by Belinda Youlten

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: June 03, 2009

If magazine subscriptions are one of the first pleasures to be axed from your budget in tough economic times, don't panic. These simple tips will show you how you can read your favorite magazine without the hefty subscription price. Forget the book club, start your own magazine subs club.

Split and share

Just like in a restaurant where you split and share a meal, find out what magazines your friends and family buy and split the cost. To avoid confrontations it's better that you each subscribe to a different magazine and then nominate a specific day to swap.

Why not start a magazine subscription club with your friends.Like a book club but you all buy a different magazine subscription and then get together and swap and chat about the different magazines. Gossip to your hearts content about the latest celebrity scandal and discover new fashion trends and recipes.

Buy something online.

It may seem like reverse economics but purchase online at a website like Estee Lauder and after filling in a short survey about the website you're rewarded with the opportunity to choose up to 4 subscriptions to leading magazines. Choose from Oprah, Time, Rachel Ray, Family Fun Time and many others. Some are totally free while others may cost only $2 for shipping.

When your 6 or 12 month subscription is coming to a close, you receive a reminder notice and the option to cancel. Ring to cancel and you'll be offered a great rate to continue. By then your budget may be more forgiving.

Survey sites

There are many online shopping and survey sites like MyPoints that let you redeem points for gift cards which can be used for magazine subscriptions. Great for someone who spends a lot of time online and doesn't mind surfing merchant websites or playing online games. Ideal if you do a lot of shopping online.

Chill out

Probably the most frugal way to keep a subscription is to use somebody else's. Hang out at your local library or bookstores like Barnes and Noble, Borders or Waldens. Grab your favorite magazine and a comfy seat.

Join the line

Go to the supermarket and avoid paying a subscription on Egg Timer magazines, those celeb-hyped ones that can be read in 3 minutes. Choose your magazine then read it while you stand in the longest line at the checkout. If you don't get it finished be courteous and let the person behind you go in front.

Drop Hints

As a last resort request friends and family give you a magazine subscription or a gift card for birthdays and the holidays. Hint for ones you can use at Magazines.com or Amazon. They'll be glad to buy you something you really want. While there'll be no need to re-gift that unwanted present from Aunt Millie.

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