Pinch pennies to save dollars

#Middlebury

Whether you’re living on just Social Security or have additional income, it never hurts to save every dollar you can. There are many ways to do that.

• If you have pets, look into buying their food from online pet stores. Often you’ll get free shipping above a certain purchase amount or a considerable discount the first time you buy. Order enough to make it worthwhile.
• If you’re a member of AARP, keep an eye on its discounts. Whether it’s restaurants, cellphone service, ordering pizza, traveling or buying new reading glasses, AARP might have a discount. Be sure to carry your card.
• If you have a tablet or computer, look into getting your newspaper online. You could save as much as two-thirds the cost of your subscription.
• Keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle. Put oil changes on your calendar and get them done, as well as having tires checked and rotated. You’ll save money in the long run.
• Check your local paper for free community events such as concerts in the park, library events with free movies or author readings, museum free days and street art shows.
• Learn how to use eBay, not to buy but to sell your belongings, or band together with friends to hold a giant yard sale.
• Check Goodwill and Salvation Army for clothing and household goods. You sometimes can find brand new items, things that have been given as gifts to people who didn’t want them.
• Create a spare email account and use it to sign up for free offers, coupons and rewards cards.

The bottom line is to keep your eyes open to any and all discounts. Often it just involves asking for senior discounts. Whether it’s eating at restaurants, buying shoes or auto insurance, or signing up for cellphone service, ask.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.