We get it... these days it is not always the easiest thing to drop $200 on a massage when you are not really sure if you are going to have a job next week. Anytime you treat yourself well, you are indulging, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a ton of money to do so. Our friends at ShopSmart magazine have compiled an awesome list of ways to save money at the spa. If you are looking for more great information on spa savings and other money-saving tips, checkout ShopSmart's March 2009 edition.

• Call spas and ask, ‘What specials are you offering?’ Inquire about off-season deals, cost-cutting packages, specials for new clients and whether certain days or times are cheaper than others. And don’t be afraid to admit that you’re looking for a deal.
• Try chain massage stores. The décor usually isn’t too fancy and chains are prone to staffing turnover, but the savings can be big. Massage Envy, for example, has more than 500 storefront locations nationwide and employs only certified therapists. As a member, you get one monthly massage for $49 to $59 per month (depending on location) with additional massages that month costing $39 to $49 each.
• Go to school. Most cosmetology and massage therapy schools offer a student spa/salon or clinic where treatments are done under the supervision of instructors at a fraction of the price. Search the Web sites of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools or the American Massage Therapy Association.
• Consider Costco. The discount warehouse sells two $50 SpaFinder gift certificates for $79.99, a 20 percent savings, which can be used for treatments (including discounted ones) at any spa in the SpaFinder network.
• Search the Web. Sites like Spafinder.com, Spamagazine.com, Lifebooker.com, SpaWeek.org and Spa-addicts.com post special deals. At Google, type in your city name and “spa discount” to find promotions, or sign up for your favorite spa’s e-mail alerts on specials.
• Buy in bulk. You might be able to purchase a series of treatments—say, six for the price of five—to be used within a specified amount of time. Some spas offer a frequent-user card and the 10th visit is free.
• Ask about product deals. As spas make the transition from one season to another or change product lines, they often offer specials. These types of specials are here one day and gone the next, and they aren’t posted online, so call the front desk to ask.