Tag: food

Wendy C. Kasten

Shop Around to Save Money
Sometimes, we get into a rut with shopping, visiting the same stores or online retailers. However, it could save money shopping around for items we need. Here are some suggestions:

• Jot down prices of items you buy regularly, such as health and beauty products, vitamins, food, paper products, etc. Try a different store with your list and compare prices of things you normally buy. There may be some savings. Don’t assume that smaller stores are more expensive. Find out for yourself.
• Many of us have to go to Bangor, Augusta, or even Portland. Check out stores in those places to compare prices. For example, I found several produce items I use regularly to be less expensive at a store in Bangor than in Belfast.
• Bangor offers Sam’s Club and BJ’s. These retailers charge an annual membership fee, but you might save more than the amount of the fee in a single visit. Quantities are greater. For example, toilet paper comes in packages of 48. CeraVe lotion comes in a package of two. Other items such as, coffee, olive oil, and protein powder come in a single larger container. I saved more than $30 on my first visit on a health-related product I use daily that was sold in a package of three. Overall, the membership fee had paid for itself by the completion of my first visit. Be cautious of assuming that everything in these “clubs” is less expensive. Know how much you spend on regularly used items and compare the prices.
• Do not assume all pharmacies charge the same amount for prescriptions. If there is more than one pharmacy that accepts your insurance, compare pricing on prescriptions or other items you need regularly.
• The first Tuesday of the month is SENIOR DAY at all Walgreen’s stores. Plan your visits to obtain non-prescription needs such as, vitamins, aspirin, cough and cold remedies, nuts, greetings cards, etc. Anything currently on sale is not eligible for the 20% discount, however everything else is. The cashier will adjust your total upon checkout. I always ask how much I saved; it’s generally around $40.00!
• Shop around for gasoline. An IPhone APP called Gas Buddy tells you all the gas prices in the area (if you have location services turned on in your settings). Certain gas stations in our area are consistently cheaper or more expensive. Irving stations and others offer discounts for having their rewards card. The card can be applied for in person or on their website. It is an alternate debit card attached to one of your bank accounts. At the pump or in their stores, if you pay with their card instead of your regular credit card, the prices are sometimes less. At Irving stations, fuel is 10 cents less per gallon. Purchases earn you reward points that can accumulate for benefits.