The first and most important step in getting started with coupons in Canada is, well, getting coupons to use! This is really the easy part because coupons are actually really abundant in Canada!
Today, I am going to give you a list so you know where to find Canadian coupons that will help you save money! Coupons are a great way to save money on food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and more.
Here is where to find Canadian coupons so you can get your coupon stash growing quickly:
At the grocery store
Grocery stores can be a treasure trove of coupons. There are several different kinds of coupons you can keep an eye out for.
Tear pad coupons - These can be found on the front of shelves or on those cardboard display cases, usually very close to the product for which the coupon is intended. Some large grocery stores also have large coupon boards at the front entrances where you will find dozens of tear pad coupons. As you find the ones you think you will use, keep in mind that you don't have to use them on the day that you take them!
Peelies - Peelies are those little sticker coupons that you can sometimes find attached to products. Recently, I have found them on cereal boxes, feminine products, and granola bars. Keep an eye out! These are meant to be taken only when you purchase the product on which they are found!
Hang Tags - Like peelies, but they are actually hanging on products with an elastic. These are also meant to be taken only when you purchase the product on which they are found!
Rep Coupons - You know those booths that are set up in grocery stores with someone handing out samples or simply bringing awareness to a product? They often have coupons to give out!
Some companies run promotions where they mail coupons (for free product, or money off) to you via Canada Post. One such company is Chapman's Ice Cream. Every year you can request for them to mail you a $4.00 off coupon to use on their ice cream products.
You could also try Shopper's Voice. Complete a survey to receive coupons, samples and special offers.
Be sure to keep an eye out for coupons from fast-food restaurants! These you don't have to sign up for. They just come as junk mail and can be quite valuable if you utilize restaurants like Subway, McDonald's, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, etc.
In product packaging
You can also find coupons inside specially marked boxes or packages that may be used for future purchases. I often see these coupons inside cereal boxes, granola bars and taco kits.
Free Samples
Many times when I fill out a form for a free sample, when it arrives, it comes with a coupon. Sample boxes from companies like SampleSource often add coupons into the box along with the samples.
Email Newsletters
Join email lists of the companies that you often buy from, if they have one. When you sign up online, make sure to check the box that asks if you would like to have special coupons and offers sent to you. I also recommend having a separate email address for signing up for things like this. You wouldn’t want to clutter up your personal email! Gay Lea, Oxi Clean and Oasis are all examples of companies that regularly send out coupons with their newsletters.
Email your favourite companies
If you have a favourite product, there is absolutely no harm in emailing or calling that particular company asking if they have any coupons available to mail to you! Many companies are very willing to send coupons your way if you ask!
Coupon Apps
Also known as Cash-Back apps! If physical coupons aren't your thing, cash-back apps might be a better option for you! The way most cash-back apps work is:
Download the app
Browse the list of cash-back offers then buy your groceries
Now that you know where to find Canadian coupons, you’re going to have to figure out some sort of organizing system so they don’t end up expiring before you use them. There are many different ways to organize coupons, but you may have to try out a couple of systems before you find one that works best for you.
In this post, I’ll be listing several different ways on how to organize coupons. You’re sure to find a system that will work for you!
Coupon Organizing Method #1 – The Wallet Size Expanding Folder
This was my first method of coupon organization. I picked up a wallet sized coupon folder from a local dollar store. You can also find them on Amazon. The folder from the dollar store already included pre-categorized sections like, baking goods, beverages, cleaning products and condiments. Feel free to personalize each section to how you like it. Maybe you want to organize your coupons by expiry date. Or label each section with store names so you could place all the coupons you intend on using at a particular store in the appropriate section!
Organize all your coupons using envelopes. Make an envelope for each category. (such as Meat, Dairy Products, Cleaning Products, Paper Products, etc.) Accumulate all the coupons you plan on using and store them in the corresponding envelopes so they can be easily found.
Coupon Organizing Method #3 – The Coupon Box
Use index cards to create all the categories you’ll need. With this method, your coupons will be really easy to find, but you may find it a bit bulky if you want to bring it into the stores you shop at. Here’s an example from Monica Wilkinson using a cute recipe box, including the categories she uses.
Coupon Organization Method #4 – The Coupon Binder
The coupon binder is a hugely popular coupon organization method and is the one I’m currently using. It’s fairly simple to create your own using a three-ring binder, page dividers, trading card holders, and perhaps a zippered pocket to hold scissors, random coupons, or a calculator. I’ve also heard of people using photo albums instead of a binder! Here are a couple of tutorials to help you get idea on how to create a coupon binder system that may work for you:
Now that you have some ideas on what to put your coupons in, you may want some ideas on how to sort your coupons.
Organize by product: Rather than create categories, you could group all your similar product coupons together. For example, all shampoo coupons together and all makeup coupons together.
Organize by expiry month: Create a section for each month of the year and place the coupons according to the month they expire.
Organize alphabetically: Put your Irish Spring coupons in the “I” section and your Crest coupons in the “C” section.
Organize by category: Probably the most popular way of sorting coupons. Place all coupons in broad categories such as Meat, Paper products, and Snacks.
I hope this post gave you some ideas on how to organize coupons with a system that will work for you!
If you’re a coupon user with a system already in place, how do you organize your coupons?
Here are the other posts in the How to Coupon in Canada Series:
When you're trying to save money, it can be tempting to think that the only way to make progress is to stop spending altogether.
No more takeout. No more coffee runs. No more little treats. No more buying anything that isn't absolutely necessary.
And while cutting your spending can certainly help your budget, living frugally doesn't have to mean making your life miserable.
I've been living frugally for many years, and one of the things I've learned is that frugal living works much better when it doesn't feel like punishment.
The goal isn't to spend as little as humanly possible. The goal is to be thoughtful about where your money goes, find cheaper ways to do the things you enjoy and save money where you don't really notice the difference.
Here are some realistic ways to be more frugal without feeling deprived.
1. Find cheaper ways to do the things you enjoy
You don't necessarily have to stop doing something you enjoy just because you're trying to spend less. Instead, look for a less expensive version.
If a friend wants to go out for coffee, invite them over instead.
If your family wants to watch a movie, have a movie night at home.
If the kids want to go somewhere fun, look for free community events, parks, trails or inexpensive activities.
If you enjoy reading, use the library instead of buying every book you want to read.
The important part is that you're still doing something you enjoy. You're simply changing how much you're paying for it.
2. Decide what is actually worth spending money on
This is one of the biggest lessons I've learned from being frugal.
You don't have to cut everything.
Think about the things you genuinely enjoy spending money on and allow yourself to prioritize them.
Maybe you love going out for brunch. Maybe you enjoy travelling. Maybe having your favourite coffee on the weekend is something you really look forward to.
That's okay.
For our family, we really prioritize our kids' extra curriculars. For one, that means paying a lot for competitive dance and for the other it means recreational gymnastics and dance classes.
Instead of trying to eliminate every enjoyable expense, look for other areas where you don't care as much about spending.
Frugal living isn't about saying “no” to everything. It's about making sure your money is going toward the things that matter to you.
3. Don't confuse a sale with a saving
I'm a huge fan of a good deal.
But I've also learned that buying something simply because it's on sale isn't necessarily frugal.
If you weren't planning to buy it, don't need it and wouldn't have bought it at full price, spending money on it doesn't magically become a saving because there's a red sale sticker involved.
Before buying something on sale, ask yourself: Would I buy this if it weren't on sale?
If the answer is no, you may have just found a way to spend money rather than save it.
4. Shop secondhand
Buying used can be one of the easiest ways to spend less without giving up the things you need.
Check thrift stores, consignment shops, garage sales, local buy-and-sell groups and online marketplaces before buying something new.
Secondhand can be especially useful for things like:
Furniture
Children's clothing
Books
Toys
Kitchen items
Home décor
Sporting equipment
Tools
Of course, use common sense and make sure an item is safe and in good condition before purchasing it.
But there's no rule that says everything in your home has to be brand new. If I'm being honest, most things in our home are used!
5. Make some things at home
There are plenty of things you can make yourself that can save money.
Coffee is an obvious example. A good bag of coffee beans or ground coffee can make dozens of cups at home for a lot less than buying individual coffees every day.
The same idea applies to things like baked goods, snacks, sauces and some household products.
But there's an important caveat here: Don't make everything from scratch just because you think frugal people are supposed to.
If homemade pizza saves you money and you enjoy making it, great.
If making your own laundry soap takes two hours and saves you $1, maybe your time is better spent elsewhere.
Frugal living should consider your time, too.
6. Cook extra while you're already cooking
If you're already making a meal that freezes well, consider making extra.
A double batch of taco meat, spaghetti sauce, meatballs, shepherd's pie, Chicken Pesto Pasta Shells and chili can give you another meal later without requiring much additional effort.
This is one of those frugal habits that can save money and make life easier.
Future you will probably appreciate finding a homemade meal in the freezer on a night when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do.
7. Stock up strategically
Stockpiling can save money when it's done thoughtfully.
If something your household regularly uses goes on sale for a genuinely good price, consider buying enough to last until the next sale.
The key is knowing what you actually use.
There's no benefit to having a basement full of 47 bottles of something your family doesn't like. A good stockpile is simply a small supply of things you know you'll use, purchased at a good price.
8. Use what you already have
Before buying something new, take a look around your house. You may already have something that will work.
This applies to food, clothing, cleaning supplies, craft supplies, storage containers, home décor and just about everything else.
Sometimes the most frugal purchase is the one you don't make.
And this can be especially helpful if you're also trying to declutter. Using up what you already own means you're spending less and reducing the amount of stuff coming into your home.
9. Learn to love the leftovers
When I was a kid, I hated leftovers. As an adult, I love leftovers! Leftovers can save you both money and time.
Instead of thinking of leftovers as yesterday's dinner, think of them as tomorrow's lunch or the starting point for another meal.
Roast chicken can become sandwiches or soup. Leftover vegetables can become part of an omelette or pasta dish. Extra taco meat can become nachos or a quick lunch.
The goal isn't to eat the exact same meal five days in a row. It's to avoid letting perfectly good food, and the money you spent on it, go to waste.
10. Use rewards programs, but don't let them use you
Canadian shoppers have plenty of opportunities to earn points, discounts and cash back.
But rewards programs only save you money if you use them strategically.
Don't buy something you don't need simply because you'll earn points. Don't spend an extra $20 to “unlock” a reward worth $5.
And don't let a points balance convince you that you've found free money. Use rewards on purchases you were already planning to make.
11. Take care of the things you own
One of the least exciting, and most effective, ways to be frugal is to take care of your stuff.
Clean things regularly. Follow maintenance recommendations. Repair things when it makes sense. Store items properly.
The longer you can reasonably use something, the longer you can go without replacing it. This is particularly important with expensive purchases like appliances, furniture, electronics and vehicles.
Sometimes frugality isn't about finding a bargain. It's about getting as much useful life as possible from something you've already paid for.
12. Use less when it makes sense
There are plenty of household products where using the recommended amount is enough, and sometimes we're simply in the habit of using more than we need.
Pay attention to how much you're actually using of things like laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo and cleaning products. You might discover that you are using more than necessary.
However, I wouldn't recommend automatically cutting down on every product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions where appropriate and make sure you're still getting the results you need.
The goal is to avoid waste, not make your life harder.
13. Look for energy savings
Being more conscious of your home's energy use can help reduce your expenses over time.
Simple habits can include turning off lights when you leave a room, avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling, washing clothes in cold water when appropriate and using energy-efficient lighting.
And when it's time to replace a major appliance, consider its energy efficiency as part of the overall cost.
Sometimes paying a little more upfront can make sense if the appliance is expected to use significantly less energy over its lifetime.
14. Skip the dryer when it's practical
If you have the space and the weather cooperates, air drying some of your clothes can reduce dryer use. (It can even help your clothes last longer!)
A drying rack or clothesline can be especially useful for items that don't need to go through the dryer.
You don't have to stop using your dryer completely. Even using it a little less can help.
15. Create a waiting period for purchases
You don't have to tell yourself “no” every time you want something. Try telling yourself “not yet.”
If you see something you want, put it on a list and wait a few days, or longer for a bigger purchase.
Sometimes you'll still want it, and that's okay. But sometimes the excitement will disappear and you'll realize you didn't really need it.
A little time can make it much easier to tell the difference between something you genuinely want and something you simply wanted in that moment.
16. Make your own fun
One of the biggest misconceptions about frugal living is that you have to be bored.
Spoiler alert: you don't!
Have a game night. Go for a walk. Have a picnic. Try a new recipe. Watch a movie at home. Visit the library. Explore a nearby park. Invite friends over.
There are so many ways to enjoy yourself without pulling out your wallet. And honestly, some of my favourite memories have very little to do with how much money was spent.
17. Make convenience work for you not against you
Convenience isn't bad.
Sometimes you're tired. Sometimes you're busy. Sometimes paying for something that makes life easier is absolutely worth it.
The problem is when convenience becomes automatic.
If you're regularly paying for delivery, takeout, pre-prepared foods or last-minute purchases simply because they're easier, look for a few places where you could make a different choice.
You don't have to eliminate convenience.
Just be intentional about which conveniences are worth paying for.
18. Have a “use what I have” challenge
Pick one category and challenge yourself to shop your own home before buying anything new.
Try:
The freezer challenge: Use what you've already frozen.
The closet challenge: Put together outfits from clothes you already own.
The bathroom challenge: Use up toiletries before replacing them.
The cleaning-supply challenge: Finish what you already have before buying another bottle.
These little challenges can save money while also helping you use up things that might otherwise sit around indefinitely.
19. Buy fewer, better things when it makes sense
Being frugal doesn't always mean choosing the cheapest option.
Sometimes the least expensive item isn't the best value if it needs to be replaced often. For things you use frequently, consider quality, durability, repairability and expected lifespan, not just the initial price. The goal isn't to buy the most expensive version either. It's to think about the total value you're getting for your money.
20. Don't try to be perfectly frugal
This might be the most important one.
You're going to spend money sometimes.
You're going to order takeout.
You're going to buy something that wasn't absolutely necessary.
You're going to pay for convenience.
You're going to occasionally pay full price for something.
That's life.
One purchase doesn't undo all of your other good choices.
I have learned over the years that frugal living is about your overall habits, not whether you managed to make the perfect financial decision every single time.
Frugal Living Should Make Your Life Better, Not Smaller
Being frugal doesn't mean living a life of deprivation. It means being intentional with the resources you have.
You can buy secondhand and still enjoy nice things. You can cook at home and still go out for dinner sometimes. You can save money and still have fun.
You don't have to say no to everything.
Instead, ask yourself:
Is there a cheaper way to do this?
Do I actually need to buy this?
Would I rather spend this money on something else?
Can I use something I already have?
Those questions can change the way you spend without making you feel like you're constantly missing out.
After years of living frugally, I've found that the goal isn't to see how little I can spend. It's to make sure the money I do spend is going toward the things that matter to me.
And I think that's what makes frugal living sustainable. You don't have to deprive yourself to save money. You just have to get a little more creative about where your money goes.
What is one thing you are going to start doing today to be more frugal?Or what are some things you already do without thinking, that are frugal?
Setting a budget is one thing, but actually sticking to your budget each and every month is another! In today's society, you're constantly bombarded by temptations that can lead you away from your plan. TV commercials, an enticing "sale" sign and a beautiful store display can all tempt you to spend outside of what you can afford in your budget. Never mind that you may not like to delay gratification for something that you want today!
But, the truth is, what you decide to do today will determine your future. Having a budget in place to help eliminate debt and not consciously sticking to it, may make our lives enjoyable today, but will give us much misery in the future.
Here are some tips to make sticking to a budget a bit easier:
Set specific financial goals
Since you've most likely put a budget in place so you can attain financial goals, it's important to get specific by providing numbers and deadlines for your goals. For example, instead of “My goal is to save enough for a down payment on a house”, a better one would be, “My goal is to save $2,083 a month for a 20% down payment on a $250,000 house in 24 months”. Setting specific goals gives an idea of how well or how poorly you're doing. In turn, possibly enticing you to be more disciplined with your budgeting or allowing yourself a pat on the back!
Be realistic
In terms of goal setting, it's important to set goals that are reasonable. Not ones that are setting you up for failure right from the start.
It's also important to be realistic when you're setting up your budget. Say you've discovered that you spend, on average, $800 a month on groceries after you've tallied up your receipts from previous months. Don't decide that having a budget of $500 for groceries is "totally doable" since you have to "reach your financial goals as fast as you can because you're so excited". This is just setting you up for failure. I'm not saying it's not impossible to eventually get your budget down to $500 a month, you'll just want to work slowly, one step at a time, at reducing your monthly grocery budget.
Have accountability
Think about the last time you started a workout routine or tried to kick a bad habit; having a partner by your side, holding you accountable is crucial. Involve your family (or a very good friend) in your plan. Explain why you need to scale back on some areas, and get their input and encouragement on those things. From here, review your budget once a week with your family (or very good friend) to make sure that you're on track. Not only is it good to have someone help keep you on track, it's great to have someone helping you celebrate your successes!
Use cash
If you leave your debit cards and credit cards at home and only bring the amount of cash that you have budgeted, then that's all you'll be able to spend. So if your budget allows you $100 at the grocery store each week, then only bring $100 with you. (These printable Cash Envelopes are a fantastic tool to help you organize your cash.)
You'll be more likely to avoid those unnecessary items that might otherwise end up in your cart. They may not seem like a big deal because they're only a few bucks, but when you end up at the checkout with $110 worth of items, you'll be forced to put some things back, making you prioritize and forcing you to stick within your budget. If you had your debit card with you, chances are you'd think "It's only a few dollars", and you'll find yourself short at the end of the month.
Remember your goals
As you go about the daily life of living within a budget, it's important to remind yourself often of why you're living on a budget. Is it because you want to save enough for that winter vacation? Or maybe it's to pay off your consumer debt. Regardless, it's important to constantly remember your financial goals to help fuel the excitement of what's to come, if you manage to successfully stick to your budget. It could help to write down your financial goals and carry them around with you in your wallet or purse. Every time you pull out your cash and look at those goals, you'll be reminded of the reason you have a budget.
Reward yourself
When you divide your big goal into several mini goals, make sure you reward yourself each time you accomplish one of those mini goals. Not only will this help spur you on, you'll also start to feel as though your big goal could definitely become a reality if you stick to it. Your reward may be as simple as a long bubble bath or a bowl of ice cream; or as extravagant as a fancy dinner out. Of course, as long as it is still within budget! Here are some great ideas to treat yourself for free.
What are the things that you do to make sticking to a budget easier? Let me know in the comments below.
Can you believe we have reached the last day in the No Spend Declutter Challenge? It's so hard to believe we've been working away for nearly a month! I still have areas of my house that need some fine tuning, but overall, I'm quite happy! I think I brought in 5 boxes/bags to the second hand store.
One thing I wish I would have been better at, is using stuff we already have in our pantry and freezer. I feel like I still spent the same amount on groceries as I do every month.
Day 18 Declutter Task:
We're going to close out the month with something that I like to do about once a month or so. A digital declutter. This is when I go though my email accounts and delete emails I no longer need. Unsubscribe from newsletters that don't interest me any longer. Unfollow social media accounts and delete photos off my phone and computer that are no longer needed.
It's sort of a mindless task, but feels so good to have only the stuff you need and the stuff you love in the end!
How often do you do a digital declutter?
Day 18 No Spend Task:
Remember when a couple of weeks ago, our task was to create "wants" list? Well, today, we're going to revisit that list.
When you revisit your list, cross off the things you realize you no longer want. With the items that are still on the list, I want to encourage you to try buying used, borrowing from friends or family, or asking in a local Buy Nothing Facebook group.
I know you will will feel just as satisfied with those options when you receive the items you want!
I'd love to know, after nearly an entire month of not spending unnecessarily, how many things do you no longer want or need?
Thank you so much for joining me this month! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!
If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!
Today, we're going to tackle our desk areas. Now this year, things might look different than normal. You may be using a table as a make shift desk for school or work at home. So I guess you can tidy up the spot you call a work area!
In our home, I have a desk, but the girls are the ones who use it right now for making crafts and colouring. (We are fortunate to have in-class school!) My husband also has a desk that tends to get cluttered up with toys because it’s in our basement where most of the toys are. So today, I’ll tidy them up and make sure all the random items are in their proper place.
Day 17 No Spend Task:
Well, once again, we're going to intentionally not spend money on unnecessary things! But we are almost finished! Have you noticed a big change in your mindset? Are you less tempted to purchase random items now?
I will also be posting random progress reports throughout the challenge over at Instagram! Follow me on Instagram @simplyfrugal and use the hashtag #nospenddeclutter to get updates and see what others are up to during the challenge!
If you do not use social media, I would love to read your comments on each task, right here, below each challenge post on SimplyFrugal.ca!
