Pay yourself first!
Shelley in Stittsville, ON
Avoid late payment charges; and credit cards. Try not to get into overdraft; charge too much in fees. Buy what you need; not what you want.
Monica in Port Burwell, ON
Be patient. Everything goes on sale. Wait a month or two. The difference between what you pay now and what you pay later could be significant and that puts more money in your pockek
Lorna in Kamloops, BC
Pay cash for everything. No cash; no purchase!
Karin in Kingston, ON
Save on water bills...wait to do laundry until you have a full load & wash in cold!
Cheryl in Princeton, IN
Make your coffee at home and use a go mug.....save lots everyday!
Maureen in Saskatoon, SK
Nothing out of the ordinary here, but amazing how many shoppers don’t take advantage of the money saving technique of scanning the weekly flyers, and buying only what is on sale. Takes a bit of time, but I usually do this while the pasta/potatoes/etc. is boiling.
Janine in Katrine, ON
If you have a mortgage, pay it down by applying at least 10% of the principal each year. you will save tons of interest fees and get rid of your mortgage faster
Jan in Thornhill, ON
My best money saving tip is vinegar & water make a great cleaner. Add a couple drops of lemon juice to give it a nicer scent.
Jordan in Toronto, ON
Know the difference between needs and wants.
Tracy in Regina, SK
Do not shop with out a list. You won't be tempted to just buy buy buy.
Sarah in Chapel Hill, NC
Trading off with family members for babysitting - this allows us each our own Me Time while also ensuring that our kids are getting the best loving care that money cant buy!
Chrystal in Milton, ON
Never buy on impulse. If there’s something you see and you want to buy it; just wait 24hrs; and see if its something you really need.
Angela in Scarborough, ON
%br%
Stretch everything! Adding extra veggies or a little more water and barley in the soup can easily help serve more people. Even if not made from scratch; you can still add in to canned soup and the results will taste more like homemade; less salt and a serving for two can stretch to three or four people.
Audrey in Kentville, NS
Pay yourself first ... have a certain percentage deducted automatically from your pay each week and deposited to a high-interest savings account.
Brenda in London, ON
Be mindful of spending money - know where and on what you are spending small amounts of money; these small amounts add up and are easy to cut by taking your lunch; having a snack with you (granola bar; water; etc); making your own tea and coffee rather than purchasing; use coupons;
Brenda in Guelph, ON
When I come back from shopping or work;I empty my pockets of change and put my loonies and toonies in a jar. By Christmas I will have about 600 dollars. It takes the stress away by knowing i will be ok with money for xmas to by gifts for my girls.
Claudine in Alfred, ON
Our family has automatic contributions for RRSPs and RESPs. We saved more money by bringing lunch to work--also a healthier choice. I have to admit that I am a coupon clipper. I have also eliminated the need for purchasing numerous household cleaners by making my own (bonus it is better for us and the environment!)
Daniela in Bolton, ON
I buy my families clothes at Value Village. If you take the time you can find some great quality items at a fraction of the cost. No one would ever know unless you tell them. Everyone comments on how nice the kids always look. And now that my two oldest are making money of their own; this store is the first one they hit when theyre looking for something new for their ever expanding wardrobe. Bonus: Every so often they give out discount coupons when you donate to the store. They also have a 50% off sale about 3-4 times a year. As well; you are helping the enviroment and giving to charitable causes all at the same time.
Dawn in Newmarket, ON
I pay myself 20% every payday. I have learned to do without this money and automatically transfer it into my savings account.
Debbie in Osoyoos, BC
When you use your credit card; mark it off in your cheque book so it is subtracted from what you have to pay it off at the end of the month.
Dinan in Maple Ridge, BC
Call your insurance company and get your deductibles raised. Auto insurance $500 and house insurance $1000; or more if you can afford it. Lower deductibles equal higher premiums. Ask yourself if you are really going to put in a claim for small problems. Probably not. I did this and I saved a mint.
Joanne in Calgary, AB
I base my weekly dinner menu around what’s on sale in my local grocery store flyer.
Karen in Toronto, ON
Instead of buying gifts; make them and/or offer services.
Kathleen in Toronto, ON
I make my lunch and pack a snack for work every day. The trick to doing it is to make it the night before and put it in the fridge all ready to go (including the container and any cutlery needed). If it is easy you will stick to it. not only is it a money saver; you always know what you are eating because you made it.
Kimberley in Toronto, ON
Don’t always use debit for every single thing you purchase because you only end up nickel and diming yourself to death and make it harder to know what your really spending.
Linda in Mount Pearl, NL
Use your car only every second day! You save gas; and can get more exercise. ON the day you use your car; you can do all your errands; rather than waste gas daily.
Lori in Winnipeg, MB
We have installed a water filtration system in our home. Now we use travel mugs to take water with us. We dont have to buy bottled water which saves money and energy.
Lori in Elkford, BC
I have a mutual fund account set up to automatically withdraw savings each day my husband and I get paid - that way; if we never see it; we never miss it.
Lorie in Newmarket, ON
Check for a price adjustment policies at your favourite retailer. If an item goes on sale shortly after youve purchased it; you can usually get back the difference; as long as you have your receipt. I keep receipts in my wallet and will periodically have them scanned at the cash to see if Im eligible for any price adjustments. Ive probably saved over $100 just this year in adjustments!
Michelle in Markham, ON
Get movies from the library FREE
Nicole in Toronto, ON
Take care of things so they last longer.
Pat in Torrance, CA
Contribute weekly or bi-weekly to your RRSP to improve take advantage of early contributions and If you have a mortgage try bi-weekly payment; it will greatly reduce the total amount paid in interest.
Paul in Conception Bay, NL
Instead of buying expensive books; use your public library or start a book exchange with your friends.
Rosalee in Cote St. Luc Quebec
Use energy efficient appliances.
Stephanie in Port Hood, NS
I shop at different grocery stores according to when they have their sales. For example; I stock up with Sobeys has their dollar days or when Safeway offers 10% tuesdays; Wal-mart for everyday items like shampoo and Costco for bulk items like diapers or bread. It also adds variety when you shop at different places.
Theresa in Calgary, AB
Use coupons! Take many coupons instore and save them. The expiration date can be months away. Use online couponing services to request coupons - print them at home.
Susan in Caledon, ON
Sign up at redflagdeals.ca to receive email notices of the latest hot deals and bargains. Go to online coupon websites; like save.ca where you can print off coupons for dollars off; or free item entirly! Before you dish out serious dollars; go to shopping comparison websites Subscribe to priceprotectr.com - heres a blip from their website: There are lots of stores out there that offer price protection policies -- when the price drops on an item youve purchased; theyll refund you the difference. But theres a catch... its up to you to watch prices. Price Protectr makes it simple to keep track of your purchases; watch prices; and get your money back. Its free. Its easy. Its free and easy money. How often do you get that offer?
Sandi in Mississauga, ON
Take advantage of deal sites such as www.pricenetwork.ca for coupons; freebies and savings that amount to thousands of dollars each year!
Ninel in Ajax, ON
Printer-friendly version