(01 of22)
Open Image ModalCheck out these top tips to help you save money. (credit:Shutterstock)
Grab your thermos(02 of22)
Open Image ModalBring your own coffee or tea in a thermos instead of stopping at the coffee shop every morning. (credit:Shutterstock)
Shop in cheaper stores(03 of22)
Open Image ModalDon't be afraid to step into low-priced grocery and clothing stores. They can help you save a lot of money, especially in you buy the in-house brand, which almost always is identical to the major brands. (credit:Getty Images)
Work your culinary magic(04 of22)
Open Image ModalTry saving some money by making more meals at home...and that includes your lunch during the work week. Not only will you get to flex your cooking muscles, but you'll also notice less drain from your bank account. (credit:Shutterstock)
Stop going out so much(05 of22)
Open Image ModalInstead of always going out to eat and have drinks with friend, try having people in more often. House parties and dinners are often more fun, as anyone will agree. (credit:Shutterstock)
Buy in bulk(06 of22)
Open Image ModalBuy in bulk the items you use a lot - hand soap, toilet paper, paper towel, etc... Bulk items are almost always cheaper and you can store these items and replace or decant them when needed. (credit:Shutterstock)
Stop buying so many "toys"(07 of22)
Open Image ModalThis goes for toys for your kids, as well as grown-ups in your life. Instead of buying the latest gadget, commit to spending more time outside or with loved ones. Try going without a new flat screen television/iPad/gaming console for the next six months. At the end of that time if you still feel like you can't live without it, then perhaps it's time to buy it. (credit:Flickr:JeepersMedia)
Get rid of that second car(08 of22)
Open Image ModalWe already know humans drive too much. Try carpooling, Car-2-Go, public transit, biking or walking. You'll save money on gas, insurance, and maintenance. (credit:Flickr:PremierofAlberta)
Discover the library(09 of22)
Open Image ModalInstead of spending money on books all the time, try checking out your local library. They always have the latest books, as well as movies and cds. (credit:Shutterstock)
Unplug your cable(10 of22)
Open Image ModalOpt out of your cable program and try a streaming service like Netflix or Apple TV. Netflix is less than $8 per month and has plenty of great movies and television shows. Apple TV has a broad selection of movies for cheap. (credit:Shutterstock)
Make lists(11 of22)
Open Image ModalBefore you go out shopping, make a list of the items you need. Don't buy stuff that's not on your list, especially impulse items like snacks, flowers and magazines. (Bonus tip: Don't grocery shop on an empty stomach. You WILL end up buying stuff you don't want/need.) (credit:Shutterstock)
Watch for major sales(12 of22)
Open Image ModalKeep an eye on flyers and store fronts for major sales at your favourite stores (often toward the end of the season.) It's a great way to get a good deal on brands or items you love. (credit:Shutterstock)
Pay your bills on time(13 of22)
Open Image ModalDon't let that payment slip. Avoid late charges by paying bills promptly. Ask for email statements or direct payment if you tend to forget. (credit:Shutterstock)
Ditch the land line(14 of22)
Open Image ModalUnless you have little kids or older people in the house, a land line at this point is often a waste of money. Ditch the land line and just stick with your cellphone bill. (credit:Shutterstock)
Buy second-hand(15 of22)
Open Image ModalThere's nothing wrong with second-hand shopping. Plenty of Goodwill, Value Village, WIN, Bibles For Missions and Salvation Army stores carry quality items that are lightly used. Plus you have a better chance of finding unique items at discounted prices when you shop second-hand. (credit:AP)
Avoid ATM fees(16 of22)
Open Image ModalTry to withdraw from your bank to avoid added fees from other institutions. Those $1 and $2 fees can add up quickly! (credit:Getty Images)
Stop buying bottled water(17 of22)
Open Image ModalNot only is it brutal for the environment, bottled water can get really expensive, especially if you're buying it a few times a day. Instead, pick up a reusable water bottle and fill it up from the tap or Brita. (credit:AP)
Turn the heat down during the day(18 of22)
Open Image ModalWhen it's cold outside try setting your thermostat lower during the day and upping the heat when you get home from work. Sure, it will be a bit chilly when you first arrive home but you'll warm up quickly and save money on your heating bill. (credit:Shutterstock)
Consider a homestay vacation(19 of22)
Open Image ModalInstead of shelling out wads of cash for fancy hotels while on vacation, try a homestay program that allows you to stay in someone else's home. You can also try programs like Air B'n'B, which allow you to stay in someone's home who is currently not staying there at the time for a small fee. (credit:Getty Images)
Sign up for member rewards(20 of22)
Open Image ModalEven if you shop at a store infrequently, sign up for their customer rewards program. They often offer deep discounts, coupons and other rewards to their loyal customers. (credit:Flickr:Strupey)
Try consigning your clothes(21 of22)
Open Image ModalLots of consignment stores will take your clothes and sell them to their customers and share the profit with you. Next time you clean out your closet, put aside some of your gently worn clothes and call your nearest consignment shop to ask them about their program. (credit:Flickr:Kimco Realty)
Cook in bulk(22 of22)
Open Image ModalNext time you make your favourite soup or casserole, make four times as much, portion it and freeze it. This can help you with meal prep on busy days or offers a great option for weekday work lunches. (credit:Flickr:tania_huiny)