It's time for a magazine we can really afford

In these tough economic times, the financial advisers tell us to cut cost by doing some simple things. Top on the list (or the one most commonly given) is to cut your magazine subscriptions. Well, duh. If you haven't got the cash, you won't be buying them anyway. Still, the magazines make it awfully difficult to pass down.

Some magazines have been hit so hard they've had to stop publication altogether. Gourmet magazine is no more because of the lack of readership (despite my willingness to go to the poor house to keep my subscription up). Some of my magazine subscriptions are still current though will not be renewed. Mostly I am upset that some of these magazines simply haven't made adjustments to the current economy. When shoes are advertised for upwards of 700 bucks, I really have to wonder how many readers can even afford such shoes. Handbags for 1500 bucks? Really? How about the dress price that's only provided "upon request"? What about the time arrest cream for a hundred bucks? Seriously, if I could afford such luxuries I wouldn't even need the deep discounts provided through the subscription price. I'd be able to afford the news stand price.

What we really need is a magazine designed for those of us who like to look at the super expensive stuff but have no idea where to buy it let alone afford it. A quick peak inside the Oprah magazine shows dresses and such available through Walmart. Granted, the politics of Walmart are not good, but does Chanel really have a better record? I want a magazine that offers recipes for nutritious food at a good price. Articles that discuss the bottom of the line products: what's in what's not. I want to know what podiatrists have to say about the way shoes are made. What is the cheapest I can go and not hurt my feet? (PS it's not Manolo Blahnik). Where can I buy affordable clothes with a good drape? What is a good drape anyway?

Sad, I need a lot of money to establish a magazine for people with little.