Saving Money – It makes Cents!

As many of us know, prices are continuing to rise each and every day. When prices rise, it can be difficult to make money stretch and make ends meet. To assist older adults, especially those with a fixed income, we’ve gathered some tips for those residing in our four-county service area:

Find Free Entertainment-The St. Louis area is lucky to have so many free attractions! From well-known fun in Forest Park with free theatre seats at The Muny and no cost admission to the Zoo, Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum. The metro St. Louis area is a gateway of fun. Additionally, our agency’s CHOICE program has free Zoom programming to bring the fun right into your home. 

Utilize the Library – Libraries are much more than books these days, they’re a community hub. Some library branches can even come to you via curbside and home delivery. Resources that can be checked out of libraries include magazines, e-books, DVDs, activity kits, and more. Different libraries in the area offer access to resources galore including genealogy information, notarization services, internet access, computer classes, and more. Like they say, “Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!” Check with your local library branch for specific resources available to you.

Get a Breath of Fresh Air – If outdoor activities are more your style, check out Laumier Sculpture Park as well as Missouri State Parks like the Mastodon Historical Area and Meramec State Park. If you’re in the market for a new friend, agencies like Oasis hold walking classes where you can enjoy both fresh air and company.

Buy what you can Second-Hand – If something in your house breaks or you’re in need of some new-to-you clothing, local thrift shops and secondhand stores are fantastic. Additionally, the internet has opened the doors to online consignment shops across the country. Besides the benefits of saving money, you’ll also help the planet!

Take Advantage of Discounts – There’s a great deal of local businesses that offer older adult discounts. Several stores have senior days when older adults can utilize special offers. You never know where you could save money, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Get a Benefits Check-Up – There may be free money out there waiting for you! Our agency has Community Options Specialists that are happy to discuss benefit eligibility. COS can help people apply for all kind of benefits from applying for benefits to help reduce the cost of home internet to Property Tax Relief Credit to the unique Farmer’s Market program, our COS department is here to help!

Though times may be tough, creativity and community can help get us through difficult times. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from your local resources. Our Community Options Specialist are here to help and can be reached at 636-207-0847.