Tag Archives: saving

Amazing Things Happen After Using Coupons For One Year

I was doing a bit of ‘specific purpose’ shopping at a local grocery store to pick up some of their No Name Yogurt. I buy this all the time and use it mixed with fruit, or when making a smoothie with yogurt, milk and berries.

It is worth noting, that some consumers remain staunchly brand-loyal and even brand-dependent.

They believe that no-name products are ‘not as good’ as the brand name products that they favor. In reality many no-name brands are manufactured using the same ingredients and at the same factory as the brand product, the only difference being the price and the look of the label. That being said, I’m not ready to trade in my Heinz ketchup for the no-name brand….but Aylmer is a close second. Can you taste the difference?

From the urban dictionary. www.urbandictionary.com

As I was about to take several tubs (5) off the shelf, I noticed a pad of tear-off coupons right above the yogurt. They were for $1.00 (Cdn) off each tub of No Name Yogurt that you purchased. Since I had 5 tubs in my tote basket, I peeled off 5 coupons. When I got to the check-out, I put the coupons on each tub and the cashier deducted $5.00 off my bill. The regular cost was $1.97 a tub, which would have made the total cost $9.85. I paid $4.85. I was very, very happy. I got the yogurt that I intended to buy, and I got a bargain. Also the empty tubs can be put in recycling bins, or used as food-savers for leftovers.

 The ‘no-name’ brand Loblaws Canada use bright black on yellow packaging.

A friend of mine, Ken, who worked in the food  industry, once told me, “Coupons are an easy way for customers to save money. The store does not loose any money, the coupons go right back to the company.”

A few years back, I decided to see if coupons did save me money. Each week I went through the newspapers, magazines, online site and store coupons I had collected as well as free coupon bins in their stores. These bins are there for customers who don’t want to use their coupons, but throw them in a bin so that other customers strolling by can scoop up whatever they want to use. I used an old duo tang notebook to record my savings, a ruler, line paper, and a pen. I drew lines across the page. I also drew lines vertically down the page for categories.

The first category was NUMBER, and then ITEM PURCHASED, then COUPON PRICE, and lastly PRICE TOTAL. I found an old, very large mayonnaise jar with a lid (the kind they used in restaurants that buy in large quantities). I put a slot in the top of the lid so that it was more convenient to drop coins into the jar rather than unscrewing the cap each time.

I labeled the jar, “Coupon Money.” Every time I went to the store and used a coupon, I put the actual money I saved into the jar. It may have been only 35 cents, or 50 cents. Then I recorded the information in my duo-tang.

I decided to do this project for one year. I started in February. I never told anyone what I was doing. If my wife used a coupon, she also added the money to the jar, and recorded the information. Never did I use the proceeds from the jar during the year, but I was tempted many times. Over the months of the year, I took the change that was accumulating and transferred it into bills, starting with $5.00, then $10.00, then $20.00 bills. The idea was to use coupons on products that I normally purchased, not to get 50 cents off a product I wouldn’t normally buy.

I was very diligent with my project that year. It was kind of a game made especially fun when I would get the jar out and look with envy at all the bills stuffed in there.

As the year anniversary was approaching, my wife started telling people about the “Coupon Project.” I heard comments like, “How silly.” “Why would you want to waste your time doing that?” “When I get coupons I throw them out.” “You won’t make any savings on them.” But at the end of the year, the jar contained $520.00. As it turned out, we needed a new couch. We purchased a brand new bed-chesterfield, including delivery, for $500.00

A week later, two friends who had thought that my “Coupon Project” was nonsense, remarked on how beautiful and expensive our couch looked. They asked, “How did you afford to buy such a beautiful couch?” I replied proudly, “coupons.” For the Silo, Blair R. Yager. 

4 Ways You Could Have Saved Money This Holiday Season

There is no denying that Christmas is an expensive holiday. You have to spend a substantial amount of money on things like food, decorations and travelling.

However, the heftiest expense is usually the presents — approximately 34% of parents spend $500 on gifts (per child) during the holiday season. If you have a large family, this adds up quickly.

Instead of emptying your wallet, you should use these money-saving tips over the holidays. By using these tips, you’ll be able to get more bang for your buck and potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars on gifts.

1 — Use an Online Shopping Directory

No holiday shopping trip is complete without an online shopping directory. If you’ve never used one, an online shopping directory is an innovative tool that offers a wide variety of features.

One of the primary benefits of using one of these directories is that you can use them to access digital coupons and flyers. You can use these coupons to save a significant amount of money on your purchases.

Additionally, you can use these directories to find a shopping centre near you and important pieces of information like store hours. This way, you won’t waste your time by showing up after the Kingsway Mall or your local shopping mall closes.

2 — Ship Directly to the Recipient

Shopping online makes the gift-giving experience quick and convenient. With a few clicks, you can have a gift hand-delivered to your door. Although, if you won’t be seeing the recipient over the holidays, you will have to ship the item yourself. This process can get expensive!

Although it may seem unconventional, you can make your Christmas shopping easier by shipping your gifts straight to the recipients.

Even though this may take some of the fun out of it, direct shipping is a practical and cost-effective way to give gifts to people. This is especially true if the recipient lives far away.

If you want to save even more money, you should go to sites that offer free shipping.

3 — Look for Ways to Buy in Bulk

If you’re planning on hosting a holiday event, you’re probably looking for ways to save money on food. An easy way to cut back costs is by purchasing items in bulk. Although you may not want to purchase turkey or eggnog in bulk, it is practical for staples like water bottles, cookies or festive treats.

You should avoid purchasing perishable items in bulk. Some things to avoid purchasing include:

  • Produce (Fruits, Vegetables)
  • Dairy (Milk, Cheese)
  • Baked Goods That Are Difficult to Store

It is worth noting that you can store some of these items by freezing them.

4 – Make Your Gifts

Are you good with your hands? Do you love to create things? Have you been told that you have a knack for building stuff?

Instead of going to the Dixie Outlet Mall, you should consider making some of your Christmas gifts yourself. This is a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way with friends and family members.

To save even more money, try making your own Christmas cards. This will add a personal touch to any gift that you give.

Why You Should Think About Retiring In Winnipeg

About half-way from East Coast to West Coast, you’ll find Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The biggest city and capital of Manitoba, Winnipeg is also one of Canada’s top retirement destinations. Whether you’re looking for great culture, sports, food, recreation, an affordable cost of living, or great senior housing options, Winnipeg is worth checking out. Here are the top reasons you should consider the city on the Red River when you’re thinking about your retirement options.

1 Great Senior Housing Options

As a city with over 800,000 residents, many of them seniors, there are plenty of senior housing options ranging from independent senior living communities to assisted living. As a family, if you’re looking for assisted living options for your loved ones, there are a few things you want to look for:

  • Availability of memory care, including care staff who are trained to work with adults suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  • Transportation assistance to medical appointments and services.
  • Private suites and a family-friendly environment.
  • Therapeutic group exercises offered at the residence.
  • A safe, warm, and comfortable environment.

Don’t be afraid to take your time and do research. The move into assisted living for seniors is a big one and should be made as a family,

2 Outdoor Activities in All Seasons

If you live here, you already know: Winnipeg is a winter city. That doesn’t just mean winters are long, cold, and snowy. A lot of seniors worry about the severity of the season if they haven’t lived here before. But Winnipeg also happens to be one of the sunniest places in Canada, cold or not. There is plenty to do on a bright winter day, including skating trails complete with warming huts and winter festivals that can rival the best of the city’s summer entertainment.


There are plenty of ways to get involved with sports and recreation in the city, including golf, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

On top of all that, the city is home to huge amounts of green space that are great for walking, tai chi, and fitness clubs for seniors that can help you stay active and limber. While Vancouver may get all the credit as a hub for outdoor lovers, with the banks of the Red River and a wealth of natural assets, Winnipeg offers plenty of all-season activities – and a much lower cost of living.

3 A Rich Cultural Life

Winnipeg offers a rich cultural scene with a wealth of museums, concert halls, and theatre. Some of Winnipeg’s top cultural destinations include the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Centennial Concert Hall, Seven Oaks Museum, the Museum of Human Civilization, the Royal Manitoba Museum, and many, many more. There’s always something to do in Winnipeg.


In addition to the arts, there’s also plenty to eat. The culinary scene punches above its weight, according to food critic Dan Clapson, and experiments with both regional ingredients (like Birch syrup) and lesser-known international ingredients. Markets like The Forks are one-of-a-kind in the country.

Get to know Winnipeg. Learn more about your retirement options in one of Canada’s top retirement destinations.

Can You Replace Your Windows And Doors During Winter In Kitchener?

C:\Users\Renae\Downloads\winter-670314_1280.jpg

There are a number of reasons why you might want to replace your windows and doors in the winter. Either you’ve just moved in and want to upgrade them because they are old, or maybe you feel like they aren’t performing well, or perhaps even you may just feel like they are out-dated and that your home needs a new look. 

Windows and doors are an essential part of any home. They allow us to enter and exit our home, to let air and light in, but they are also designed to protect us from the elements and intruders when necessary. When they aren’t performing optimally, windows and doors can be the cause of heat loss in a home which can in turn make your furnace overwork – meaning you will be paying more on your energy bills.

When considering window replacement, it’s important that you find a window and door company in Kitchener that manufactures their products according to the highest energy standards. Look for a company that can offer you ENERGY STAR® certified windows that can help you lower your household energy bills by an average of 12 percent. Bonus: by lowering your energy consumption you are also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Best Time to Replace Windows and Doors

You might be thinking that the middle of winter isn’t the most ideal time to contact your local window installer. Not only may it seem like it would be difficult for them to work in bad weather, but you’re probably also worried about the snow and cold getting into your home while they work.

Despite your worries, professional, certified window installers are typically able to install your units in one day. They also take precautions to ensure that your home is protected while they work, like by putting up plastic sheeting to keep the elements out and your things protected.

You can trust a window company that takes the time to assess your home and give you a quote before beginning work. The best ones will even do the measurements and check the work being done twice before starting – this ensures that everything is exactly to your specifications.

Once a day has been selected, your window and/or door installation team will likely ask you to move items at least two feet away from the areas being worked on. They’ll also ask if there is anything outdoors that they need to be careful of – like a favourite bush or flower bed.

By providing them with the information they need upfront, they’ll be able to prepare properly to make sure that nothing gets damaged in the process. If it’s just a straight replacement, things generally go smoothly and quickly, and as already noted can typically be finished in a day.

With the right windows and doors, you can protect your home from heat loss this winter, lower your energy bills, and also beautify the inside and outside of your home.

CNNMoney- Millennials Saying No To Credit Cards

CNN Money No Credit Cards For Millenials

 

CNNMoney ‏@CNNMoney 13h

Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl  via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/T1U8i7OU2I

What some tweeters are saying:

CalBeach ‏@CalBeach 13h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 They’re smart to avoid debt.

YmeYnot ‏@YmeYnot2011 13h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Only use charge card when you can pay entire debt completely before you are charged interest.

NETGAINS ‏@Netgains_ 13h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Great info… Thanks for sharing..

Equality=Peace ‏@angrigarisangri 13h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Yes to #bitcoin!

Glenn ‏@GlennMPR 13h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Smarter than my generation then.

Pm3marston ‏@Pm3marston 13h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 We know not to be caught in the credit card trap. Only use it as a cash replacement card, not for debt.

Roger Bustos ‏@rogerbgom 13h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 like a smart wallet just pass the wallet and charge from your credit or debit just pick with your phone….

BrokenHearted ‏@patientfailure 12h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Stupid. You’re spending decisions should never change based on your form of payment.

Patrick B ‏@sportbikeguy00 12h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Credit & debts of any kind should be avoided,my motto is if you can’t pay cash for it,save up or forget it.

mizo ‏@bemelmesre 12h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 Never used a credit card in my life. Only used credit for commercial purposes.

victor ‏@victor_de64 11h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 I’m a baby boomer and cut all mine 19 years ago and never missed them

CynicalPolitico ‏@IndyinTX31 11h

@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl  via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/sAw87n1GDt”()

FatNoMore™ Fitness ‏@FNM_Fitness 10h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Either buy cast or use paypal. Credit cards are just a disaster waiting to happen #ParentWillAgree

Andrew Smith ‏@iSmitty12 10h

@DaveRamsey thoughts? “@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl  via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/kcL0lgMyzP

Yvonne Moedt ‏@YvonneMoedt 9h

@CNNMoney That’s great!! You never know what’s left or how big your debt is and will never get out once you start. Real paper money #future

Declan Martens ‏@DeclanMartens 9h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 hey that’s us! @Malicious_Tea

Zbolts ‏@zbolts 9h

They use mom/dad?! “@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl  via @blakeellis3 pic.twitter.com/f1jlE2zlAq

HogsAteMySister ‏@hogsatemysister 9h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 Which is easy to do when you still live at home…

Websterwall ‏@Websterwall 8h

@CNNMoney @blakeellis3 It’s true. No card for me. Living within my means

The Epitomy Of An ‏@ErnieBlanco63 8h

@CNNMoney With the job market being so rocky it’s a smart move.

Stephen Cefalu ‏@Scef2308 7h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 they don’t know how to use a CC to maximize the rewards and cash back. Learn how to use credit.

Jay Brausch ‏@BigDogStar 7h

@CNNMoney @CNN @blakeellis3 One of the smartest things of the new millennium that they can do.

KC Simbeck ‏@kc_simbeck 6h

@CNNMoney I’d like to not have a credit card. But it’s pretty much required for building credit.

Liesel Rickert ‏@le_rickert3 6h

Ive been wanting 1, but can’t decided bc of 2 factors here RT “@CNNMoney: Millennials are saying no to credit cards: http://cnnmon.ie/1uFOSGl