Growing Your Pennies

Growing Your Pennies

Photo by micheile dot com on Unsplash

There is no doubt the rising cost in America is having an impact on each one of us. A few simple purchases at the grocery store will add up quickly. When I was little, my grandmother always told me as children would balk at taking a penny over a shiny quarter, ” Pennies turn into nickels; nickels turn into dimes; dimes turn into quarters, and quarters turn into dollars! “

Let’s take today to kick off July to look at 10 ways to save money for ourselves, and ways to help our fellow neighbors.

1. Visit local farmers’ markets as a consumer to get fresh local produce! If you have your own garden and want to prepare food to store in the winter, canning would be great for stocking your home shelves. Check out your local extension office for many free resources about canning and gardening. However, if you don’t want to go through the labor of love of canning, sell your extra produce at the Farmers Market. Usually, you have to apply and take care of the basics of selling with a small fee, or sometimes it may be free depending on your location. If you are selling food, you will have to have a food permit. Contact your local health department for information.

2. Join a “Buy Nothing Group” on Facebook. There are usually groups per region for people who have started one. Their mission is to buy less and share more; it makes us all richer and cleaner planet. https://buynothingproject.org/

3. Price check the sale ads from all grocery stores. If you are looking to save money looking at the sale ads and combing the paper or digital coupons is a great way to price match. Also, don’t forget to ask for rain checks when your item on sale has run out. This will ensure you get the item when it is restocked at the sale price. Some places still do this! Look for manufacturer’s coupons and check with each store to see if they can be used (or stacked) with store coupons, amplifying your savings. Don’t forget to check if the store has an app with digital coupons and/or rewards programs.

4. Have an old fashion yard sale to move some items someone else may be looking for. Possibly take your funds to pay off a bill, buy items you need in bulk, save for gas, save for a vacation, or better yet invest! Get creative and do those D-I-Y projects where you can on your own; Try to support locals where you can if you can’t do a D-I-Y project as you never know how they may work with you on prices!

5. Cancel apps and memberships so that you can evaluate if you can pause them to save money to put towards other expenses. You can also change your mobile plan’s data or shop around for who has the best plans for you and your family. Here are some apps to explore to help with this: BillShark, BillFixer, and TrueBill.

6. Dining out less and meal planning. I know!–It is one you have to weigh! Both eating out and home preparation can be expensive. Whichever option you choose, look for coupons or email signups on restaurant deals. If you know your restaurants in town, look into having a side gig as a DoorDash driver, and make some extra cash!

7. Energy prices are also rising, and making small changes could make a difference on your next bill. Simple things like changing your air filters, keeping doors closed, and checking for any cracks or leaks can also help. There are also weatherization assistance programs available for low-income homeowners.

8. Ask for a discount, No matter the retailer, be bold and ask politely if there are any special savings going on. You will never know if you don’t ask. You may be surprised at what is out there! Veterans, officers, teachers, and medical professionals usually get several discounts as well, ask away!

9. Donate to local food banks; helping each other is always needed in hard times and in general. If you are able to start a blessing box with non-perishables in your neighborhood that would also be helpful.

10. Track and prioritize your expenses. Ask your support system about ways you can put your resources together, save money, or additional ideas to add to your own plan.

Hard times financially can fall on many and we are just a phone call away to assist you with resources through Targeted Case Management Services and therapy services with our highly trained clinicians. A Case Manager’s job is to connect and assist you with local resources. Our team is highly knowledgeable of the resources available and are here to help. Give us a call today at 606-676-0638 to get services started. There is NO waiting list! Have an appointment scheduled within 2 business days of your call. Services are available in person and via telehealth so you can choose the level of service you are comfortable with. Intrust has been serving communities all across Kentucky since 1999. Call today and #LetsGrowTogether!

Leticia Reynolds
Case Manager

Leticia Reynolds, BS is a TCM with Intrust Healthcare. She has a Bachelor’s from the University of Kentucky in Community and Leadership Development, with an emphasis in agricultural communications and journalism. She has a special interest in maternal mental health, community support for families, and support groups. She enjoys spending time with her family, going on adventures, exploring nature, and learning/reading.