Bryan Blathers

If you’re a true-blue bargain hunter, you have a deep love for seasonal clearance. We are the ones who wait until after a holiday to go shopping for decorations, wrapping paper, candy, gifts and more. “Cheapskates” believe you should never pay full price, which makes stocking up on seasonal clearance one of the best tips for saving money. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Why Bargain Hunters Love Seasonal Clearance — Especially After Christmas!

One of the bills I most dreaded every month was from Xfinity cable. The billing statement was always confusing and, worst of all, the total always seemed to increase every few months. In the end, I was paying around $175 each month for just basic cable and one premium channel (HBO). I’m embarrassed that I was a customer for 20+ years and never considered an alternative. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: How I Finally Cut the Cord with Xfinity Cable and Saved $100 Every Month with New Service

This post is long, so, if you’re not a PRINCE fan, feel free to drop out at any point. No hard feelings. If you’ve read “Bryan Blathers” with any regularity, you know I’m a die-hard PRINCE fan. You also know I’m a die-hard cheapskate. However, my one indulgence has always been PRINCE. No matter the expense, I traveled every opportunity I had to see him in concert, including to Boston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. (Obviously, I never missed a Denver concert. I’ve seen him at McNichols Arena, the Pepsi Center, DU Magness Arena and the Ogden Theatre.) I also had the privilege of meeting the icon three times (albeit brief and somewhat awkward) — read about my interactions here. My purple dream was always to go to Paisley Park and this past week it finally came true! [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: My Paisley Park Experience

First, this is not a sponsored or paid post. This is my personal PSA for those of us who are notorious for losing our wallet and keys. Everyone who knows me knows I’m in constant search of either my wallet or my keys. (I think it must be in the DNA for some people to always lose something.) No matter how many times I pledge to have a better system, it only lasts for a day or two and I’m back to searching under the couch cushions or tearing apart my bedroom. (For longtime readers, I’m still searching for my missing coupon file from two years ago – *laughing* and *crying* at the same time) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Are You A “Loser”, Like Me?

I closed on the purchase of my condo on September 10, 2001. (Yes, the day before 9/11.) The next morning, I was headed to Hawaii for a family vacation. Needless to say, it didn’t happen. We were stuck in Los Angeles and ended up driving back to Denver. (FYI, a really long road trip with your parents, as an adult, is not as much fun as it sounds. *said sarcastically*) We eventually made it to Hawaii a few months later. However, I digress. The intro just made for an interesting lead to the real point of my story: How I learned about the importance of being neighborly. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: The Importance of Being Neighborly

A trip to New York City (with spa treatments, a Broadway show and a three-night stay in a $600-per-night hotel), a trip to see the Broncos play the Raiders in California, $600 in Colorado Lottery scratch tickets*, 50,000 miles from United Airlines, travel vouchers from Frontier Airlines, an iPad Mini and dinner with a big-time celebrity — these are some of the big prizes I’ve won entering sweepstakes. (For those new to “Bryan Blathers” — click here to read how I won dinner with Paula Abdul. The story is embarrassing, but true!)

Along with big prizes, I have also won numerous smaller prizes, including concert tickets, gift cards and free items — everything from a jar of pasta sauce to a football. I keep a journal of all of my wins — big and small. (I still remember my first win from KMGH in elementary school. I won a stuffed teddy bear from the “Noell & Andy” show. Does anyone else remember that show? I was so excited to hear my name announced on TV!) I seem to win a good prize every few months. And, by “good”, I mean anything valued at $25 or more. UPDATE: Yesterday, I won VIP tickets (with a meet & greet) to see Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on June 5 — plus, $100 to spend on food and drinks at the venue! [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: How I Win So Many Sweepstakes Prizes

Upfront, I’m a bit of a cynic and pessimist. That being said, I always struggle with the advice given by self-help books and TV shows, even though I readily consume all of it. (I love a Sunday morning watching the Oprah Winfrey Network. By the way, I love Oprah. However, is it just me or do all of her “favorite things” seem really expensive?) No matter the self-help guru, the advice is always the same — “just be yourself”, “follow your passion” or “take risks.” And, in doing so, “happiness” is sure to follow.

My issue is that the advice is always coming from someone who’s already successful and wealthy. These shows and books never highlight someone who’s struggling or not well-off financially. Hindsight is always 20/20, right? It begs the question, “Which came first the chicken or the egg?” (The media creates this illusion that being happy or successful is achievable with the right attitude, only to make many of us feel like we’re flawed.) It’s difficult to “take risks”, when you have lots of bills to pay. It’s easy to sit high atop a perch and espouse such wisdom because you don’t have to worry about money. Most successful people don’t answer to anyone, so “being yourself” comes much easier.  [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Can Money Buy Happiness?

I’m not one to get too sappy over the passing of celebrities. I even cringe, when I see people crying on TV over some actor or musician. We don’t know these people, so how can you be upset? Yesterday changed all of that for me. I’m simply heartbroken at the passing of PRINCE. I never thought I’d see the day. Mainly because he seemed of another world — mysterious and immortal.

My first experience with his music was when my older brother, on break from the Navy, brought home a cassette of “1999” for my middle brother. I commandeered it and fell in love with it. Next, that same middle brother took me to see “Purple Rain” (just a few months later) at the Villa Italia twin theater in Lakewood. In those days, the rules were much more lax because it was R-rated and we still got in, even though I was only 13 and my brother was 17. Much like every teen, I played “Purple Rain” a thousand times that summer — never skipping a track. (I still get emotional every time I hear “The Beautiful Ones” and the title track.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: My (Brief) Interactions With PRINCE

I must be the luckiest guy in the world. For years, I’ve read about pay-it-forward stories happening at restaurants and drive-thrus. Well, it happened to me for the second time. (The first time was at Taco Bell, a few years ago. At the time, I shared my experience here.) I was at Starbucks buying breakfast sandwiches for my elderly parents (in their 70s) on Tuesday morning and (surprise!) the family ahead of me in the drive-thru lane paid for them. It seems like such a small gesture, but I can tell you the impact is profound. In the moment the barista told me my tab was covered, I felt shocked, special and grateful. Unfortunately, it seems we no longer expect others to be kind, generous or thoughtful. The family pulled away so quickly. There was no chance to honk my horn or tap on the driver’s window to share my gratitude. They had no idea about my gender, race, political beliefs, religion or financial situation. They simply wanted to make a stranger’s day a little brighter. The act was not small by any means, especially for a bargain hunter like me. The $10 they saved me allows me to put more gas in the car, buy more groceries or add to my savings account. Every action has a reaction. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Thank You, Kind Strangers.

Do you have a go-to story that you tell over and over? That one story of an experience that makes for a good ice breaker or belly laugh. For years, this was my go-to story — the one I would tell most often to new friends or co-workers. (Now, I realize it just makes me sound old and, possibly, creepy!) However, since we’re just getting to know each other, I will tell it one more time. It does give you an insight into my obsessive nature, especially when it comes to reading “the fine print.” Picture it: Denver, 1992. (Don’t you just love Sophia from “The Golden Girls”? My guess is only a few people will get the reference.) I was on summer break from the University of Northern Colorado, working as a tour guide for the Coors Brewing Company. I was a huge fan of Paula Abdul and knew she was coming to Fiddler’s Green (as part of her “Under My Spell Tour.” For the record, MTV held a contest to name the tour. I always thought my entry was better — “The AbracadAbdul Tour.” Okay, maybe not.) One day, while reading the Rocky Mountain News (I still miss that paper!), I spotted a sweepstakes for concert tickets and a backstage pass to meet the pop star before the show. Of course, I quickly clipped the entry form and mailed it off. However, I also noticed the fine print at the bottom of the ad, “For official rules, pick up a copy at the Rocky Mountain News.” (No clicking online here. You actually had to get in your car and drive to get information!) Given my obsessive nature, I headed to their main office on Colfax Avenue the same day. The woman working the front desk was clearly puzzled by my request. It seems no one asked for the official rules on any sweepstakes…ever. After several phone calls, she produced a copy. One rule, in particular, caught my attention. [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: My Dinner With Paula Abdul

With a new year comes many changes, so we’re tryin’ something new on Mile High On The Cheap. We’re looking to have a little more “personality” and find more ways to interact with readers in 2016. So we decided to start “Bryan Blathers.” No set schedule — just whenever the whim strikes. The post is an attempt to share a thought, experience, personal discovery, favorite thing (watch out, Oprah!) or money-saving tip — maybe even the occasional rant or movie review. (We might even have a guest columnist or two — Hello, Laura!) One thing for sure: It won’t be anything controversial or political. Of course, we want readers to share their take or thoughts by commenting. You can also always reach me directly at bryan@milehighonthecheap.com. I don’t profess to be clever, humorous or, even, smart — just a 40-something, overweight (I hope to lose weight in 2016! I think I made the same proclamation in 2015 *smile*) guy trying to save money and laugh as much as possible. (I’m pretty sure I was born a cheapskate. It’s just in me — I refuse to pay full price for anything and am never without a coupon!) As an introduction, my friends, here are some of my favorite things (in no particular order): [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Hello, Friends.

I hate audio books. I will never ever download an audio book. I love the feel and touch of an actual book and physically turning the pages. That was me a few years ago. I dug in my heels and would never budge. Now, 150+ audio books later, I can’t get enough of them. (I average about one book a week because I’m on the road so often.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Listen Up! Audio Books Are Great & Here’s Why I Love Them

No one really cares about my beliefs and I totally get it. Religion and spiritual beliefs are such a personal touchstone for each of us that, in truth, it really only matters to you. Whatever brings you comfort and peace belongs only to you, so I’m not going to babble about how I think it all works. (As is true for most of us, I have no idea. The best quote I’ve heard about life is from the late author Michelle McNamara, “It’s chaos. Be kind.” It’s a rule I try to follow. However, some days, it’s a struggle, when you encounter so many rude people in the world.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Are There More Than Just Sale Signs In The World?

Do you ever not enter a drawing because you don’t think you’ll win? Here’s what happened to me. “The Book of Mormon” was high on my must-see list, but it seemed way over my budget. Even the cheapest balcony seats were impossible to get. My hope was revived when an in-person ticket lottery was announced — only 24 orchestra seats sold before every show at just $25 each. I missed the first two nights, but was determined to go every day until I won. I left my car for my next trip downtown. At the light rail stop, I found a penny on the ground right in front of me. I shared the “good news” with my friend, who laughed it off. The crowd waiting this time numbered several hundred. I even recognized many faces from the day before. I was definitely not alone in my quest to see this show. As we all anxiously waited for the drawing to begin, I leaned over to my friend and said, “I’ll be the second name drawn.” Of course, he chuckled again. First name drawn was Melissa. Second name drawn was (drum roll, please) … Bryan! I got two center orchestra seats in the front row for $50 – seats that are normally $125 each. It was both an unbelievable and awe-inspiring night of theatre and a little luck. We wanted to share my story because many people wonder who wins. Plus, we hope the theatre lovers, like us at MHOTC, don’t give up and keep tryin’ — you just might be lucky, too. For all the details on the ticket lottery, click here. Good luck!

There’s no way around it, my parents are old. My father is in his late-70s and my mother is a few years behind. And, no, 70 is not the new 40. There is not a weekly visit that goes by that I don’t give a tutorial on the remote control, iPad and Smart TV.

That’s not to say I don’t know any “senior citizens” who are young and vivacious, like my 70-something twin neighbors — click here. It’s just that, unfortunately, my parents do not fall into that category. And, trust me, they’re not offended by the term “old.” My father almost swallowing his tiny hearing aids, thinking they were pills, always provides amusement at family gatherings. Or the fact that whenever the phone rings on the TV one of them inevitably answers the phone. “Hello? Hello?” (If you can’t tell, my family has a good sense of humor about it all.) [Read more…] about Bryan Blathers: Are Senior Discounts Really Worth It?