With prices rising due to inflation, distribution problems, and corporations determined to keep their percentage of profit up for stockholders, we’re all trying to keep expenses down.
This past December, when inflation was reported to be 6.8 percent, I explained how the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is always manipulated downward. I mentioned it again in February, expecting a worse number than 7.5 percent to be posted, following that report. The Chair of The Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, is limited on how much he can manipulate inflation numbers, when everything is skyrocketing in price.
The latest CPI now says we only have an 8.6 percent increase over the last 12 months. If you are buying anything at all, you wish things only cost 8.6 percent more than a year ago.
So, how can you save money? Here’s a few tips:
Fuel:
Plan all your shopping needs in one trip. If you’re going to drive to the grocery store on a Wednesday, drive to all the other stores you need to visit. If you have a repair project at home planned for the weekend, and need items from the hardware store, visit it before you go grocery shopping. Plan your route in an order that puts the least amount of miles on your vehicle.
Lose the lead foot. Quick starts from a stop, like you’re in a competition to be first to the next light wastes fuel. You should also slow down. Though everyone seems to be doing 65mph on Route 22, and 75mph on Route 78, reducing your speed to posted speed limits will save fuel.
Get Gas Station Bonus Cards. If you’re buying your fuel from Mobile, Exxon, WaWa, to name a few, get their bonus rewards card that offers a few pennies for each gallon purchased. If you don’t want to be bothered with a gas station card, Discover Card offers cash back of 1%, and during certain months of the year, you can get up to 5% cash back. 5% on gas costing $4.50/gal, is more than 22 cents per gallon in cash back. If you don’t have a Discover Card, you can apply for one using THIS LINK. You’ll also receive a $50 credit when approved.
Grocery Shopping:
If you’re shopping at one store for everything, you’re likely missing better sales on certain items, at other stores. Check the flyers you receive in the mail. Last week the Lid’l store had chicken leg quarters for 49 cents/lb. Shoprite had pork chops for $1.69/lb. Aldi’s bread, and other staples, are almost always cheaper than their competition. Grocery stores love to offer one or two items really cheap in order to get you in the door. They correctly assume most people will buy everything else they want, once you are inside.
Take advantage of Discount Programs. If you’re a veteran, take the few minutes to apply for your veteran’s discount offered by Lowe’s and Home Depot. That’s a 10% discount you’ll receive on purchases. Personally, I recently saved more than $60 when I had to replace my water heater. I use my discount on every purchase, no matter how small the amount may be.
Senior/Low Income Utility Assistance Programs
There are a number of utility assistance programs available. AARP of Pennsylvania has provided an informational list with links to the various programs. It can be found when you CLICK HERE.
