(InvestigateTV) — Small spending decisions at the grocery store, around the house and on the road can add up over time — and AARP says it has 99 ways to help consumers find those savings.
Stephen Perrine, executive director of AARP Magazine, said financial uncertainty and fluctuating gas prices are driving more people to look for practical ways to cut costs.
“Inflation’s a little pinchy, and the future sometimes feels a little uncertain,” Perrine said. “Gas prices are like a roller coaster. So people want to make sure that they’ve got their financial house in order more than ever before.”
Perrine said one of the easiest places to find savings is the grocery store, by stocking up on staples that can be stored and shopping at discount stores or choosing store-brand products.
“Just get the things that you can store that are staples, and then shop around to other stores,” Perrine said. “There’s discount stores you can go to. A lot of supermarkets have their own products in their own labels, and those can be pennies to dollars cheaper.”
Routine home maintenance may not feel like a money-saving move, but Perrine said it can prevent much larger expenses down the road.
“Put a marker on your calendar right around Halloween — you’re going to call a professional to come and clean your gutters,” Perrine said. “So you do this every year, just once a year. Over the long run, it’s going to save you a ton of money.”
For drivers, Perrine said one overlooked source of fuel savings is a roof rack.
“If you have a roof rack, go outside today and take it off,” Perrine said. “A roof rack is great if you’re hauling skis or bikes, but over time it can add as much as 25% to your fuel costs because of the drag. So that’s a big savings right there.”
AARP also recommends that road trip drivers avoid waiting until the tank is nearly empty to fill up. Once the gauge reaches about a quarter tank, finding an exit and fueling up a mile or two off the highway — rather than at a highway rest stop — could save $10 to $15 per fill-up.
The full list of 99 ways to save is available here.
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