Most people would like to have a little extra money and Canadians are no different. Just because you live in Canada it doesn’t mean that you can’t save a dollar or two and here are some ways to do so.
Wise Use of Energy
Energy costs and ways to save on it can be as simple as not being wasteful or just using it differently. Here are some other ways to cut your electric bills.
- Use your appliances during the night and replace any that break down with ones with the energy star logo.
- Switch to energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs to cut energy costs.
- Caulk and weather strip your home to save on heating costs.
- Use low flow shower-heads to save on water bills.
- Use a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner.
Homing in on Savings
There are little things you can do around the house to keep costs down. Charity begins at home and so does savings.
- Go to your local assessor’s office and check your neighbors’ tax rates. If you own a similar house but pay a higher rate you could challenge the bill. Look for mistakes in the listing which can make the bill higher.
- Use cold water with your laundry to save money while avoiding shrinking and fading.
- Paint or renovate your home yourself.
- Swap toys with another family a few times a year.
- Most products break down in the first year which is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty so you don’t need extended ones.
- With things like paper towels and diapers you can save by buying in bulk.
- Pay a higher deductible on insurance to lower your annual rate.
- Go with the basics for phone service.
Managing Credit Cards
Almost half of Canadians don’t know the interest on their credit cards on which they owe, on average, $1,269 according to CBCNews. Because of this credit cards are a good place to start when looking for ways to save.
- Pay off your debt as soon as possible because the interest adds up but if you can’t then transfer the debt to a card with a lower rate.
- Avoid retail cards because they charge the highest interest rates.
Travel Savings
Whether it’s a short or long trip you can save money by doing things like staying at a cheap motel or splitting the cost of gas. Here’s some other ways.
- Consider taking a different kind of vacation like a staycation or a home swap.
- Car dealers may try to sell you extra features that you don’t really need. Say no and save 100$.
Banking on Your Savings
It’s obvious that banking is a financial matter but it’s not so obvious that the way you bank can either save or lose you money. Here are some tips so that it’s the former.
- Do your banking online to avoid certain fees.
- Set up automated payment of bills to avoid being late.
- Avoid fees by using only ATMs that are hooked up to your bank.
Conclusion
No matter which province or territory you live in these tips can ensure you a better financial future, one where you can live with a little peace of mind and a little more savings!