Saving Money

Shopping & Saving

Cellular Phone

Make sure you have the right plan for your cell phone. Don’t pay for unlimited text messages if you don’t use your phone to send text messages! Avoid programs that include things like taking pictures on your phone or navigation services. They are not necessary.

Auto Insurance

For the most comprehensive information regarding insurance in Canada, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website at www.ibc.ca.

Chequing

Save over a $100 yearly in fees by choosing a chequing account with a minimum balance requirement that you can meet. Banks frequently will drop or lower chequing fees if paycheques are directly deposited by your employer. In addition, direct deposit offers the extra advantage of convenience, security, and immediate access to your money.

Savings and Investments

Savings and investment decisions are some of the most important and will have a huge impact on your life. Contact your local bank for investing and savings options and find out what fits your life best. Scotiabank has some great tools to help you determine what to do with your money to accomplish your goals. Visit their website at
www.scotiabank.com under Personal Services, Investing in to find out more.

Credit Cards

You can save as much as several hundred dollars each year by lowering credit card interest charges by paying in full your entire bill each month. If you can not pay off a large balance, consider our Debt Management Program or call 1-800-656-3920.

Consolidated may be able to consolidate your debts, lower monthly payment commitments, and negotiate lower interest charges.

Generally, clients see 25-90% monthly savings on interest charges from our creditor negotiations. You can lessen credit card fees by avoiding late payments, over-the-credit limit fees, and by throwing out all but one or two credit cards that have no annual fee.

Electricity

Save hundreds of dollars a year on electricity by making certain new appliances, especially air conditioners and furnaces, are energy-efficient. Check to see if your electric utility station has programs to reduce the costs of appliance purchases.

Heat & Air Conditioning

A home energy audit can identify ways to save money on home heating and air conditioning. Ask your electric or gas company if they do this audit for free or for a reasonable charge. If they do not, ask them to refer you to a qualified professional.

Telephone Service

Check with your phone company to see whether a flat rate or measured service plan will save you the most money. Check your local phone bill to see if you have optional services you don't really need or use. Each option you drop could save you $40 or more each year.

Long Distance Telephone Service

Evenings or weekend long distance calls can cost significantly less than weekday calls. If you make more than a few long distance calls each month, consider signing up for a calling plan. Call several long distance companies to see which one has the least expensive plan for the type of calls you make. You may even be able to negotiate.