Everyday Finances

Did you hear that the minister of finance just announced new guidelines for Canadian mortgages?  The banks are getting more strict in an effort to boost the economy and keep Canadians out of foreclosure.  For our family, it doesn't seem any big shock.  The cost of living in the town we live in is very high.  We've struggled to try and get ahead since we've been here, but this year, we have changed our goals from saving to paying down debt.  We've tightened the purse strings - in a HUGE way, made a decision to use what we already have instead of buying more and already this year we've done well.  With me selling my cards and Andy selling some of his video games we've been able to almost completely pay off one of our credit cards!  I'm excited about this new goal and I'm looking forward to seeing what we are able to accomplish this year. 
What are you doing to get ahead?  Are you saving?  Paying off debt?  Are you making any changes in how you spend or invest?  What about inventive ways to increase your income?  I'd love to hear the changes you've made and how they are affecting your financial goals!
Often one persons ideas will work for almost anyone and since when one of us benefits we all benefit in the long run, I'm hoping that our ideas and successes will encourage you and vice versa! Pin It

Who Loves a Good Deal

I love getting a good deal.  It makes me feel like I'm being faithful with the finances God has blessed us with.  There a ton of "coupon" and "free stuff" sites on the internet, some legit others kind of a scam.   Some will offer "free offers"  that really aren't free since you need to spend money to get in on their "free things".  Some offer "free products" in exchange for services such as filling out surveys at nauseam.
However, today I'm excited to share with you a site I just discovered:  couponchief.com.  The folks over at Coupon Chief, asked me to review their site and let all of you know what I think, so here it goes.   One thing I love about this site is that it allows you to create an account and upload coupons that others can use.  When someone downloads or uses your coupon, Coupon Chief pays you 2% of the total sale.  Another great way to share some deals and make money doing it.  The down side to this is that because the general public can upload, some of the deals aren't that great of deals or are expired so be sure to check the coupon carefully before you try to use it.
There are a wealth of coupon codes available to use at a large variety of stores - mostly online.  Clothing, beauty, electronics, seasonal, the list goes on an on.  Some of my personal favorites are the Bare Essentual coupons and the Sony Store coupons. 
Another thing I was impressed with is that these coupons are useable in Canada.  Many of the sites out there are US only deals.
 Most of the coupons are for online shopping which would be my biggest critique, it would be nice to have some "in store" coupons for bigger ticket items such as electronics.
Coupon Chief is definitely worth taking a look at.  I'd love to hear about what coupons you find that you like! Pin It

Saving Money

In todays economic situation I find myself reading more and more about how to save money, cut corners, and get ahead.  In our discussions, rather than deciding what brand of jeans is better we find ourselves trying to decide whether it is better to save for the children's education or for our own retirement.  Small decisions today affect our lives BIG time tomorrow.
This brings us to another topic I'll touch on occassionally here on my blog that I hope will be interesting and helpful for you.  Everyday Finances.
I have found a couple of new ways to save money that I'd like to share with you.  I've been reading on several blogs lately about Shaklee products.  The things that attracted me to these products was that not only were they much less expensive than the products I am currently buying but they are also all natural, containing no harmful  chemicals.  I decided to check it out and I am amazed and very pleased with the results.  The products I purchased are the H2, the dishwashing detergent and the scour off, along with the 3 spray bottles.
I'm going to direct you to this post if you would like more information on these products and how they work but sufficeth to say, I had the same results Cassity did!
Another great way to save money I've found is the Great Value brand of products at Walmart.  I know that some people think Walmart is trying to take over the world and if they are going to continue to offer lower prices than anyone else, I say - more power to them.  I have tried several of the Great Value brand products and have found them very comparable to the name brands.  SOS pads are 2.00 more per box than the same Great Value option.  Mini pizzas - that I send the boys for lunch are .50 each, MUCH cheaper than the comparable McCains brand.
Next time you're in Walmart check out some of these products and give them a try.  They'll put a smile on your face and some extra $ in your pocket.
Be sure to let me know what you think, if you've tried any of the products above or if you have any other $ saving tips you'd like to share! Pin It