Freelance Finance

We love Money magazine, and have been reading it for years. But recently, we had a good laugh at the publication’s expense. When our subscription neared its end, we received a renewal order form telling us it was time to pay up if we wanted to keep receiving the magazine. The mag was offering a little freebie if we did so: A three-booklet set entitled Secrets to Financial Independence, included “free with your paid subscription.” According to the mailer, a one-year subscription of the mag, which retails for $3.99 on newsstands, would cost us $34.95. I looked askance at the figure because I don’t recall ever paying this much for a magazine, ever. I mean, even a mag as lavish as Martha’s costs $24.

On page 5 of Money’s March 2008 issue, the indicia at the bottom of the page plainly states that “the basic rate for a one-year subscription is $15.” So am I understand that the set of “free” booklets is actually costing me $20 on top of a full-price subscription?

Nice way to treat a long-time subscriber, Money! Pull the ol’ bait-and-switch.

But wait, it gets better. I still had a sneaking suspicion that I should be able to get the mag for even less. I went to the magazine’s website and sure enough, I can order 13 issues for $9.95! Nice, but now don’t I feel disrespected, being asked to pay $25 more for a magazine that is supposed to be teaching me how to manage my money better?

Clearly, this come-on is designed to take advantage of a subscriber when he is most vulnerable, i.e., when the subscription is—gasp!—in danger of lapsing. But if you’re willing to let it lapse, you can simply renew under a new account number for the lower price.

That’s how you really save money, Money.