AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

When the seasons change, like winter to spring, I see friends putting the heat on in the morning, and then switch to air conditioning in the afternoon……this can add up in cost…. I have found that wearing layers can keep you comfortable, and not cost you money…… this year March has really been up and down, so the savings do add up.

As a child of the Depression, I have are VERY frugal.  I even  put the lightly used plastic sandwich bags turned inside in the washer & shake out to let drying.  Make me CRAZY for sure!!!

We set up shelving in our basement and turned it into a shopping "pantry."  We've stocked up on items we use often. Of course, we stock up (and restock) on such items as they go on sale; many are lost leaders.  This includes everything from cans of veggies to hairspray to deodorant to Pam cooking spray to boxes of cereal to garbage bags, body soap, coffee, soda, shampoo, hvac filters, hair dye, chips, baggies, toilet paper - you get the picture.  We go shopping weekly at our local store to purchase fresh items such as veggies, milk and bread.  It has saved us lots and lots of money since we've retired.

I have found my library to be a great source of free entertainment. Mine also has free programs to learn history, crafts, do art, and even teaches a musical instrument. I can check out or listen to books, movies, music, for free. Your library is the best value in your town.

 I keep a paper pad to write down things I'm getting low on. I call it my "If On Sale" list. I check to see if anything on that list is on sale at either of the nearby grocery store that week by checking their websites. If I need something that isn't on sale, I make sure I buy it at the store with the lowest price. I buy store brands for most things, and I use my freezer to take advantage of meat sales.  One of those grocery stores has a Senior Discount Day, so I shop there on Thursdays. I pay for everything with my credit card that gives me cash back. I DO NOT carry a balance on any of my credit cards. If I have an emergency bill, like some car repairs in February this year, I use the credit card and then pay the bill from my emergency fund or a withdrawal from my IRA. 

I’m very intentional about how I manage my money and look for ways to save wherever I can. One of my main strategies is paying off my car loan as quickly as possible to reduce the amount of interest I pay over time.

I also try to avoid unnecessary purchases—if I don’t truly need something, I don’t buy it. Instead, I focus on decluttering and sell clothes or accessories that I haven’t used in over a year.

Before making any large purchase, I always shop around and compare prices to make sure I’m getting the best deal. I also take advantage of smaller opportunities to save or earn money, like completing receipt surveys and opening bank accounts that offer bonuses or rewards.

Overall, I combine careful spending with smart strategies to make the most of my money.

I never carry cash and use my credit cards for everything, including utilities, groceries, evenings out, etc. Most cards are targeted to specific purchases and pay back a higher percentage for these purchases..5% vs 1% or 2% on all other purchases. (for example).I pay the balance in full every month and earn the cash back. I use my rewards for restaurants and department stores. It’s my favorite way of spending time to treat myself to something special. 

 NEVER pay full price for anything! Coupons, online codes, sites like Retail Me Not and Rakuten offer great deals that are always changing. Many sites let you upload a store receipts for cash. AARP membership, it gives you a huge percentage of Walmart+ & other discounts. Groupon. If you like computer games I recommend FreeCash. You won't get rich but i've made $800+ in about 9 months   playing games through their site. 

  Finally, it never hurts to ask. I just saved     $50/month on my xfinity internet bill just   by asking for a discount! Be nice and always use the person's name.

 I took a hard look at the outside of my house and realized that every screen, doors and windows, were in shabby shape: holes, torn, and sagging. I had a few coupons from my local hardware store which I used plus, I discovered for every 3 screens I brought in to be fixed, I got one done free. My house is now spruced up and looking great for just a few dollars.

So, I live alone and cook a Family Pack of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in a variety of marinades to mix things up in a 9"x13" Pyrex and reheat it during the week. I also microwave a Spaghetti Squash and portion it out for the week and then sauté some fresh spinach for well-balanced meals. The other dish I like to make are Cabbage Steaks about 3/4" thick topped with ground lamb which are quick and easy to prepare, I can yield 5 portions from a 1lb. package of ground lamb and one good sized cabbage. For the cost of going out to a restaurant for one meal, I can prepare a weeks' worth of dinners and know exactly what the ingredients are.

As the saying goes: You Are What You EAT!

Also, I have opted for a Walmart+ Membership with the Home Delivery Option which saves me considerable time and money by shopping online and having everything delivered and then I occasionally go to ALDI for some items that Walmart doesn't carry.

Between those two, the savings over the other grocers is more than 30% not to mention that it significantly lowers my Carbon Footprint!

When I think of all the time I spent on the weekends going to the food store, gathering items, unloading to checkout and then bagging, driving home, and unpacking, the ability to just have to unpack the items I ordered online and the way Walmart allows me to build my cart until I reach the $35.00 Minimum for FREE Delivery, the Walmart+ Membership pays for itself in no time.

Time is the most Precious Commodity we have in our Senior Years!