Groceries. We need them and we have to buy them. Yet, while they are a necessity, do you find that you have quite a high grocery bill? Are you frustrated by that fact? There are ways to keep grocery costs down and I'm about to reveal my secrets that will help fix your problem.
You might be feeling as though there's no possible way to lower your grocery bill. But, I'm of the mindset that our grocery bill is one of the most flexible bills we have to pay. There is no set monthly bill that a grocery store sends our way, unlike the phone company. We make the call on how much our bill will be each time we stop at the store.
Shop your Pantry
Before you even head to the grocery store, peruse your pantry shelves to see how many ingredients you already have that will help you put together as many meals as possible. Take inventory. Every once in a while I like to dedicate a week or two to shopping from my pantry. On those weeks, I literally only spend about $30 on dairy products and fresh fruits & veggies. Simply because I'm making an effort to use what I already have on hand. This is a great way to ensure that you don't spend money you didn't have to, and that you don't find good food that has expired.
Have a Meal Plan
I'm a huge fan of meal planning. Like, huge! Every week, I try to have 5 dinners planned out by Sunday evening. Five, because one night we usually eat out and Sundays are spent at my parents. I plan dinners only because lunch usually consists of dinner leftovers and breakfast is a rotation of oatmeal/peanut butter toast/pancakes/French toast/and eggs, each always served with fruit.
This works for us because usually the same things get marked down on the list and I know what each item generally costs. This makes our bill fairly consistent, since there's usually only a few "not usual" items needing to be purchased.
Check out The Meal Planner! I created the printable Meal planner to help make meal planning and saving money easy! The PDF includes:
18 pages
Monthly, Weekly + Daily meal planning worksheets
Meal brainstorming worksheets
Food inventory worksheets
Grocery lists
Price matching worksheet
Party Planning worksheet
Shop the flyer sales
I'll admit and say that shopping the store sales and planning meals around those sales is not my strongest trait. But often times if there's an item on sale that I know we'll use in the near future, I will buy at least a couple. (Chicken is on sale this week so I'll probably buy at least four packages to get us through to the next sale.) If you can get good at planning your meals around what's on sale each week, you'll be saving a ton!
Breakfast for Dinner
Breakfast is cheaper than dinner. There are usually a couple of nights a month where I plan to make breakfast for dinner. Waffles with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and bacon? Yes, please! My husband also likes to make a huge batch of French toast once in a while and we put the leftovers in the freezer for super easy breakfasts.
Use rice & pasta
I like to use rice and pasta quite a bit because I find them to be so cheap! Pasta is very cheap when it's on sale. Rice, when purchased in bulk, is cheap and lasts a long time. I like to make up stir-frys once in a while using rice or pasta to serve the veggies over. (Stir-frys are also a great way to use up vegetables!) Also, I know when I make something involving rice or pasta, it'll be a hit with my toddler, and that's a win!
Eat leftovers
Growing up, I was not a big fan of leftovers. When my parents would inform me that we'll be having leftovers for dinner, I usually cringed. Now, as an adult, I LOVE leftovers! Leftovers mean one less meal I have to make during the week! More often than not, I'll actually double up on dinner just so we have extra. Most of the time we save leftovers for lunch, but occasionally we'll have a busy night that will need a super quick dinner.
Use meat substitutes
These days, I'm actually forced to use something besides meat and poultry because my daughter has decided she'll have none of it. Luckily, she loves beans, lentils and eggs, which I find to be a great grocery budget saver! There are also many other vegetables that are high in protein such as mushrooms, green peas, kale, broccoli and cauliflower that I prepare with each meal.
Use frozen vegetables
While I much prefer fresh vegetables, sometimes buying frozen vegetables can be cheaper in the long run. Especially if you find certain vegetables are always going bad before you have a chance to finish them. (That's cauliflower in our home!) I usually have a bag of mixed frozen vegetables on hand for those nights when dinner can't be made fast enough. We have also determined that steaming them makes them taste the best. They're not as soggy that way!
Use coupons
I don't use a lot of coupons, but as I mentioned above, I've stocked up on pasta (and other items) many times because of some sales and coupons I've had. I also consider paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste and other household items to be grocery items and I won't buy these items unless I have a coupon. There are also some great cash back apps that I use to save even more.
Eat before you shop
This is a tip you probably hear every time someone tells you how to save money on groceries. But, I can certainly attest to its truth! Nearly each time I grocery shop hungry, I end up with extra stuff in my shopping cart. And, it's usually not healthy stuff! A bag of chips? Sure! A bottle of pop? We haven't had that in a while! I always have snacks in my purse because of my daughter, but I've been known to "share" them with her just so I'm not starving and fill our cart full of unnecessary stuff.
There you have it. My 10 Secrets to a lower grocery bill! I hope you found something helpful in this list, or at least something that inspires you!
I'd love it if you would share your tips and tricks for a lower grocery bill in the comments!
In today's fast-moving world, keeping tabs on your finances is pretty darn important if you want to stay above water. But perhaps, keeping a full on budget isn't your thing. Enter printable expense trackers: your trusty sidekick in the quest for financial proficiency.
Imagine a world where tracking your spending feels like organizing a DIY project—except this project saves you money!
These already made printable expense trackers that I have for you, come in a minimalist design so there's no confusion on what needs to be jotted down. In this freebie, you'll find 12 printable sheets - one for each month of the year.
These trackers are your personal finance cheerleaders, shouting "You got this!" as you track everything from groceries to that daily latte. By jotting down your expenses, you get a crystal-clear view of where your hard-earned cash goes. It's like shining a spotlight on your spending habits—making it easier to tweak budgets and save up for that dream vacation or rainy day fund.
Going old-school with pen and paper isn't just nostalgic; it's smart. Writing things down makes you more mindful of your money moves. It's like having a mini-financial coach nudging you towards smarter decisions—like skipping that impulse buy or renegotiating that subscription you forgot about.
Plus, these trackers are like a yearbook of your financial journey. Flip through and see how far you've come from those early days of tracking. It's not just numbers; it's your story of financial growth and savvy choices.
Best part? These trackers won't cost you a dime. They're like the best DIY project ever—free, fun, and oh-so-rewarding. Just download, print, and let the financial adventure begin!
So, whether you're plotting your escape from debt or aiming to stash away for that epic road trip, grab these printable expense trackers and make managing money as fun as finding a hidden treasure map. Your financial future will thank you for it!
4 Ways to save money with online shopping in Canada
It seems as though there's always something to shop for. Upcoming birthdays, new clothes for the kids, work clothes...the list can go on! Whenever I have something to purchase I tend to always look online first.
In most cases I find it easier then hauling a kid around that will most likely put up a fuss at some point during our outing. 😉 I also enjoy reading the reviews that other buyers have left if I'm contemplating a product that I'm not really familiar with.
Now, if you have your list in hand, budget in mind and are ready to begin shopping, here are 4 ways to save money with online shopping in Canada:
A simple tip, but learn to look for coupon codes! If you’re going to purchase something online, start by doing a simple search online for a coupon code that could save you money. To find a coupon code, simply do a Google search for the store you would like to make your purchase at!
Or, my favourite right now is Honey! Honey finds and applies coupon codes at online checkouts for you so you can get back to the more important things in your life quickly. Basically, it's amazing because Honey finds the deals on the things you need without any effort on your part.
Shop through a Cash Back Site
Why not get a percentage of your money back for making an online purchase through a cash back site? Cash back sites work together with online stores to offer you a percentage back as a rebate. Usually somewhere between 3-6%. It’s nice to get some cash back on something you were going to purchase anyway!
I highly recommend Rakuten.ca. Rakuten is an awesome site that pays you Cash Back when you shop online. With over 750 stores, including Well.ca, Indigo.ca, Old Navy, and Sephora, get paid to shop for things you’re already buying.
Bonus, join today and spend $40 within 90 days of your sign up day, and you'll receive a $40 bonus!
Don’t pay for shipping
I really don’t like paying for shipping. Quite often the cost of shipping can be a deal breaker for me. Especially when the shipping costs more than the product I’m buying! For this reason, I like buying from Amazon.ca, Well.ca and Indigo.ca for example, since you only have to spend $30 or $35 to get free regular shipping.
Most of the time, retailers offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount. Occasionally, they offer a coupon code for free shipping. However, I think it’s best if you shop when a store is offering free shipping without a coupon code. This way, you can also use a coupon code to save on the cost of the product, since many stores don’t let you combine coupon codes.
It pays to be patient so you can score free shipping when retailers offer it.
Go in with a friend
You can also save on shipping by chipping in! Ask your sister-in-law, ask a friend, ask a neighbour, or ask a co-worker. If you all shop online regularly, check with each other before placing an order. Splitting the shipping can be an effective cost saving measure, especially when done time and time again!
By combining coupon codes, rebates and free shipping, you should be able to get a great deal on all your online purchases! Do you prefer shopping online or in store? Do you have any other ways to save money with online shopping in Canada?
It's extremely important for any family to intentionally take the time once in a while to have fun as a family. Life can be very busy so making a conscious effort to slow down together without the demands of other friends/family/work/school can be so beneficial.
Family fun, however, does not have to cost a lot! Sure, there are activities that can cost a lot (and those are fun!), but there are so many fun cheap family activities too.
With Family Day in Canada quickly approaching, I thought I'd share some ideas for cheap family fun!
Cheap Family Activities:
Have a picnic inside
Start your garden seeds inside – Use this as an opportunity to teach your children about patience, responsibility and how things grow!
Movie night – Pick a movie that you haven’t watched in a while and make some homemade microwave popcorn! We've been having fun watching some of the movies my husband and I watched when we were kids.
Have a theme night/day – Mexican, Italian, pirate…the list goes on. Plan dinners and activities around your theme!
Have a craft night – paint, sew, make bracelets, draw…etc!
Head to your local library – stock up on reading material or even sit in on story time!
Have a game night – pull out those board games and cards!
Unplug – Turn off the cell phone, TV, computer and just reconnect with your wonderful family!
Shop at a thrift store together.
Have a dance party.
Build stuff with Lego.
Make everyone a nice warm drink, then read together with your own books.
Go bird watching – see how many different types of birds you can spot. Maybe bring along a bird book from the library.
Go ice skating – many ice rinks offer free skating on certain days
Build an indoor fort – camp out in it or have a picnic in it!
Have another family over for dinner – this is way cheaper then eating out!
If it's a holiday weekend, see if there are any free events taking place.
Visit a local ski hill and wander around. Maybe grab an inexpensive treat to enjoy.
Valentine's Day is around the corner so today's post is going to focus on low cost date ideas! I'm not only going to list frugal ideas to do with your significant other, but also ideas you can use with any special kids in your life. After all, it's crucial to any important relationship, that you spend some quality one-on-one time together.
However, when money is tight, it's hard to justify spending money on a "date". Even dinner and a movie can really add up! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy my ideas for low cost date ideas the whole family can enjoy:
Date-Night with your significant other:
Visit a Winery or Brewery - This can really be a fun and informative afternoon! Most wineries and breweries offer free tours that include free tastings at the end.
Use those Daily Deal Sites - Keep an eye on those daily deal sites like Groupon and WagJag. I often see offers for romantic getaways, restaurant deals and even local attractions. You’ll save yourself a big chunk of money if you take advantage of a deal, especially if you intended on heading out on the town anyways!
Wash the Car Together - Sometimes doing the mundane chores together can be a blast and a great way to catch up. This is a great idea for when life is so busy you're having a hard time finding a solid chunk of time to spend together.
Get back to your Roots - Did you use to love playing a particular board game together in your younger dating/married years? Pull it out and play it once again. Or maybe you used to love browsing the thrift stores together? Or enjoyed the satisfaction of volunteering? Do something that takes you back to the early days!
Go for a Drive - One year for our anniversary, with a new baby in tow, we took a scenic drive and stopped at a quaint little coffee shop in a nearby town. This was one of our most memorable dates!
Dinner at Home - Not a new idea at all, dinner at home, but how about calling up your date’s mother to get the recipe for their favourite childhood meal? Or if you both enjoy a fancy meal, how about going all out at the grocery store to recreate your favourite fancy restaurant meals? The thought of a picnic on the floor might hit the spot as well! Maybe this year could be your first fondue?
Go to the Beach - Obviously for the warmer months, but we like to bring along a couple of chairs and some good books and spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach. When we get hot, we just jump into the water!
Go for a Hike - or snowshoeing since it's winter! My husband and I are really fond of hikes. There's just something about enjoying nature together and getting a little bit of exercise at the same time. Plus, our region has some pretty fantastic hiking locales if I do say so myself.
Date-Night with your Children/Whole Family:
Get the ideas flowing with these suggestions that will work for one on one dates with your children or for the whole family unit!
Have a Picnic - Inside or outside depending on the weather. Pack some sandwiches, a fun beverage and an extra special treat that will be enjoyed.
Have a Movie Night in – grab a movie off the shelf that you haven’t watched in a while or find something on Netflix and make some homemade microwave popcorn!
Have a Theme Night/Day – Mexican, Italian, pirate…the list goes on. Plan dinners and activities around your theme!
Have a Craft Night – Paint, sew, make bracelets, draw…etc! This would have been a dream date with my mom when I was younger. Actually, now that think about it, we used to spend quite a few nights making greeting cards!
Head to your Local Library – Stock up on reading material or even sit in on story time!
Go Bird Watching – See how many different types of birds you can spot. Maybe bring along a bird book from the library. Here's are some free Bird Watching printables you may enjoy.
Build an Indoor fort – Grab all your blankets, pillows and boxes to create an epic indoor fort. Camp out in it or have a picnic in it!
Check out the free community events offered in your area - Many of the free community events are geared towards family fun.
Go for a Nature Walk - Bring along a bag that you can use to collect all sorts of neat nature things in. Bring the bag home and create some crafts using your haul.
Have a Garage Sale - Involve the kids and help them set up a lemonade or hot chocolate stand. They'll have fun earning some money and you'll all enjoy being together!
Go Ice Skating - I recently took my daughter out for the very first time and she had a blast. While she refused to try on the skates, she had fun building her confidence on the ice wearing her boots. We have several local rinks that offer free family skate times, so yours may as well.
Many of these low cost date ideas can be adapted to every season, but the important thing is that you get out there and have fun together as a couple, parent/child or family! Enjoy each other!
Sometimes, the secret to saving money is actually spending a little more money in the first place.
As long as you spend it on the right things, that is.
That might sound illogical, but in reality, it can make a lot of sense when you start thinking about long-term savings.
This is where thoughtful, intentional spending comes in to play.
In this article, I'm not going to be talking about gadgets that you will only use once, like a Cake Pop Maker for example. I am going to list out products that you will use time and time again, allowing you to see financial savings in the long run. Smart purchases that will save money in the long run!
On that note, to help you save cash and satisfy your gadget purchasing desire, I've rounded up 22 smart purchases that will end up saving you tons of cash in the long run. The best part? They don’t require you to change any of your everyday habits.
Smart purchases that save money:
Low flow shower head - Why not have a great shower and save water at the same time? A low flow shower head doesn't cost a lot to replace, but the savings on your water bill will really pay off in the long run!
LED light bulbs - While they cost more upfront, LED lightbulbs are a smart choice in your home. they save money on your energy bill and last way longer than incandescent light bulbs. There are many different options to get just the right color warmth that you like.
Solar powered outdoor lights - Light up your yard to add safety and ambiance by using solar powered outdoor lights. Once purchased, these won't cost a cent on your energy bill!
Drying rack- Do we always need to use the dryer? You can save a lot of electricity by using a drying rack instead! You will also find your clothes last longer too. If you have yard space outside to have a drying line, this is a fantastic way to dry stuff
Smart thermostat - Monitor your energy usage easily with a smart thermostat in your home! This will adjust heating/cooling according to your schedule. You can even control it from anywhere using your Android or iOS device. No more heating and cooling an empty house when you’re gone!
Reusable food storage bags - Stop throwing plastic bags (and money) in the trash. These reusable storage bags are easy to clean and ready to use for a long, long time. I especially like that these ones are self-standing...makes it easy to fill!
Brita water jug - Very, very rarely will we buy bottled water. We do, however, use our Brita every single day. We fill up glasses at home or fill our reusable water bottles for adventure days.
Reusable water bottle - Speaking of reusable water bottles, never buy bottled water again! I really like this Simple Modern one. My daughter uses it for school and dance and it never leaks! Even when it's on its side.
Air fryer - Hear me out on this one. It might seem like a gadget, but our air fryer has really made my life better. It has made lunch making and heating up leftovers a breeze. Let's not forget to mention that it saves so much money because I'm not getting takeout as often!
Wool Dryer balls - These don't seem like anything special, but this is one of those purchases that save money like crazy. They save money on fabric softeners and dryer sheets because they soften naturally. They also lessen the drying time needed so they will save you money on your energy bill.
Rechargeable batteries - If you find yourself going through batteries often, investing in rechargeable batteries is a smart idea!
Fire TV Stick has been a TOTAL game changer for us! We bought one when we decided to eliminate cable tv. It plugs into the back of your tv and has a homepage for all your streaming services. Save a TON of money with the free tv apps it offers.
Hair clipper kit - This one might not be for everyone, but we have saved a lot of money by cutting my husband's hair at home. I give him a very basic hair cut every 6 weeks or so and he's always pleased as punch.
Vacuum Sealer - How many times have you thrown away foods that are so badly freezer burned? Well, say goodbye to freezer burnt food by investing in a vacuum sealer. Once you've sealed your food, toss it in the freezer and you'll find it stays fresher for so much longer.
Reusable K Cup Coffee Filter - Those little K-Cups can really add up after awhile! If you own a Keurig machine, think about buying a reusable k-cup coffee filter so you can buy your favourite grounds to use in the filter. You'll have delicious coffee and save money!
TubShroom - I don't even remember how I came across this in the first place, but I purchased a TubShroom and LOVE it! It's been years since we've been using one and I will never go back to an ordinary drain protector. It catches so much hair. I'm convinced that this is one of those purchases that save money in the long run.
Makeup remover cloths - I really like those disposable, pre-moistened face towels so I really think these makeup remover cloths would be just as convenient. Plus, they're reusable of course!
Personal finance books - I've got a list of highly rated personal finance books right here. First though, why don't you see if your library has any copies available?
Memberships - Do you find yourself often visiting the same places and paying the daily rate? It might be time to purchase the membership! Buying a membership to places that you frequent often can save you so much money in the long run. Think swimming pools, science centers, amusement parks and more!
Drain snake - Having a drain snake on hand will without a doubt save you money on expensive drain cleaners that don't necessarily work. Not to mention, a drain snake could save you having to hire a plumber too!
Bamboo towels - These bamboo towels are such a great idea. Especially if you think it will be hard to get away from using regular paper towels. These bamboo towels are washable and can be used just like how you use regular paper towels.
Fabric Defuzzer - Before you discard of any pilled sweaters or even furniture, try a fabric defuzzer! For less than $15, you can save your favorite things and make them look brand new again with this simple tool!
In conclusion, making smart purchases that prioritize quality and durability is not just a matter of saving money in the short term; it is a strategy for long-term financial well-being. By choosing products that stand the test of time and offer lasting value, you can enjoy the satisfaction of smart purchasing decisions that will contribute to your financial stability. As well as taking steps to be a more intentional consumer.
What are some smart purchases that you would add to the list?
