Boomers are no strangers to saving. They’ve made a name for themselves doing more with less and using what they have. So what’s their secret? Here are five ways boomers are saving money on things that you could probably save money on, too.
Lawn Maintenance Through Planting Native Plants
An ingenious way to make lawn care easier on yourself? Plant what would already love to grow in that spot. Native plants have lower maintenance requirements because they’ve already adapted to the local environment. This strategy slashes through water budgets and cuts back on the need for costly pesticides and fertilizers. Plus many local governments also provide rebates or discounts for residents who choose drought-resistant landscaping, making savings even greater.
Better Health Through Preventative Care
Ever heard the phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Boomers are proactive about limiting their healthcare expenses however they can, and that includes preventative practice. Routine check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can both ensure you’re in good health and take the stress off your bank account.
Many boomers also opt for generics since they contain the same active ingredient as the brand name. This tactic keeps healthcare at least somewhat affordable, even with the exorbitant price-gouging you’ll often find at your local pharmacy.
Lower Bills With Energy Efficient Upgrades
Utility bills can eat a large part of a budget, but boomers are finding ways to offset these, like with energy efficiency upgrades. Many are switching to LED lighting, which consumes up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and lasts far longer.
Moreover, boomers are capitalizing on government incentives for energy-efficient appliances. Programs typically offer rebates to incentivize the purchase of Energy Star-rated appliances that use less energy and water. Sealing windows and doors, adding insulation, and installing programmable thermostats are relatively easy changes that can also cut heating and cooling bills by significant amounts.
Cheaper Home Maintenance Through Bartering
Home improvement is a major expense for homeowners. But boomers have weaponized the power of talking to your neighbors to save money. For example, if one neighbor is skilled in plumbing and another in landscaping, they can exchange services instead of paying for them. This only works if both parties have a trade skill or are willing to put in the work. But it’s an incredibly valuable way to get things done around your home for a fraction of the price.
Cheaper Groceries With Seasonal Shopping and CSAs
Boomers are generally better grocery shoppers: they know when to shop to find the best deals, aren’t easily enticed by endcaps, and gleefully spend a good part of their Saturday cutting coupons. But the real secret to their cheaper grocery hauls is less obvious — buying seasonal produce and leveraging farmers’ markets or CSAs (community-supported agriculture).
Only buying fruits and vegetables in season has many benefits, including that they just taste better. But when the harvest is plentiful, that also means the farmer needs to sell their bounty as quickly as possible, leading to better prices on foods when they’re at peak ripeness.
