AARP Rewards Online Community Smart Saver Contest

When shopping online I always google the stores name and ask if there are coupons  and many times there are.  Retail Me Not is an excellent site for the coupons,

Consider buying or at least trying store brands for grocery items as they are often just as good as the highly advertised brands and usually significantly cheaper.

I learned to save money early in life. I received a modest allowance each week and whatever I wanted to buy (i.e. lipstick, snacks, 45 records) or do (roller skating, movies, etc.) had to come from that amount. It's a great life lesson to share with our grandkids. Today I have a limit of how much I want to spend on specific items. The list is in my head. For example $4 for a pound of butter, $25 for a pair of shoes, $6 for a fast food meal and so on. If an item is overpriced I usually pass it up. Occasionally I allow myself to splurge on something special. I often buy clothes at thrift shops for my bohemian wardrobe because the colors and styles appeal to me. I also shop at discount grocery stores instead of the standard super markets which give me sticker shock. I save gas by doing most of my errands the same day and plan my route logically. I hope my ideas will prove helpful for anyone else who is battling inflation. 

I use Discover card for all items $5 or more; I always pay bill in full each month. If I can’t afford it I do not purchase it. I get credit card dollar rewards that I turn into gift cards and buy them at 15% discount thru discover monthly. This provides birthday or Xmas giving funds at great savings.

I pay off my credit cards every month and pay online to save on mailing cost. If I don't have that much money in my bank account, I don't buy the item. Also, stop buying the little things that you probably don't need. $3 here and $1 or $2 there adds up faster than you think.

I follow the gas saving tips from the first gas shortage in 1973. Drive less, walk, bicycle, carpool, combine trips, or bus if possible, accelerate slowly, coast to a stop, slow down on the highway, and keep tires inflated. 

We have a smart thermostat in our home that automatically adjusts the heating and cooling temperature settings. This smart thermostat establishes a schedule that automatically adjusts to energy-saving temperatures when we are asleep or away. In addition to saving money on heating and cooling, we receive an annual rebate from our local energy company for using the smart thermostat.

 I track my expenses - everything is entered on a monthly spreadsheet in every category (food at home, food out, car expenses, clothing medical, media, donations, personal care, office, and miscellaneous). I enter the recurring expenses at the beginning of every month. I also track income, savings, and interest on a separate section of the spreadsheet, so I always know where I stand financially. 

 I'm old enough to have accumulated enough stuff to last me the rest of my life! Being aware of what I already have is a money saver in itself, because I don't let myself buy on impulse. If there's something I think I may want, I'll put it on a wishlist and decide in a month or two whether I really want or need it. Turns out that most of the time I don't remember why I wanted the item in the first place. 🙂

  I always fill up by gas tank when it is half empty. It reduces the stirring up of sediment at the bottom of the gas tank. It reduces many car repair problems. I also use a bookkeeping software to track my income and expenses which allows easier budgeting and tax preparation.

I live in Florida in a condo that has an under the building garage. When I know a thunderstorm is approaching, I move my car to a visitor space outside and wait for a nice shower to “wash” my car for free. When the rain has subsided, the car gets parked inside and dried off with a chamois cloth. Great way to save money plus the environment as no wasted water used.