With rising inflation and increasing cost of living, everyone wants to save some extra money. One way you can do so is by saving money you spend on every purchase. Adjusting some habits, lowering bills, and leveraging other tools can be very useful when it comes to cutting down your monthly expenses.
Another smart way of saving money is to cut down on daily expenses. This doesn’t mean you should stop purchasing or using things that are a necessity; it just means you need to be smart financially and save money on them. In this blog, let’s take a look at how you can save money on everyday purchases.
1. Join Different Loyalty Programs
A lot of stores, restaurants, gas stations and retail outlets offer loyalty programs for their customers. You’ll be issued a loyalty card that accumulates points and you can then redeem it for a discount or an item from that store or restaurant.
However, make sure not to overspend just to get a discount or a free item. A lot of people make this mistake. The free coffee you get after 10 purchases isn’t worth it if you start drinking 2 coffees to get that free one earlier. Stick to your planned budget at all times.
2. Cancel Old Subscriptions
Today, almost everything we use has subscriptions. People usually subscribe to multiple online platforms, including entertainment platforms, music platforms, online retail stores, and more. The subscription may cost a very small amount, but all of these plans combined can make up a significant amount you pay every month.
Make sure to cancel old subscriptions that you no longer use. For example, if you don’t have time to watch TV shows and movies online, make sure to cancel your online entertainment platform’s subscription. If you feel you use a certain service, but not as much as previously, you can call the service provider to offer you a different plan that allows you to save money, like on your TV cable, newspaper, or magazine subscription.
There are certain tools that can help you identify your subscriptions and filter out the ones you no longer use. One example of it is Trim.
3. DIY When Possible
People with busy schedules and fast-paced lives often spend extra money for their convenience simply because they don’t have the time to do things themselves that can be easily done by someone else.
This includes a lot of things, from your everyday coffee, and lunch, to work around the house, and more. If you get a cup of coffee from your nearby coffee shop, try and make your own coffee. If you’re getting dinner from a local restaurant on your way back from work, cook at home instead. Similarly, if you’re calling professionals for the smallest of works around the house, like cleaning your cabinets or the carpet, try doing it yourself in your free time. All of these things can save you a lot of money in the long run.
4. Change Bank Accounts
Banks charge you multiple fees for multiple reasons, like exceeding transaction limits, card fees, service charges, and more. These fees can make up a significant amount when added together. In current times, almost all of our transactions are cashless and involve banks. If you suspect your bank is charging extra, you can change bank accounts.
Some banks offer fee-free accounts. If you’re unable to find a fee-free account or don’t want to switch your bank, you can call them and ask for an explanation regarding some of the current fees you are paying. You may also be availing a service that’s charging you extra money; get that discontinued if you no longer need it.
5. Credit Cards
Getting a credit card is the best way to save up on your everyday purchases and expenses. Credit cards have a lot of benefits. Let’s take a look at them here:
Rewards System
There are different types of credit cards that offer rewards for cardholders.
- Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards allow the cardholder to earn some cash back upon every purchase. This cash is usually a percentage of the purchase. This cash can be used to make a purchase or redeemed as per the owner’s choice.
- Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards allow the cardholder to earn airward miles upon every purchase. These miles can be used to lower airfares. If you’re a frequent traveler, this card is perfect for you.
- Points Credit Cards
Some credit cards allow users to earn reward points instead of cash or airward miles. These reward points can also be redeemed for purchases, discounts, gift cards, and more.
Insurance
The majority of credit cards offer complimentary insurance policies for credit cardholders. This includes purchase protection, extended warranty, and other benefits that can help you save money if the product or service you paid for doesn’t turn out right.
Extra Features
Certain credit cards also offer you exclusive features, like discounts at retail stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and more.
However, credit cards are not free money. You’ll need to be careful not to go above the credit limit, otherwise you’ll be required to pay extra charges. Moreover, the money you borrow every month has to be returned at the end. There’s a grace period for the payment. Try paying the full amount of credit to avoid paying interest on your credit balance.
Get a Credit Card
If you’re looking to get a credit card, try Great Canadian Rebates. We are an online platform that allows you to compare different credit cards in Canada to choose the best one for yourself. You can also apply for any credit card directly from our website. Moreover, you can also win cash back prizes when your credit card gets approved if you’ve applied from their platform! Get in touch for more details regarding credit card rebates.