Your gorgeous downtown Phoenix skyline.
Meet your new editor, Sharon Meyer
Dearest Readers of Phoenix on the Cheap,
It’s been a while since we have appeared regularly in your inbox. Our back and better-then-ever newsletter will cover:
– Our top 10 free and fun things to do in Phoenix
– What dates you can visit different Phoenix museums for free
– Our favorite outdoor markets
– The best restaurant deals in our area
– And lots more!
My name is Sharon, and have I got a deal for you!
I believe these were, or at least should have been, my first words as a toddler. With penny-pinching roots in the Midwest, I now consider myself a native to the Southwest after calling Phoenix home for 34 years. Phoenix has always been an exciting place to live. When I first arrvied, Phoenix and surrounding communities were boasting a population of just over 1 million. Today, the population of the Phoenix area, belovedly known as the Valley of the Sun, is over 4.7 million.
As Phoenix has grown into a sprawling metropolitan area, I’ve been able to watch its offering of attractions, events, and dining options explode. Prices have risen too, as I’m sure Readers are aware. As a teacher, at the time, with a growing family, I asked myself — how do I and my loved ones experience all my city has to offer on a strict budget?
**GETTING AROUND PHOENIX FOR LESS**
I looked to my roots. Growing up in the Midwest, I come from pioneer ancestry, folks who learned how to economize or not survive the blustery weather changes, which was their subsistence as farmers. As a child, I repeatedly heard the captivating stories of my grandpa relaying what my family did to survive over the years. I was initially amused by grandpa’s tales of owning a pool hall in the 1930’s, but felt his angst when I learned he’d lost his livelihood during the Depression. As I heard my grandpa’s stories as a child, I was amazed, my grandparents lived in a safe, comfortable home. How did they get from losing everything to being able to feel that comfort?
Sharon Meyer is a Phoenix deal expert.
Children learn by watching and doing themselves. Examples of thrift, and sometimes downright tightwad, were mine growing up. Readers, I’m sure you have stories too of family members who were considered extremely thrifty in their issuance of monetary funds. Ha! They really didn’t like to part with their money. Well, I’d like to think I have a nice balance between being thrifty and wanting to have fun.
I’d like you to know too that I’m continuing the thrifty tradition without being aware of it. For example, a few years back, more than once, when I sent my son to camp, he’d come back with more money than I gave him for the trip in the first place. Camp leaders told me he owed them nothing; this is still a mystery to me. That’s my boy!
I am the proud mother of a son with disabilities. My experience in wanting to provide for him everything he needs and wants has been challenging at times as he’s grown. Many parents feel this I know. Between having to pay for extra classes, groups, therapies, and tutors, the hunt for real savings must be balanced with meaningful experiences for our family.
**OUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR MARKETS**
Today, as a former educator, I enjoy researching and learning about discounted deals and communicating this to the readership of Phoenix on the Cheap. I aim to provide accurate, timely, and meaningful connections to community events and attractions for families on a budget.
Living in the Valley of the Sun affords my family, and all of us, a variety of outdoor and indoor opportunities to engage with our community. My family enjoys the Desert Botanical Garden. We purchase our yearly membership on the days that the gardens offers a one-year membership with the price of admission so we can enjoy the Desert Botanical Gardens all year.
My husband and I enjoy walking around Scottsdale’s Old Town. There’s always something new to see in the shops and events going on there. It doesn’t cost to look! I love to peruse the shops at Catlin Court in Historic Downtown Glendale. I have some great memories of shopping down there with my dear friend Mary Lou.
I also really enjoy the Phoenix Art Museum, where I can see all the historic types of artworks along with the Museum’s ever-evolving contemporary exhibits. By the way, Phoenix Art Museum is free for the frugal on First Fridays. I feel good knowing I’m getting a deal but still enjoying the places I love.
**FREE MUSEUM DAYS IN PHOENIX**
It gives me peace, knowing those I love are well. That they are balanced in their lives, with everything they want and need. What do we have in common as a community? Not the things that pull us apart, but shared experiences and needs for value and truth. As a freelance writer, I’ve covered topics ranging from antiques and collectables to shopping and travel.
Here at Phoenix on the Cheap, my goal is to continue my familial tradition of thriftiness balanced with real value for my Readers. Frugality reigns in Phoenix through my writing and editing at Phoenix on the Cheap.
To the good life!
Respectfully yours,
Sharon Meyer
