Make a budget and stick to it and always look for savings everywhere you can. For help creating and managing a budget, download our Household Budgeting Worksheet.
Budgeting Worksheet (Printable)
Also, use our Rework Your Budget financial calculator to help you track your expenses and see where your money goes.
Joining organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) or the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) can also help save you money. Don’t be afraid to ask for senior discounts everywhere you go. Most stores offer them but they are rarely advertised.
Another place to find discounts is your local senior center and town offices. Some towns offer seniors abatements on things like real estate taxes and water/sewer bills if you qualify (usually there is an age or income qualification). Also a lot of state governments have tax credits for seniors. For example, in Massachusetts there is a Senior Circuit Breaker tax credit for those that qualify based on income and usage.
Remember that if you earn under $50,000 annually, you can go to any Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) tax coalition site and have your tax return done for free. To find a site near you, click here.
If you are having trouble balancing your budget because of credit card debt, contact ACCC for help. When you contact our approved credit counseling agency, a certified credit advisor will help you evaluate your current financial situation and provide you with personalized debt solutions based on your goals.
