a new set of tires for half as much as anyone else.

Festivals:

Clean Vibes $$ - If you can afford a festival ticket upfront, this organization will refund your money if you spend a good amount of time cleaning up during or after a festival.  I recommend after.  The things you will find will make it completely worth it financially though believe me.

Healthy Stuff:

Sue’s Nutrition $$ - Not especially economical, but they are very helpful and friendly in there if you need something from supplements to some weird random oil.

Lost City Herbals $$ - The local organic brand I founded is now being run by someone else, but the products are still quality, from lotions to acne wash, hit ‘em up on Facebook.

Books:

Mercy House $ - Big bag full of books for $5.  Lots of good finds.  

Downtown Books $ - Under the parking deck.  Most days Bob even puts FREE BOOKS out on the sidewalk and good ones too!

Blue Ridge Hospice $$ - Behind the mall. Has good deals on books too.

Clothes and Shoes

My Salvation Army closed so I’m a little lost here as well, but I would say:

Goodwill Bins in Staunton $ - Pay by the pound.  Lots of good finds if you have the time to sort through.

Gabe’s $ - If you prefer new clothes, try Gabe’s.  Great prices on shoes.

Beer and drinks:

Jess’ Downtown $ - Jess’ has a bar now and the drinks are real cheap.  Hit them up before you go out to save some dough.

Coffee:

7-11 $ - Whether it’s hot or cold coffee you’re after, bring in any size container and fill it with great quality jooce for like $1.19.

Restaurants:

Golden Pony $$ - They have tasty vegan/vegetarian options.

Lola Mo’s $$ - If you like sandwiches, getcha ass down to Lola Mo’s.  They know how to make a sandwich and have yummy vegan/veggie choices.

OCP Friday Lunch Restaurant $$ - Only open Friday afternoons.  Wonderful three course meal, local and super healthy.

Artful Dodger $$ - Best Happy Hour in town probably.  Try the appetizers.

Taj of India $$ - Best buffet in town.  Definitely.  Do not miss.

La Morena $$ - All kinds of tasty aqua frescas and their tortas are the perfect lunch.

River Sports:

Shenandoah Outfitters $$ - Drive to beautiful Luray and take a day on the Shenandoah, whether kayaking, rafting, tubing or canoeing.

Costumes:

Glen’s Fair Price $$ - Duh.

Fairy Furniture:

Landscapes in Miniature $$$ - In the Dayton Market.  I highly recommend making your own miniatures but this place has some dope inspiration.

Jobs:

Everywhere – Everybody is hiring right now!  If you want a job, pester them until you either get it or get thrown out.  You got this!

Free Food:

OCP – They have community meals on certain days throughout the week and are a great resource if you are really down and out.

Food Lion – Check the dumpsters at night.

Questions:

Farmers Market  – Lots of knowledge standing behind those tables.  Use it or lose it.  Come early when the vendors aren’t trying to sell stuff so hard.  Please don’t constrict their sales, but if you don’t know where to plant your pepper plants or what that dagum itch is from, these guys can help you out.

Hope that helps!  Best of luck and happy shopping!!!

Amanda Out  -