Families can save money to help their parents handle their expenses.  These are five hints for seniors, which can also apply to their families.

Take recycling to new levels and make unique craft items, reuse containers, use scraps of yarn and fabric, etc. Make it a special project to do with the grandchildren.  Grandparents can also help save containers for grandchildren’s school projects.  (This allows seniors to feel like they are being helpful and needed.)

My mother showed me how to fold up and re-use tin foil! (She survived The Great Depression.)  Remember that saving even a few pennies on many things can add up to substantial savings.

Explore sharing and borrowing.  Go in with neighbors for things you can share.  Share movies, books, video games, etc. Getting to know your neighbors is a good thing anyway! (This has been especially important during Covid 19.)

Always ask for the Senior Discount (note this can begin happening as early as age 50!).  Use 2 for 1 coupons and go with a friend.  Drink flavored water instead of (unhealthy) soda!

Don’t forget to bargain, haggle, and negotiate.  There is no shame in doing it.  It’s done every day in other countries.  Check the Internet for the best price and ask if the brick and mortar store will match the price.  The key is to talk with the manager/owner (the person with the authority to say “yes”) and be very polite and patient.

Watch for more money saving techniques in future blogs.