With a struggling economy and the slide of the dollar, saving money can seem like an impossible task in Jamaica. Salaries perform their monthly disappearing act, as supermarket and utility bills climb. However, there are some simple ways to cut expenses if you’re willing to make small adjustments to your lifestyle. Some of these you may already know, so if you’re not yet doing them, it’s time to get started.
Reduce Your Electric Bill
Has cursing JPS ever resulted in a lower light bill? You might want to try turning off your refrigerator at nights. Depending on usage, you can save up to 10% on your monthly electric bill with this single action. Take note of how effective the freezer works. If it is in good working order, food will stay frozen for up to six hours depending on how often you open the door. Shut down at bedtime when the fridge door remains closed for five to six hours while you sleep. The cooler night air also helps, and if you’re worried about leftovers you can always move them to the freezer section during the lock off period. To save even more, unplug the fridge when ironing, and whenever you run the washing machine.
Save on Food
Everyone likes the convenience of shopping at the supermarket but if you’re serious about saving money on food, get into the habit of visiting the local market. Every major town in Jamaica has one, and you’ll pay up to 50% less for fruits, vegetables, seasonings and ground provisions. This may vary slightly depending on where you live, but generally the best time to visit the market is on a Thursday morning or Saturday afternoon. Fresh goods usually arrive at the market on Thursdays in preparation for weekend shoppers and if you’re lucky you can purchase directly from the farmers themselves although you may have to buy in bulk. On Saturdays late afternoon, vendors are desperate to get rid of unsold items and with a little patience you can bargain the price without sacrificing quality.
Save on Prescriptions Costs
You may already know that most drugs have a generic but do you ask for it when you go the pharmacy? Not only are there generic drugs but different brands of generics have different prices. Take the time to apply for the National Health Fund (NHF) card which pays up to 40% of the cost of medication for a wide range of illnesses including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer. Simply pick up an application form from your doctor, health center, hospital or pharmacy and have your doctor sign it at the next appointment. You will be surprised how much you save at the pharmacy by purchasing generic drugs with an NHF card. Contrary to popular belief, generic drugs are not inferior to brand name prescriptions.
In these tough times, many householders are finding ingenious ways to save money. Feel free to share your money-saving tips.