On the cheap

Part 2 -- A guide to frugal living in Worcester

by Mike and Lisa Koykka

`Are you going to finish those fries?'

There's never a good reason to cook: fast food can often feed you for less than it costs to cook a meal yourself. Taco Bell, the mecca for cheap eating, offers a bean "burrito" for 79 cents. Although pocket change won't buy you authenticity, it will keep you from starving. Most items cost less than $1.50.

Other deals in Worcester: McDonald's hamburger 69 cents, Subway 4"-round sandwiches for $1.29, and if you want to splurge, try the Wendy's all-you-can-eat superbar. With pasta, salad, "Mexican" food, and more, you may end up looking like Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair.

Try one of Worcester's many diners for an evening of food and people watching. At 2 a.m. you may think you're the scariest person there, but you'd be wrong.

Order water with your meal, or bring a bottle with you. It's cheaper than soda, and much better for you (not to sound like your mother). Another plus, the condiments are free, and you can sample "fancy" ketchup, taco sauce, and barbecue sauce at various Worcester fast-food restaurants.

`Yes, we have pigs' feet'

Forget Ramen Noodles and Macaroni and Cheese. There are places in Worcester where you can actually buy food that will extend your life, not shorten it. Duffy's, Route 9, Worcester, sells gourmet and healthy foods at a 50 to 70 percent discount. There's a dizzying array of exotic (and not-so-exotic) victuals. Check out the "Wall of Mexico" and the "Great Aisle of China." The store really does have pigs' feet -- the value pack weighing in at 14 ounces. Chili mix is just 29 cents, whole-wheat Macaroni and Cheese is 79 cents, and Pepperidge Farm Vichyssoise is priced at 89 cents.

Try one of Worcester County's three bakery thrift stores. At Arnold's Thrift Store, Southbridge Street, Auburn, fresh, day-old bread can be had for less than a dollar, boxes of snack cakes are 3 for $2, and cookies are 99 cents per bag. Other bakery thrift stores include Nissen, 205 Chandler Street, Worcester, and Wonder/Hostess, 246 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury.

On Route 9 in Shrewsbury is the legendary Spag's, a warehouse store built when warehouse wasn't cool. Follow your nose though the maze of shelves, and you'll find bags, boxes, and cans of food, as well as meat and cheese.

A trick of the savvy shopper is to use coupons for items that are already on sale at your local supermarket; purchase prices are so reduced that sometimes items are nearly free. Don't forget the discounted semi-damaged goods -- still fine to eat.

When going to a movie (matinee, right?) always stop by CVS to buy cheaper, identical theater candy. Deep pockets hold a 35-cent can of CVS soda too.

`That CD sounds like Garbage'

As important as food, of course, is your music collection. One often overlooked resource is your local library, which stocks fairly current CDs, tapes, videos (oh yeah, books, too). Worcester's is good, but try the Auburn Public Library as well. For its size, it can't be beat. You might get to feed some ducks before they fly south for the winter.

Next, it's back to Highland Street for Al Bum's, a new- and used-CD heaven. The mix is eclectic, but surprisingly current. REO Speedwagon sits right next to Rancid. Take your old CDs to trade (whatever possessed you to pay good money for Flock of Seagulls, anyway?), and it's a great way to extend your collection without shelling out much cash. Tori Amos's Boys for Pele was purchased for $6.99, Peter Gabriel's Passion for $5.99.

Browse some of the offbeat stores in this article for other sources of music. It seems everyone has the $4.99 CD bin, where musicians go to die, and you just may find that obscure disc you never got around to buying.

Other ideas: flea markets are a good bet. Grafton Flea Market had some incredible buys (would you believe Tracy Bonham for $1) when we browsed one table (overstocks from a major record store. Ah, connections). Auburn Antique & Flea Market is another sure bet.

Lastly, sign up on an Internet mailing list of your favorite artist, and you'll be deluged with e-mail and offers to trade tapes. We acquired a video of English comedian Rowan Atkinson singing a duet with Kate Bush.

Feel like a good book? Used-book stores aren't hard to find in Worcester. One of the best is Another Story, Webster Square, Worcester. Tomes line the shelves, in a variety of subjects. Check out its science fiction and fairly current computer section. Store owners take books in trade (call first).

Other used bookstores: Annie's Book Stop, 55 Auburn Street, Auburn, and the Ben Franklin Bookstore, 21 Salem Street, Worcester.

`Is that going to support my weight?'

Cheap furniture can be found easily in Worcester, provided you don't mind investing in glue.

Right on Route 9, past Webster Square, is an interesting store that may stock what you want. The name -- Cheapo Depot -- says it all. Stuff no other store would touch gets crowded into the aisles, and some gems can be found. We saw computer desks for $30 to $95, chairs for $10, and lamps (guaranteed to work) for $1. A cherry "wood" entertainment center was just $35. You'll find things you never dreamed you needed, such as a huge inflatable castle for $12.

A similar store, but on a much greater scale, is Building #19 on Grafton Street, Worcester. There you'll find impressive looking sofas and rugs. Pick up a flier, too -- they're hilarious.

Salvation Army stores could have just the thing, although their furniture prices are occasionally unrealistic. We did find some good housewares deals at Sally's Boutique. A china set for six (very nice!) was just $20, and a punch bowl set was just $5.49. You may want to pick up a mug tree with mugs that actually say "mug" on them (to avoid confusion), and a Marge Simpson doll sans clothing.

Another sure bet -- cruise the WANT ADvertiser on any Tuesday, and bring mom's station wagon.

Part 3