written by Cathy B.

Everywhere I turn I see big Cs imprinted on every other woman’s purse. A few years ago, I wouldn’t think twice about overspending on Coach and other brand names. Now?

Well, let’s just say the only C that you’ll find imprinted on my purse stands for Cheap with a capital C – and I’m proud of it.

Just because someone is cost-conscious, it doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice style. We just need to be smarter about our spending. In these economic times, it’s cool to be frugal.

Sometimes, I pretend to be like Suze Orman (in my head) and secretly give the can-you-afford-it-smackdown to people. No, I’m not a financial expert BUT as a stay-at-home mom, I’ve learned a lot about stretching the dollar. In fact, after living on one income, I was driven to find creative ways to save and start earning a little money on the side.

Every little dime I saved, I’d put it towards an end goal. The one I’m working on now, I call my ‘Cuba fund’. We can never seem to justify a vacation after all our spending, so I’m working on saving for our next big family trip. These tips on saving money won’t make you rich, but it’s surprising how little things amount to a lot.

Here are 21 ways to save and make money – ways I’ve personally explored, earned and saved!

1. Price compare your flyers.

Why pay more for the same exact item? Yes, I’m one of those annoying people that you dread in the lineup at the grocery store. I circle cheaper items from competitor grocery stores and have the cashier price match those items. I save AT LEAST $20 every time I do this.

2. Participate in focus groups and fill out surveys.

A lot of marketers are willing to pay the public to share their opinion about their products. Also, check the back of receipts to see if you get any free products next time you purchase something. McDonald’s/Burger King generally gives free fries and Old Navy gives a coupon if you fill out surveys online.

3. Host a gold party.

There are quite a few jewelers who will help you set up a party where you and your friends can cash in gold jewelry on the spot. Whether it’s broken, you look like an idiot wearing your retro snake ring or you want to get rid of memories from your old boyfriend – now you can get a little cha-ching for your bling. (And make a commission from your guests).

4. Invest in TFSA, RESP and RSP.

They say that the rich and the poor are alike – they both complain about taxes. The Canadian government has recently introduced many tax-free programs to help you save.

5. Get a no-annual fee credit card that gives back.

Many credit cards give back rewards points or money for every dollar you spend. Accumulate as many points as possible by using your credit card for every purchase and make it worth-y of you!

6. Use less energy.

Run your laundry machines or dishwasher after 9pm on weeknights or on weekends. Your hydro bills will be much less if water is used after hours.

7. Have a garage sale.

If cleaning the house seems like a daunting task every week, do a deeper cleaning by getting rid of clutter you don’t need. Or, if you choose to sell stuff on kijiji or craig’s list, meet the buyer in a public place to protect your privacy.

8. Clean with generic-brand white vinegar.

Not only is it more economical to wash your floors, bathtubs, sinks, mirrors, and stainless steel with white vinegar and water – but it’s better for the environment too!

9. Get creative in the kitchen.

I hate when I’m left with one fricken piece of leftover chicken from last night’s dinner. How do I split that four ways for tomorrow? Easy. Just slice it up into thin pieces and mix it with cooked peppers, mushrooms and onions. Add some sour cream to a tortilla and bam – it’s fajita Friday. And yes, believe it or not, four people can eat ONE filet of chicken if you make enough veggies to add in your fajitas. Or, if you have meatloaf leftover tonight, crumble it up and make a Spaghetti Bolognese or Mexican Lasagna tomorrow.

10. Have at least ONE meatless day.

Not only is it healthy to cut out a little meat from your diet, but you’ll trim a little spending from your wallet too.

11. Grow a garden.

Grow your own vegetable garden this summer. It doesn’t get more organic (and cost effective) than picking your own fresh herbs and veggies from your very own backyard.

12. Blog.

If you have the gift to gab and love to write, advertisers will adore you.  If you don’t have time to set up your own personal blog, other professional bloggers may be willing to pay their guest writers.

13. Shop smart.

Do you really need brand name greeting cards? In other words, make the dollar store and grocery stores with lower-cost labels your friend.

14. Become a mystery shopper.

Many companies/stores need anonymous customer service evaluators and don’t mind that you bring along your kids. Just be cautious if they ask for your SIN number online. Those may NOT be legitimate.

15. Don’t be impulsive.

When on a shopping spree – try it on, put it on hold, walk away and think about it. If you think you don’t have time to go back, trust me, when you love something, you will make time to go back!

16. Recycle those bottles.

Give old wine bottles back at the beer store. Although you don’t get very much money for them, money is better in your pocket than in the recycling box.

17. Look for free activities in your local community.

If you can’t find a free event, plan a picnic at a park. Bring some bocce balls, a Frisbee, badminton sets, or horseshoes and hold your own family tournaments. (Dollar store plastic trophies are always a hit with kids under ten).

18. Pack Snacks.

Bring your own snacks and drinks when going out. It’s inevitable. The minute I leave the house, my kids say I’m hungry or thirsty. Everything costs double the price when we’re out, so I prep my purse with a few juice boxes and snacks just in case.

19. Shop at the end of the season.

When clothes are on the clearance rack, I stock up for the next year.  I buy one or two sizes up so the kids can wear them for a few months longer and grow into them.

20. Clean your closets once a year.

Sometimes I forget what clothes I have since I tend to wear the same stuff all the time. It’s good to refresh your memory with what’s in your wardrobe and pair them with your newer clothes. Ta da… new outfits are born again.

21. Don’t turn your nose up to hand-me-downs.

If friends offer their kids’ used clothes to you – take them! Even if you don’t wear all of them and just keep some in the car for those pesky little accidents or cooler days, everything helps. Kids outgrow their clothes so fast, it’s not worth spending a lot of money on them. The clothes or toys you don’t need, you can donate to the less fortunate or sell them at places like Once Upon a Child.

Hope these tips helped. Happy saving!