SOFT MARKET

A soft market typically has more sellers than buyers where low prices result from this excess of supply over demand. Demanding lower prices in an attempt to avoid excess spending, I've searched some of my favorite websites for good deals. What I have found, it is indeed a buyers market! Yes, it's frightening to see the market fall but it will come back in time..however, Fall is upon us which means the holidays are right around the corner. So, why not take advantage of these tough times by snapping up some great deals while demand is low and supply is high (and cheap)! One of my assistants, sick and tired of hearing the market news, took a snooze on his favorite chair. I'm worried it isn't soft enough, though, so I headed to Pier 1 Market where I found pillows for as low as $1.98 (http://www.pier1.com/).

MARKET DOWN? LIFT YOUR SPIRITS!

Chances are in a few months prices will come back up, so why not grab a few deals now for the gifts on your list? Here are a few things I've found that I just can't resist and are fairly timeless:

http://www.pier1.com/ has an incredible sale going on now. Need to buy a gift for your boss around the holidays? Pier 1 has candles for as low as $2.99, frames for as low as $1.99, coffee mugs for $2.48 (buy a couple with a bag of coffee for an assistant gift, a hostess present, etc. and keep it in your closet until December)

http://www.williamssonoma.com/ has fun kitchen items for as low as $6.88 (stocking stuffers, secret santa gifts)

http://www.target.com/ has "bed in a bag" deals for as low as $26.99

So, while times are tough, they're bound to rebound..usually right around the holidays, so put your chin up and save a little now...come Christmas time you'll have a little more in your pocket!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Ten Minutes

COST: $22.99 (new slip cover for chair $19.99, pillow $1.98)

STRESS LEVEL: finding deals in Hard times: LOW