September, 2003

SENIOR DOLLAR STRETCHERS
by Mary K. Morgan



Small Explosion Takes Dollar Stretcher By Surprise!

I know a senior dollar stretcher who saved so much money last month that he popped the spring on his money clip and had to buy a new one. Fortunately, he found one on the clearance table and didn’t have to spend a bundle to secure his bankroll. How did he do it, you might ask? One bill at a time.

Beauty News Flash!

Many area beauty shop chains honor competitors’ coupons. Good news, the coupons can be found all over, in mailers, newspapers, on-line, even on the back of your grocery receipts. Haircuts that used to cost $11 or $12 dollars just went down to $6. Start looking for those coupons and pass a few on to your friends who are looking a little shaggy.


The Repertory Theatre of St.Louis : New Season Begins September 10
Arrive about thirty minutes before show time and get bargain seats. That’s right, discounted seats are only $ 7 each. If you are lucky, they just might be the best in the house. But fear not, there are no bad seats at the Rep. The season opener is Metamorphoses and it should be a stunning production of Mary Zimmerman’s Tony Award winning adaptation of Ovid’s works. A 27’ by 27’ pool will span the stage for this enchanting production. If you are on the cautious side, call ahead to make sure that the performance is not sold out. That way you will know that the discounted seats will be available on a first come basis. If you can’t get a seat, be flexible, reschedule. A good dollar stretcher has to be patient and willing to bend a little. 314-968-4925

Well kept secret saves gasoline!

Well, as I mentioned last month, the Eads Bridge is open to automobile traffic. The only problem is, no one seems to know it. With the Poplar Street Bridge ramps under repair, the lines of traffic can be backed up for miles. Just imagine how much gasoline is being wasted sitting in traffic trying to cross the river. Meanwhile, only a few smart cookies are zipping back and forth over the Eads. From Missouri, you access the newly opened treasure at the end of Washington Avenue and you exit near the Metro-Link station by the Casino Queen. Why sit in traffic burning fuel when you can be burning rubber?

The check really is in the mail!

Rebates are my new favorite hobby. It’s like magic. I purchase something, carefully follow the directions printed with the offer, send it in, and they send me my money back. Why? I’m not quite sure, but nor do I care. It works, it’s fun and it stretchers the dollars. My rebate purchases turn out to be free. True, I have to spend my money up front, and read very carefully, and use a stamp, but, “Hey”, it works. Great gifts can be procured for future use. When my money returns, I’m happy to cash the rebate check, knowing that I got the merchandise for free. Free is good. Office supply stores, computer stores and national drugstore chains have especially good offers. Happy refunding!


Dollar Store Wars Continue Unabated

Competition between chains of single price dollar stores is getting more intense. And that’s a good thing for the bargain shopper. The stores are bigger and better, not to mention that the selection just keeps growing. Who would ever have dreamed that there was so much merchandise floating around out there on the secondary market that could be had for only a dollar? It never ceases to amaze me when I see the myriad of merchandise on the shelves. Don’t forget, when you see a real good item, buy plenty, because it probably will not stay around long. Look for more brand names because some of the chains have struck deals with major companies to buy their surplus. Pass the tips on to your friends and neighbors.

See you at the movies!

The “cheap movies” at Sensible Cinemas at Keller Plaza 8 Cine have been a treat all summer. Where else can you go to a theater matinee for $ 2 any day of the week before 6 PM? When in the South County area, be sure to visit them and get a break from high movie prices. Even the popcorn is cheaper there.


“I heard it on the radio...”

Many of the local radio stations have clubs that you can join. Membership has its privileges and they will be happy to tell you about their individual offers and events. Some allow for an accumulation of points that can be redeemed from time to times for prizes. Other very mobile dollar stretchers stop at radio station remotes to pick up prizes and promotional material. Even free hot dogs and soda on occasion!


FORE! Wait, don’t tee off without a senior discount!

Golfing is a popular sport among seniors. If your pride and/or vanity is getting in your way, and you are not asking for the senior rate, then, silly you. Most courses have extremely good deals during the week for older golfers. Last week, my husband played the new nine holes at Forest Park, during the week, and walked, for about eight dollars. Hard to beat for a fun time hitting a ball around the park.


Secrets of the Universe to be Addressed by Dr. David Suzuki

Friday, September 5 at 7:30 pm.,Dr. David Suzuki will present a lecture at the St. Louis Science Center. The focus of the talk will be the interconnectivity of nature, as well as his beliefs on the place of humans on Earth. His free talk will be followed by a book signing.
Suzuki, an internationally respected geneticist, is well known as the host of the popular PBS science series, "The Nature of Things." Reservations are suggested. Call 314-289-4424, Ext. 4424.


Do you have any coupons?

How many times have you been asked that at the supermarket? Are you prepared? Do you have those precious little money savers ready for the checker, or just that sinking feeling that they are at home on the table, or in a drawer? Get organized! There is money just begging to be saved and all it takes is a little preplanning before you go to the store or the fast food establishment. Be that smart shopper who is the envy of all the others in line. Sort and organize those coupons. Pitch the out-of-date ones, categorize the good ones. Be ready the next time someone says to you, “Any coupons today?”

Here’s hoping that your money clip breaks from overload, or that you have to get a larger sized money belt. See you next month, and keep that wallet closed.