Let’s face it, saving is tough especially for seniors with medical needs. At some point, you’ll have to sacrifice something you love buying just to make ends meet – okay, that maybe an exaggeration but sometimes, it feels exactly like that. While I am not a big spender and rarely do I find myself splurging, I love pampering myself every now and then. However, when thinking of my next round of meds to buy, I feel somewhat guilty in treating myself and was reduced to every other month instead of monthly trips to my favorite spa. It may not be the biggest sacrifice humans have read but hey, it is sacrifice still. Below are some more ways to save:

1. Learn how to differentiate wants and needs. Before you buy anything, take a little time to think if this something you really need or if this is just something you would want to have.
2. Pay in cash. Or pay only with your credit card if you already have the cash to pay for it come due date. No ifs, no buts. This way you stay afloat and not acquire unnecessary debt.
3. Invest in something that has worth. If you don’t know how to do that, then just remember this, something that has worth grows overtime. For example, if you like a property and it will surely double in worth in 10-20 years then go on and buy it.
4. Avoid impulse buying. It is a traitor, and it robs you blind. You’re most probably going to end up paying more than you intended to if you give in to impulse buying. Just think auctions.
5. It is okay to buy secondhand/pre-owned things as long as it still has worth. Okay, there is a difference between wise buy and foolish buy and that usually applies when buying old things. It’s okay to buy a secondhand car with little wear and tear on seats but it is not okay to buy a sofa with little wear and tear on seats. I hope you get my point.
6. Think twice when buying. Aside from deciding if this is a want or a need, you also have to determine if this is something that can be used for a long time.
7. Ignore the green-eyed monster. You don’t have to keep up with the things your friends have, they will still love you even if you show up in your birthday suit next card night.
8. Buy in bulk whenever possible. Of course, you still have to practice good judgment on this one. Set your mind to buy in months depending on their expiration date, that is, one month’s worth of bathroom tissue, soap, laundry soap etc.
9. Minimize waste. Think of it as money thrown away. Everytime you throw something or consider it as a waste, you are also throwing away your hard-earned money.
10. Try doing things by yourself or if you have to hire someone for it, make sure they are really really good. Getting help is unavoidable in a senior’s life but there are things that we can still do on our own.