Are you looking for a creative way to save money? You should be.

It is 2009 the economy is a mess, supposedly getting better…tell that to the unemployed. No one can afford to waste money, at least not now. Here are some tips that our family has used for many years. We are retired and saving money is extra important to those of us on a fixed income.

1) Study your newspaper…make sure this becomes a ritual, especially on the day, usually Wednesday or Thursday, where the grocers try to lure you in with their ads on what will be specially priced for the next week.

2) Make a list of sale items that you can and will need in the future…then buy those items in bulk. It is a crime to run to the store because you are out of toothpaste, shaving cream, paper goods…any item that you use everyday should be stockpiled when a good price turns up…If you study the paper you will know what a good price is.

3) Use coupons and shopper cards…If you do not have a shopper’s card at your favorite store, get one, they are free from customer service. If you do not use coupons, it is the same as burning money. Furthermore, shop on double or triple coupon days. Shop only one day a week; plan your stops to save gas.

4) Goodwill, is that a word in a Christmas carol to you or where you should be shopping for clothes? In addition, no, your child will not suffer irreparable harm if his or her clothes were purchased there.

5) Question every expense…We cut down from two cell phones to one, this will save us $200 a year. Magazine subscriptions are a waste if you have a library nearby. Can you cut back to one car? Question all your expenses…that means you need to know where your money is going. Keep a log of all expenses, that means all, for a month. You cannot identify savings unless you know where all your money is going.

Hope you have found a creative way to save money. Enjoy

Gary Pierce  retired early at 49, he is still retired at 64. He has experience in lifestyles that are both fulfilling and frugal. It is 2009 and many are wondering if they can ever retire. Enjoy.