I absolutely love magazines.  I don’t love paying full price for them.

I’ve learned how to save money on magazines so that I still get to enjoy them while sticking to my budget.  Here are my strategies:

How to Save Money on Magazines

1. Head to the library.  You can’t beat free!  Make a point to stop at the library on a regular basis to read your favorite magazines for free.  In addition to getting to enjoy reading magazines, you’ll also enjoy some peace and quiet at the library.  Plus there’s no magazine clutter at your house.

2. Explore your library’s online options.  My local library system has a subscription to Overdrive, and I know some have subscriptions to Zinio.  That means that with my library card I can look at magazines online using my iPad for FREE in the comfort of my own living room.  Again – no magazine clutter or annoying paper subscription cards flying around.  Check to see what options your library offers for at-home magazine access.

3. Share with a friend.  Swap magazines with a friend or relative when you’re done reading them.  Or simply ask to have their magazines when they’re done with them.  Chances are good they’ll be happy to get their old magazines off their coffee table.

4. Shop online for magazines.  This is one of my very favorite ways to buy magazine subscriptions.  I love using DiscountMags (use the code CHEAPSKATE at checkout to save 20% or more!) and Best Deal Magazines because they don’t have automatically renewing subscriptions. That means you can always get a rock-bottom price without getting overcharged a year later.  I have also scored great deals through Magazines.com and Amazon, but since those are usually automatic renewal deals, I just make a note on my calendar to cancel the automatic renewal before it kicks in.

5. Try using Ebates.  Ebates is an online shopping portal that offers you cash back on your online purchases.  They often offer double cash back at Magazines.com during the holidays.  That means you can save up to a whopping 40 percent on your subscriptions!

6. Subscribe for more than one year.  Many magazines offer special deals if you subscribe for more than one year at a time.  If you change your mind later, you can always cancel and get a refund.  But if you really love the magazine, this can be a great way to save on your subscription.

7. Shop through fundraisers.  Look around your community for schools or community groups who are holding fundraisers.  Many of them are selling all kinds of overpriced things.  The one thing that’s not overpriced?  Magazine subscriptions!  You can usually score good deals on magazines through fundraisers and help a good cause at the same time.

8. Buy single issues with coupons.  Buying a single issue of a magazine off the rack is one of the most expensive ways to buy magazines, but if you must do it, look for coupons before you buy.  Coupons.com often has coupons for All You, People, Real Simple, Entertainment Weekly and more.  You could also use the money you save using coupons on groceries and household goods to fund your magazine habit.

9. Ask for your favorite magazines as a gift.  If you’re hard to buy for, your family will greatly appreciate being able to give you a magazine subscription. I have a few relatives that give me a free gift subscription when they renew their magazines.  The best part:  You get to enjoy the gift all year long!

10. Buy magazines with a long shelf life.  Get the most value for your dollar by purchasing magazines that you’ll refer to for a long time.  Subscribe to hobby magazines that you can refer back to often for ideas.  Subscribe to food magazines and you can use recipes and cooking tips years later.

Life is better when you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing all the time.  And sitting down in a comfy chair with a beverage and a magazine is one of the best ways to feel rich on a budget.

Now it’s your turn:  How do you save money on magazines?

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