After retirement you have to try and make your hard earned pension go a little further.  Here are a few tips:

• Make your status as a pensioner known and enquire about special rates wherever you go. There are discounts on offer everywhere whether at your local nursery, movie house or restaurant.  Find out about pensioner’s days at the stores you shop at and enjoy a 5% discount on your purchases.
• Shop around for the best deal when it comes to banking. There are lots of incentive-driven special products on offer – some available from the age of 55 – with a variety of saving benefits; for example lower banking charges, enhanced investment rates and free transactions if you maintain a certain amount in your current account each month.
• Go generic as much as possible when it comes to your medicine.  Also choose no-name brands for household goods and groceries.
• Buy new – save more: You may be attached to your old kettle, tumble drier and oven, especially if they’re still in good working order, but did you know that older model appliances chew up a great deal more electricity than modern ones? While “if-it-isn’t-broke-why-fix-it” may well be your motto, with the price of electricity continually on the rise, you’re actually losing money by hanging on to them.  Buying new energy-efficient appliances will definitely save you more in the long run.
• Pull the plug on all appliances when you are not using them as many of them continue to draw small amounts of power even when switched off.  The biggest culprits that silently add costs to spiralling electricity bills include TVs stereos, computers and kitchen appliances.  Unplug and you’ll not only be putting cash back into your pocket but you’ll be doing the environment a great favour too.
• Talk wisely – use skype to connect with loved ones overseas or use those great value-for-money calling cards.  Stay abreast of cellphone deals and keep an eye on Telkom’s special offers.  If you’re over 70, you’re entitled to a reduction on your Telkom line rental charge.
• Watch wisely – you are entitled to a reduction in your TV licence when you are over 70.
• Negotiate with your insurance provider.