Ways to Save

Let's get practical today.
Here are some ways that people save money monthly:
(I'm not saying I do all of these things - this is a combination of what people have told me they do as well as some of my own stuff)

Bills:
-switch to no fee banking (PC financial does this, I'm not sure who else does). They have no monthly fees and you can use any CIBC bank or PC kiosk for deposits and withdrawals.

-switch your phone to talk broadband (primus and vonage have this). This is a phone that is connected through your internet. It doesn't have as good of reception but the price is good - only $20 a month including call waiting, call display and call answer.

-shop around for insurance

-reduce your cell phone bill

-reduce your cable bill (do you really need all those channels?) We actually called star choice and completely shut ours off for the month of August this year. Not only are we saving some money, the kids are actually playing outside!

Food:
-stop buying pre-packaged foods (make more of your own)

-plan your weekly menu based on the sales at the grocery store where you shop.

-make home-made salsa when tomatoes are in season (this is just an example, you can also grill and chop green peppers when they're in season and then freeze to use in casseroles. Another idea is slicing peaches when they're in season and freezing them for smoothies or desserts to use in the winter. The possibilities are endless!)



Work:
-make coffee at home and bring it to work rather than stopping by at Tim Horton's

-pack a lunch for work instead of eating out all the time

-carpool

Entertainment:
-meet friends for dessert or drinks in a restaurant instead of dinner


Other:
-get books from the library instead of buying them (you can request the ones you want online and they will have them waiting for you behind the desk so you don't have to look for them all over the library)

These are just a few ideas. If you have some of your own, let's hear them!

Happy Budgeting