Cost of living pressures are very real and very difficult for many of us at the moment. We often hear that the only way to balance a budget is to cut spending- and often on critical things like food, healthcare, heating and cooling and staying in touch with family and friends.

In recent weeks, COTA SA partnered with the City of Salisbury to host another of our COTA Conversations with Salisbury Seniors forums. The topic for our event was “Thrifty Living” and more than fifty older people came together to talk about how the increases in cost of living were impacting them and share with one another their ideas, tricks and hot tips for making the most of what they had when it came to household essentials, health and wellbeing, food, entertainment and fun, and clothing.

We also heard from the Department of Human Services about available concessions to help with cost of living pressures and Meals on Wheels about how to prepare simple and nutritious meals that won't break the budget.

Some great tips were shared on the day. Here are the top 10!

• Use your Seniors Card to receive discounts and deals, including free Adelaide Metro public transport services at any time of the day
• Join walking and community groups
• Host a clothing and shoe swap party
• Go to free community events
• Shop for specials at the supermarket
• Buy in bulk and prepare meals that can be frozen
• Buy cheaper fruit and vegetables at the local farmers market
• Turn off lights and power points when not in use
• Fix or mend things that are broken rather than buying a new one
• Buy second-hand, including from local op shops and second-hand stores.

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