How to save money and still feel joy (even though it’s winter in Canada).
Life in Canada is expensive and that’s especially true during the winter months. Frigid temperatures, higher heating bills, extra car maintenance and plain old rising prices can add up to stress and financial strain. The good news is that with a few smart strategies, you can keep costs under control without sacrificing warmth and happiness.
Stay warm for less
Here are a few things you can do to keep your home warm without raising the thermostat (and your heating bills):
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Set the right temperature. To get the most savings out of your thermostat, set it to 20 °C (68 °F) when you’re home and awake and to 17 °C (62.6 °F) when you’re away or asleep. If your current thermostat doesn’t allow this, consider replacing it with a smart thermostat. The upfront expense can pay off in the form of lower heating bills over time. And be sure to check for provincial rebates for added savings!
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Keep cold air outside. Go hunting for air leaks. Weather-stripping and caulking are affordable ways to prevent the cold from sneaking in through windows and doors.
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Insulate. Even small upgrades like thicker curtains can help reduce heat loss.
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Bundle up. Blankets and extra layers are a cozy and cost-effective way to save on heating.
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Don’t heat everything at once. Instead of heating your entire home, skip the empty rooms by using a space heater.
Save money by saving energy
Winter electricity bills can feel overwhelming, but here are a few practical ways to keep them under control:
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Swap out old bulbs. LED bulbs are more energy efficient and longer-lasting than traditional incandescent bulbs – making them great for brightening those short winter days.
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Give your gadgets a break. Watch out for phantom power consumption! Many appliances and electronics continue using power even when turned off. Make sure anything you’re not actually using is unplugged.
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Lower your water heater’s temperature to 49 °C (120 °F) . This likely won’t make your showers feel any colder and can significantly lower your heating costs. For added savings, you can also insulate the water pipes within 2 or 3 metres of the water heater.
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Take a closer look at your appliances. It may be time to replace that old toaster (or microwave, or blowdryer) with a more energy-efficient one.
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Have fun with it! Have a candlelit dinner or flashlight story night.
Wind down with budget-friendly comfort food
Winter means hearty stews, hot soups and baked casseroles. Here are some grocery shopping tips to keep things delicious and affordable:
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Plan ahead. Create weekly menus and stick to your shopping list to reduce food waste and costly impulse buys.
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Stay seasonal. In-season produce can be a budget-friendly source of tasty nutrients. For example, squash and sweet potatoes can be roasted to perfection and apples can be turned into a variety of tasty desserts and breakfasts.
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Stock up. Buy pantry staples, frozen produce and non-perishables when they’re on sale.
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Embrace loyalty programs. Use store loyalty cards, coupons and points for added savings.
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Redeem your rewards. Use the points you earned on your credit card to get gift cards for a grocery store near you, or use the cash back you’ve built up.
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Use teamwork. Get everyone involved by creating an assembly line and turn meal prep into a fun family activity.
Fuel up your wallet by driving a little less
Winter driving can get pricey. Use these tips to stay on budget:
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Take as few solo trips as you can. If possible, carpool or use public transit to save money on gas.
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Maintain your vehicle. Improve your fuel efficiency by keeping your tires properly inflated. Road salt can also lead to rust, so be sure to wash your car regularly.
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Combine trips. For even more savings on gas, plan out and combine errands ahead of time. Bonus points for staying warm at home whenever you can!
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Get competitive. Compete with friends and family to see who can save the most gas in a month and reward the winner with a winter treat.
Small changes can lead to big savings
With some creativity and a few practical tips, you can lower your winter expenses while staying warm and breathing easy. Every small step adds up and you’ll be amazed by how much you can save while still enjoying the beauty of the season.
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