If you're a student in Canada, like moi, here is your SECRET WEAPON!!! *insert evil laugh*
http://www.spccard.ca/
The student price card! It's $8 to buy, but pays for itself. It nets you 10% off at a ton of stores, plus various other discounts at others, and is very worthwhile. Of course, it's not a recessionista skill to spend money just because you get a discount, but everybody needs to buy some things. You get discounts at clothing stores like Suzy Shier, Bluenotes, Stitches, Ardenes, and Bentley, to name a few, plus discounts at restaurants - a free Frosty at Wendy's when you buy a combo, a free appetizer at Swiss Chalet, for example. You even get discounts on Greyhound Bus Fares (which I've never used), but here's the best part - you get a 10% discount at Zellers. Yes. So even those of you that are so frugal that you never buy brand- new clothes or eat at restaurants, will save a bit. It doesn't apply to DVD's, electronics, or furniture, but the 10% discount is enough to knock some of their prices cheaper than other stores where they would ordinarily be cheaper. Zellers has gotten a lot of my business lately because of this. You can even buy the card there. They sometimes ask for student ID along with the card, so be sure to have that on you.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Beat Stores at their Own Game!
Stores are there to make money, but also bring customers through the door. What looks like a good price sometimes isn't, and stores make a healthy profit from little things that a lot of customers don't bother with or never think to do -
- how many times have you splurged on an item, only to have it go on sale the next day? This happened to me last week, with a pair of boots I got from Zellers. I paid $49.95, the next week their flyer read $34.95 for all ladies spring boots. Now I knew Zellers has a great return policy, so I brought the receipt back in and was refunded $15 + tax. Not a huge amount, but 30% of the purchase price. Not bad. It's worth trying at other stores, even if their return policy isn't as flexible.
- mail-in rebates. Large electronic stores like Staples use these a LOT, and many people either lose them, wait too long, or don't bother to mail them in. Mail them in right away and it's money in the bank (well, in the form of a mailed check). Keep a supply of envelopes on hand and keep a good supply of stamps handy - this is one of the best tips I ever got. I buy stamps in rolls of 50. When postal rates go up you save a few cents by using the stamps you bought at a cheaper price, and things like mail-in rebates and birthday cards (which I also buy in bulk and keep on hand) don't get pushed to the wayside.
The Grocery Game
Grocery stores in particular will squeeze as much money as they can while still staying competitive and appealing to customers. These stores are designed to get you to leave with a full cart. Some ways to save here -
- check unit prices. I've noticed places like Wal-mart never show their unit prices, but grocery stores usually do, in small print on the shelf price tag. It may surprise you, we always hear to 'buy in bulk', but sometimes buying a medium size is actually the cheaper way to go, especially is the medium size of something is on sale and the larger one isn't. This is the exception rather than the rule, but it happens. Or, something that seems like it would be a significant savings for the larger size is exactly the same or so negligible that the inconvenience of, say, a huge jug of laundry soap that you can barely pour is not worth it. Especially if you don't use it all by the time it expires.
- stock up when there's a sale! This is a no-brainer, but remember, a sale is only a sale if you it's a product you'll use, in a quantity you'll use by the expiration date, and there isn't a cheaper version of the product available. If the unit price for a larger size of the same product is still lower, go with that provided you'll use it by the expiration date (if there is one). Or, if a quality store brand or less expensive brand product exists, this may still be the cheaper option unless you want that certain brand. Things that are great to stock up on are any non-perishable (like toilet paper), and loss leaders (designed to get customers in the door by being ridiculously cheap, usually the front or back page of the flyer or any item that has a limit on how many you can buy is worth checking out). If you can pair sale items with coupons even better. Generally, coupons for brand-name items don't save you enough to make it a better deal than the generic version - unless it's already on sale, in which case you can get some great deals or even get it for free. But if the name-brand is $1 more than the store-brand, and your coupon says 50¢ off, I'd stick with the store-brand.
- last day meat (meat that is about to expire the next day). This is only an option if you will cook it that night or if you have freezer space for it so you can freeze it right away. Last-day meat is generally reduced by 50% or so, a significant savings on one of the most expensive grocery items. Most people typically freeze meat right away anyway until it's ready to use. I've never had a problem with last day meat when I've frozen/cooked it right away.
- stick to the outer perimeters of the store. This is typically where the produce and meat/dairy coolers are. Only venture into the middle aisles for things that are on your list. And don't shop hungry! If you have a few seconds, jot down what type of meals you plan to serve for the next week or so when you're making out your list. That way, rather than wandering around getting whatever looks good and ending up realizing that you're missing a few key ingredients for actual meals, you'll save yourself time and cut down on the amount of groceries you need.
- buy only as much produce as you will actually eat. Be realistic here. The majority of people don't eat enough produce as it is, so make sure that whatever you buy gets eaten. If you live near the grocery store or there is one on your way home from work, take advantage of that and stop in every few days to buy a small amount of produce (and check for any promising last-day meat if you have freezer space!), rather than buying large amounts that may get wasted, no matter how tempting they look all fresh and displayed in the store. If you do have uneaten produce that is starting to turn that you wouldn't want to actually eat, but is still technically edible (for example, I can't stand bananas with any black spots at all, or apples that are anything less than firm), find ways to use it up. I cut it up into chucks and slices and freeze it in ziploc bags to throw into homemade smoothies I make in my blender - just add frozen yogurt and juice, or a few ice cubes and soy milk. Another option is to make banana muffins out of mushy bananas, or cut up mushy apples and bake them in the oven with pork chops. With vegetables, cut off the 'bad' part and boil the rest for a sidedish or put it in soups.
- if you grocery store charges for bags and offers canvas bags you can buy, it's worthwhile over the long run. They hold more and make grocery easier to carry in and put away, plus add less waste. Just be sure to keep them in your car and don't forget them! I run mine out to my vehicle right after I put groceries away (or at least the next time I go out), and stash them under the seat.
- the snack aisle. Yes, it's unhealthy. Your health conscious probably tells you to avoid it, especially when there is so much fresh produce on display. But, everyone likes the occasional snack - a bag of chips while watching TV, or a chocolate bar fix. If you stock up on a few bags of 99¢ store-brand chips and 50¢ chocolate bars to stash away in an inconveniently located snack shelf, it might save you buying that $2.99 bag of chips or $1.29 chocolate bar while in line at the convenience store or movie rental place. Provided you keep them 'out of sight, out of mind' until the mood strikes.
-'instant' meals. You know, Meal in a Box type convenience foods like *blank* Helper and *something* Sensations, for example. I won't comment on the specific nutrition info, but it's safe to say they are overpriced and chock full of preservatives (which you can actually taste in them). If they were instant, I could see the point, but they still involve cooking. It would take the same amount of effort to cook yourself some pasta and browned hamburger with sauce or gravy, seasoned nicely, or to cook some beef or chicken strips with some chopped fresh veggies. Sure, you can buy it all in one box or package, but it's cheaper, fresher, healthier, and just as easy to make it yourself.
- how many times have you splurged on an item, only to have it go on sale the next day? This happened to me last week, with a pair of boots I got from Zellers. I paid $49.95, the next week their flyer read $34.95 for all ladies spring boots. Now I knew Zellers has a great return policy, so I brought the receipt back in and was refunded $15 + tax. Not a huge amount, but 30% of the purchase price. Not bad. It's worth trying at other stores, even if their return policy isn't as flexible.
- mail-in rebates. Large electronic stores like Staples use these a LOT, and many people either lose them, wait too long, or don't bother to mail them in. Mail them in right away and it's money in the bank (well, in the form of a mailed check). Keep a supply of envelopes on hand and keep a good supply of stamps handy - this is one of the best tips I ever got. I buy stamps in rolls of 50. When postal rates go up you save a few cents by using the stamps you bought at a cheaper price, and things like mail-in rebates and birthday cards (which I also buy in bulk and keep on hand) don't get pushed to the wayside.
The Grocery Game
Grocery stores in particular will squeeze as much money as they can while still staying competitive and appealing to customers. These stores are designed to get you to leave with a full cart. Some ways to save here -
- check unit prices. I've noticed places like Wal-mart never show their unit prices, but grocery stores usually do, in small print on the shelf price tag. It may surprise you, we always hear to 'buy in bulk', but sometimes buying a medium size is actually the cheaper way to go, especially is the medium size of something is on sale and the larger one isn't. This is the exception rather than the rule, but it happens. Or, something that seems like it would be a significant savings for the larger size is exactly the same or so negligible that the inconvenience of, say, a huge jug of laundry soap that you can barely pour is not worth it. Especially if you don't use it all by the time it expires.
- stock up when there's a sale! This is a no-brainer, but remember, a sale is only a sale if you it's a product you'll use, in a quantity you'll use by the expiration date, and there isn't a cheaper version of the product available. If the unit price for a larger size of the same product is still lower, go with that provided you'll use it by the expiration date (if there is one). Or, if a quality store brand or less expensive brand product exists, this may still be the cheaper option unless you want that certain brand. Things that are great to stock up on are any non-perishable (like toilet paper), and loss leaders (designed to get customers in the door by being ridiculously cheap, usually the front or back page of the flyer or any item that has a limit on how many you can buy is worth checking out). If you can pair sale items with coupons even better. Generally, coupons for brand-name items don't save you enough to make it a better deal than the generic version - unless it's already on sale, in which case you can get some great deals or even get it for free. But if the name-brand is $1 more than the store-brand, and your coupon says 50¢ off, I'd stick with the store-brand.
- last day meat (meat that is about to expire the next day). This is only an option if you will cook it that night or if you have freezer space for it so you can freeze it right away. Last-day meat is generally reduced by 50% or so, a significant savings on one of the most expensive grocery items. Most people typically freeze meat right away anyway until it's ready to use. I've never had a problem with last day meat when I've frozen/cooked it right away.
- stick to the outer perimeters of the store. This is typically where the produce and meat/dairy coolers are. Only venture into the middle aisles for things that are on your list. And don't shop hungry! If you have a few seconds, jot down what type of meals you plan to serve for the next week or so when you're making out your list. That way, rather than wandering around getting whatever looks good and ending up realizing that you're missing a few key ingredients for actual meals, you'll save yourself time and cut down on the amount of groceries you need.
- buy only as much produce as you will actually eat. Be realistic here. The majority of people don't eat enough produce as it is, so make sure that whatever you buy gets eaten. If you live near the grocery store or there is one on your way home from work, take advantage of that and stop in every few days to buy a small amount of produce (and check for any promising last-day meat if you have freezer space!), rather than buying large amounts that may get wasted, no matter how tempting they look all fresh and displayed in the store. If you do have uneaten produce that is starting to turn that you wouldn't want to actually eat, but is still technically edible (for example, I can't stand bananas with any black spots at all, or apples that are anything less than firm), find ways to use it up. I cut it up into chucks and slices and freeze it in ziploc bags to throw into homemade smoothies I make in my blender - just add frozen yogurt and juice, or a few ice cubes and soy milk. Another option is to make banana muffins out of mushy bananas, or cut up mushy apples and bake them in the oven with pork chops. With vegetables, cut off the 'bad' part and boil the rest for a sidedish or put it in soups.
- if you grocery store charges for bags and offers canvas bags you can buy, it's worthwhile over the long run. They hold more and make grocery easier to carry in and put away, plus add less waste. Just be sure to keep them in your car and don't forget them! I run mine out to my vehicle right after I put groceries away (or at least the next time I go out), and stash them under the seat.
- the snack aisle. Yes, it's unhealthy. Your health conscious probably tells you to avoid it, especially when there is so much fresh produce on display. But, everyone likes the occasional snack - a bag of chips while watching TV, or a chocolate bar fix. If you stock up on a few bags of 99¢ store-brand chips and 50¢ chocolate bars to stash away in an inconveniently located snack shelf, it might save you buying that $2.99 bag of chips or $1.29 chocolate bar while in line at the convenience store or movie rental place. Provided you keep them 'out of sight, out of mind' until the mood strikes.
-'instant' meals. You know, Meal in a Box type convenience foods like *blank* Helper and *something* Sensations, for example. I won't comment on the specific nutrition info, but it's safe to say they are overpriced and chock full of preservatives (which you can actually taste in them). If they were instant, I could see the point, but they still involve cooking. It would take the same amount of effort to cook yourself some pasta and browned hamburger with sauce or gravy, seasoned nicely, or to cook some beef or chicken strips with some chopped fresh veggies. Sure, you can buy it all in one box or package, but it's cheaper, fresher, healthier, and just as easy to make it yourself.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Cheap and Filling Recipe!
Here's a great recipe packed with protein and very tasty! Not to mention very cheap to make, all the ingredients are things you probably have on hand already, and save for onion and garlic (and optional celery), are all non-perishable. It's also vegetarian and vegan friendly!
Delicious Lentil Chili
I usually serve this with a loaf of homemade (from the breadmaker) bread.
I also double this versatile recipe to have leftovers (which isn't hard, it's very filling), and store the extra in the fridge in an old ice cream container. To change it up, there's a ton of ways to use leftover chili with minimal extra ingredients -
- as taco filling. All you need is taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, and either salsa or sour cream for vegetarian-friendly Tacos!
- as a topper for Chili & Cheese Baked Potatoes. All you need is shredded cheddar cheese and potatoes. Add a side-dish like spicy rice and you've got a meal!
- as lasagna filling. All you need are some cooked lasagna noodles, shredded mozzarella cheese, some tomato sauce, and (optional) ricotta cheese. Layer it all in a baking pan and heat it up in the oven until it's warm all the way through and the cheese is melted (maybe 10 minutes or so) for some vegetarian Lasagna!
Cook once, and get four dinners out of it! Very economical, and time-saving, plus lentils are one of the cheapest sources of protein there is. Now that's cooking like a Recessionista!
Delicious Lentil Chili
- 1 lb dry lentils
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 cups water
- 1 (16 oz) can of tomatoes
- 1.5 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (can be left out, but a good way to sneak veggies in)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup cold water
I usually serve this with a loaf of homemade (from the breadmaker) bread.
I also double this versatile recipe to have leftovers (which isn't hard, it's very filling), and store the extra in the fridge in an old ice cream container. To change it up, there's a ton of ways to use leftover chili with minimal extra ingredients -
- as taco filling. All you need is taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped lettuce, and either salsa or sour cream for vegetarian-friendly Tacos!
- as a topper for Chili & Cheese Baked Potatoes. All you need is shredded cheddar cheese and potatoes. Add a side-dish like spicy rice and you've got a meal!
- as lasagna filling. All you need are some cooked lasagna noodles, shredded mozzarella cheese, some tomato sauce, and (optional) ricotta cheese. Layer it all in a baking pan and heat it up in the oven until it's warm all the way through and the cheese is melted (maybe 10 minutes or so) for some vegetarian Lasagna!
Cook once, and get four dinners out of it! Very economical, and time-saving, plus lentils are one of the cheapest sources of protein there is. Now that's cooking like a Recessionista!
Bookmark These Websites!!!
Nothing helps a busy mom out like a list of time and money-saving websites! Here's a great one for planning your shopping trips -
www.smartcanucks.ca
On it, you can get a list of all the current flyers for all the grocery/department stores in your city, as well as links for free samples, and current coupons. The entire website is point and click, very easy to use, and some other benefits are -
- by checking all the flyers at once, you can find the best sale prices on products you need and plan to stop at multiple stores in the same area in one trip, saving you time and gas.
- if you can combine coupons you have with items already on sale in the flyer you can get them for dirt cheap or even free.
- there are forums to post in where you can get a heads up about the latest deals.
If you're a coupon user, another great website is -
www.save.ca
and
www.brandsaver.ca
You'll see these websites referenced frequently on smartcanucks.ca. Just check off the coupons you want, enter your address, and they'll be mailed to you within a week!
Just today I used the coupons for Gillette Satin Care and Gillette Series shave gel. My local Wal-Mart had them on sale for $1.96, so combined with $1 off coupons I got them for .96¢ each. Zellers advertised Charmin (30 'big' rolls = 45 regular rolls) for $8.97, which works out to be even cheaper than the store brand I usually buy, plus I had an extra .50¢ off coupon for extra savings. They also had super-great but usually super-pricy Bounty Paper Towels (12 pack) on for $9.97 in the flyer, combined with another .50¢ off coupon.
***Of course, it's hardly a Recessionista skill to buy something (especially a pricy name-brand product) just because it's on sale or because you have a coupon. But, if it's a product your family uses anyway, it doesn't hurt to have the coupons on hand for if it goes on for a good sale price.
Typically the prices for store-brand products (No Name/Presidents Choice products at No Frills/Independent Grocer or Great Value/Equate Products at Wal-Mart, for example) are cheaper than the prices for name-brand products, but watch the flyers and compare your prices! Some sale prices for name-brand products are better than the regular price for store-brand products, even if it isn't advertised in the flyer. And if you can find it on clearance, even better! My local Wal-Mart has apparently stopped carrying Anti-Dandruff Herbal Essences, so it was on for $1 and I just happened to have a .50¢ off coupon for any Herbal Essences product.
www.smartcanucks.ca
On it, you can get a list of all the current flyers for all the grocery/department stores in your city, as well as links for free samples, and current coupons. The entire website is point and click, very easy to use, and some other benefits are -
- by checking all the flyers at once, you can find the best sale prices on products you need and plan to stop at multiple stores in the same area in one trip, saving you time and gas.
- if you can combine coupons you have with items already on sale in the flyer you can get them for dirt cheap or even free.
- there are forums to post in where you can get a heads up about the latest deals.
If you're a coupon user, another great website is -
www.save.ca
and
www.brandsaver.ca
You'll see these websites referenced frequently on smartcanucks.ca. Just check off the coupons you want, enter your address, and they'll be mailed to you within a week!
Just today I used the coupons for Gillette Satin Care and Gillette Series shave gel. My local Wal-Mart had them on sale for $1.96, so combined with $1 off coupons I got them for .96¢ each. Zellers advertised Charmin (30 'big' rolls = 45 regular rolls) for $8.97, which works out to be even cheaper than the store brand I usually buy, plus I had an extra .50¢ off coupon for extra savings. They also had super-great but usually super-pricy Bounty Paper Towels (12 pack) on for $9.97 in the flyer, combined with another .50¢ off coupon.
***Of course, it's hardly a Recessionista skill to buy something (especially a pricy name-brand product) just because it's on sale or because you have a coupon. But, if it's a product your family uses anyway, it doesn't hurt to have the coupons on hand for if it goes on for a good sale price.
Typically the prices for store-brand products (No Name/Presidents Choice products at No Frills/Independent Grocer or Great Value/Equate Products at Wal-Mart, for example) are cheaper than the prices for name-brand products, but watch the flyers and compare your prices! Some sale prices for name-brand products are better than the regular price for store-brand products, even if it isn't advertised in the flyer. And if you can find it on clearance, even better! My local Wal-Mart has apparently stopped carrying Anti-Dandruff Herbal Essences, so it was on for $1 and I just happened to have a .50¢ off coupon for any Herbal Essences product.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Cut Where You Can!
Let's face it, nobody wants to go from Pampered Princess to Recessionista. I'll never suggest you eat a diet of ramen noodles and tap water. You'll be miserable. It's the little changes that truly count.
Now, I love my caffeine. And being Canadian, I love my Tim Hortons, specifically Medium Iced Cappucino. $2.61 and 500 calories worth of yummyness. I've been known to have three in a day. But when I looked at it, I really only ever enjoyed the first half or so, before the flavour was gone and it was mostly ice. And then theres the whole 500 calorie thing. But, being a college student, I need my caffeine. I found myself running to the coffee shop in between classes and breaks - conveniently it's a Tim Hortons, but thankfully it doesn't carry Iced Caps. I was proud of myself at first, thinking that Hot Smoothees were at least less calories. Once it started to hit the wallet, I tried carrying a bottle of water around. After 15 minutes, it's room temperature and gross. You could partially freeze it, but then it'll sweat and make puddles and be yucky. Same goes for pop. Now here's my daily habit -
Every money-saving tip list in the world suggests bring a thermos of coffee rather than buying it. We've all heard it. Saves you lots, but almost no one does it. Especially me because I don't drink coffee. My solution, I dugout an old commuter cup I had. Everybody has one stashed away. Yes you do. If not, hit the dollar store. I invested in a box of Peppermint Tea Bags ($3 or less, store brand), and carry them around in my backpack. The school cafeteria has a hot water dispenser, but running the hot water in the bathroom would probably do the trick too. Voila! Good for you, delicious, cheap-cheap, and you don't feel like you're missing out. I even use the same teabag all day (for 2-3 cups) without noticing a difference. Rinse it out before you leave and dry it with paper towels. Better for you, the environment, and if you're like me, you're saving $5+ a day. I still have an Iced Cap or two in a week, but I enjoy them a lot more!
Now, I love my caffeine. And being Canadian, I love my Tim Hortons, specifically Medium Iced Cappucino. $2.61 and 500 calories worth of yummyness. I've been known to have three in a day. But when I looked at it, I really only ever enjoyed the first half or so, before the flavour was gone and it was mostly ice. And then theres the whole 500 calorie thing. But, being a college student, I need my caffeine. I found myself running to the coffee shop in between classes and breaks - conveniently it's a Tim Hortons, but thankfully it doesn't carry Iced Caps. I was proud of myself at first, thinking that Hot Smoothees were at least less calories. Once it started to hit the wallet, I tried carrying a bottle of water around. After 15 minutes, it's room temperature and gross. You could partially freeze it, but then it'll sweat and make puddles and be yucky. Same goes for pop. Now here's my daily habit -
Every money-saving tip list in the world suggests bring a thermos of coffee rather than buying it. We've all heard it. Saves you lots, but almost no one does it. Especially me because I don't drink coffee. My solution, I dugout an old commuter cup I had. Everybody has one stashed away. Yes you do. If not, hit the dollar store. I invested in a box of Peppermint Tea Bags ($3 or less, store brand), and carry them around in my backpack. The school cafeteria has a hot water dispenser, but running the hot water in the bathroom would probably do the trick too. Voila! Good for you, delicious, cheap-cheap, and you don't feel like you're missing out. I even use the same teabag all day (for 2-3 cups) without noticing a difference. Rinse it out before you leave and dry it with paper towels. Better for you, the environment, and if you're like me, you're saving $5+ a day. I still have an Iced Cap or two in a week, but I enjoy them a lot more!
My 'Cherry' Post!
Well here I am! My first blog entry in my first ever blog.
In many ways, it's the best of times, in even more ways, it's the worst. I can remember being a child and my dear aunt told me about living through the depression, where butter was mixed half and half with lard because it was cheaper. I'm not sure things are that bad yet, but it's undeniable that many are struggling. For those that have been hit by the recession, or just want to save a buck or two, I'll be blogging with money-saving tips, household shortcuts, recipes, anything I can get my hands on to leave you with a little less work or a little more money in your pocket at the end of the day.
A little about me - I'm 23, have two kids (three if you count their dad), ages 1 and 3, I'm a college student, a bit of a shopping addict, I love to cook, I'm obsessively clean, and the saying 'penny-wise, pound-foolish' was tailor made for me. And boy can I be penny-wise, and it's those tips that I'll be sharing with you. I'm Canadian, so if I talk about products or services, they are mostly Canadian, but I live right on the US border and do a lot of shopping there, so I have the best of both worlds. However, the lifestyle of a recessionista is universal! Welcome Recessionistas!
In many ways, it's the best of times, in even more ways, it's the worst. I can remember being a child and my dear aunt told me about living through the depression, where butter was mixed half and half with lard because it was cheaper. I'm not sure things are that bad yet, but it's undeniable that many are struggling. For those that have been hit by the recession, or just want to save a buck or two, I'll be blogging with money-saving tips, household shortcuts, recipes, anything I can get my hands on to leave you with a little less work or a little more money in your pocket at the end of the day.
A little about me - I'm 23, have two kids (three if you count their dad), ages 1 and 3, I'm a college student, a bit of a shopping addict, I love to cook, I'm obsessively clean, and the saying 'penny-wise, pound-foolish' was tailor made for me. And boy can I be penny-wise, and it's those tips that I'll be sharing with you. I'm Canadian, so if I talk about products or services, they are mostly Canadian, but I live right on the US border and do a lot of shopping there, so I have the best of both worlds. However, the lifestyle of a recessionista is universal! Welcome Recessionistas!
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