Tips to save money

Saving money is on everyone’s mind these days. There are several ways to cut spending without feeling deprived. If you are a senior citizen, use all the available discounts you have. They're provided for almost every type of item sold.

Try to adjust your home heating and air-conditioning units just a few degrees cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. It won’t make near the difference in your comfort that it will in your monthly statements. For Southerners, this is a must do!

Your kitchen offers a huge variety of ways to save money. When cooking, double or triple your recipes so you can serve one “batch” and freeze the other(s). Additionally, when you buy groceries, make sure you have planned your menus ahead so items purchased one week can be used in other recipes. The benefits of being organized is less waste and more variety. Take advantage of store “specials,” manufacturers’ coupons, and other available discounts.

When it comes to entertainment, see movies when and where discounts are offered, i.e. matinees, special days of the week, and reprise showings. Additionally, bowling alleys, cultural performances, sports events, and other outlets have promotional packages that are budget-friendly.

Although you can’t change the price of gasoline, you can change the way you drive. Plan your outings so you do everything in one section of town before moving on to another. Not criss-crossing back and forth to get errands done will add up more than you realize. In Atlanta, average regular gas prices on February 27, 2013, are $0.46 higher than one month ago. Find the lowest fuel prices and, if possible, buy the cheapest.

Learn about the incentives offered by the federal and your state’s governments from the U.S. Department of Energy. Use their website, DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Energy.) You’ll find tax deductions, rebates, and other vehicles for renewable energy (like adding solar panels) and energy proficiency (like new windows or efficient appliances.) Surprisingly, it’s possible you can get savings from the federal, your state, and local governments for the same product. Additionally, many localities offer tax-free days of shopping. If yours does, take advantage of the savings.

When money is so tight, “belt-tightening” becomes a necessity. As you can see, there are many options that won’t diminish your comfort or lifestyle. You'll find saving has become fun and fashionable!

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, Pine Mountain Senior Living Examiner

Judith Kaminsky is a 70-year-old writer of award-winning ad copy, poems, and skits. She’s had two poems published, the most recent appearing in the 2012 international poetry book, Stars in our Hearts. She’s also written verse, humor, and prose for a variety of greeting card companies. ...

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