Is retirement edging ever so closer for you? The facts are rather simple here. Researched case studies and surveys across Canada are finding that there are more Canadians who are ill prepared for retirement and who are on the fence about retiring versus un-retiring. There are some Canadians who would prefer to work as long as they can, which is quite acceptable. More to the point, there is …

We discussed a few long-term energy saving options in our guide to winter on a budget , but what do you do for the rest of the year? You have options beyond fitting curtains and new insulation. In this article, we’ll look at ways to be more energy efficient in the home, saving you potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year …

Sometimes, buying the cheap option can cost you more in the long term. Consider the following example. You go out and buy a pair of winter boots for $50. They last their first winter, but during their second one the leather is cracking, the soles are worn down, and you end up replacing them. Meanwhile, your rich friend buys himself a new pair of boots …

Last December, the media and data company Bloomberg estimated that the average Canadian spent a little under three percent of their income on gasoline in the fourth quarter of 2014. While gas prices are lower than they have been in years, you are still probably spending more than you need to on keeping your vehicle fuelled. Even if you don’t have money in the …

Coupons, coupons, coupons! The word “coupon” comes from the French couper , meaning “to cut”, and it’s very appropriate: coupons are great for cutting your grocery bills . Redeemable for money off or even for free products, you can save a bundle by clipping before your trip to the store and arriving with a bundle of them. But where do savvy shoppers …

With Valentine’s Day approaching rapidly, what are your plans? With the average price of a movie ticket sitting at around $8, the traditional dinner-and-a-movie can take a big chunk out of your entertainment budget. No-one wants to look cheap, but you don’t have to spend money to have fun. If you need to put together an impressive date night for an unimpressive price, this guide will give you …

With snow coating the ground and winter’s icy grip taking hold, how do you plan to keep warm this winter? Heating your home in the Canadian winter can be expensive, particularly in unusually harsh winters like 2013-14. Luckily there are ways to cut back on your heating bill without getting frostbite, and this article will teach you a few of them. Quick Fixes Turning up the thermostat …

Food is almost always going to be one of the bigger expenses in your budget , especially if you have a large family to feed. This guide will teach you how to manage your food budget and make your dollar go further. Budgeting Knowledge is power. If you don’t know how much you’re spending on food, it will be difficult to make savings. Save all of your …

Gyms

The health benefits of regular exercise are priceless, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money on staying fit. The average gym membership in Canada costs between $40 and $50 each month, and that doesn’t include common additional charges such as joining fees. If you want classes or a personal trainer, those costs …