Make it count: How to save more money this year, on everything from travel and fitness to pets and entertainment

TRAVEL

The expert: Carolyn Sandgren (Kempf), president of Elite Travel Inc.

* Once you arrive at your destination, visit the local tourist board or visitors bureau. They'll have ideas on things to do and places to eat that the typical tourist wouldn't know about. They can also clue you in on what restaurants have dinner specials, for example, or when tourist attractions have lower ticket prices.

* Some cities, such as Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are served by multiple airports, and ticket prices may be different for each one. This is where a travel agent comes in handy: "The average consumer doesn't have the time or the stomach or the software to check every single flight into every single city, but travel agents can do that fast," says Sandgren.

* Consider Amtrak. If you're going on a cruise, consider taking a train to your port city instead of driving. Train tickets usually cost less than what it would cost to park your car for a week.

* If you're certain about your travel plans, book your hotel in advance and with a nonrefundable fare -- you'll save about $15 to $20 per night.

* Apartment, home and villa rentals are a huge travel trend, especially for larger parties. You can save money by cooking and eating at home instead of going out to eat, with the added bonus of privacy. Don't feel like cooking on vacation? You can hire a private chef and it's still probably cheaper than eating out for every meal. Sandgren recommends www.villa4me.com.

* Hotel suites will also save you a bundle on food, especially if you're staying in a pricey area, such as Washington, D.C. In addition to a full breakfast, many hotel suites also offer evening meals or heavy hors d'oeuvre.

* Decide what amenities are important to you, and factor them into the cost of your lodging. For example, Hotel A may have cheaper rooms but charge an extra fee for Wi-Fi and the gym. If those amenities are important to you, it's probably a better deal to stay in Hotel B, where rooms are slightly more expensive but Wi-Fi and gym access are included at no extra charge.

* Make a budget and stick to it. "Have a realistic budget and communicate your budget, and you can almost always save money, because you're not going to go over your budget," says Sandgren.

* Consider cruising as a travel option. Airfare can be very expensive, especially to places like the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Taking a cruise to your destination of choice can save you a bundle on airfare.

FITNESS

The expert: Dr. Jeremy Barnes, professor of health promotion at Southeast Missouri State University

* Take a walk. "Walking is one of the best forms of exercise and only requires a good pair of shoes," says Barnes.

* Make use of community resources. Look to local churches, parks and recreation departments and YMCAs for free fitness programs and group exercise classes, such as dancing and stretching.

* Examine all costs before choosing a gym. Find out whether the gym has an initiation fee, the monthly rate, and if there is an additional fee for services such as lockers, child care and personal training.

* Do you really need a membership? "It may be more economical to pay by the visit if you only need access to a gym at certain times of year or a few times a month," says Barnes. Parks and recreation departments, including Cape Girardeau, also have low-cost fitness facilities available.

* Join during a less-busy time of year. Gyms tend to be less busy in summer and fall, so special discounts may be available.

* Seek out discounts. Many gyms offer corporate, student, military and senior discounts. Also ask if your health insurer offers discounts on gym memberships. "Many insurance companies offer discounts and rebates to individuals who make a commitment to an active lifestyle," says Barnes.

* If your workplace offers an employee wellness program, take advantage of it. You may have access to an on-site fitness facility or discounted membership at local gyms. Wellness programs often include incentives such as free pedometers, T-shirts, water bottles, and even financial rewards or discounted health insurance premiums.

HEALTH

The expert: Kevin Wood, pharmacist at Broadway Prescription Shop

* Stick to your medication plan. "Taking medication according to your doctor and pharmacist recommendations will help treat any illness or disease appropriately and save you money in the long run," says Wood.

* Make use of health-management programs covered by your insurance. You can improve your health and save money by working on smoking cessation, obesity and weight loss, and blood sugar management. Look to your doctor, pharmacist and medication for additional support.

* Use manufacturer coupons. Search online or ask your pharmacist if there are any coupons available for a medication you are taking. For example, there is currently a manufacturer coupon available for Benicar, which treats high blood pressure, says Wood.

* Review your Medicare Part D plan every year during open enrollment (late October to early December). At Broadway Prescription Shop, staff members are available to help seniors select the best plan for their needs, says Wood -- this year they saved one patient $1,600 per year by finding him a more appropriate prescription plan.

* Opt for generic medications. "Buying name brand medications vs. generics can be an expense you don't need," says Wood. "Generic medication have the same active ingredient and the same amount of that ingredient(s), so saving 50 cents to $1 on the store brand makes sense."

* Focus on preventive care. "Many people use the old adage, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' when it comes to their health," says Wood. "However, it's much easier and less expensive to prevent or manage an illness than it is to cure or treat it after it's begun. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the benefit and are providing coverage for preventive care procedures." For example, he says, the flu vaccine is preventive care treatment to prevent the seasonal flu, and most insurance policies, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, now cover the cost of a flu vaccine. "It's a lot cheaper to get a free flu vaccine than it is to visit the doctor for a flu test, pay for a prescription of Tamiflu and miss a week of work from the flu," says Wood.

ENTERTAINMENT

The expert: Stacy Dohogne Lane, director of public relations, Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau

* Look for sources of free entertainment. The Cape Girardeau Public Library and the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center are two local spots jam-packed with activities calendars, most of which are free and suitable for all ages. Area parks and recreation departments and Southeast Missouri State University also have a variety of low-cost programs throughout the year.

* See a bargain movie. Wehrenberg Cape West 14 Cine is bring back its $5 Tuesday specials in January.

* Take a hike. "Hiking is free, and there's something special about the trails during all four seasons -- same with our amazing parks," says Lane.

* Visit Crisp Museum. This museum at the River Campus is free and has a variety of exhibits, including rotating art galleries.

PETS

The expert: Stacy Busch-Heisserer, owner of Busch Pet Products

* Make treats at home. Look up recipes for healthy dog and cat treats you can make yourself. Busch-Heisserer's advice: Avoid any with corn, wheat or soy in them. Here's one idea for a healthy dog treat: slice a banana into 1/4- to 1/2-inch circles and freeze them individually on a baking sheet. After they are frozen, bag them for later use and stick in the freezer. Bananas are a great source of potassium, and dogs love them!

* Be frugal with pet toys. Extend the life of old plush toys by fixing them yourself -- you don't have to be an expert with a needle and thread to repair a toy. Simply remove any loose stuffing and stitch up the holes. You can also round up old socks without mates and tie knots in them -- these work great for teething puppies, says Busch-Heisserer. For a cool treat, soak them in water and freeze.

* Take a walk. "Your dog loves being with you, so both of you can get in better shape and limit your risk of future illnesses and weight conditions if you walk together," says Busch-Heisserer. "Your mental health (and his) will be better, too. A tired dog is a happy dog, and that just might save you from having to replace expensive pieces of furniture, upholstery or even your favorite pair of shoes!"

* You can save money by purchasing some regular maintenance medications, like heartworm and flea/tick preventative, online. Just be sure you still take your pet for regular veterinary checkups to make sure he's in good health. Some websites also require a prescription, so check with your veterinarian for more information.

* Consider pet insurance. Some breeds have a higher risk for cancer or other medical ailments, so pet insurance may be a smart decision for you. "Even though there will be expenses with it in the beginning, it may help you later on if your pet suffers a serious illness or requires extensive surgery," says Busch-Heisserer. Just be sure to check with your veterinarian, because not all vets accept pet insurance.

* Make your own pet bed. Old towels, sheets and pillows can be repurposed into filler for a dog or cat bed. Busch-Heisserer suggests the Molly Mutt company, which makes duvet covers for this purpose. If you're really crafty, you could try making one of your own.