Personal experience. How to save in the US

Фото: Depositphotos

My husband and I moved to America from Ukraine 8 months ago. We live in Chicago, Illinois. When we moved, we had a certain amount of money with us and it seemed sufficient to us. But then we did not realize one important point: we did not come as tourists, but as immigrants, and for a normal life we ​​would need a lot of things, to which we are accustomed at home.

On the basis of personal experience, I can advise: until the moment you settle, you will find a stable job and you will more or less “stand on your own feet”, it is better to save your savings. Buy something in the store for the full price you always have time. Try to save for a start. Moreover, in the United States there are plenty of opportunities to use the service or to buy quality goods much cheaper, and sometimes completely free.

Here are some ideas on how to save money in the US, which we personally used after arrival.

1. Overstock

The most familiar and traditional way to save money. After we rented a house, we, of course, needed furniture and appliances, because most apartments in the United States are rented empty. In this matter, we were helped by the “Garage sale” and “Moving sale” signs that owners place near their houses. Such signs can be found in any area of ​​the city. They mean that the owners are organizing a sale of everything that they no longer need. Among this “unnecessary” there may be a sofa, table, chairs, TV, dishes, kitchen appliances, children's toys and so on. All things and furniture are absolutely in good working order, some little things, such as dishes and kitchen appliances, are often even still sealed - the owners, for example, just bought something newer or just want to free up space. This is completely normal for America. The price they set is symbolic, and some large things are given away for nothing, if only you would take them out, load them and take them away.

So, walking around our area and seeing the “Garage sale” sign, my husband and I bought a large wooden dining table and 5 chairs for only $ 50, a brand new, still packed, $ 5 toaster and two new cups for $ 1.

Another option is Craigslist. Here in the for sale section there are a lot of used but good things for sale. There is a free section, that is, things are given away for free. So, my husband and I were given a TV for free.

2. Dollar tree

For household trifles, such as hygiene products, cleaning products, bath accessories, various small home and car accessories, stationery, pet products - we went to the store called Dollar Three. Any item in this store costs $ 1. Compared to prices for the same goods in other stores and hypermarkets, it turns out really profitable.

3. Mobile telephony

To save on mobile communications, my friends and I, who arrived in Chicago six months earlier than us, combined our four numbers into one account (that is, they will have a common account). It's called family. In the USA, in general, everything that is profitable is always large. It's the same with mobile communications. For example, using two numbers combined into one account will cost about $100 per month, and using four numbers will cost $125. In the nearest T-Mobil mobile phone store, we made ourselves such a telephone “family” for four. Previously, our friends were paying $96 per month for two people, but now our bill is $125 per month for four people.

4. Discount coupons

Almost every free newspaper or magazine that can be found in most stores prints discount coupons. Discounts are usually small - up to $5. It's a small thing, but nice. And also savings.

My husband and I cut out these coupons, chose a day when it was time to do a thorough shopping, and planned which store to go to. We also searched on the Internet for the so-called Grocery outlet in our area. These are special supermarkets with the largest discounts on products. They are all over America and shopping in them is especially beneficial.

5. Stock shops

We always buy clothes, shoes, accessories in stores like Ross. Dress for Less, Marshalls, Burlington, Goodwill. In the latter, however, not only new products are sold, but also used in good condition. But they will cost from 50 cents. Also in these stores you can buy some household goods.

We have seen from our own experience that these are the best shopping options. For example, in the Ross store. Dress for Less my husband bought sneakers for $24,99 and Guess and Levis jeans from Burlington for $19,99. I bought a large salad bowl at Goodwill for 50 cents and a set of spoons and forks for $2.

6. Gas Station Card

We opened the SHELL gas station map. She can only pay for gasoline at the gas stations of this network. 0,25 cents from each filled gallon are returned to us later. We also get regular gift coupons for good amounts, which also allows you to save.

7. Money Back Credit Card

We also opened a Cash rewards credit card at the bank, which gives us back a few percent of any amount spent. We get back 3% of the amount spent on gas, 2% on groceries and 1% on all other purchases.

8. Travel card

Pass Ventra pass. Photo: from the personal archive

To save on travel by bus, we bought a Ventra pass. This is such a card that gives a discount on public transport in Illinois. Traveling with it will cost you half the price.

In Chicago, such a card works like this: you pay for the first ride of the day in full, the second - 50%, the third and all subsequent ones - free. And you can drive like this for up to three hours. Then again the money is withdrawn in a circle. This system is especially convenient for those who make several transfers to get to their destination. And in Chicago, most often, you just need to use two or three types of transport.

My husband and I bought one such card, it can be used to pay for travel in one transport maximum for 6 people. We simply conducted it twice on the display of a special device in a bus or a turnstile in the subway. This card can be bought and then replenished at any metro station in the vending machines where tickets are sold.

9. Medicine

In the US, there are doctors who will receive you for free, but you need to sign up for them two or three months in advance. They are receiving at the so-called community hospital.

For example, I called a hospital and said that I needed to see a mammologist. I was given an appointment time. When I arrived at the hospital, they asked me to show my ID and asked how much I earned—such clinics target low-income people. I indicated the number. I was then examined by a GP who confirmed that I did indeed need to see a breast specialist. I was given an appointment with a mammologist 2 months later and in a completely different clinic. They didn't take any money from me at all. I didn't have insurance.

10. Language learning

My husband and I did not speak English well. To pull it up, we went to the nearest Wilbur Wright College for language courses that you could attend absolutely free of charge. From the documents we showed only IDs. The program includes a course of 14 lessons on 3 or 2 once a week to choose from. In a week, in total, 9 hours of English are obtained. We were also provided with free textbooks, access to online programs and vocabulary lessons.

11. Cultural program

When we wanted to get to the museum, the first thing we did was go to its website and see when the next free day would be at this museum. Absolutely all museums organize such days. Free admission may apply to both the general exhibition and additional exhibitions. Carefully read the terms of free admission - it may be available to everyone, or perhaps only to residents of a state or city. In the latter case, do not forget to take with you a document that confirms your place of residence and be prepared to give your postal code. Thanks to this opportunity, we saw such Chicago attractions as the Shedd Aquarium, Brookfield Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Museum of Natural History, completely free of charge.

See also:

How to save in the popular chain stores Target

From the first person. 6 tips for economical shopping in the US

Ten Little-Known Ways to Save at Costco

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