By Traci McBride
Creating Order & Peace
Inflation isn’t new to older adults; we’ve seen it before but the impact is different each time.
Here are ways to take back control, shift our mindset, save money, spend wisely and make peace with the situation.
Recycle Your Money
Editing and fine-tuning our home this time of year is evergreen for me with the added lens of cost vs. need, being mindful as we sell or buy what is necessary to live a comfortable and stylish life. Clearing clutter has many benefits, such as less cleaning, managing, repairing, and more space.
Here are a few examples:
- Save with bulk buying. Only purchase items with a long shelf life, such as marinara sauce, paper products, nuts and freezer meat. Investing in a garage freezer can save money by taking advantage of sale prices. If neighbors or family use the same products as you and want the big box club price without purchasing huge quantities, team up and split the costs.
- Senior Centers have a plethora of activities, such as swimming, games, discounted lunches and affordable bus trips. If Europe isn’t on the budget, closer, shorter trips can be fun. One example: Rocky River Senior Center is sponsoring a Christmas in New York City tour.
- Silver Sneakers, offered through many Medicare plans, can help you get in shape with free membership to local gyms.
- Trade or sell plants from your garden with your neighbors.
- Host a Swap Party where everyone brings a set number of items in whatever category (kitchen/décor/clothing/jewelry) the host chooses, and take what you need from other guests. Whatever is left behind can get donated to the host’s favorite thrift shop.
- Thrift gifts for the grandkids. Look for gently used toys and books, then put the money you save into an account for them to have later.
- Shop your home. Rework what you have, especially if you enjoy changing things regularly. Moving furniture and art around is free.
- Shop reversible clothing with two looks for one garment, such as skirts, camisoles, wrap dresses, and wool wraps. Look online for options.
- Sell or buy on Facebook Marketplace, if that’s something you’re comfortable doing.
- Before buying or selling anything retail or thrift, use your smartphone’s Google Lens to find the value to sell it or the lowest price and place to buy it.
- Barter with those who have a skill set you don’t have.
- Pay cash at restaurants to avoid the added credit card fee.
- Look for services you often use that offer cash discounts. Some nail salons, for example, give an 8% discount if you use cash.
- DIY & dupes. Replicating an expensive retail item on a budget can be rewarding. YouTube creators provide step-by-step directions. Give it a try.
- Cook in bulk and freeze smaller portions for later.
What are some of your favorite ways to save money?
Implementing these strategies will free up space, give you a sense of order, save money, and provide peace. Tightening our belts doesn’t need to mean denying ourselves; it’s about recalibrating what is essential.
Changing our habits can feel awkward but can have lasting benefits. What are your favorite hacks to save money? Send your suggestions to [email protected] and we’ll highlight them in an upcoming issue.
