Shopping List
Mostly Eastern Iowa based business that I like doing business with. Even tho I did create a page on Non-commercial values if I have to buy something these are the places I would. another page I added for Student Discount
I based the below list off of this the list on this website moneyforpoet.com
and also http://www.johntreed.com/shoppinglist.html
"The number of options are simply overwhelming. Even if you somehow have money for all them, you don’t have the time. Here’s a sample:"
Clothing
Kohl's &Redwing shoes I have a pair in Black and one in brown and have been wearing these models for over 5 years
http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/6700-red-wing-shoes/6700-red-wing-mens-slip-on-black
Lyon Hide Shoe Repair
They do a good job fixing shoes you can call them at (319) 289-8079 They have closed down
environmentally friendly clothes for men.
Eye care
One of the best eye doctors in all of Eastern Iowa I have gone to him for over 15 years!!!
I have gone here for over 20 years and Elaine has been there that same time top dollar but top quality.
Computer & Electronics
Used Tech
Midwest Computer Brokers Link http://mcbia.com/
for used computer & accessories you can get a good used laptop for $100
Located in Walford you can call them at (319) 845-2075
Darrel's Video City
Specializes in used & New TVs along with repair.
They are in Marion you can call them at (319) 377-5621
New Tech
Kirkwood Eagle Tech http://bookstore.kirkwood.edu/eagletech
a great place to buy a New Apple product or other new tech thing with a warranty & discounts
"You'll get them tax-free and at the same academic pricing we offer our full-time staff, faculty and credit students."
Telecommunications
Cell Phone Service
is one of the cheapest phone providers out there. I have them along with a Free Google Voice number I mostly use Google Voice because it integrates with Google hangouts so I can use it cross platform.
the best phone case otterbox.com I paid $50 for mine and its the better than insurance.
Internet
Two Independent service providers
South Slope Cooperative Communications A member owned co-op that offers fiber to the home. https://www.southslope.com/
ImOn has Fiber to The Home (FTTH) http://www.imon.net/
Otherwise see if your town has a co-op.
Other main providers in Iowa would be Mediacom they used a hybrid fiber coax or (HFC) built plant. A lot of times their network sucks because the last mile of connection is on a shared bandwidth pool and when little Johnny is playing world of warcarft or some such game good luck watching Youtube etc..
Centurylink was Northwest Bell back in the Ma Bell days in pre 1980's divestiture era. The staff was union and they were the only choice for phone service there was no cellphones. They offer DSL service and if you are close enough to a CO or central office you can get some good speeds but if you are far away then good luck.
TV Movies & News
Netflix
both are commercial free subscription services
Only Free OTA
https://downrighttechnology.com/
I like Roku for downloading or streaming content or checking out DVDs from the public library
Cool Roku Channel with lots of international TV Channels & other educational media.
I do Like TED & some of the content that Roku has along with PBS.
free to air international channels FTA via a Ku band dish
Eating out
Pizza
Leonardo's Pizzeria http://leonardospizzacr.com/
cool place to eat at best place on the West side of town
New Haven pizza is available downtown CR
BBQ
QDogs BBQ http://www.qdogsbbqcompany.com/
Really good ribs they have
Nelson's Meat Market http://www.nelsonsmeat.com/
Good ribs Wednesdays Only great burgers cooked out weekdays in the summer.
Pies & more
Kathy's Pies the best shop in eastern Iowa located downtown CR.
http://kathyspies.com/
Coffee
Big 10 Mart has $1 coffee http://www.big10mart.com/
DountLand the last of them are in CR.
Transportation
Bus Service
I cover this a lot more in the Student Discounts page.
Cedar Rapids City Bus Website
info about times rates etc...
After Hours bus services
NTS (Neighborhood Transportation Service) operates a curb-to-curb van service, and provides affordable night and weekend transportation to work, school, or life skill classes during times when the fixed route city buses do not operate. http://www.horizonsfamily.org/how-we-help/transportation/
Megabus to Chicago or most other major Hubs around the midwest Website
Flying Service
Cedar Rapids Allegiant Air is a low-cost airline that flys out of
Grocery Stores
New Pioneer Food Co-op http://www.newpi.coop/
A member owned co-op that I am a member-owner
lots of high quality variety one of the most expensive Grocery store with prices that could rival Hy-Vee but everyone is paid fairly from the unionized employees to the food producers
Fareway for a good value you store with a fair section I have heard that if they dont have it you dont need it :) https://www.fareway.com/
ALDI for the opposite of the Paradox of Choice so one can spend ones time in money on other avenues https://www.aldi.us/
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/aldi-fareway-and-the-value-of-discount-grocery-stores/
I would also say Hy-Vee and Walmart service a good spot in the market as well.
Board Games & Comic books
Alter Ego Comics
http://alteregoia.blogspot.com/
Independent comic book shop in Marion
Mindbridge Game Library
a nonprofit group that promotes gaming website
Furniture & Appliances
I try to look at the utilitarian value one receives from this Beds are used a lot of hours so are desk & chairs if you are at your desk at a computer.
Mattress
Lebeda Mattress http://lebeda.com/
Marion Iowa based Mattress company good quality beds.
Office Equipment
Welter Storage Equipment Co Inc http://www.welterstorage.com/
Good deals on new & used office equipment based out of iowa
A Green Lawn solution Lawn Mower Fiskars reel mower Link to Review.
Gifts & Holiday stuff
Balloons Etc And The Costume Emporium http://crballoonsetc.com/
Independently owned and operated over 3,000 thousand costumes & lots of other interesting things.
Sporting Equipment
I bought a bowling ball & shoes some years ago from a Bowling Shop in the area the shoes have paid for themselves with not having to pay shoe rental fees.
other low cost sports to play. http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/2013/01/9-cheap-sports-of-the-un-rich/
s
Gym Membership
Just walk or do stuff at home or go to a park if you live near one.
Books
I love the Public library network in the area great books lots of education to be had :)
Subscriptions
Overall I avoid magazine or many other types of monthly Subscriptions. I use Free email subscriptions.
Music
none but I do enjoy listing to classical music & Rock!
Iowa Public Radio nonprofit noncommercial radio
Utility Discounts
A program that can save you money on LED light bulbs.
Save even more with Be Bright: Iowa utilities’ lighting discount program Be Bright is a program sponsored by participating utilities. http://iowabebright.com/whatisbebright
things that pay for themselves
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/12-items-that-pay-for-themselves-tenfold-or-better/
http://www.clarkhoward.com/7-things-that-will-pay-for-the
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/25-gadgets-that-actually-save-money/
http://www.cheapism.com/blog/3818/useless-things-you-dont-need
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Saving-Money/2015/0405/Ten-purchases-that-may-pay-for-themselves
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/ask-a-mustachian/things-that-pay-for-themselves/