Be the frugal and savvy shopper!

                                                               Week 4 ( Save $4 )

ouch!

Have you noticed a significant jump in your grocery bill this month?

The fact is there was a huge rise in the fresh produce aisle. Canada imports over 81% of fresh products from around the world during the winter months.  The weak Canadian dollar is not helping especially when it keeps falling and it does affect and impact to the rising of food costs.


Should consumers be held at the mercy to pay at the inflated prices ?  Certainly NOT!

Are there any another alternatives to stretch that dollar even further? 

The answer is Yes! As consumers, we have the power make a difference and find other alternative to ride through the winter months until summer arrives. With the arrival of summer, we can look forward to availability to larger selection of locally grown produce at cheaper prices. 

Here are some tips how to combat the rising cost to help offset and save on your food bill:

1. Make home cooked meals a priority
2. Eating out will cost more Eat at home
3. Check out Ethnic grocery stores
4. Pack a lunch: money saved from lunches can go towards your grocery bill
5. Pack healthy snacks to avoid fast foods
6. Make a grocery list and avoid impulse items
7. Plan your meals around sales items
8. Buy what is on sale
9. Stock up on sales products
10. Check out flyers and online flyers
11. Clip coupons
12. Price match items
13. Watch scanner most store has a policy: if price item is scanned incorrectly, under 10$, if the sale item does not come up on the scanner: item is free
14. Always affordable:  carrots, potatoes, squashes, tin beans , tuna, salmon and legumes
15. Buy frozen vegetables
16. Buy local and seasonal
17. Grow your own vegetables and freeze for the winter months
18. Not all foods are rising across the board: eggs, milk, cheese
19. Keep your receipts to keep track on how much your spending

To be able to eat healthy does not have to be expensive and the good news is that you will get through this cold long winter.  I hope with the rising prices of food, it motivates you to change your purchasing habits.


                                                        Happy Saving!

 

 

Giving is the New Getting

 
 
                                                                                     Week 2 ( Save $2 )
                                                                                    Week 3 ( Save $3 )

With just weeks into this new year, December 2015 (the month of Christmas), feels like a long time ago.

 

This January, I noticed that spirit of kindness and giving totally dissipating and disappearing from people's hearts. It feels like it got packed away for another year along with the artificial tree and decorations and it only can be pulled out during that one month of the year in December.

 

But resolving to be kinder everyday has no reservations especially just for the holidays.  The spirit of compassion, good will, hope and encouragement should be a way of life we can give the whole year round.

 

" Giving is the new getting "
One of the most powerful and unconditional gifts doesn't have to cost a nickel.  Whether it be lending a helping hand or single act of kindness, it always create a lateral domino effect. Can you imagine a world wide difference if everyone one of us on this Earth made that daily meaningful act of human kindness. Total Awesomeness!


Here are a few heartfelt ways to share yourself and give to others:

• Buy a meal for a homeless person
• Drop in on a friend
• Donate your time and or goods at your local food bank
• Bake treats
• Reach out to elderly or neighbour: whether it be a visit, a food drop off, housework, etc
• Donate at youth or women's shelters
• Volunteer your time at Animal shelter
• Visit a senior resident home
• Offer to babysit
• Donate toys or used items to your local Salvation Army
• Pay for strangers coffee
• Help out at a charity drive
• Give a virtual thanks or just a thank you!
• A smile :)

                or

• just a simple acknowledgment to others can make a difference in their day :)

Feel free to comment below with your random acts you have done or planning to do this 2016. 
 

Just do something thoughtful,  " Just Because "

 

 

 

2016 Week 1: A New beginning

                                                                         Week 1 ( Save $1 )


Just follow the weekly/biweekly blogs to successfully save $1378 at the end of the 52 weeks.  We will start by saving $1 for the first week.  $2 for week two, then $3 for the third week and so on. Just keep increasing and continue the amount by a dollar over the next 52 weeks. The most you will ever put into your favourite piggy bank is $52 and at the end of the annual challenge you will hopefully realize how easy it is to save with just a little discipline. 

This is a great challenge for the whole family, especially when it comes to teaching children the value of money and how to spend responsibly.

I hope you will participate in this challenge.  Maybe donate all the funds to a worthy cause that is dear to your heart.


                                                                Happy Saving!