money, money, money
Filed Under Tips & Tricks | March 25, 2009
This spring, thriftiness is definitely in. Ironically we can look no farther than our mothers and grandmothers, who have been recycling their tinfoil and turning the lights off behind themselves for, well. . .ever. And being thrifty can actually be fun. No really! We asked Sheila Walkington the money coach for Money Matters and co-founder of the Women’s Financial Learning Centre, for some easy, realistic ways to save money:
Meal plan: Preparing a meal plan for the week reduces the stress of trying to think of something to make for dinner after an already busy day, and also reduces your grocery costs. Studies show that the average family throws out up to 1/3 of the food they buy. Keep a list of your family’s favourite meals on the fridge, make a list of five to seven meals and use it to create your grocery list. It means you’ll stay focused on what you need when you’re at the grocery store.
Bring drinks and snacks from home: By now we’ve all heard of the latte factor. It’s time to stop frittering your money away on fancy coffees, drinks and treats for kids. Whether you’re going to work, the playground or a day’s excursion bring a thermos full of your favourite hot drink along with snacks or lunch from home. It’s cheaper, faster, and easier and better for the environment. Teaching your kids this valuable lesson may also save them thousands in the future.
Review hidden costs: Now’s a good time to review the monthly fees you’re paying. Many people pay $30 to $40 a month in unnecessary bank fees and up to $3 per transaction at ATMs, so double check to make sure you have the right package for you. Also review your cellular and cable packages to see if you can bundle, or otherwise reduce, your monthly fees.
Looking for more tips and tools on how to save money? Sheila will be speaking on Moms and Money at this month’s momcafe on Friday, March 27th. Can’t make it? Click here for Sheila’s previous columns.
Need help getting organized to save? Here are a few services of products we’ve covered that’ll get you started:
- Put a little time into Springpad and meal planning will be a lot easier.
- Store your snacks and drinks in these safe and environmentally friendly options when you’re out and about. Use the list of links at the end of the article to find what you need.
- Bored of the same old, same old at dinner time? Here are a few recipes we’ve run (and there’ll be more coming soon!) 1-2-3 Cheese Tart and Garlic Roasted Carrots and Meatloaf.
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great tips!
I ALWAYS bring water with me and even if I am soooo thirsty or hungry, I try to avoid buying when out. I just wish I could train my hubby to do the same. I hate to think of how much of our money has gone to his coffee addiction.
AHH I hate to think about how much has gone to my own coffee addiction…my husband is actually extremely thrifty but I allow myself more coffee ‘treats’ than I should.