The "Ways To Save Money" Thread

[old-fart]

Originally Posted by fotze

I agree there are knocks about going to PC. Like, they will recover 4 years of fees in one shot if you fata up at all. Or basic bank services suck.

I don't agree it is harder to get credit with a bank if you are at PC, i don't know where thats from. RBC pretty much offered to blow me last year when doing a mortgage with them.

Also agree with this. PC Financial is owned by the CIBC, so even when you do need something, you can usually get it done through the CIBC.

As for "making it harder to get credit" that has everything to do with your credit history, income and desired debt levels. If you are looking for a million dollar mortgage on the salary of a waiter, you're probably going to be denied regardless of any relationship with the bank. Conversely, if you are looking for a mortgage that won't stretch you on a decent salary with a good credit history, banks will be lining up to give you money.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by fotze

I agree there are knocks about going to PC. Like, they will recover 4 years of fees in one shot if you fata up at all. Or basic bank services suck.

I don't agree it is harder to get credit with a bank if you are at PC, i don't know where thats from. RBC pretty much offered to blow me last year when doing a mortgage with them.

I do my day to day banking with PC for a fee-free experience, but I borrow money elsewhere. If you can't get a mortgage through a good mortgage broker, paying extra bank fees won't get you a mortgage you don't qualify for.

[mykalberta]

I have had no problems getting a personal loan from PC and a Mortgage and they were much lower than what others would have given. The only issue was communicating back and forth with PC regarding paperwork but other than that its fine.

[arloiginla]

Getting as many of your necessities as possible from Costco.

Not only do you pay wholesale price but you get cash back from your membership card as well. Pay with credit cards and you get cash back from two different things at the same time.

And they have free samples.

[Double_Dion]

Shop at Superstore and bring your own bags. You can get all your necessities there and almost all the same stuff as at Costco, with no membership fees. At Costco you are likely to buy at least one product that you don't need; Buffalo Chicken Strips, Breakfast Croissants, etc. I know I do this when I shop there, except it is usually a bag of Jelly Belly's.

/\ arloiginla, this is just a coincidence that I am posting after you, it's not meant for you. Just my opinion.

Also, I try to stay away from products that are ready-made. Whether it is a marinated roast, or frozen dinners, etc, you can always get more for less if you buy the ingredients and make it yourself. Not to mention these products are usually much worse nutritionally for you.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

Getting as many of your necessities as possible from Costco.

Not only do you pay wholesale price but you get cash back from your membership card as well. Pay with credit cards and you get cash back from two different things at the same time.

And they have free samples.

Just don't go on a Saturday. That place is crazy on a Saturday. The amount of time it takes to get through on the weekend is insane.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by fotze

and don't forget, if girlfriends cat is going to the vet, tell her that only the first $50 will be covered, after that its Killsville, USA for kitty.

Hey, not to mention that if thats the case its fresh meat for dinner!

[Bill Bumface]

For those of you that throw everything on your credit card, how much are you seeing as your average monthly statement? For a while I was finding a way to pile $2500 on there every month, but since I've started being more careful I'm shooting for under $1000 every month and it's harder than I thought.

[Winnie]

read 'your money or your life' (by vicki robin & joe dominguez). this book changed my life. it's not about how to be frugal, but being conscious about what your spending and being honest with yourself about why you buy what you do. good stuff.

[chemgear]

http://opinion.financialpost.com/201...-surveys-find/

More than half (54%) of Canadians find it “a real struggle or impossible” to save money, while more retirees are taking on debt or returning to the work force, two bank surveys released Wednesday find.

TD Canada Trust found 38% have no savings at all, versus 30% that have an emergency cushion of at least four months of living expenses. But a similar 30% say they don’t have enough money to cover basic living expenses. Another 39% say their disposable income is being used to service debts while 12% report shopping “beyond their means.”

[ma-skis.com]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

For those of you that throw everything on your credit card, how much are you seeing as your average monthly statement? For a while I was finding a way to pile $2500 on there every month, but since I've started being more careful I'm shooting for under $1000 every month and it's harder than I thought.

between $1000 to $2000 depending on odd costs costs. I took a look one month and realized that eating out at restaurants was a big chunk of change, same with all the littel purchases as well, coffees here, beer there. If I can boil it down to groceries and the couple bills on my card, I can be well under $1000 assuming no big costs for the month.

I think under $1000 is a good goal, that's the goal I try to maintain each month as well.

[Knalus]

Originally Posted by ma-skis.com

between $1000 to $2000 depending on odd costs costs. I took a look one month and realized that eating out at restaurants was a big chunk of change, same with all the littel purchases as well, coffees here, beer there. If I can boil it down to groceries and the couple bills on my card, I can be well under $1000 assuming no big costs for the month.

I think under $1000 is a good goal, that's the goal I try to maintain each month as well.

My wife and I found the same thing. As a challenge to ourselves, and to try to change our habits and lifestyles, we decided last September that we would not eat out or order out anything for the month. We did it. It was hard, but man we did save a lot of money that month, and felt good about our food choices and self control. That and I lost 5 pounds. Good month.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Locke

I find the best way to save your money is to pay for stuff with other people's money.

I am still perfecting this method, so far its not going well.

What you need for this is a large firm pair of breasts and long blonde hair, almost impossible to pull of with a penis and an aversion to gay porn.

[Misterpants]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

What you need for this is a large firm pair of breasts and long blonde hair, almost impossible to pull of with a penis and an aversion to gay porn.

As if he has an aversion to gay porn.