If I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice, I’d skip the lectures and go straight to habits. Because that’s where the real change happens — not in not in the big choices we make but in small habits formed. Today, I’m sharing 10 money-saving habits I wish I’d started sooner. Whether you’re trying to get out of debt, build savings, or just make your money go further, I hope these tips help you like they’re finally helping me.
1. Tracking Every Dollar
I often avoided knowing what was happening with my bank account until I realized that money avoidance costs money. Ever have to pay an NSF fee because you overspent? I did. Now I use a budgeting spreadsheet to track every dollar that comes in and goes out. If you are aler,t this alone can save you money.
2. Automate Savings
I used to hate automatic bill payment and savings. Now I do both. Even $10 a week adds up when it’s automatic. I set up auto-transfers to a savings account I don’t touch. Out of sight, out of temptation.
3. Meal Planning Based on Flyers
Instead of planning meals and then shopping, I always look at what’s on sale first. I have been teaching Canadians to do this for over 10 years now. I have relied on apps like Flipp, Flashfood, and store flyers to help me save $25–$50 a week. It’s easy to save on groceries when you plan your meals and shop seasonally from the apps.
4. Shopping Secondhand First
From clothes to small appliances, I check Facebook Marketplace, the Karrot app, thrift shops, and clothing swaps before buying anything new. Most of the items in my home were bought second-hand. Some of my best finds, my iron bed frame and a pair of red Hunter boots, my daughter wanted.
5. Having a No-Spend Day Each Week
Just one day a week where I don’t spend a single dollar helps me reset. Ever heard of no money days or weeks? Just one day a week works wonders for a budget. I have my own No Money Mondays.
6. Asking for a Discount or Price Match
I used to be shy about this. Now I always ask, especially at major retailers. Many stores price-match or have unadvertised discounts.
🛍️ Canadian Stores That Offer Price Matching
Grocery & Discount Stores
- FreshCo – Beats competitor flyers by 1¢, up to 4 identical items
- No Frills – Matches major local supermarkets (e.g., Food Basics, Metro, FreshCo)
- Real Canadian Superstore – Matches other local supermarket prices
- Giant Tiger – Matches competitor flyers, beats by 1¢
Home Improvement & Hardware
- Home Depot – Matches and beats local competitor prices by 10%
- Lowe’s – Matches and beats by 10%
- RONA – Matches competitor pricing
- The Brick – Matches plus beats by 15% of the difference
Electronics & Office Supplies
- Best Buy – Matches Canadian authorized retailers in-store or online
- Staples – Matches competitors + bonus offers within 30 days
- The Source, Visions Electronics, 2001 Audio Video – Offer price matching
Miscellaneous & Specialty
- London Drugs – Matches Canadian retailer pricing up to 30 days
- PetSmart – Matches local competitors, online exclusions apply
- Hudson’s Bay – Price matches advertised pricing up to 7 days
- Sport Chek – Matches competitor prices within 15 days
Tips for Success:
- Always bring proof: printed flyer, app screenshot, or store website
- Ask politely and know the store’s limits (e.g., max 4 items for grocery stores)
- Match only identical items: size, brand, model
7. Using Cashback & Rewards Apps
I wish I had started using Rakuten, PC Optimum, Checkout 51, Caddle, and Drop years ago. Every dollar counts, and the cashbacks can pay for birthday gifts or groceries. I save mine and redeem it in November, just in time for Christmas shopping.
8. Doing a 24-Hour “Wait and See” Before Buying
Impulse purchases used to wreck my budget. I now keep a list of things I am on the hunt for. Currently, it’s clothing, as I have recently lost weight. Now, if it’s not food or medicine and not on my list and costs over $20, I wait 24 hours. Most of the time? I don’t need it.
9. Learning from Free Resources
I used to think you had to pay to get good advice, but now I read blogs, take free courses, listen to money podcasts, and follow creators who share honest financial journeys. Education is always something you can invest in for free these days. This year, I even completed a certificate from Harvard University on the topic of Happiness.
10. Talking About Money Openly
Before Commoncentsmom began, this one was the hardest. By sharing money goals and struggles with trusted friends and online, it has helped me stay accountable and break through shame. As I researched and gained knowledge, I was one of the first Canadians blogging about it and shared what I was learning online through the #Cdnmoney chats.
Conclusion: Start Small, But Start Now
These habits didn’t all come overnight. But each one made life a little lighter, and my wallet a little fuller. Start with one, make it yours, and keep going. Let me know which habit you would start with?
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