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The best method to beat inflation is to SAVE. You can save by not spending as much - or save by getting more for each dollar you spend - or not spend any money unless it is absolutely necessary. Keep this report as a check list - refer to it often as a reminder and tips for eliminating or controlling spending - thereby saving yourself many hundreds of dollars each year. Set up a reasonable budget; stick to it.

IN GENERAL:

Don't buy on credit unless absolutely necessary. (finance charges will be higher than interest you can earn in your saving account.)
Pay charge accounts on time to save extra finance fees.
Pay insurance on a yearly basis, rather than quarterly.
Buy generic drugs whenever possible. Ask your doctor to prescribe them.
Buy prescriptions at discount drug stores; prices will generally be lower than neighborhood drug stores.
Buy vitamins from a mail order firm.
Live where you can afford, you can move to a better location when financial situation permits.
When buying an older house: check for termite infestation and woodrot, sagging structure and foundation, electric wiring, heating unit, plumbing, hot water heater, roof, leaky basements.
Keep up proper maintenance on cars and major appliances to avoid major repair expense in the future.
Do minor repairs yourself.
Eliminate the use of unnecessary electric appliances.
Check appliances before you rush to get them fixed. May be only 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.
Check consumer reports at book stores or library for best buys and quality before purchasing major item.
Shop around before buying a major or costly item - you will get a "best buy" if you check various locations.
Get highest interest for your savings; get interest on your checking account.
Make long distance calls during the bargain rate hours.
Call an "800" or toll-free lines whenever possible.
Buy in "off season"; Xmas cards and decorations can often be bought at half-price right after Xmas; winter clothing costs less in July, etc.
Save money on new books; get them free at the library or wait until a paperback issue comes out.

GROCERY SAVINGS:

Consider a freezer to buy food in quantity lots or when prices are most reasonable. Buy food in season and freeze for later consumption.
Do comparison shopping at various supermarkets to determine which stores have the best prices on items you frequently purchase.
Avoid buying convenience foods; prepare similar meals at home.
Use cents off coupons for any food item you need to buy.
Buy house brands at lower prices.
Avoid junk and non-nutritious foods; nutrient foods are healthier for you and cost less.
Get a recipe book for leftover foods; many delicious dishes can be prepared from leftovers.
Drink less coffee; switch to tea or lower cost drinks earlier in the day.
Watch the checker for possible errors; check the cash register receipt when you get home.
Buy dented, torn label, or surplus sale items.
Buy perishable foods past the stamped date; store will not sell spoiled food. The item will be full nutritional and tasty if used early or frozen immediately.
Read labels and check weight for best buy.

HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS:

Make and repair your own clothes.
Save aluminum and sell to recycling plants.
Cut down on smoking, drinking and entertaining.
Save on dental bills; use the facilities of a dental school if there is one in your area.
For minor medical problems use the services of a local medical school clinic.
For home repairs use only reputable firms. Get references from friends or neighbors or firms they use. Check with the Association or Better Business Bureau. Get competitive bids.
Buy washable clothing; save the cost of dry cleaning.
Save on carpeting by buying remnants or leftovers if proper size is available.
If you are a senior citizen take advantage of benefits such as free checking, safety deposit box, discounts at stores, restaurants, sporting events & theatres.
Avoid financing major purchases through the dealer. (Chances are interest rates will be higher)
Save on film processing by sending negatives to a mail order processing firm.
Buy floor samples (usually new guarantee applies.)
Consider buying used items from classified ads or a resell-it shop (refinish if necessary)
Ask for an extra or "bonus" when buying larger priced items, such as free lamps with sofa and chair purchase. (Stores will do this to close a deal.)
An inexpensive method for skin care is to wash the face with warm water; while moist apply petroleum jelly.
Don't get tempted by the glamour ads for personal care items (lower priced items will work as well in spite of clever ad copy that implies otherwise.)
Take your lunch to work.
Organize or use a car pool for transportation to work.
Don't rush out to buy a major item; wait for a sale (You don't have to wait too long, these days.)

AUTOMOBILE SAVINGS:

Get gasoline at a self-service pump.
Add your own oil to the car.
Replace air filter and oil filter yourself.
Leave car at home and walk whenever possible. (It's a lot healthier, too.)
Read ads; take advantage of advertised specials for any item you need.
Buy wholesale or in quantity if price break offered and product will be used up within a few months.
Save on auto insurance by checking rates with several agents; you can save on discounts for good driver, "B" average student, two or more cars, lower rates for similar or better protective coverage.
Check insurance rates and coverage on persons and property; you may get the same coverage, or better, at a lower price.
Younger persons should consider term insurance.
Be your own auto mechanic; take courses or study manuals

ENERGY SAVINGS:

Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
Use lower wattage bulbs wherever possible.
Consider insulation, energy saving doors and windows. (Tax deduction is allowed for many energy saving installations and repairs.)
Shut off rooms not in use during cold weather.
Keep thermostat down; wear a sweater, jacket or heavy shirt for comfort.
Consider an electric blanket for comfortable sleeping with thermostat turned down overnight.
When absent for considerable periods turn down hot water heater; turn off unnecessary pilot lights.
Save in summer; use dehumidifier to remove excess water from the air.
Consider a ceiling or attic fan for comfort in living areas and save on air conditioning costs.

VACATIONS:

Use budget priced hotels when traveling.
Seek out free tourist attractions.
Share vacation expenses with another couple or family.
Consider an off season vacation when rates in resort area are lower.
Travel the least possible distances for a pleasure or shopping trip.
Plan your route so that you travel less and save gas.

All these tips will help you save money and enable you to stay ahead of inflation. You do not have to lower your basic standard of living, make painful sacrifices or endure hardship. But remember, if you save just $1.00 per day, you will have $365.00 more at the end of the year to do with what you want. Save $5.00 a day and you will be $1,825 more financially ahead next year. Worth it? You decide for yourself.

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