Money saving tips for seniors living on a budget
By Susan Nienow CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Who needs a video store? Doug Camp avoids rental and late fees by checking out DVDs from the Clover Hill Library.

Retirement frees up time for leisure activities, but for many seniors, there's also less money to spend on the extras. Since retirees give up annual raises, cost of living increases and bonuses when they leave their full-time jobs behind, many find themselves adjusting to life on a fixed income.

Recently, the Chesterfield Observer asked several seniors to share their tips on living the good life on less. Here are some of their money-saving suggestions:

General advice

The number one recommended way to cut expenses is to stay out of the stores. Most seniors also said they often ask if a senior discount is available. Sometimes it isn't posted or advertised.

Holidays for less

Family traditions are wonderful things, but seniors living on fixed incomes may find them too expensive to continue. If gift-giving becomes a financial burden as your extended family grows with in-laws and grandchildren, make the holiday spiritual instead.

Barbara and Lou Di Lalla have been married 55 years and are both retired. They now enjoy a Chinese auction with their family at Christmas where the first one opens a gift, and the next person can take that gift or open another. It continues until everyone has a gift. They also enjoy a big meal together - potluck now.

Credit cards

Compare credit cards. Some have no yearly fee, others award points for purchases that can be redeemed for gift certificates or used toward future charges, and still others offer frequent flyer miles. Some cards offer a few cents off each gallon of gas charged on the card. Discount travel, hotel and car rentals may be available by charging on the card. If you pay off the card each month to avoid interest charges, these benefits can save you money.

Household expenses/retail

• Bread lovers should look for the local dayold bread store or make their own if they love some of the specialty breads.

• Shop the fresh fruit and vegetable stands at the end of the day. Some discount produce then so they can start with a fresh supply the next day.

• Some local grocery stores have senior days. Kroger, for example, gives seniors a 5 percent discount on Tuesdays. Southern States and the Great Big Greenhouse also offer discounts for seniors on Tuesdays.

• Using coupons can result in significant savings especially when combined with a sale. In addition to checking newspapers, magazines and flyers, look for coupons online.

• Several department stores offer a senior discount day once a year near Christmas. Ask before you do your gift shopping.

• Save for your next car instead of financing it. For incentive, figure out how much interest you will be paying on a purchase that loses value each day you own it.

• Check out the used clothing at local Goodwill stores, consignment shops and even yard sales. Many items are new or like new at a fraction of the original cost.

• Yard sales are a bargain hunter's paradise. Whether you need baby furniture for your new grandchild to use when visiting or you collect Depression glass, yard sales provide great money-saving opportunities.

• Gas prices differ across the metro area. Fill up when you are near a gas station with a competitive price.

Entertainment

• Ask theaters and sports arenas if they give senior discounts.

• If you love plays or opera, ask if they use volunteers to usher. You can help and enjoy the performance at no cost. Both Barksdale and the University of Richmond offer this option.

• Entertain at home with card parties, potlucks or movies with popcorn. Cook hamburgers on the grill and play croquet in the yard. Set up a badminton net.

• Join a book club and exchange books. Use the library for books, CDs and DVDs.

• Look for free performances or celebrations like Chesterfield's Senior Day in May.

• Sign up for the County's Super Senior Passport. It allows residents who are 60 and older to take courses through the school system's Office of Adult Continuing Education at a reduced rate. Call 748-1405 for more information.

• Take advantage of tours, classes and seminars offered by the county's Parks and Recreation Department. The prices are reasonable, and the offerings are extensive.

• Both The Shepherd's Center of Chesterfield (706-6689) and the Lifelong Learning Institute (378-2527) offer classes and activities for a reasonable annual fee. Sometimes scholarships are also available.

Gardening

• Start your own compost pile with leaves and kitchen scraps instead of paying for bags of compost to amend your soil.

• Start plants from cuttings and seeds indoors in late winter. Move them outside when the weather warms up.

• Share perennials with other gardeners.

• Use home remedies for insects and plant diseases. Check the library or the Internet for ingredients.

• Newspapers make good mulch, especially between rows of vegetables.

• Take advantage of end of the season sales on bulbs, perennials and shrubs.

Travel

• Check out the Elderhostel program (800- 454-5768 or www.elderhostel.org), which offers trips, tours and classes at reduced rates.

• Do your research when planning a trip. Ask for the best deal in a hotel room, and then ask for the AARP or senior discount. The "best deal" may be better than the senior discount.

• Travel by car. It is still one of the cheapest methods of transportation.