A few quick ways to save money in 2013
Here are some of my favourite money saving ideas for saving money this year – most are super easy, and some are big time savers as well.
1 – Meal Planning – This one might seem like a biggie at first, but once you get in the routine of it it’s pretty easy. Pick some of your family’s favourite meals, make a list and plan it out. I like to see what’s on sale that week, and what we have in the pantry and freezer and plan accordingly. Also, eating what you have in the fridge and pantry are big money savers too, make sure nothing goes to waste. I know a lot of people plan a day a week, or a week a month where they do just that.
2 – Winnipeg Library – One of my family’s absolute favourite money savers. You can take movies, books, cd’s etc from the library for free! Even ebooks now. Set up your account online, add books to your list and they’ll be sent right to your local library! I love going through the list of new releases every month, you get first pick at a lot of great books that way. And keep an eye out at your local library, lots of free programs, and also super cheap booksales etc. throughout the year.
3 – Use Rewards programs – Things like airmiles at safeway, shell and your credit card can really add up. You can redeem them for travel, but also for household items, gifts and giftcards! Shopper’s Drugmart has their Optimum points program, easy to get a lot of points on their 20x days and you can redeem them throughout the year for shopping sprees 🙂 I post up every time they have the 20x – you usually earn back about 1/4 of your purchase in points.
4 – Use coupons, of course! – It’s never been easier to use coupons – you can use apps, show them on your phone etc. If you’re new to grocery store couponing, get a small accordion folder, an envelope or a binder and see how it goes for you. Everyone uses a different system, find which works for you.
5 – Buy local, and in bulk – It’s a lot cheaper to buy a side of beef, or a pail of honey. Talk to farmers in your area, or look online for Manitoban Farmers – many do trips to the city and you can buy all kinds of healthier foods, grown locally at a cheaper price! It’s a win win for all
6 – Stock up on what you like – If something your family eats a lot of goes on a good sale, stock up! Good rule of thumb is a 3 month supply. We buy all our bread at McGavins – it’s cheap and we fill the freezer, one trip a month or so instead of buying it weekly. Stock up on your kids favourite school snacks, cereal etc. Less trips to the store, get them at a good price and you’ll never run out.
7 – Use appliances to your advantage – Slow cookers and breadmakers can be amazing time and money savers. Pop dinner in the slowcooker in the morning and you’re ready to go at dinner time. You can get great books for both at the library too! 🙂 Love making cinnamon buns, pizza dough etc. in the breadmaker, healthier and cheaper than buying it at the store.
What are your favourite ways to save money? Share your best money savers! 🙂