Coupons have become a way of life for Dick and me, especially since retirement.

Dick and I have always been very aware that it isn’t what you make, or bring home, it’s what you do with that! And, since neither of us were born with a silver spoon in our mouths – in fact – not even silver-plated spoons, we have both learned the secrets of making the pennies we do have stretch.

One way is reading the local ads, a big one is buying food that is in season, another way is to use coupons. And more and more, I’ve turned to the computer to shop and find the cheapest price – as long as the shipping is free or very reasonable…because that factor has to be factored into the cost after all.

Right now, we’re sort of in the market for a new car. Let me clarify that – I mean “new to us”. Because, we’ve long ago gotten over caring what the Joneses were driving – we know what we like, and how to get it. “New car” may mean the latest model on the lot, or more than likely, it may mean a car just a few years old, already owned by someone who obviously has taken loving care of it, with a minimal amount of miles on the speedometer.

Our wonderful car that we’ve had since 2002, now is just pushing 150 thousand miles. We just put new struts on it (first time since we’ve owned it – and got such a deal on this, from a guy who just happens to love working on cars.  He’s also retired – and really loves saving folks money. One of our sons introduced him to us, and the price, instead of a quote of $1,200 from a couple of garages, ended up costing us $280 – including the struts – which he even showed us and explained all about them and showed us why they were actually way overdue.

Anyway, in looking for another car, I started on the internet – I really know next to nothing about cars. However, it has been my job for years and years, to go find the best deal and then show Dick. I also do most of the bargaining – I love that part – yep, some people hate that part – I think of it as a game. I also always have at least two cars exactly equipped picked out, so I don’t really care which one we get, as long as it’s by far the best price. It’s worked for us.

With the financial state of our nation, the dealers are hurting, so I expect to even get a better bargain this time around. A couple of hints – make your offers real near the end of the month – the salesmen are trying to get their quota in for the month, and a lot of times a Sunday is a real, real slow day – pay attention to that – the salesmen get hungry when there are no buyers around – ergo, a better deal.

Actually, I started to write about using coupons and sales to save money, and then the fact that we’ve spent two Sundays recently comparing things like smooth rides, good gas mileage, the quietness of the car, etc. popped back in my head. We haven’t made a decision on one yet, so, we’ll keep on “shopping” for a while – we plan to make the big decision sometime this year…

That’s another good hint – don’t be in a rush – to buy anything. There’s always another “whatever” coming up! Shoot! There I go again – my mind is stuck on cars apparently tonight. Our car still gives us just over 29 miles per gallon, with the 150k mileage. When we first got it, used, with about 18k miles on it, we got 37 miles per gallon. At 90k, it went down to about 35, and now, it’s still giving us 29 – so we can’t complain about that at all. And I certainly want whichever car we decide on to have great mileage. Oh – It’s a 2002 Buick Century.

Well, Dick headed out about an hour ago, with coupons in hand, to pick up a few things for the house…

He has taken over the couponing since retirement. Has his own drawer, and although the way he keeps track of them sometimes drives me nuts, it does work for him! He also enjoys doing the shopping – he has had no problem finding things to do to fill all the extra hours he has in his days that used to be taken with meetings and planning and everything that it took to have a successful career.  Now one of his “things” is to plan on which coupons will be going with him to help make sure our pennies keep stretching so that we have a very comfortable, stress-free retirement!

Affordable

Side of

Mexico

Hello Everyone,

This article

is sort of an

emergency article, brought on by a dear

retiree living in Mexico, Jerry.

Jerry first wrote, and I shared with you all: “I have lived in Mexico for 11 yrs and I rent a two bedroom 4 yr old house (very pretty) in a nice neighborhood for $83.00 per month! How about that? And there are more! Jerry”

I responded:  Hi Jerry! Thanks for writing! Yep – it can be done! Way to go! Barbie

With that, and with many, many people replying to me, concerning his email, I asked Jerry if he would mind telling me where in Mexico he was located, he replied:

“I live 7 miles from Chapala on the north side of the lake in a small but nice village called Ixtlahucan de Los Membrillos. Email me at (deleted by Barbie). I lived in those areas (around the lake) but found them to be too expensive — so I figured – what are the people of Mexico are paying, so I did my homework and found this place and the home that I lived in before, for 5 yrs was $100 USD per month with two bedrooms too! They exist, you just have to look for them…Mexico Jerry”

And then, after I asked if he would mind if I shared where he’s located in Mexico, Jerry quickly replied:

“Barbie:  Sure, I live in a small village at the bottom of the mountain just before descending into Chapala. (that’s Lake Chapala.)  The village’s name is Ixtlahuacan de los Membreious in the housing area called Aguilillias (some call it Vista Del Lago!)  There’s one house next to me that the bank just took back over so it’s empty at the moment! Hope this helps! Jerry” (Barbie = I looked this up on the computer – tempting!)

In his next email, he continued:  “When I first moved to this area, I paid the usual $350/250 per month for rents but decided that the locals can’t pay that – so I looked around.  For 5 yrs I paid $100 per month and then found this house for $85.00 per month.  You can get around the costs here if you do as the Mexicans do.  Health insurance, you can cut that way down too!  Lots of fine clinics in Mexico, and low cost hospitals. You just learn to work the system as the locals do. Jerry” (Barbie = Exactly what I tell people – do your research – be well prepared, and then check things out in person – not as a tourist, but as someone looking for a new home in Mexico.)

Jerry's front door

Then, quickly from Jerry:  “Barbie:  Thank you!  I don’t mean to step on your toes, It’s just that I figured that Mexicans aren’t paying big amounts for rentals so why should I.  Your readers will need to get down here and look around and do a little legwork.”

To which I replied:  “And – no – my toes are just fine ;)  I’m going to get an article/notice out asap – and yes – love your email – you are so logical – that can be a rarity these days…  have a good one!  Barbie – do keep in touch!

And after a very brief pause, Jerry sent:  “Barbie, You are right. I went to laundry-mats and small grocery stores and anywhere to ask about rentals in the Mexico neighborhoods. Ask the locals – quite often they know of something or maybe a relative has a rental and would love to get a Gringo in there! It worked for me.”

I wrote:  “Hi Jerry – thanks so much for your reply – yes – I understand – but my one fear is the ugly American coming down to Mexico and ruining the “goose”.  I’m going to put up an article – try to tonight – hopefully explain – more – I say over and over that the average DAILY wage is $5 in Mexico…I keep trying :) Barbie”

(Lightly Edited for privacy)

Added by Barbie – please, dear readers, don’t think you can just go to Mexico and pick up rental prices like this easily – it’s going to take work – just like Jerry said.  Barbie

Jerry's front room seating area

And, added Jerry wrote this to me :

“Should any of your readers think that even though I only pay $83 per month for my rent, that I am living is some sort of squalor, they couldn’t be more wrong!  I have high speed Internet telephones and Sky TV, a maid twice a week  and  (I think,) all the amenities.  I am retired from the University of Florida and while my pensions are small, I am able to travel, and even save money too just from my income.  I am planning a trip to Asia in October and have been saving for that. My point is that if someone has a pension of $1,100 US per month, they can live very well here in Mexico.  The best to you, Mexico Jerry”

Post Script from Barbie:  2012 – Jerry has since moved on – he lives in the far East, and is having a wonderful time exploring a new area!