In our last column we discussed making ends meet. This time
we will disuss more ways to save.
Pay charge accounts on time to avoid paying extra finance
fees. Buy generic (not brand-name) drugs whenever possible.
Ask your doctor to prescribe them. Buy prescriptions at
discount drug stores; prices will generally be lower than
neighborhood drug stores.
Check to see what items are cheaper via mail order. Keep up
proper maintenance on cars and major appliances to avoid
major repair expenses in the future. Do minor repairs
yourself. Eliminate the use of unnecessary electric
appliances.
Check appliances before you rush to get them fixed. It might
turn out to be only a loose connection, accumulation of dirt
or something minor you can fix yourself. Check manual,
warranty and guarantee. Call a service agency who might tell
you what is wrong and how to correct it.
Let me quickly tell you a true story, one of my favorites.
One day my friend heard funny noises coming from her
refrigerator. She became nervous that the loud, persistant
noise might be signalling an imminent motor breakdown and
hastily called a repairman. He came, moved the refrigerator
to get a better look - and found a spoon jammed next to the
back wheel, vibrating with metallic repercussions.
Buy bulk items in bags rather than in boxes. You can save as
much as 20%. Compare the costs of different forms of food to
see which is currently cheaper: fresh, canned, frozen,
chilled or dried.
Plan to use all leftovers: many delicious dishes can be
prepared from them. Drink less coffee; switch to tea or lower
cost drinks earlier in the day.
Read labels carefully. In addition to comparing the weight of
similar brands to find the best buy, check the order of the
ingredients as well. You may not be getting what you think
you are. Remember that ingredients are listed in descending
order by volume. For example, if you are buying a "fruit
drink" and the fruit is mentioned after water, sugar and
flavorings, then you are paying for sugar water with a little
fruit taste mixed in, rather than a real `fruit' drink.
When shopping for low calorie foods, stick to ordinary diet
foods such as fresh vegetables and avoid pricey, packaged
`diet' foods.
Buy unsliced cheese and sandwich meats. Slice them yourself.
[This may not be a saver, if you are not careful how you
slice. Count and compare.]
Buy only food items, mainly basics like milk and bread, by
your grocer. Other products are usually cheaper elsewhere. In
order not to run short, keep a running grocery list posted
for the entire family to use as things run out.
Watch the cashier for possible errors; check the cash
register receipt when you get home. Buy torn-label or surplus
sale items. Learn the art of bargaining and don't be afraid
to ask for a discount. Buy floor/display samples which
usually include the same manufacturer's guarantee. Consider
buying used items from classified ads or resell shops. Ask
for a bonus when buying large priced items. Some dealers will
agree if they see you hesitating. You can bargain for free
delivery, if this was not originally included. Don't rush to
buy a major item; wait for a sale. Buy clothing at end-of-the-
season sales, not at the beginning of a season. This is a
major savings. Check with different reliable appliance
dealers on their recommendations before purchasing any
expensive item.
Avoid impulse buying. Never purchase an item you haven't
planned. Give yourself a few days of `time out' to think
about it and if it is really necessary. If it is, shop around
and get the best deal.
For home repairs, use only reputable firms. Get references
from friends or neighbors and get competitive bids. Buy
washable, not dry-cleanable, clothing.
If you are a senior citizen, take advantage of benefits in
transportation and discounts in stores.
Take your lunch with you instead of buying. Take water along.
Use car pools for transportation. Leave your car at home and
walk whenever possible; it's much healthier, besides.
Concentrate errands/shopping to several at a time to save on
gasoline or bus fares. Save on car insurance by checking
rates with several companies. Check discounts for good
driver, two or more cars etc.
Check insurance rates and coverage on persons and property.
Make long distance calls during bargain rate hours. Call toll-
free lines whenever possible.
Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms; use lower wattage bulbs
(in bathrooms, porches). Don't heat rooms that are not in
use; close them off. Keep thermostat down; wear a sweater.
Use a very warm blanket so as to turn down heat at night.
Go to the barber less. Buy yourself a hair trimmer; go to
local home-hairdressers and sheitel-setters, comparing
prices first.
Just keep in mind: if you save $5 or 5 shekel a day, it adds
up to $1,825 or 1,825 shekel per year. So keep an eye on all
those small coins leaking their way out of your purse. They
add up quickly. Let the savings add up instead!
