Save money by shopping online

There are several ways seniors can save money while shopping online:

• Look for online coupons and promo codes before making a purchase.
• Compare prices across different websites to find the best deal.
• Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers to receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
• Take advantage of free shipping offers and free return policies.
• Use a cashback website or app to earn money back on your purchases.
• Check to see if your credit card offers cashback or rewards on online purchases.
• Use a price tracking app that alerts you when the price of an item drops.
• Look for senior discounts that many retailers offer.
• Join loyalty programs to earn points or rewards on your purchases.
• Use a budgeting app to set a budget and track your spending.
• Use cashback or rewards websites when shopping.
• Shop during sales and clearance events
• Use a browser extension to automatically apply coupons to your cart.
• Use browser extensions that compare prices across different websites.
• Check for free returns and exchanges before making a purchase.
• Keep an eye out for free trials and sign up for them to save money.
• Check for senior discounts or other special promotions.
• Use Amazon's subscription and save for discounted items.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs offered by retailers.
• Compare prices from local retailers to online retailers.
• Check for clearance sales and discounts on social media or in-store deals.
• Look for online coupons and promo codes before making a purchase.
• Compare prices across different websites to find the best deal.
• Sign up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers to receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
• Take advantage of free shipping offers and free return policies.
• Use a cashback website or app to earn money back on your purchases.
• Check to see if your credit card offers cashback or rewards on online purchases.
• Use a price tracking app that alerts you when the price of an item drops.
• Look for senior discounts that many retailers offer.
• Join loyalty programs to earn points or rewards on your purchases.
• Use a budgeting app to set a budget and track your spending.
• Use cashback or rewards websites when shopping.
• Shop during sales and clearance events
• Use a browser extension to automatically apply coupons to your cart.
• Use browser extensions that compare prices across different websites.
• Check for free returns and exchanges before making a purchase.
• Keep an eye out for free trials and sign up for them to save money.
• Check for senior discounts or other special promotions.
• Use Amazon's subscribe and save for discounted items.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs offered by retailers.
• Compare prices from local retailers to online retailers.
• Check for clearance sales and discounts on social media or in-store deals. 

Getting Some Help

One of the adjustments that are part of life once you end working is adjusting to living on a different kind of income.  We get used t that regular paycheck while we work. And while we may be very happy to leave the stresses of the workaday life, that paycheck is one part of that world that we may miss when they finally stop.

Of course, many of us have some resources going into retirement, such as savings, investments, a retirement program and, of course, Social Security.  But the thing that’s hard to get used to is that you are now drawing funds from a limited pool.  Whether the amount of retirement resources is big or small, outside of the income from interest and dividends, you are no longer replenishing those funds.

It seems strange to say it but we have to think about how long we can live on those funds.  While we would all like to live to 90 or older, from a practical point of view, we don’t want to “outlive our savings” and then become a burden to our children to support as they are working hard to raise and support their young families.

So life in retirement means going on some form of budget.  And anything we can do to stretch the use of those retirement funds means that they will last longer as we continue to do the right thing for our health with diet and exercise so we can live a long life of a senior citizen.

One resource that is worth taking a look at is the programs that are geared to helping senior citizens conserve their limited funds.  One such resource is the phenomenon of the “senior discount” which is often offered at restaurants and other retail institutions to help us out.  While you may be working to look young and defeat the influence of age on your health and looks when it comes to senior discounts, it's time, to be honest about your age and take advantage of any help that is being offered to stretch your fixed income as much as you can.

Public service companies such as your electric, gas or water companies also have programs that you can take advantage of to keep those bills under control.  The one thing you want for the sake of the budget is that your bills will stay the same from month to month.  But when your gas or electric bill changes a lot because of the influence of the hot summer temperatures or the cold winter months which use a lot of home heating fuel, those bills can get pretty erratic.

So contact your utility companies and see what they can do for you.  One program that is available to everyone is averaging your monthly utility bill.  The gas or electric bill can do a quick calculation of your last year’s usage and average that and then bill you that fixed amount each month.  In this way, you will know each month exactly what to expect so you don’t have any “surprises” in the mail when the bills come due.

Keep your eyes open for ways that the public institutions you use the most work to help out senior citizens.  They know that you are on a fixed income and nobody wants to see seniors struggle to make ends meet.  Sometimes your local or state government may even have programs to reduce your sales taxes at the grocery store.

Take advantage of these plans and don’t let yourself feel bad about it at all.  You have worked hard all your life to support others and to be a good citizen.  So let society pay you back with whatever help can be offered.  You certainly deserve it.

Budgeting while retired

We go on a yearly golf holiday for a week every summer and a friend of mine budgets well for it and I don’t do as well. One of the secrets of his success is he thinks of expenses as yearly expenses. So, for example, if he buys a cup of coffee at the local Starbucks for $5.00 a week, he does not see that as an expense of $5.00 but as an expense of ($5.00*52= $260.00). I have been trying to get into that mindset for a few years and still have a problem thinking like he and his wife do, but they have done this for 30 years and so it is part of their way of looking at their family budget.

For those on a fixed income, which is most of us who are retired, budgeting is an important part of how we can enjoy our retirement and not run out of money. To budget, we must get a handle on these expenses and our revenue.

The expenses we must think about are: 

·                   Fixed Expenses: These are expenses where you know the cost and it doesn’t change. Rent, Mortgage, Insurance, Loans

·                  Variable Expenses: These are expenses that will go up and down in cost. Hydro, Water, Grocery, etc.

·                   Irregular Expenses or Projected Expenses: Expenses that come at a certain point in the year. They may be one-time expenses or more frequent but not monthly.

With many variable expenses, you can move them into fixed expenses, by averaging out your payments. In my area I can opt to make equal monthly payments on my Hydro, Gas, Property tax, and Electric bills. This allows me to budget and know how much we are spending every month. The issue that many of us find a problem is our Irregular expenses. As stated above these may be one-time expenses or expenses that are more frequent. My house insurance is a one-time expense that comes every year at the same time, while my prescription costs come every four months. To budget for these expenses, I have set up a savings account and put equal amounts in every month to make sure that when the payment is due I have the ability to pay, without going into debt.

As you look at your expenses it may be already clear that you know what your irregular expenses are, and you can plan for them by: 

1.  Your first task is to make a list of all your expenses including your irregular expenses and categorize them.

2.  Recognize that you may not be able to gather all of your future expenses at one time because some pop up out of nowhere.

3.  Document which expenses you will have to pay for throughout the year including any irregular expenses you are aware of when you do your budget.

4.  Write in the projected expense cost when it comes due

5.  Divide that number by the number of months until the bill is due and adjust the numbers if you find out the bill will be higher.

6.  Do this for the entire year of irregular expenses (guestimate if you don’t know the exact number)

7.  Save the dollar amount of irregular expenses in a separate savings account only for irregular expenses. Some banks and credit unions may allow you to automate the transfer of money, which is an easy way to put it out of mind while setting aside the money you need.

8.  For example: If you find out you have an irregular expense that is $200 and it’s due in June and it’s May you have two options.

a.  You add it to your expenses budget and save for 2 months.      

b.  You pay it and go into debt then set aside $34.00 a month so you have enough money for next year to pay it and to pay yourself back for the amount you paid this year..

Senior's Discounts revisited

In the US, there are many organisations and retail outlets that provide senior discounts to those over 50 or 55. Yet many of us do not ask for these discounts. I am not sure why, but since we are on fixed income’s any savings is useful. I did a couple of posts earlier about discounts for seniors in Canada. Here is a great site for my US friends. This page explores the following topics:

When Do You Become a “Senior Citizen”?

• Organisations That Provide Discounts to Senior Citizens
• Additional Organisations and Associations for Seniors
• Seniors Can Get Special Discounts Just For the Asking
• The Bottom Line on Discounts for Senior Citizens

The bottom line is as I said in an earlier post, if you want a discount, ask for one. The following is from the site above and it re-enforces my point.

Why You Should Ask for a Senior Discount

We laugh at the idea of becoming a “senior” when we’re 50. We wonder if it might be true at 60. And by 70, we’re usually pretty well convinced.

Some people, though, bristle at the idea of being thought of as “old.” That’s why businesses are often reluctant to point out they have a senior discount available. They don’t want to offend anyone. It’s like asking a woman whether she’s pregnant. Better to wait until SHE offers that information.

Here are three good reasons to take advantage of senior discounts:

1. Senior citizen status is an honour. You’ve contributed to the economy for decades. Senior discounts are a way of thanking you for your long-term patronage.

2. When you ask about the availability of a senior discount, you’re letting businesses know seniors appreciate programs that bring value to them. By doing that, you’re helping ensure senior specials keep going and growing. You’re paying it forward to the new crop of seniors coming up behind you.

3. It’s money in your pocket! Not taking advantage of a senior discount is like finding money in your sock drawer and throwing it out with the trash. Even if the discount is a few dollars or the special is that you get a free drink with your meal, every bit counts. The only people who don’t like saving a few dollars are those who don’t appreciate the value of having extra money in the first place.

The Bottom Line on Discounts for Senior Citizens

If you want to get the discount, ask for the discount. That’s the number one way to find and take advantage of specials for seniors only. 

1.    When you’re in a local store: Ask.

2.    When you’re travelling: Ask.

3.    Even if you think they don’t have a senior discount:    Ask.

4.    Always ask

Once you get in the habit of asking, you’ll be amazed at the number of places you can save money just because you’re you.

Still on a budget?

The economy may not be in recession, but many individuals are, for many reasons. Recession, for the uninitiated, is the decline of the economy of a country. It is a widespread decline in the Gross Domestic Product, employment, and trade, which lasts from 6 months to one year. A personal recession is a decline in income, employment and spending that lasts for more than 2 months. 

So, if you are running a household, how do you make sure the impact of your recession will not be too much to bear for your family? Here are some anti-recession tips that you can find useful during these hard times:

Grow Your Own Fresh Produce.

If you have been relying on the supermarkets for your daily meals, it’s high time to consider growing your own food. What can be better than taking advantage of your green thumb to avoid having to buy fruits and vegetables? If you are renting, growing vegetables and herbs in pots, also known as container gardening, can be useful. Mint, sage, rosemary, basil and thyme are great herbs for container gardening. If you do not have enough time, opt for low maintenance vegetables. Examples of low maintenance vegetables include garlic, onions, turnips, cabbage, leeks and kale. Now if you have a bigger backyard, growing your own fruits can be fruitful (pun not intended). Although this might require longer time since fruit trees can take at least about two years to yield crops. You can also do better in keeping a wide variety of your fruits and vegetables through trading with your neighbor’s grown fruit trees, vegetables and herbs.

Make Your Own Meal.

If you have the time, learning how to bake can be one great way to spend your free time. Aside from saving money, it can also be one fun way to relieve your stress. Fast food restaurants can be very tempting but if you have the skills (or not, since you can learn to cook), then why not prepare your own food from your own grown fruits and vegetables and home-baked bread. If you think your skills are too limited, the Internet offers gazillions of simple recipes that even kids can make. Make your own coffee and you can also brew your own beer if you want.

Improve your grocery shopping habits.

With the right shopping attitude, you can reduce unnecessary cost. You can prevent yourself from succumbing into impulse buying. You can do this by creating a list of items to buy before going to the supermarket. One tip is to not go to the grocery to shop when you are hungry. Yes, hunger causes you to buy items you do not need. Buying all the items you need in one go can help avoid using gas for unnecessary trip and also get rids of temptation. Also, before you unloading your cart, check again which items you can do without. You will be surprised that there are just so many of the items that  you picked up that you do not really need.

Cut back on non-essentials.

You like soda? You like steak? But do you like to survive the recession? Then, cut on soda, meat and other non-essentials. You do not have to stop drinking soda or eating meat. But if you will only compute how much you can save without consuming any of these as often as you used to, you will see that it’s enough to tide you over.

LIst of Discounts available for Seniors in Canada (partial)

Many organizations and businesses offer discounts to senior. My friends in the US have more opportunity to use discounts because of the sheer volume of businesses that offer discounts in the US. Just do a google search "Discounts for Seniors"  and add your city, state, or country and you may be surprised by the results.

Having discounts available is great, but we should always inquire about discounts prior to shopping and recognize that the offers are fluid and may vary from store to store depending on the Manager's policy. 

In the last few years, senior's discounts have been shrinking. Specifically, the requirements for age are often going up (usually to 65+ from 60 yrs. of age), across the board discounts are being replaced with specific “senior's days”, the discounts are only being acknowledged if a senior asks and requirements for loyalty/ affiliation cards are growing. 

Every effort has been made to verify these offers, discounts may change and sometimes they vary from location to location.

Check the websites of these businesses for changes, availability and restrictions for each program. Call to confirm availability in your area before you head out. So here is my partial alphabetical list of some of the businesses in Canada that offer discounts, but remember, you have to ask for them.

A&W (age: 60+): 10% off food purchases, every day.

Avis

Get up to 25 percent off of the lowest discountable rate. You must be a CARP member. You will get free enrollment into their Avis Preferred service and earn Aeroplan points.

Auto Insurance

In Canada, Insurers must offer a premium discount to retirees aged 65 and over and those younger, if they are receiving a pension such as Canada or Quebec pension. See http://www.insurance-canada.ca/consinfoauto/l12.php

Banks

Many Canadian chartered banks and financial institutions offer discounts for people, 60-plus. For example, service charges on transactions such as certified cheques, utility and cellular phone bills, and traveller's cheques are eliminated

Best Western

If you are age 55 years old or more, you can receive 10 percent off or more. You may also receive early check-ins, late check-outs, and free room upgrades. Simply make a hotel reservation and show proof of age upon check-in.

* Not available at all Best Western hotels and is subject to availability at the time of the request.

Budget

Save up to 25 percent off of the lowest discountable car or truck rental rate. Must be a CARP member. You will get free enrollment into their Budget Fastbreak service and receive Air Miles.

Bulk Barn - 10% on Wednesdays

CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) If you join CARP you will have access to many discounts not listed here. CARP provides dozens of discounts to CARP members. They are available all the time. Anyone can join CARP at any age. Here is a sampling of the Discounts offered by CARP:

Seniors should always inquire about discounts prior to shopping and recognize that the offers are fluid and may vary from store to store depending on the Manager's policy. In the last few years, senior's discounts have been shrinking. Specifically, the requirements for age are often going up (usually to 65+ from 60 yrs. of age), across the board discounts are being replaced with specific “senior's days”, the discounts are only being acknowledged if a senior asks and requirements for loyalty/affiliation cards are growing. F

Every effort has been made to verify these offers, discounts may change and sometimes they vary from location to location.

Check the websites of these businesses for changes, availability and restrictions for each program. Call to confirm availability in your area before you head out.

A&W (age: 60+): 10% off food purchases, every day.

Avis

Get up to 25 percent off of the lowest discountable rate. You must be a CARP member. You will get free enrollment into their Avis Preferred service and earn Aeroplan points.

Auto Insurance

In Canada, Insurers must offer a premium discount to retirees aged 65 and over and those younger, if they are receiving a pension such as Canada or Quebec pension. See http://www.insurance-canada.ca/consinfoauto/l12.php

Banks

Many Canadian chartered banks and financial institutions offer discounts for people, 60-plus. For example, service charges on transactions such as certified cheques, utility and cellular phone bills, and traveller's cheques are eliminated

Best Western

If you are age 55 years old or more, you can receive 10 percent off or more. You may also receive early check-ins, late check-outs, and free room upgrades. Simply make a hotel reservation and show proof of age upon check-in.

* Not available at all Best Western hotels and is subject to availability at the time of a request.

Budget

Save up to 25 percent off of the lowest discountable car or truck rental rate. Must be a CARP member. You will get free enrollment into their Budget Fastbreak service and receive Air Miles.

Bulk Barn - 10% on Wednesdays

CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons) If you join CARP you will have access to many discounts not listed here. CARP provides dozens of discounts to CARP members. They are available all the time. Anyone can join CARP at any age. Here is a sampling of the Discounts offered by CARP:

1.   Insurance discounts.

2.   Travel discounts.

3.   Health discounts.

4.   Entertainment discounts.

5.   Lifestyle discounts.

6.   Technology discounts.

Canadian Tire (age: 65+): 10% off regular priced items, first Wednesday of every month.

Choice Hotels

Includes Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn A 10 percent discount when you book in advance. Ages 60 and over.

Days Inn

Guests 60 years and older are invited to enjoy special savings off our Best Available Rate when they stay at participating Days Inn hotels. From breakfast to bedtime and all the moments in between, you're always welcome at Days Inn. Participating Days Inn locations are proud to offer AARP members up to 20% off the Best Available Rate. Reserve your room today!

Entertainment

Movie houses and theatre companies offer discounts for the 65-plus crowd.

Fairmont Hotels and Resort

Discount varies with each hotel and resort. Ask for a senior discount when making reservations.

Golden Griddle

A 10 percent discount for ages 55 and over every day. Excludes alcohol.

GO Transit (65+) – Half the price of adult single-ride fare.

Greyhound

A 10 percent discount. Ages 62 and over qualify for the discount.

Hilton Hotels (also includes Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Harrison Conference Centers, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Red Lion)

Another paid membership plan for folks over 60, they guarantee low rates and 20% off meals at participating restaurants.

Howard Johnson Hotels

AARP members are eligible for 15% to 30% discounts from Howard Johnson and everyone over 55 is entitled to a 10% discount.

Imperial Buffet (55+) – 35% off Monday to Thursday (lunch and dinner) and Friday (lunch only) with government issued ID

Lawton’s Drug

Save 20 percent off regular-priced merchandise on the monthly 55+ Appreciation Day (check your local store for dates and details). Some exclusions apply.

McDonald's (age: 60+): Large coffee for $0.85, every day.

Marriott

Save 15 percent or more off rates. Ages 62 and over, qualify.

M&M Meat Shops
A five percent discount on Tuesdays (sometimes more). Ages 60 and over are eligible.

Mandarin Chinese Buffet

Get 20 percent off the buffet price with valid ID. People of age 65 and over qualify.

Parks Canada Pass

Get a discount on a yearly pass to the National Parks or historic sites. Ages 65+.are eligible.

Public Transit

With appropriate passes, 65-year old’s may ride the Metro or use public transit at reduced rates

Rexall Pharma Plus

Save 20 percent on regular-priced merchandise on Seniors' Day (happens once a month). Some exclusions apply.

Rona (age: 65+): 10% off your regular priced purchase. First Tuesday of the month.

Salvation Army Thrift Stores

- 10% off, 60+, every day. And no federal or provincial tax!

Sandman Hotels

Sign up for 55Plus Program for discounts at all locations.

Shoppers Drug Mart

Get 20 percent off regular-priced merchandise on Seniors' Discount Day (usually the last Thursday of the month). Ages 65 and over, Are eligible.

Smitty’s: With a $2 annual fee, receive a $5 gift certificate and save 15% off any menu or retail item, every day.

The Bay

The first Tuesday of every month participating stores offer 15 percent off most items.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Save 25 percent on certain shows if you are a CARP member

Travelodge Hotels (includes Thriftlodge)

AARP/CARP members who make advance reservations are given a 15% discount off the regular room rate. 50+ can receive a 10% discount off the regular room rate. Additionally, seniors can also receive in-room coffee, no long-distance access charges and free weekday lobby newspapers.

Value Village (age: 55+): 10% off your purchase, every Tuesday.

Via Rail

Discounted fares are available for all people age 60 and over. You can save 10 percent on the Economy Plus fare and on regular Sleeper, Sleeper Plus and Touring fares.

Wyndham Hotels

Includes: Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Hawthorn Suites, Microtel and Travelodge, Wingate by Wyndham
Up to 20 percent off of the best available rate for CARP or AARP members. 10% off for non-members, ages 50 and over.

Canadian Tire (age: 65+): 10% off regular priced items, first Wednesday of every month.

Choice Hotels

Includes Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn A 10 percent discount when you book in advance. Ages 60 and over.

Days Inn

Guests 60 years and older are invited to enjoy special savings off our Best Available Rate when they stay at participating Days Inn hotels. From breakfast to bedtime and all the moments in between, you're always welcome at Days Inn. Participating Days Inn locations are proud to offer AARP members up to 20% off the Best Available Rate. Reserve your room today!

Entertainment

Movie houses and theatre companies offer discounts for the 65-plus crowd.

Fairmont Hotels and Resort

Discount varies with each hotel and resort. Ask for a senior discount when making reservations.

Golden Griddle

A 10 percent discount for ages 55 and over every day. Excludes alcohol.

GO Transit (65+) – Half the price of adult single-ride fare.

Greyhound

A 10 percent discount. Ages 62 and over qualify for the discount.

Hilton Hotels (also includes Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Harrison Conference Centers, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Red Lion)

Another paid membership plan for folks over 60, they guarantee low rates and 20% off meals at participating restaurants.

Howard Johnson Hotels

AARP members are eligible for 15% to 30% discounts from Howard Johnson and everyone over 55 is entitled to a 10% discount.

Imperial Buffet (55+) – 35% off Monday to Thursday (lunch and dinner) and Friday (lunch only) with government issued ID

Lawton’s Drug

Save 20 percent off regular-priced merchandise on the monthly 55+ Appreciation Day (check your local store for dates and details). Some exclusions apply.

McDonald's (age: 60+): Large coffee for $0.85, every day.

Marriott

Save 15 percent or more off rates. Ages 62 and over, qualify.

M&M Meat Shops
A five percent discount on Tuesdays (sometimes more). Ages 60 and over are eligible.

Mandarin Chinese Buffet

Get 20 percent off the buffet price with valid ID. People of age 65 and over qualify.

Parks Canada Pass

Get a discount on a yearly pass to the National Parks or historic sites. Ages 65+.are eligible.

Public Transit

With appropriate passes, 65-year old’s may ride the Metro or use public transit at reduced rates

Rexall Pharma Plus

Save 20 percent on regular-priced merchandise on Seniors' Day (happens once a month). Some exclusions apply.

Rona (age: 65+): 10% off your regular priced purchase. First Tuesday of the month.

Salvation Army Thrift Stores

- 10% off, 60+, every day. And no federal or provincial tax!

Sandman Hotels

Sign up for 55Plus Program for discounts at all locations.

Shoppers Drug Mart

Get 20 percent off regular-priced merchandise on Seniors' Discount Day (usually the last Thursday of the month). Ages 65 and over, Are eligible.

Smitty’s: With a $2 annual fee, receive a $5 gift certificate and save 15% off any menu or retail item, every day.

The Bay

The first Tuesday of every month participating stores offers 15 percent off most items.

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Save 25 percent on certain shows if you are a CARP member

Travelodge Hotels (includes Thriftlodge)

AARP/CARP members who make advance reservations are given a 15% discount off the regular room rate. 50+ can receive a 10% discount off the regular room rate. Additionally, seniors can also receive in-room coffee, no long-distance access charges and free weekday lobby newspapers.

Value Village (age: 55+): 10% off your purchase, every Tuesday.

Via Rail

Discounted fares are available for all people age 60 and over. You can save 10 percent on the Economy Plus fare and on regular Sleeper, Sleeper Plus, and Touring fares.

Wyndham Hotels

Includes Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Hawthorn Suites, Microtel and Travelodge, Wingate by Wyndham

Up to 20 percent off of the best available rate for CARP, or AARP members. 10% off for non-members, ages 50 and over.