Find creative ways to save money this year
The 12th edition of Canada’s Food Price Report released Thursday predicts the average Canadian family of four will pay Canada’s Food Price Report 2023 predicts Canadian families will spend up to $1065 more on food next year, 2023, a 7% increase from 2022.
According to the same Report, We saw a 10% increase in 2022 overall.
I’m not sure how statistics come up with their Numbers, but I think it’s way more than that. But it depends on what you eat and purchase and your location. Plus, it depends if you are picking up cat litter or shampoo at the grocery store.
Since we can only save so much when saving money at the Grocery Store, we know we all need to get creative on finding other places to save a bit of extra money to help our families eat and flourish.
Creative Tips – 55 Ways to Save Money
We won’t be discussing what to do with the saved money, investing money, making money or taking advantage of credit cards as ways to earn money on Interest, TTFAs, High-interest savings accounts, and how to pay less tax.
Our goal is to help you find ways to save over $1000 a year to make up for the rise of inflation on groceries alone.
Cut Subscriptions With Free Streaming TV In Canada
Cable and satellite television has increased in costs, and streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, and HBO have also increased their prices. It’s also possible to download free streaming apps and movies. 61. Relax and unwind at Pluto Television. Pluto Television is similar in its features to Netflix, only it can be used entirely without charge. It is ok — it is not a requirement for advertisers (other than paid advertising). You can use this site without any e-mails. It also has an enormous collection of free movies and television shows.
Save money on groceries in Canada.
The typical household spends about $12667 a year on food. Tell me the easiest way to minimize it. Collect coupons: Submit an online email to your favourite grocery or retail store. Most restaurants today use smartphones for coupon codes. You can even find coupons or CashBack opportunities online. Match prices: You’ll save a bit on grocery bills if you compare prices and find the same products for a lower price. Check out competitors’ brochures for prices.
- Grocery Apps Canada to Download and Save Money
- How to Save on Groceries
- Canadian Companies That Will Mail Coupons
1. Make a budget and stick to it
Making a budget is an essential step in managing your finances. To create a budget, start by tracking your expenses for one month and then list your income sources. Once you have these figures, subtract your expenses from your income and determine how much you have left over after paying bills and other costs. From there, use the surplus to set aside money each month for savings and allocate any remaining funds towards extra payments on debt or other discretionary spending. Finally, review the budget regularly to ensure it’s still working for you as your financial situation changes over time.
- Purchase a Monthly Budget Workbook
- How To Create A Household Budget
- Budgeting 101- Why You Need A Budget
2. Shop with cash
Shopping with cash instead of credit cards can help you save money by ensuring that you only spend what you have available to you and avoid the temptation of overspending. Additionally, when using cash, people tend to be more mindful of purchasing things because they must physically hand over the money. This helps to avoid impulse purchases, which can increase spending. Finally, opting for cash over credit cards eliminates any fees associated with their usages, such as interest or late payment charges. Shopping with money is a great way to keep your finances in order and avoid costly debt.
Side note, if you are good with paying off your credit cards and are a great budgeted, credit card rewards can help you save in other departments, and some credit card rewards give out free travel or cash back, PC Optimum points, etc. But don’t go down this road until you have a well-mastered budget. People with Great Budgets and Great Credit scores can spend money to get free money off of Credit cards, but it’s not an easy way to start when trying to lower the way you are spending money.
3. Research discounts and coupons
Researching discounts and coupons can be an effective way to save cash on purchases. Many retailers offer special deals and discounts that shoppers may not know, such as promo codes or loyalty programs. Shoppers can save considerable money on their purchases by taking a few moments to research available discounts, including Fast Food Coupons.
Use Money Savings Apps such as Flipp and Reebee to check out what’s on sale. This doesn’t include being able to price match on groceries, but for other things as well- Let us say you want to paint a bedroom. You can look up paint and see what stores have it on sale, even on everyday purchases.
4. Bring lunch from home
Packing your lunch rather than visiting restaurants is a brilliant way to reduce expenses. Eating out can add up quickly, mainly if you’re doing it multiple times per week; however, when you prepare and store away your meals in a lunchbox, the savings are tremendous. Moreover, taking this route over dining out frequently allows for healthier meal choices both financially and nutritionally.
5. Shop in second-hand Stores
Shopping second-hand is an excellent option for savvy shoppers who want to save and reduce waste. You can find quality items that have been preloved, often at a fraction of the cost compared to buying brand new. You may even stumble upon unique vintage finds You’ll get more value for your money while doing something good for our planet, too – it’s a win-win!
Check out Habitat for Humanity for home improvements or furniture Or shop smaller second-hand stores similar to Good Will for gently used clothing and kitchen cookware finds.
6. Utilise loyalty programs and rewards cards
Loyalty programs and rewards cards are a fabulous way to save money on purchases. Not only do retailers provide exclusive discounts for loyalty program members or cardholders, but shoppers can also accumulate points or receive cashback when they use their cards during checkout – granting them even more savings! Taking advantage of these excellent opportunities allows individuals to maximize the value of their dollar.
7. Buy generic products
If you want to save money on items, purchasing generic products can be a great way for savvy shoppers to stretch their budget further. When researched and compared, generic brands usually offer comparable quality items at significantly lower prices than name-brand counterparts.
8. Make your coffee or tea
Replacing costly café or shop-bought coffee and tea with freshly brewed mugs made in the comfort of your home can be a great way to save money. Not only can you make multiple cups each week without worry, but you will also have more control over flavour and quality. Making drinks from your kitchen is simple – yet provides tremendous savings down the line – so why not take advantage of this brilliant budgeting opportunity?
9. Compare prices before buying
Comparing prices before making a purchase is an effective way to save money. By researching various stores and products, shoppers can evaluate the cost of their desired items across different vendors and determine which offers the best overall value. This allows them to make informed decisions on the most economical alternative, granting them substantial savings. Moreover, this approach could also reveal special discounts or promotions that would otherwise remain unnoticed. Comparing prices will ultimately help consumers get the most bang for their buck!
Purchase a Grocery Price Book Workbook to help you track prices
10. Take public transportation
By utilizing public transit, you can drastically trim down your travel expenses. Instead of a rental car or taxi, opting for the bus or train is an excellent money-saving option. Not only does this help save cash, but it also helps diminish emissions and use limited resources efficiently – making everyone’s lives better!
Not only is public transportation a more economical choice, but in some instances, it can be even quicker and easier than driving! With direct routes that will get you to your destination quickly, utilizing these services may be the shrewdest decision for wise shoppers looking to save.
11. Carry reusable bags when shopping.
Carrying reusable bags with you when shopping can not only help to protect our environment but also save money in the long run. Reusable bags eliminate the need for paper or plastic bags; some stores now charge for bags when you don’t bring your own. Furthermore, carrying a bag makes transporting heavy items easier – allowing shoppers to save time without sweat!
12. Creating a shopping list
Before making a shopping trip, take the time to create and adhere to an itemized list. This will help you stick to your budget by avoiding unnecessary impulse buys that often derail financial plans. Writing down everything you need before heading out ensures shoppers get what they require and allows them to maximize their savings through streamlined purchases, making every purchase worth it!
The Newbie Guide to Weekly Meal Planning
13. Turn off electronics when not in use
Simple things like turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use can save on energy bills. Unplugging devices that are not frequently used can make a difference in monthly statements! Run around the house clearing everything once a week – for example, Standup Mixers etc. If leaving for the weekend, consider unplugging the TV, microwave and other things you typically use most often. Using natural light over artificial lighting also helps conserve energy while creating a fun atmosphere. This is an easy way to save without sacrificing comfort!
I keep hearing about “GHOST POWER,” All these things we have plugged in and are “OFF” still use a bit of power.
14. Repair and reuse items instead of replacing them
Repairing and reusing items is an excellent way to save money. Often, we are quick to replace items with new ones when a simple repair job can significantly extend the item’s life. For example, consider purchasing sole patches for worn-out soles instead of buying a new pair of shoes every time one wears out. This will keep your wallet full and reduce waste by preventing items from ending up in landfills too soon!
15. Make your cleaning supplies using natural ingredients
Making your cleaning supplies with natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda can be a great way to save money while also being better for the environment. Not only are these DIY solutions cheaper than store-bought products, but they are also gentler on surfaces. Consider using Vinegar and water with Newspapers to wash windows—Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide to whiten grout.
16. Cut down on entertainment costs by streaming
We all love watching movies and shows, but going to the theatre can be expensive. Instead, consider watching them from the comfort of your home or streaming on sites like Netflix or Amazon Prime. This way, you can stay within budget while enjoying a movie night with friends or family without spending extra money – making it an excellent option for thrifty shoppers! Furthermore, you can even host virtual watch parties using Zoom or Skype so that everyone can join in on the fun without leaving their homes.
Netflix Canada New Releases for the Month
17. Use a reusable water bottle rather than buying bottled water
Bringing a reusable water bottle everywhere can help reduce plastic waste while saving money—the cost of buying bottled water increases quickly – especially if it’s purchased multiple times a week. Investing in a sturdy and stylish reusable bottle is an easy way to stay hydrated without breaking the bank! Not only does this help protect our planet, but it also gives shoppers more control over their finances!
18. Eat out less often
Eating out can be a great way to socialize and relax, but it can quickly add up if done too often. Eating out less often and making meals at home is a great way to save money while enjoying delicious food. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll also have more control over what goes into your meal – making it healthier! Additionally, batch cooking or meal prepping can help streamline the process even further.
19. Buy second-hand
Buying second-hand clothes or furniture is an excellent way to save money while still having fashionable items. You can find great deals on online marketplaces like Facebook, eBay, and Poshmark, Clothing. But Furniture bargains are easily found online, like on the Facebook marketplace, as when people are moving, they don’t want to take much with them to reduce the shipping cost and the hassle of packing it up.
20. Buy in bulk
Buying bulk is a great way to save money on everyday items like toilet paper, paper towels, and other grocery shopping supplies. You can often get discounts or even free shipping by buying larger quantities at once. Additionally, buying in bulk reduces packaging waste – helping shoppers keep their carbon footprint low while saving money! It’s essential to ensure that the items will last before committing to a large purchase, as it won’t be worth it if they go bad before being used.
10 Things that you should buy at Costco
Is Kirkland toilet paper a good deal at Costco?
21. Plan vacations ahead of time
Planning your vacations ahead of time can be a great way to save money. Many airlines and hotels offer discounts when flights and rooms are booked in advance so that you can get more bang for your buck! Additionally, planning allows you to research the best deals, compare prices, and find the perfect vacation spot – helping you make the most out of your trip without burning a hole in your wallet. So start planning early and take advantage of all the savings opportunities!
Hint Shopping on January 1 and 2nd of the Year is the cheapest days of the year to bargain hunt for a winter holiday.
22. Try carpooling
Carpooling is an easy way to save money – especially if you commute to work or travel long-distance. Not only does it help reduce the cost of fuel, but it also helps reduce emissions and traffic congestion. You can arrange carpools with coworkers or friends or even use apps like Waze Carpool to connect with other drivers who are going in the same direction as you. So why not try carpooling and save a few hundred dollars annually?
Not Everyone in Canada has a great or even a single public mode of Transportation. Consider using the Gas Buddy app when fueling up to find out the gas prices in your area.
Best Gas Station Rewards Canada
23. Take advantage of free events
Whether it’s a free outdoor movie night, an art show at the local park, or a music festival downtown – there are likely plenty of free events and activities in your area that you can enjoy without spending any money. Taking advantage of these opportunities is a great way to save money while still having fun! So take some time to explore what your town offers and take advantage of all the free things around you!
24. Turn off the AC
Running an air conditioner can be costly as the hot season approaches. To save on your energy bill, try opening your windows and letting in some fresh air instead! Placing a fan in front of open windows will create enough wind to keep you cool without extra costs.
25. Use LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs are a great way to save energy and money. They use up to 80% less electricity than traditional bulbs and last much longer – meaning you don’t have to replace them as often.
26. Cut out Personal luxury items
.It can be tempting to treat yourself to a luxury item like a costly hair dye job or mani/Pedi. But when trying to save money, it’s best to cut out these expensive indulgences. Instead, find cheaper alternatives – like DIY hair dye kits or doing your nails at home. You’ll still look and feel great while saving a lot of money in the process
27. Do regular maintenance on your car
Maintaining your vehicle is essential for running it smoothly and can save you a lot of money in the long run. Routine maintenance, like oil changes, tire rotations, or fixing minor issues before they become large, can improve your car’s gas mileage and reduce the need for costly repairs.
28. Consolidate errands
By consolidating errands into one trip, you can save time and money. Instead of making multiple trips – each requiring fuel and parking fees – try planning and running all your necessary errands in single trips. Not only will it help conserve gas, but it will also reduce overall travel costs.
29. Sell unwanted items
Cleaning your closet or garage can be a great way to make extra money. And now, it’s easier than ever with online marketplaces like Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji. These sites allow you to sell unwanted items and make some extra cash in the process! You’ll declutter your space and save yourself time cleaning and taking care of those unused items
30. Use library services
The library is an incredible resource for anyone looking to save money. With services like books, magazines, newspapers, movies, and even classes – you can keep yourself entertained without spending a dime! So the next time you’re looking for something fun, why not visit your local library? You might be surprised by what you find!
31. Take advantage of apps
Apps like Checkout51 offer cash back on things you purchase, so why not take advantage? All you have to do is sign up, and find the items you want to buy, So start using these apps today and start saving – it’s as easy as that!
Caddle Canada Rebates (Updated)
32. Try doing a “no-spend” month once in a while
A “no-spend” month can be a great way to reevaluate your spending habits and learn how to save money. A no-spend month is exactly what it sounds like – you commit to not buying anything for the entire month (other than necessities). This can help you become more mindful of where your money is going and train yourself to live within your means. So why not give it a try? You might surprise yourself with how much you can save!
33. Join a gym or fitness center with discounted rates
If you are not a Gym Bunny or a Serious Gym person, consider finding a gym with short-term options, like a monthly fee, and can cancel vs Having to Commit to a year at the gym. It sucks when you join and attempt to commit, but life happens, and you must drop it but must continue to pay for it.
Or Skip the Gym Membership all together, and build a gym corner in your home with adjustable weights, videos, and bars.
34. Cut down on online shopping Temptations
.Online shopping can be very tempting. Unsubscribing from emails and deleting protected payment information can help reduce the temptation of buying things you don’t need. Doing this will also prevent you from being faced with too many reminders of deals and discounts that may lead you astray. It’s an easy way to save money and maintain your spending goals!
35. Negotiate prices
Price negotiation can be a great way to ensure you get the best deal when making large purchases. If you’re comfortable haggling, don’t hesitate to ask for a discount or try to work something out with the seller. Even if it’s just a few dollars off, every little bit counts when trying to save money! So give it a shot and see how much you can save.
36. Don’t buy new tools
Tools and equipment can be expensive, but they don’t always have to be. Instead of buying new items, consider borrowing from friends or renting from stores. This is a great way to get the necessary tools without breaking the bank. Plus, you won’t have to worry about storing away the items when you’re done – return them and move on!
Remember to avoid late fees and ask about daily rates vs. weekly rates. Some Rental Companies also have a Weekend WArrior program, and you can get a great discount on the weekends when renting strange things.
36. Consider Rotating Streaming Services
Streaming services such as Netflix, Crave and Amazon Prime are great ways to watch your favourite shows and movies; however, they can also be quite costly. To save some money, consider rotating streaming services. You could sign up for one service during the month and switch to another the following month. This will allow you to enjoy your favourite content without overspending on subscription fees.
37. Buy seasonal produce
Fresh produce is a great way to add flavour to your meals, but it can also be expensive. To save money, consider buying seasonal produce instead of out-of-season items at the grocery stores. Not only will you get the most bang for your buck, but seasonal produce also tastes better than its off-season counterparts. So go ahead and stock up on those fresh fruits and veggies!
Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Season Growing
British Columbia Growing Season
38. Learn basic home repairs,
. Home repairs can be costly, but they don’t always have to be. If you’re willing to take the time to learn some basic home repair skills, you can save yourself a lot of money down the road. With a few tools and patience, you’ll be able to fix most household issues without having to call in an expensive professional. So take the time now to learn how on Youtube
39. Shop around for better insurance rates
Insurance rates vary greatly depending on the company, so shop to ensure you get the best home and car insurance deal. Research different companies and compare their coverage plans before making a decision. You might be surprised at how you can save money fast if you’re paying too much with your current provider.
How to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill
40. Make gifts
Gift-giving is a great way to show your loved ones that you care, but it can also be costly. Instead of buying gifts for everyone, consider making them instead. Homemade gifts require creativity and time, but they’ll be much more meaningful than store-bought. Plus, you’ll save money in the process! Consider redoing a piece of furniture or building shelves out of pallets and steel, or perhaps do up a Mason Jar Goodie Jar.
41. Reuse gift bags and wrapping paper
.Holidays can be expensive, and gift wrapping is one expense you don’t want to overlook. Instead of buying new stationery and bags each year, why not reuse the old ones? You can easily store away gift wrappings from past holidays in a designated box or bag – make sure to label them so you know what’s inside! This way, you won’t have to shell out extra money for new holiday bags whenever a special occasion rolls around.
42. Use a programmable thermostat
.Programmable thermostats are a great way to save on heating and cooling costs. These devices automatically control the temperature in your home, so you can set them up to turn off at night or when no one is home. This reduces energy usage and lowers overall bills – it’s a win-win! Consider investing in an Energy Star-certified programmable thermostat for added efficiency.
43. Use rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are a great way to save money on battery costs. Unlike one-time-use batteries, rechargeable ones can be used over and over again. This reduces the amount of waste you produce and also helps to reduce your overall spending on batteries in the long run. Investing in rechargeables is an easy way to go green and save money simultaneously!
44. Take shorter showers
Showers can be a great way to relax and unwind, but they use water and energy. Consider taking shorter showers to save money on your utility bills. This will reduce the amount of water used and the electricity needed to heat it. You might even find that you enjoy shorter showers more!
45. Reuse containers and jars
If you are constantly buying new containers and jars for storage, consider reusing the ones you already have. Wash and Save a few Glass jars, for example, Pickle jars, Pasta sauce jars. Add your vegetables to it and let your produce last longer. Instead of purchasing more containers for Organizing, consider reusing items you are tossing out.
Folger Coffee Container Ideas ( Reuse)
46. Read reviews and compare prices before purchasing.
It pays to do your research before making any major purchases. Read reviews and compare prices across different retailers before committing to a purchase. This will help you get the best deal possible while avoiding any potential buyer’s remorse. It may require extra effort, but it’ll be worth it in the end!
Costco, in my opinion, has the best Return policy, and when purchasing large ticket items, I also consider Costco in my decision-making when purchasing high ticket items.
47. Look for items with multiple uses,
Investing in multi-purpose kitchen tools can be a great way to save money. Instead of buying multiple items for different tasks, look for ones to do it all. This might include something like a food processor that doubles as a blender—or investing in Instant Pot vs a Crockpot. These versatile items in your kitchen will help you make the most of your budget and get more bang for your buck when putting together a kitchen.
48. Buy products with more extended warranty periods
Investing in products with extended warranty periods is an intelligent way to save money. A more extended warranty period means you will be covered if something goes wrong with the product, which can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements.- this way, you’ll have some extra peace of mind when making your purchase.
Also, once you purchase an item, check the box for any paperwork to register your product in case you lose your receipt for warranty or if, down the line has a recall on the product. I don’t pay for an extra warrant at the till. I’m talking about purchasing from Brands or products that have a more extended warranty over other brands
49. Wash clothes with cold water
Washing clothes in cold water is not only better for the environment, but it also helps to reduce energy consumption. Cold water washes can be just as effective as warm or hot water washes (and sometimes even more so!), and they can help you save money on your utility bills. So next time you do laundry, try switching the settings to cold.
50. Use Newspaper or Cloth
Paper towels can be a significant drain on your budget. Opting for reusable materials such as newspaper or cloth instead of paper towels is an easy way to save money. Newspaper and cloth are sturdy enough for most cleaning tasks, and they can easily be reused again and again. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running out of paper towels whenever you need to clean something!
51. Wait for a full Dishwasher before starting
Waiting until your dishwasher is full before running it can help you save a lot of energy (and money!) in the long run. Instead of running small loads twice a day, try to do one large load and fill your dishwasher up as much as possible each time. This will also help you conserve water, which is a bonus!
52. Hang dry your clothes
Hanging clothes to dry is a great way to save energy and money on electricity bills. Air drying requires no additional power and is gentler on the fabric than tumble drying in the machine. We can only do this for a few months during the year in Canada, but we can save a few dollars a year if we attempt to hang out blankets to dry.
53. Save on Rent
- Negotiate if your landlord is willing to renew your lease when your lease expires.
- Get a roommate: A roommate can lower your rent by half
- Live far from the city center – downtown rent usually is considerably cheaper than suburbia, so consider moving outside the city core.
54. Eat at Home
Before leaving the house, eat a meal at home. Eating out can be expensive, so it’s always best to prepare a meal before leaving the house. This will help you save money and consider snacks for kids out shopping.
55. Grow your Vegetables or Herbs
Growing your food is a great way to save money. Start with some essential herbs, such as basil, oregano and rosemary, which are easy to grow and don’t require much maintenance. Or try growing vegetables like tomatoes or peppers in a sunny spot in your yard or balcony. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save on salad, especially when we see droughts in California, heads of lettuce go for $4.00 a head or Romain Lettuce skyrockets to over $9.99.
