It’s always good to find ways to cut costs and save money but at this time of year a few dollars here and there really do help out.
All year long you should remember to ask for a Senior Discount. Take advantage of those offered to you in restaurants, retail stores, sporting events, movies and travel. Sometimes there are discounts are not advertised. It never hurts to ask.
You can cut household expenses by watching yard sales and ads in the classifieds of the newspaper. Maybe you are looking for some baby furniture with a new grandchild coming to visit. Or you might need some extra chairs for company, another table, mattress, bed frame, etc.
Find ways to save on groceries. There are coupons in the papers but there are also places on the Internet where you can save. Go to www.grocerysavingstips.com, www.coupons.com, or www.coolsavings.com.
Start some new family holiday traditions. Instead of buying gifts for everyone draw names. Decide to all help another family instead of buying for each other. Then have a Chinese auction with your family. Everyone brings a gift and after the first one is open others can either take that gift or open a new one until everyone has a gift. With that have a potluck. Each family brings something toward the meal and no one is stuck with a big expense.
If you are traveling keep in mind that traveling by car is still one of the cheapest methods of transportation. Do your research when you are planning the trip. Ask for the best deal in a hotel room THEN ask for the AARP or senior discount on the room. The best deal may be better than the senior discount.
Save a little on gifts and spend time with the grandchildren and not so much money. Easy to say but they will remember that grandma and grandpa took them for a drive every year to see the lights. Rent the latest Christmas movie or their favorite holiday movie and make popcorn balls or some treat and curl up and watch a movie. Attend a local Christmas program or spend time baking cookies or making ornaments. Young children especially appreciate those things.
Spend your money a little wiser and your time with your family much wiser.
