I don't know if it comes from my humble upbringing, or just recently paying off the last of a massive debt I accumulated since university that left me sick to my stomach, but I am cheap. And proud of it.
Here are ways I try to keep more of my dough, 'cause I worked hard for it and there are too many wankers trying to get their cut.
- Only use coupons when stuff is on sale for extra discount. There are also several great sites that will mail coupons of your choice: Save.ca and P&G Brand Saver
- Bank fees suck. I have the lowest fee account at my bank. I only get 15 transactions per month, and I try to get as many of my monthly bills registered to my credit card instead of automatically withdrawn from my bank account. I also put all my usual purchases on my card, and then pay it off in full at the end of the month. Screw the interest!
- About that credit card...I only have one, and it lets me collect points that I can exchange for groceries, merch, and other household stuff I used to spend a fortune on.
- I learned to sew and I hem my own pants. They are just as good as sending them to the dude who charges you $8.
- Shop around for car insurance - you would be surprised by how much you could save by switching!
- Bring lunch to work and cook, baby. If you cook with your partner, it can spark some interesting, ahem, discussion...yeah :) My crock pot is my saviour. Get to know your local farmers' market for better deals on produce. There's a good chance your 'taters and tommies were grown close-by, so they'll be fresh and Mother Nature will think you're a rock star for reducing your carbon footprint.
- My car is 9 years old, 100% paid off, and I plan to drive it into the ground. Just make sure you get those oil changes every 3-4 months. Rust-proofing an older car ain't a bad idea either. I'm not driving around the pope, so I don't care if my fender is dented to hell. It goes! I also take public transit to work whenever I can. The people I meet are more interesting than those who I have to listen to on the radio. The crazier, the better.
- I have a TFSA with Canadian Tire Financial Services - currently offering accounts at 3.5% interest.
- I only cut my hair twice per year. Guys, the Grizzly Adams look may not be for you; but, ladies can get away with it. There are 101 things you can do with your hair between cuts.
- Forget the iPad and all the latest tech crap. I use a $300 netbook and it does everything I need!
- Hotel deals are easily found in any city if you aren't picky about the hotel chain.
Despite these cheapy tips, you've still gotta enjoy life. There's a difference between being stingy and being practical about your money. I will add more to this list as I go...stay tuned! Feel free to share your tips with me.
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