SAVING BEGINS AT HOME W

ith today’s financial stresses, it’s time to be reminded of the importance of keen frugal choices and best practices in spending. Here are five common-sense savings strategies for families:

Be loyal to only a few.

If you shop around too much — one purchase here, one purchase there — you could be missing benefits of remaining loyal to a few stores. Generally, loyalty programs reward those who make repeat purchases, so limiting your patronage to only a few stores will bring significant dividends. Some stores have programs that turn every dollar you spend into a future discount. By remaining steadfastly loyal to only a few stores, you could develop an impressive amount of points.

Make

DIY a mantra.

Your toilet isn’t flushing, your kitchen sink is clogged and your son broke a sprinkler. Do you really need to call the repair man? Have you tried the Internet? Sites as DoItYourself. com and DIYNetwork.com offer thousands of how-to guides to help the DIYer tackle everyday problems. Easy home improvement projects can be done without a pro.

“Black Friday” in a November 1951 edition of Factory Management and Maintenance which used the term to describe worker absenteeism on the day after Thanksgiving.

It wasn’t until the early 1960s that “Black Friday” came to be used to describe the postThanksgiving shopping frenzy. Weary Philadelphia police officers applied the term to traffic jams spawned by merchants’ sales.

couponing, there are a number of ways to cut your grocery bill. Create a list before you buy. And stick to it. When an item is on sale that you regularly buy, buy a lot; you might not see a similar sale for a long time. Buy nonperishables in bulk. Acknowledge that grocery stores tend to place expensive, brand-name goods at eye level. Food items with the best bargains are placed high or low the shelf.

Go green.

your life. Adjusting your water heater down to 120 degrees from the industry standard 140 degrees can cut heating costs by up to 10 percent. Consider switching to compact fluorescent bulbs as opposed to traditional incandescent bulbs (CFLs typically last six times longer and use 80 percent less power). Shut the blinds when you’re not home. Turn off lights when you leave, and close closet and bathroom doors to optimize energy efficiency.

Know

the rules of grocery shopping.

Aside from extreme

There are simple methods to cut utility bills without introducing discomfort into

NOVEMBER 4,11,18,25

Super Noggin

Improve your memory and keep your mind sharp with this 10-session weekly course. It teaches health practices for brain fitness and Alzheimer’s prevention strategies. Brain health information is shared with daily assignments to activate and stimulate both body and brain. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares. Information: 352.253.3685.

NOVEMBER 6

Stroke Support Group

Helps members make difficult decisions, solve problems and find resources. Educational topic: preventing falls, maintaining mobility and improving quality of life. Leesburg Regional Medical Center, North Campus, Leesburg. 10:30a.m.–noon. Registration required. Information: RoMiller@ CFHAlliance.org

NOVEMBER 7

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group

Diagnosis and treatment can be eased with the support of others. 10–11a.m. Florida Hospital Waterman. Information: 352.638.0663

NOVEMBER 6,13,20,27

Prenatal Class

Learn about labor and delivery, newborn care, breastfeeding, friends and family CPR and car seat safety. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares, 6–8p.m. Information: cheryl.finotti@ahss.org

NOVEMBER 11

Mended Hearts Support Group

For those with heart disease and their caregivers. Helps with emotional support following surgery and treatment.

Mended Hearts offers help and hope. Noon–1p.m., Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares.

Information: 352.253.3399

NOVEMBER 11

ACS Program

American Cancer Society class teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to restore appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation. 1:30–3:30p.m., Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares.

Information: 352-253-3605

NOVEMBER 11

Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group

Offers support, encouragement and information to patients, survivors and families. Survivors discuss their situations, experiences, coping strategies and hope. Florida

Hospital Waterman, Tavares.

Information: 352.253.3605

NOVEMBER 13

Overeaters Anonymous

Meetings Thursdays

5:30–6:30p.m. Florida Hospital Waterman.

Information: 352.223.9769

NOVEMBER 15

Florida HalfMarathon

At Lake Louisa State Park. Also a 10K and 5K. One of Central Florida’s most challenging and scenic courses. The course will take runners on paved surfaces and trails throughout the park. 7:30a.m. start for the half-marathon; 7:45a.m. for the 10K; 7:50a.m. for the 5K. Packet pick-up and registration Nov. 14 at the National Training Center on the LiveWell Campus, 1935 Don Wickham Dr., Clermont, from noon to 6p.m.

NOVEMBER 24

Amputee Support Group W.A.L.K.

Waterman Amputee & Limb

Loss Konnections. For those with amputations and loss of limbs. Florida Hospital Waterman, Tavares. 6–7p.m.

Information: 352.253.3892

A cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) exam helps to evaluate your heart health by measuring the blood flow brought by the coronary arteries to the heart muscles. PET scans are used to identify coronary artery disease and manage your treatment plan.

As one of the oldest private cardiology practices, Cardiovascular Associates of Lake County was first to bring this technology to our area.

We are dedicated to bringing innovations in cardiovascular care to our patients. Since 1992, we have been your partners for life.

Covering Their Backs

More than 600 Wildwood Elementary School students received backpacks and school supplies during the Jean Kelly Backpack 4 Kids program. The event was staged by members of Wildwoodbased Brownwood Baptist Church, who spent several months raising $16,000 to purchase the backpacks and supplies.