Why does it seem like most of the tips on saving money these days come from someone trying to sell you something else?

There’s not much more to know about saving money than the common sense approach — spend less than you make — but for all of us trying everything we can to save wherever possible to make up for the growing price of life in general, there are some things that everyone can do to save a few dollars here and there.

Trying to shop less is helpful for those with the tendency to buy on impulse. If you don’t see it, chances are you might not suddenly decide you need it. Buying generic, buying on sale, using coupons, will all help when you are trying to trim the fat, so to speak, from your grocery budget. Trying to drive less and combine trips and errands, trying not to waste gas, is a good idea and surprisingly, inflating your tires to where they’re supposed to be helps as well. So does driving slower, but let’s not get too unrealistic here.

Take care of the essentials first, such as food, rent, transportation etc., before you take care of things you really can live without, although everyone’s definition of needs vs. wants seem to differ with age.

While prices may fluctuate, the chance that any will go down in any sort of permanent way anytime soon seems unrealistic, and it doesn’t matter who you are these days, being thrifty isn’t just good for saving money, but can be better for the environment and may even be better for your family.

Save electricity by turning off the TV and playing board games, putting together puzzles, or reading a book. You’ll enjoy the time together and might even learn a thing or two in the meantime.

Business Roundup

With all the bad weather at the end of the week, let’s hope the many construction sites in town protected their sites before the winds came.

The weather last week didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those who couldn’t wait to go to the new barbecue restaurant in town whose name I said I wouldn’t mention for a while, who were still standing outside waiting to get in even in the worst of it. Folks in town confuse me — they all want to be the first to eat somewhere and then get angry if it’s not perfect on the first day. I’ve seen it happen time and again. Even if the OG ever comes to Valdosta, I guarantee their first day/week or two will be every bit as rocky as everybody else’s.

The new Hawthorn Suites is coming along well at its location on N. Valdosta Road near Exit 22. They should be opening at some point this fall.

The City Market downtown is undergoing an attractive renovation and interior expansion of its eatery area. If you haven’t been in a while, you might want to see what all they’ve done lately.

Things are popping up all over Norman Drive lately, as Atlantic Southern Bank is moving along and there is a new business office center going in as well across from the Walmart. The new Verizon store is a big attractor and the new Ferron’s Plaza beside Lowes is getting ready to have a new tenant, a business that is relocating from another part of Valdosta. If you make it four-lane, they will come.

The Azalea Church of God is building an expansive new sanctuary on St. Augustine Road, and the new Petals and Beyond florist is open in that area now as well.

Anyone who may have missed it, and you only would have if you don’t have a child in middle or high school, the newly renovated American Eagle has reopened in the mall. The store now looks like all of its other stores, and carries all the same merchandise, so there’s no reason to leave town to shop at one anymore.