#PinoyCanada Dream.Believe.Achieve
Sometimes life here in Canada is not that easy, especially from the bills of the Holidays, our credit card purchases are bloated. We may have to think of measures on how to sustain our needs especially for new immigrants and stay at home happy Moms and Dads who cannot work because they need to babysit their kids. Here are some 8 tips on how to save money:
- Search for sale items at grocery stores.
Scout for sale items you might need, like, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, Rice, and others.
Keep the grocery store flyers if available in your area. If there are Ad match, in your province, maximize it. That means you don’t have to go to another store to chase the Sale goods. Just present the flyers and make sure it is the same item, and then the store will match that price.
- Choose your Mobile Phone/Landline Plan Wisely.
If you don’t have businesses, one phone is enough for yourself and you don’t need multiple phone lines. Nowadays, mobile phones are more flexible and sufficient than landlines. But for Grandmas and Grandpas staying at home, they need a landline for flexible use and emergency purposes. They might also phone for hearing impaired if they have issues with their hearing.
One more thing to keep in mind for newcomers is that here in Canada, there are fees or phone charges for the Incoming and Outgoing calls. You can bring your old phones from your home country and just buy a Simcard only rather than buying a new phone. Or you can scout and check your local providers for best offers.
- Do not collect Credit Card interest but rather collect reward points.
One or two Credit Card is enough or easy to handle and manage. Pay the whole credit card purchases before the due date so that it will not accumulate interest. You can save a lot by doing that. Don’t forget to just gather the points, in a matter of time you can have a new laptop because of loyalty or reward points you collected from credit card purchases.
- Apartment or House? Renting or Mortgaging?
Having an own house is everyone’s dream. But do not buy or engage yourself in a mortgage if you cannot afford it. Make sure you talk to your Lynchburg realtor about your budget so they only show you homes that you can afford.
Living in a decent apartment is not a waste of money at all if you manage it properly. Look for an apartment in strategic locations with a bus or school bus accessible, near schools or your work, near grocery stores and others. It is also a good deal if the utilities and parking are already included in the rent. If utilities aren’t included, take time to find the cheapest deals possible. It is usually best to use the help of a company who compares the top electricity deals as it will save you both time and money.
If you are planning to buy a house consider some factors first especially your expenses to be able not to fall for enormous mortgage loans or debts. Property taxes, mortgage insurance, heat, water and hydro are some of the bills needed when owning a home. But the good thing here in Canada, in a family on where 2 members have a stable job, assuming above minimum wage, can already buy a house or tied up in mortgage loans.
There are different needs or scenarios based on the size and living arrangements for every family. Think what’s best for you and your family.
- Car or Bus? Commuting or Driving?
If you know how to drive a vehicle, having your own car is very comfortable going back and forth. But make sure that it fits your budget. Some expenses will be Car Provincial Insurance like Autopac, parking fees, gas, and others.
There is nothing wrong if you are taking the bus or cab from time to time. Buy the monthly pass to save more from the bus fares. Carpooling is also an option if it is available.
- Maximize all the Government Benefits
In case you are not familiar, there are Federal and Provincial Benefits you might be eligible to apply. The Federal Government gives Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and Goods and Services Tax Benefit (GST) for those who are eligible. Provincial Government like Manitoba gives Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB), Rent Assist, Pharmacare and others for all those low-income families.
Just look in your community the available monetary benefits that you can apply. You might be missing something, so, go on a search!
- PRAY for Wisdom for other saving tips applicable to you and your family.
Sometimes you might feel life here in Canada is hard and it is much easier back home if only we have lots of money. But here are some verses I like to share:
Prov.3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your Heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Ps 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Matt 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?
1Th 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- Let us share some saving tips to help one another.
As the saying goes “No man is an Island,” hence everyone’s opinion matters. If you have other saving tips that you would like to share, we’d love to hear it, feel free to comment it below.
