I Think I Want to Marry Gail Vaz-Oxlade
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
A number of weeks ago, I joined some fellow P&Gmom bloggers at a special brunch with Canada’s self-proclaimed ‘money-honey’, Gail Vaz-Oxlade. Truth be told, I was looking forward to socializing with my blogging buddies and catching up with the P&Gmom team. The idea of talking about financial literacy, however,... snore. It could have something to do with having to listen to my husband talk about investing and the stock markets and blah, blah, blah, over the past ten years. There's only so much my brain is willing to absorb when it comes to financial matters. But after this fun and informative event, I am starting to think I should have married Gail Vaz-Oxlade instead.
Talking Common Cents with money management guru @GailVazOxlade #PGmomsocial #FLM2014 pic.twitter.com/U8cpuuvHQq
— Diana M. (@TeacherMomOfTwo) October 25, 2014
This money management guru bases much of her beliefs on common sense. But, as my former vice-principal used to joke, the problem with common sense is that it isn't so common. I think that's why I liked him so much - because he had a great sense of humour. And I think that's why I love Gail. She is bloody hilarious! And anyone who can make me laugh while talking about finances is by default a friend of mine for life.
Throughout Gail's presentation, we learned many money-saving tips. This event was in anticipation of 'Use Your Common Cents Day’ on November 4th, a day dedicated to educating Canadians on better budgeting and financial literacy. Given that November is Financial Literacy Month, it is an ideal time to empower Canadians to use their common sense when it comes to spending. Especially since it precedes the holiday season when many a budget is derailed due to unforeseen holiday spending.
Luckily, Canadians can now visit www.savingmadesimple.ca for helpful tips and advice from Gail on how to gear-up for successful savings. You can also register to have access to print-at-home coupons on top brands, exclusive samples and daily inspiration every day of the year. It's all in the name of Common Cents!
Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s Common “Cents” Tips
- Do a spending analysis – Knowing where your money is going is half the battle. Go through your past six months of spending, including groceries, household expenses, utilities, rent/mortgage, clothing and entertainment, and analyze just how much money went where. You want to understand the areas in which you’re overspending.
- “Common Cents” comparisons – In addition to doing a spending analysis, it’s time to shop smart and look for products that will stretch your dollar. So many people default to value brands thinking they equal savings. Not always! If you need to use more of a budget-product or rewash items to get the same results you’re not saving a thing. Look to trusted products such as Tide Simply Clean and Fresh, Charmin Basic and Ultra Dawn that offer value and efficacy.
- Plan your purchases and stick to your budget – To avoid impulse purchases, plan head, make a list, and use cash! Avoid overspending by taking cash from the ATM twice a month and planning how you’ll use that money. When it’s gone, you’re done shopping.
- Common “Cents” Couponing – Common sense couponing can equal cash! Websites such as savingmadesimple.ca offer deals and coupons to save on products you already use and love. Flyers can also be a useful tool for finding great deals from the stores you regularly shop at and for price- matching.
- Save your savings – Too often people don’t actually save their savings; they simply find another way to spend it. Working towards a big goal like a vacation or a special purchase? Every time you save a cent by shopping smart, send those savings to your high interest savings account where you can watch them grow.
- Don’t be a money moron – In the end, it’s important to be conscious of what you’re doing with your money. Be conscious of how you’re using your money so you’re always working towards reaching your goals.
- Ultra Dawn Dish Washing Liquid – $3.99
- Charmin Basic – $6.99
- Bounty Basic – $4.99
- Cascade ActionPacs with Dawn – $9.99
- Puffs Basic Facial Tissues – $2.99
- Tide Simply Clean & Fresh – $9.99
To be eligible to win, complete the Rafflelcopter form below. By entering the following contest you are accepting that, if you win, your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom/#mamanPG program. However, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected. All winners must be from within Canada.
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Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
67 COMMENTS
The best tip I can give is coupons ! lots and lots of coupons !
ReplyDeleteI use coupons, shop sales, buy discounted items and shop at thrift stores!
ReplyDeleteRAFFLECOPTER NAME is Anne Taylor
Use coupons. Save them for when your item is on sale for DOUBLE the savings!
ReplyDeleteA tip to check your local flyers for deals and sales and use coupons.
ReplyDeleteMy money saving tip is to shop in thrift stores. You can often find clothing etc. in almost brand new condition for a fraction of the cost.
ReplyDeleteUse coupons, buy in bulk!
ReplyDeleteI like to watch the flyers for sales and use coupons.
ReplyDeleteMine is make a budget. Know how much money you have to spend. It makes a big difference, just knowing.
ReplyDeleteI write down our expenses and bills then I subtract everything from pay even if things havent come out yet. say this is what we have to work with this month.
ReplyDeleteHave auto withdraw into a saving account(RRSP,TFSA,,etc,) for each payment going into your bank account.
ReplyDeletePrice matching is the way to go to help save
ReplyDeleteI shop the sales and stock up on them.
ReplyDeleteUse coupons, enter contests, try to price match and buy items that are on sale
ReplyDeletePlan your meals from your weekly flyers and coupons!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is similar to others - use coupons, price match and meal plan - these 3 things really help me. (Judy Cowan)
ReplyDeleteDont shop! Seriously! We dont need 90 % of the stuff we buy!! When grocery shopping have a list and stick to it!!
ReplyDeleteMy tips are to coupon, watch your till tape for mistakes and plan your trips.
ReplyDeleteGet rid of the stuff you don't need any more. Try selling it to make a few dollars - if it doesn't sell donate it or throw it away. Every dollar helps!
ReplyDeleteMake a needs vs wants list before buying things.
ReplyDeleteI use coupons and compare prices in flyers. Stocking up when there's a really good deal also saves me money.
ReplyDeleteI always buy things only when they are on sale and I will try to use coupon when it's possible
ReplyDeleteTry to use coupons and the app Flipp is awesome to use to help you save money
ReplyDeleteUse coupons and stock up on everyday items when on sale.
ReplyDeleteFlorence C
Well I think you know mine and it is one even Gail reccomends! Use Flipp to save money and time week after week.
ReplyDeleteMy money saving tip especially for December is plan those meal carefully so you don't use lack of planning as an excuse to eat out.
ReplyDeleteI like to use coupons for the purchases I am going to make and sometimes they are even on the coupon apps so you end up doubling the amount you are saving. And dont use coupons on stuff you do not need.
ReplyDeleteMy tips it to check the flyers for deals and use coupons
ReplyDeletethanks
Rafflecopter name is Julie G.
ReplyDeleteMy tip - save the money you save using coupons and put it toward something you really want like a vacation. All of the little bits can add up.
almost everything comes on sale so I only pay full price on a very limited amount of items.
ReplyDeletejan
make a list, including doable costs, and stick to it. thanks
ReplyDeleteCheck my flyers and price match.
ReplyDelete(Debbie W)
price match
ReplyDeletesecond attempt to post
ReplyDeletemy tip is checkout51, I've actually gotten a chq from them, so know they are legit (and I only stock up on things like TP when on sale as its stuff that can't go bad) In the winter months I only make the trip to the city once, so make sure I get everything on the list as I won't pay convenience store prices in my tiny town
use coupons and stock up on groceries when they are on sale!
ReplyDeleteBuy what is on sale and stock up, don't forget the coupons.
ReplyDeleteuse lots of coupon. Plus we put away a little fromeach of our pay cheques...into a savings account.
ReplyDeleteprice match and use coupons, and have a plan going to the supermarket.
ReplyDeleteUse cash.
ReplyDelete-dee aubi on Facebook
Check the flyers, use coupons, price match and stock up on really good sale deals.
ReplyDeleteI browse through my flyers and price match and use coupons to make my money stretch further.
ReplyDeleteI have saved tons by doing this!
Avoid waste - IE use the proper amount of laundry soap according to the load size rather than free pouring.
ReplyDeletei price match and use coupons
ReplyDeletePut your loose change into a savings account
ReplyDeletePlan ahead when you go shopping!
ReplyDeleteCoupons and price matching. Best way to save money every week.
ReplyDeleteI compare flyers and do price matches were offered
ReplyDeletemake lists before you shop
ReplyDeleteComparison shop and do research on line to get the best deal.
ReplyDeletebilliondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
I check the fliers and use coupons to maximize my savings
ReplyDeleteI save money by stocking up and using coupons
ReplyDeleteialways price match and comparison shop
ReplyDeleteShop on the local swap sites for kids clothes and shoes!
ReplyDeleteMoney saving tip - use coupons when shopping if possible and make your own coffee at home!!
ReplyDeleteCheers.
We use coupons & shop flyers!
ReplyDeletekellyPC
I like to use coupons on sales items for an even better price.
ReplyDeleteWe use that app for Walmart that automatically searches for any better deals from competitors and puts any difference on a gift card for us. All we have to do is scan the receipt and they do all the work!
ReplyDeletexo Emily @ Curator of Cute
I use coupons and pricematch. I only buy what we need - no stockpiles!
ReplyDeleteUse coupons whenever you can...it will save a lot of money over time.
ReplyDeleteI like to use my Presidents choice mastercard to earn points for free groceries.
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ReplyDeletei use apps like checkout51 to ensure i'm stretching my shopping budget
ReplyDeleteI stock up on items when they are on sale, I use coupons and I price match.
ReplyDeletecheck flyers regularly for sales and use coupons
ReplyDeleteI always make a list before shopping and I try to combine items that are on sale with coupons.
ReplyDeleteUse coupons.
ReplyDeletePlan meals....shop once ....bring lunches and snacks to work :)
ReplyDeleteUse coupons, check out flyers and pricematch with other retailers
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to leave a comment here on Toronto Teacher Mom. Hope you have a great day!