Thrift store shoppers save an average of $2,071 per year by purchasing secondhand items, according to Capital One Shopping. For retirees on a fixed income, that kind of savings can go a long way.
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To help retirees save more, ChatGPT was asked for a thrift store shopping hack that could save retirees at least $100 per month. Here’s the strategy, according to the artificial intelligence (AI) tool.
Shop on Senior Discount Days
ChatGPT said that most thrift stores, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, have special senior discount days — often 20% to 50% off everything in the store, usually once a week.
For example, The Senior List reported that Goodwill has 10% to 20% off days for those 55 and older, while Salvation Army has discounts up to 50% off.
“If you spend around $200 a month on clothing, books, décor and household items, that discount alone can save you $40 to $100 monthly,” ChatGPT said.
Explore More: If You’re 55+, Here Are 10 Senior Discounts You Are Missing Out On
Focus On Everyday Essentials
When you do go shopping at thrift stores, don’t just browse randomly. “The key is to treat thrift shopping like you would a regular grocery run — know what you need before you go,” ChatGPT said.
ChatGPT recommended making a monthly “thrift list” of items you typically spend money on. This can be clothing basics, kitchenware, home goods, books and more.
According to Red Racks Thrift Stores, thrift stores average around $8 for clothing, compared with $40 at retail stores. This amounts to 80% savings. You could save even more on books, up to 87% in savings.
Double Up With Loyalty Programs and Coupons
Some thrift stores even have loyalty programs that stack with coupons and senior discounts. For example, America’s Thrift Store’s loyalty program offers one point for every dollar spent, and 250 points or more can earn $5 on future transactions. You can also stack these with special offers, and you can get a free birthday reward.
Salvation Army also has a loyalty program, called Stamp Me, that allows shoppers to earn digital stamps for purchases that can be redeemed for a voucher.
While each of these individual tactics may seem small on its own, combining them can lead to monthly savings that accumulate to hundreds, or sometimes thousands, over the course of a year.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This ChatGPT Thrift Store Shopping Hack Can Save Retirees $100 or More a Month
