Mainers are no strangers to “belt tightening” and in these difficult economic times it is certainly an important skill to have. Typically we are not a bunch of lavish spenders, but we still can find ourselves overbudget quickly when costs for essentials skyrocket.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is, as always, looking out for seniors’ well-being and helping them maintain or even improve their quality of life.

Our Money Management Program, which helps seniors or adults living with disabilities organize their bills, pay them on time and balance their checkbooks, is offering a special workshop to teach people how to save even more money on the basic necessities of life.

“Our goal is to enhance the money-saving ideas that people already have and to help them learn new ones,” said Lee F. White, program coordinator. “Let’s face it, some of our seniors have lived through the Great Depression and World War II, when money was tight and rationing was in place. These seniors are experts at surviving on very little. We can learn from them as well as maybe teach them a few new tricks.”

So mark your calendars for the Saving Money Workshop, 9 a.m.-noon Friday, July 25, at St. Joseph Parish Center, 561 North Main St., Brewer. A hot breakfast will be served.

These topics will be discussed:

. “Saving Money in this Economy,” presented by Consumer Credit Counseling Services. You’ll hear about how it’s possible to get a lower rate on credit cards, how to be comfortable talking with creditors, how to stretch your income especially when it is fixed, how to keep track, and when it is important to get help.

. “Saving Money on Utilities,” presented by Bangor Hydro-Electric Co., the Maine Oil Dealers Association and Penquis. You’ll learn about options that can help save energy, including programmable thermostats, space-heating solutions and domestic hot water efficiencies. You’ll also find out about insulation and can-do tips such as opening the draperies on southern-exposed windows to take advantage of the sun’s rays, closing the damper when not using the wood stove, removing obstructions near baseboards and getting the boiler tuned and cleaned.

. “Saving Money on Food,” presented by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. This segment will cover the importance of keeping a grocery list and sticking to it. Other tips include avoiding shopping when hungry, using coupons wisely, checking expiration dates on food products so you have time to use them before they go bad, checking unit pricing as sometimes bigger isn’t cheaper, and shopping the specials. And remember, convenience-size packages are costly and fast-food meals can be expensive.

Now, speaking of using coupons wisely, I spoke to my personal coupon guru, my mother, Margie. She’ll attend the workshop because at noon there will be a coupon exchange and she will likely regale you with stories of her gargantuan savings.

I know I have scoffed in the past, but I have to admit that the woman is amazing and has a knack for saving money with coupons. She is also quick to point out that she is buying only what she’ll use and not just trying to satisfy the coupon’s worth.

“Well, about two weeks ago I had a bill of $19.30, but ended up paying $10.13 because the supermarket I went to doubled my coupons,” Margie said. “And if you plan well and shop the specials, you can really save money.”

There you have it. Come to the workshop, meet Margie, grab some coupons and learn some tips. It’s free, but registration is required and space is limited. Call Eastern Area Agency on Aging at 941-2865 to reserve your spot.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free 800-432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.