For most of us, an occasional trip to the store is a must. While some people enjoy shopping, for others it’s far less fun. Regardless of whether you enjoy shopping or dread it, we can all agree that saving money while you’re there is a great perk. Next time you head to the store, try these tips—you’ll be amazed at how much you can save!
Most seniors live on a fixed income, which means it’s important to take steps to make the most of your budget. Fortunately, shopping smarter doesn’t mean shopping harder.
Buy seasonal products.
Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than food that’s out of season. They’re also more delicious. Food that’s in season can be harvested and shipped locally instead of over a long distance. This usually means lower shipping costs and lower prices at the grocery store. Plus, it usually means supporting local farmers, which is a win-win for everyone.
Take advantage of rebates.
Many stores offer rebates when you’re shopping for big-ticket items like furniture and appliances. However, it’s also incredibly easy to get rebates online. Browser extensions like Honey and Rakuten automatically search for and apply discounts when you shop online. Rakuten also offers rebates. You can get anywhere from 1% to 15% cashback on every purchase you make at certain stores!
Use coupons when you can.
You don’t need to go to levels of extreme couponing to use coupons to your advantage. Just shop wisely. If there are coupons for products you use often, it’s probably a good idea to take advantage. Don’t forget about manufacturer’s coupons, either, since these can be used just about anywhere. Otherwise, don’t simply buy things because they’re on sale. You may end up wasting money on products you’ll never use.
Buy what you need when it’s on sale.
You’ll want to avoid buying things you don’t need. But when items you use all the time are on sale, this is a great time to stock up and buy in bulk.
Swap out incandescent light bulbs.
You might not think this will make too much of a difference. And you may be wondering whether it’s worth paying extra for those fancy LED bulbs when incandescent bulbs work just fine. However, this actually can make a big difference. LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last far longer than filament bulbs. In fact, they can last up to 10 years per bulb. So, while you may pay a little more up front, you won’t have to replace them very often and you’ll save on energy costs.
Make your home more efficient.
If you live in an older house, your home might not be as efficient as it could be. Energy conservation kits can help lower your heating and cooling bills. These kits are generally inexpensive and come with items like LED bulbs, smart power strips, and ventilation and weatherization products.
Get discounts.
We wouldn’t be Senior Savings if we didn’t mention senior discounts. Check out our discount posts to find out where you can save next time you need something. And don’t forget to check out our weekly roundup of our best discounts to save even more on products you’ll love!
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