Don’t break your bank! Little savings can add up to extra dollars
Hello everyone!
I decided to make a slight departure from the weekly calendar. Why? Two reasons:
Your correspondent took some of her own advice to carve out a little time and space for some ‘self-care’ – unplugging from the world for a few hours.
Over the years, I have been accused of being ‘too serious.’ That is not surprising, given my career as a broadcast news professional, then years as a family caregiver. I spend a lot of time and energy seeking solutions to issues. But, it has come to my attention that sometimes folks just want to fuss, vent and not think too hard. I get it.
So rather than loading you up with more things to do and meetings to attend, I thought I would offer some suggestions for saving money and having some fun.
Shopping savings
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Did you know the first Tuesday of each month, Walgreens offers discounts on select purchase items? That means the next savings day is coming up Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
Plan your shopping accordingly and little savings can add up to big savings.
The offer is good for those 55+ or those with an AARP membership.
Discounts apply for both in-store and online shopping.
Kohl’s
Retail outlet Kohl’s offers a 15% discount each Wednesday to those 60 and older.
There are some exclusions, so be sure to ask a sales associate which purchases qualify.
Kohl’s also has a 15% savings in the form of Service member (Military) Discount. This offer is good on Monday’s.
Again, there are exclusions and limitations, so check with your local store to understand which products qualify for discounts.
Safeway
For those of you who live in the regions served by the Safeway supermarket chain, I encourage you to sign up for the Safeway for U Reward program.
Each time you shop you earn reward points and have access to product discounts. Those reward points can then be redeemed for gas discounts at Chevron.
Bottom line: if you eat food (which you do) and you have to put gas in your car (which you do), why not combine the two?
I can tell you, there have been times I have earned as much as $1 per gallon off gas!
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Get outdoors
Thursday, August 4, 2022
National Parks – Celebrating The Great American Outdoors Act
Whether you are already an outdoor enthusiasts or just entering a love affair with Mother Nature, this savings opportunity is one you don’t want to pass up.
I didn’t grow up camping, hiking, or taking part in other outdoor pursuits. I do recall a childhood family visit to Yosemite National Park.
It wasn’t until I was an adult that the call of the wild came knocking. After a work-related trip to Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks, I was hooked! Over the years, I have visited parks across the country, most recently a camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Julia Yarbough/Keeping It REAL Caregiving/
On August 4, 2022 our nation will celebrate the Great American Outdoors Act. What is that you ask?
The National Park Service explains: The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), passed in 2020, improves infrastructure and expanding recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. The legislation established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund and guaranteed permanent funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund.
This date is also one of five days a year, you have FREE entry to any National Park that usually charges a fee.
Julia Yarbough/Keeping It REAL Caregiving/Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona; 2016
The other savings perk you should take advantage of is the National Park Lifetime Senior Pass.
For $80 you can purchase a Senior Pass that allows entry to any of our country’s National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands – it is good forever.
Consider, that if an older loved one is unable to still take a hiking or camping trip, a beautiful drive through one of our stunning National Parks could make for an incredible outing.
Take to the skies
Courtesy: Adobe Stock
Did you know, several major US air carriers offer special discounts for senior travelers?
If you are planning a trip, call your airline before booking and ask about any discounts which may be available for specific age groups.
Delta Airlines does not have a blanket offering, but does have a Senior discount in certain markets.
Delta also has specific guidelines for bereavement fares. Should you need this service, call the airline for guidelines.
United Airlines offers limited discounts for those 65 and older. Contact the airline directly to ask for specific details.
Get creative
For those who call the Seattle region home, Amazon is seeking applicants for an Artist in Residence Program for the 2023 Cohort session.
I checked out the requirements and did not see an age cut-off for applicants. (If you happen to discover otherwise, please share with the rest of the KIRC family)
Screenshot Courtesy: Amazon
If you or a loved one has some incredible artistic talent, regardless of age, check it out.
Amazon is offering $15,000 in grants and free office space for those chosen.
Good luck!
Until next time~
Julia
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