The Economy Stinks

Pets are expensive. No doubt about it. A Washington Post article offers tips to make being a pet owner a less costly venture. Here are some additional tips for Wichita-area pet lovers from Wichita Paws, The Eagle’s pet Web site:

• The trend of adopting pets is up nationally as would-be pet owners combine their love for animals with their desire to watch their wallets. Find out about local animals available for adoption.
• Consider checking out the Spay-Neuter Kansas clinic at 319 S. Hydraulic. It offers low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for pets whose owners meet low-income guidelines ($40,000 a year or less). Surgery costs are $30 for cats and $40 for dogs ($45 to spay a large female dog).
• Watch for affordable pet-related local events. A new cat show coming to Wichita, for example, costs $5 or less to attend, depending on your age and affiliation with the aircraft industry or military. The KansasKatz show is May 23 and 24 at Beech Activity Center. Click here for additional details.

Haven’t filed your taxes yet? Need help, but looking for an inexpensive way to get it?

My colleague Deb Gruver, who, among other things, posts government news and insights on The Eagle’s Wichitopekington blog, had a great item today about places where you can get free tax preparation in Sedgwick County.

Central Star Credit Union and Consumer Credit Counseling Services are offering a free public financial seminar “How to Survive These Difficult Financial Times.”

It’s scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. March 19 at the Beech Activity Center, 9710 E. Central. To register, call 316-685-9555, ext. 103. It’s expected to last about an hour.

Salon owners say customers are waiting longer — or canceling — their appointments for salon services because of the economy, according to a Baltimore Sun story.

If you’re looking to save money on salon services and prefer to avoid DIY jobs, consider checking out one of Wichita’s cosmetology schools, which offer a variety of hair, skin and nail services for prices that you may be able to work into your budget.

• Xenon International Academy, 3804 W. Douglas

• Eric Fisher Academy, 6727 W. Central

• Victoria’s School of Nail Technology, 1813 N. Broadway

• Vernon’s Kansas School of Cosmetology, 2531 S. Seneca

• University Plaza Cosmetology Academy, 4910 E. 21st St.

• Old Town Barber and Beauty College, 1207 E. Douglas

• B Street Design, 1675 S. Rock Road, Suite 101

Do you have other suggestions on ways to save money on looking good?