by Kimberley Heit

Created on: October 31, 2008   Last Updated: November 05, 2008

Many of us like to kickback and enjoy an entertaining magazine, but it's probably safe to say few enjoy getting the subscription bills. However, if you think creatively there are many ways to spend less on magazines. If you are particularly creative you may be able to indulge in your magazine obsession for no cost or even make a profit from them!

Some suggestions on how to spend less on magazines are as follows:

-Think strategically when renewing subscriptions-

If you have a current subscription that is about to expire don't jump at the first renewal letter unless the offer is particularly good. Subscription companies tend to send out renewal letters a couple of magazines before the subscription end. Typically the offers they send get more inspiring as your renewal date closes in.

-Use your talent to secure a free subscription-

There are many publications which offer annual subscriptions as a prize for small monthly contests. For example, write a small article, submit a joke or complete a crossword puzzle and you may find yourself receiving a free copy of the magazine delivered to your door.

-Make use of those rewards schemes-

Gift vouchers to magazine subscription sites are offered by credit card rewards programs, online survey companies, online shopping networks and other loyalty schemes. Why not get a voucher to put towards your magazine subscriptions.

-Take advantage of trial offers-

If you do read a magazine regularly and plan to subscribe anyway then take advantage of trial offer schemes. Some subscription companies offer up to 6 issues free to start you off. Just make sure you read the fine print which usually requires you to continue purchasing the magazine for a period of time.

-Look out for combination offers-

If you buy more then one magazine that falls under the same category then watch out for companies offering combination packs. For example, Cleo and Cosmo are often sold at great discount as an annual bundle subscription price.

-Shop around-

Sign up to all the different magazine subscription companies to receive all of their offers. The typical annual subscription saving versus the individual cover price is around 10-30% but the offers from subscription companies do not necessarily stop there. At different times they will offer; free gifts, discounts off the normal subscription price, extra issues for free and competitions to win prizes. The rule of thumb is always wait to buy your first subscription when there is some extra incentive because there are bound

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