In these days of depleting retirement funds, many seniors are finding it difficult to stretch their money as far as it needs to go. Here are some hints I’ve found helpful:

If an item goes on sale after you purchased it, ask for a refund of the difference.

Don’t pay for groceries with a credit card if you are carrying a balance on the card.

Weigh fixed-price, pre-packed bags of fruit and vegetables to find the heaviest bag.

If an item scans at a price different from the one listed on the shelf, ask for a free item.

Before you buy a jumbo package, be sure it is actually cheaper per ounce than a regular-size one. Do you use coupons? Keep in mind that you can only use one coupon per package no matter the size. If you have several coupons for the same item, you may be able to save money by buying several smaller packages and using your coupons. Also, get into the habit of carrying a small calculator and using it to determine cost differences.

Always ask for a senior discount at restaurants, movies, concerts, museums, plays, musicals and sporting events.

When eating out, do not order drinks or desserts. Also find out when the lunch prices change and save by having supper before the change.

Sell clothes, scarves, etc. you never wear at a consignment shop.

When driving, avoid jackrabbit starts, hard braking and sudden stops. Keep your car properly maintained and tuned for maximum mileage. Also if you have your car idling for more than one minute while waiting for someone you will save money by turning the car off.

When filling your car with gas, look for the lowest prices. Because gas expands when the weather is hot, fill your tank early in the morning while it is cool.

Empty your car trunk of everything but emergency equipment.

Buy radial tires and keep them properly inflated.

Save on prescription drugs. Check prices at several pharmacies, the Internet and mail-order pharmacies.

Ask your physician and pharmacist for generic drugs whenever appropriate.

Ask your pharmacist if you qualify for special prices that some drug companies offer low-income seniors.

Dust refrigerator coils regularly to save energy and possibly your appliance.

When items you use often are on sale, buy enough to last until the next sale.

Instead of buying everything new, check out classified ads, thrift shops, yard sales and auctions.

If you own EE Savings Bonds that have interest added every six months, get the maximum interest by cashing them in during a month interest is added.

Cook with a crockpot whenever possible. It only costs 1 cent an hour.

Close doors to unused rooms when the air conditioner or furnace is on.

Make long-distance calls during off-peak hours or cancel your long distance service and use pre-paid calling cards that can cost as little as 3 to 4 cents a minute.

If you use even a few of these money-stretching ideas, you will keep more of your money for those special items you want.