Celebrating 35 Years
COST CUTTING TIPS FOR SENIORS
BY
David C. Hammerle (M.A., M.Ed., DAPA)
Director of Counseling Services New Day Inc. ,1212 13th Ave. Altoona, PA 16601
814-949-9210
One of the problems faced by the senior citizen is the fixed income that forces them to find ways to make the budget stretch further. Among the first bridges to cross is the need to make the paycheck reach from month to month rather than week to week. Planning the groceries to last from week to week has been the routine for many years. The need to make the groceries stretch for a month can be overwhelming. On the other hand, groceries that are perishable need to be purchased in smaller portions and more frequently. This means that the monthly check will need to be budgeted in such a way to allow for weekly purchases in order to make it last for the month. The problem with this is that most Americans do not use a budget system. Planning for retirement should include a course in budget planning if you are not already programmed to using a budget. The budget can be a money saver as well as an organizer. When you know that you have only so much to spend, it will help you to shop by price. There was one occasion when this writer went to the check out counter with a certain amount of cash in his pocket. There were several items that I had purchased at a sale price. When the cashier rang up the bill it was more than what I had in my pocket. I challenged her with the sale items and she soon came up with the right price. Unfortunately,many retailers use this practice on a regular basis aware that they will make more money if the consumer does not catch them. When focusing on monthly bills, the heat cost comes to mind. Poor blood circulation causes many seniors to require more heat in their homes. Keeping the heat at a lower temperature and using a sweater can save money. On the other hand, when higher temperatures are necessary, to place the thermostat at a fixed setting and not changing it can also save money. Finding and sealing drafts in the house can help save. When planning retirement you might consider advanced planning in this area. Another form of advanced planning would be to consult the senior services to gain information about assistance for heat bills. Many seniors see this as charity and do not want to take advantage of these resources. It should be noted that you have paid for these services in your tax dollar for many years. This is a claim on what is rightfully yours. Turning off lights when not in use, finding light bulbs that use less wattage when in use, and checking appliances for their energy efficiency can save on the electric bill. There are also programs that offer assistance in this area that should be looked into. Sale coupons can help when saving on necessary purchases and thrift stores can make bulk buying more affordable when looking for a months supply. One problem area in this category would be the temptation to buy more than you need because of the cheaper prices. The best way to resist this temptation is use a list whenever shopping. Store owners will purposely rearrange their shelves in order to make shoppers browse while they shop. Much of their sales come from browsing. A list of needed items can help avoid this. Be sure to eat before you shop for food. Hungry shoppers buy nonessentials.
Contact New Day at:
New Day, Inc. / 1212 13th Ave. / Altoona, PA / 16601
Phone: (814) 949-9210