The Frugal Living Thread

[The Arrogant Worms]

4 hours ago, gurn said:

Just got my auto insurance quote from ICBC.

I've always paid cash for a year at a time, but noticed that a $685 total bill can be paid  $58 per month, means a $685 loan costs $11  for the year.

Or 1.6%

My mortgage is at 4.29%

So I can take $685 out of my savings and put it on the mortgage, and now instead of borrowing that $685 at 4.29; I' m borrowing it at 1.6%.

 

Only saves about $18 over a year, but why not save?

 

Are you close to the end of your mortgage?  You can still get 5 years fixed for under 3% and Prime -1.4% on a 5 year variable.

[Gurn]

14 minutes ago, The Arrogant Worms said:

Are you close to the end of your mortgage?  You can still get 5 years fixed for under 3% and Prime -1.4% on a 5 year variable.

Yeah, really close, just another 5 g and and the 5  I've already got in my chequing, it's gone. I can pay off anytime as the mortgage was on a modular/trailer.

Sadly went to a  Scotia bank today, to see if they could do better than 4.29%; they say "No"

Guess I don't want enough money, to make it worth their while.

At this point the interest is minimal, but I'm getting ticked off having to pay insurance, that covers the original amount, not the amount I currently owe.

Will be stopping by the Credit Union tomorrow to see about that getting reduced.

Edited March 7, 2022 by gurn

[Barnstorm]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet…food is one of the largest budget drains. 

Learn the various canning techniques and do as much canning as you are able. Vegetables, fruits, stocks, broths, tomato sauces and pastes, jams, jellies. Once the jars are purchased  and handled properly they will last for decades of annual use. Reduces waste , healthy eating, less travel to grocery store are just a few benefits.

It’s not possible for all but if you have some green space start a garden. Learn to compost, dry foods such as fruits and herbs. 
Those that are able and willing can benefit from hunting. 
Buy the staples in large quantities; flour, rice, powdered milk, sugar, etc. These all keep well for extended periods.

Keep a running list of things you need and shop less frequently but more effectively. 
Plan your meals and cook in larger quantities to freeze a few meals or eat the same a few days running. Learn to make bread, buns, pizza dough. 

Try to shop the sales and bargains.

We have been doing the above for over 30 years and are about 85% food secure. We can go weeks on end without stepping near a grocery store and eat exceptionally well. 

Hang clothes to dry when possible and put a large dry bath towel in with any clothes in your dryer. That improved dryer efficiency. Hanging to dry reduces wear on clothes too.

Put a wood stove in your home if possible. Absolute best thing we ever did. You get exercise getting wood , air quality in home improves drastically and huge reduction in gas and hydro bills. 
After many years you learn to outsmart some of the consumer systems in place designed to drain your income away.

Edited March 13, 2022 by Barnstorm

[Gurn]

Quick note- the long weekend is coming, might want to top up your gas tank before the price jumps for  that weekend.

 

 

Also -seems the inflation rate has jumped and interest rates will be going up.-See the inflation thread for details.

[brilac]

I always plan out my grocery list, and so far this week I have been great - spending $24.89. 

 

QFC - $3.96 (woohoo! free 18-count eggs coupon and $0.77 conditioner, etc.!)

Safeway - $20.93 (woohoo! $0.77 bread and $1.49 10-count tortillas to name a few!)

 

I need to go to Trader Joe's and which I made a list of things I need, like $0.25 each for organic bananas (5 = $1.25).

 

Grocery shopping is expensive, and when I make a list and cut out the pizza, wine, Chipotle, it is much cheaper.  I am all for buying groceries on the cheap. I try to make it $50.00 or less per week and eat what I already have at home. 

[BPA]

Try OMAD (One Meal A Day).

 

Lose weight and save money on groceries.

[Nuxfanabroad]

13 hours ago, BPA said:

Try OMAD (One Meal A Day).

 

Lose weight and save money on groceries.

Been doing 2-a-day for a while. Basically consume all yer daily calories in an 8 hr window. 16 hrs you rest the cake-hole. Two meals is enough.

 

This intermittent fasting stuff is worth looking into.

[BPA]

2 hours ago, Nuxfanabroad said:

Been doing 2-a-day for a while. Basically consume all yer daily calories in an 8 hr window. 16 hrs you rest the cake-hole. Two meals is enough.

 

This intermittent fasting stuff is worth looking into.

Yup.  Intermittent fasting is doable.  Treat yourself on the weekend (as usually out with friends & family … harder to keep that 8hr window).

 

 

[Gurn]

[Gurn]

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/other/home-energy-costs-in-canada-are-rising-here-s-how-to-save-on-your-energy-bills/ar-AAZRtAI?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=a3609aab937149ad93516f80e28fb764

With climate change leading to unpredictable extremes in weather, navigating the seasons comfortably is becoming more difficult — and expensive. Nearly one in 10 Canadians spend more than 10 per cent of their income on heating or cooling their home . On top of that, inflation has hit a 40-year-high

 

While many people are understandably focusing on the rising price of gas and groceries , utility bills can also have a significant impact on your wallet. According to Statistics Canada, energy costs increased 34.8 per cent year over year in May .

With energy costs on the rise, it is important to know where your money is going and where you can save money. Around 81 per cent of your residential energy use goes to heating your space and water, and about 16 per cent goes to operating appliances and lighting. This totals about $2,102 per household per year.

That’s why it pays to get smart with how you consume energy. Here’s how to run a tight ship and make every dollar count.

Appliances and electronics

Did you know that a device that’s plugged in draws power even if it’s not in use? That’s called a “phantom load” or “vampire load,” and it costs the average family around $150 per year.

Think about whether it’s really necessary to leave a toaster or microwave plugged in all the time. It may be convenient, but the energy use might not be worth it.

Consider using smart outlets or power strips. These devices plug into standard wall outlets and can help eliminate phantom load used by devices. They also allow you to monitor energy use and turn devices on and off remotely.

And when it comes time to buy a new appliance or electronic device, make sure that the item is energy efficient. While most new appliances meet a certain standard, it never hurts to check for better options.

Heating and cooling

Walking into a cool house after being out in the hot sun is always refreshing. But if you’re in the habit of leaving the air conditioner on when you’re out of the house, it’s time to change your ways.

According to National Resources Canada heating your home makes up about 64 per cent of your utility bill, while cooling is about two per cent.

When it’s warm out and you’re not home, either turn off your AC unit completely or set it at a higher temperature so it’s not using as much energy. Conversely, lower your thermostat in the winter to help reduce your costs.

You can also invest in a smart thermostat to help you out. These devices allow you to program the temperature for different times and situations.

Some smart thermostats let you operate it via your mobile device. That means you can have the temperature raised while you’re not home, then when you’re on your way back, simply start the AC again and your home will be cool when you enter.

Lights

The lights you use in your home are a major source of energy consumption.

When you leave a room, or if it’s bright outside, do your best to keep the lights off. This simple act will help you cut down energy costs.

The next time an old incandescent lightbulb burns out, install an LED bulb instead. LED bulbs use around [90 per cent less energy]https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/spotlight-energy-efficiency/2021/11/14/everything-led/23946) than incandescent bulbs and can last at least 15 times longer.

In fact, you can save up to $6 a year for each light bulb you switch to an incandescent one.

Use focused task lighting, like a lamp, instead of overhead lights when possible. Having the focused light will not only require less lights to be used, but it can also make whatever job you’re doing easier.

Water

The way your household uses water is another major contributor to energy costs — water heating amounts to about 18 per cent of your total energy use , and each Canadian uses about 329 litres of water per day .

If you leave the water running while you’re shaving or brushing your teeth, try shutting the tap off when the water is not in immediate use.

Turning your tap off while brushing your teeth alone can save 30-50 litres of water each day.

Shortening the time you take in the shower can also significantly reduce hot water usage. Long showers are nice, but they aren’t the easiest on energy (or water) usage.

And that dripping kitchen faucet isn’t good, either. A tap that drips at a rate of one drop per second wastes about 10,000 litres of water per year .

In the kitchen

Using your microwave and slow cooker(or crockpot) will use less energy than your oven. In the summertime, this exercise also helps reduce cooling costs since less heat is emitted into your home.

You’ll also want to check to make sure that your fridge and freezer are properly sealed, so that you’re not losing energy even if they’re closed.

If you have a second fridge or freezer, consider whether you really need it right now. If you only need it for certain periods, like around the holidays, unplug the device.

While you’re at it, check out the settings on your dishwasher. Using heat-dry, where the dishwasher uses its heating elements to dry the dishes, consumes a lot of energy. If you don’t need it, turn it off.

Laundry

When it comes time to do a wash, use cold water to reduce energy costs. Hot water in laundry accounts for about 90 per cent of the energy used by the machine.

If possible, hang your clothes to dry and save yourself from having to run the dryer. If you need to use it, make sure you’ve got a full load in there and not just one or two items.

Windows and doors

New windows and doors often come with energy efficiency certification. Having properly sealed doors and windows reduces energy loss and helps lower the cost of heating or cooling your home.

Your doors and windows might be responsible for 25 per cent of your home’s heating and cooling cost.

Replacing your windows and doors is expensive, even when you take into account any government rebates that are available. If this isn’t in the cards for you, take the time to check for any broken seals around windows or doors. Most hardware stores offer solutions to help you fix drafts around doors and windows.

Similarly, buying good window coverings can help you manage the amount of energy that enters and escapes your rooms. Drawing blinds closed can help you reduce the temperature in a room in the summer, and opening them can help warm the space in the winter.

Having good air circulation can also help regulate the temperature in a room, so opening a window and turning on a fan in the summer can help cool a space without having to turn on the AC.

Government rebates

If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home, the good news is the government’s here to help .

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative offers grants ranging from $125 to $5,000 to help you retrofit your home to make it more energy efficient. The program can also help cover costs of getting a home evaluation and provide interest-free loans to help with retrofits

Those new windows may be expensive, but knowing that the government offers rebates up to $5000 to replace windows and doors with Energy Star models helps lessen the burden.

If you live in Quebec or Nova Scotia, before you start your retrofit, be sure to have an evaluation performed by Rénoclimat or Home Energy Assessment respectively. They will provide you with a detailed list of work that can be done to improve your home’s efficiency, in addition to information about how to receive the grants.

In other provinces, EnerGuide will perform the home evaluation and help you on your way.

Lowering your home energy use not only helps the environment, but it saves you money. Take a look at your habits around your home and see if there are ways you can reduce the energy you use.

You might be surprised that simple changes in behaviour can save you money on your hydro and water bills.

[Chris12345]

On 3/7/2022 at 9:39 AM, gurn said:

Just got my auto insurance quote from ICBC.

I've always paid cash for a year at a time, but noticed that a $685 total bill can be paid  $58 per month, means a $685 loan costs $11  for the year.

Or 1.6%

My mortgage is at 4.29%

So I can take $685 out of my savings and put it on the mortgage, and now instead of borrowing that $685 at 4.29; I' m borrowing it at 1.6%.

 

Only saves about $18 over a year, but why not save?

 

$685 is a great deal for insurance!!!!!

[Gurn]

5 minutes ago, Chris12345 said:

$685 is a great deal for insurance!!!!!

Depends on the value of the dwelling being insured.

 

[brilac]

Mapped out my grocery list, stores, and coupons for this week: 

 

Handi Snacks 12 pack

Frozen meals

String cheese

Cheese slices

Cookies

Organic bananas

Avocados

Coffee

Kombucha

Toilet paper

 

I have coffee, toilet paper, and kombucha, but it is in my head that I need it.  Like the toilet paper shortage a few years ago, that yes I need, and especially at $3.99 for 12 rolls, yes I need. And I can never run out of coffee, that is a must NO.  Everything else I usually buy that is not on this list, I don't need at the moment like eggs, organic kale, bread, frozen vegetables, and other food. 

[StanleyCupOneDay]

I dunno if it counts as frugal considering you have to make an investment up front, but a chest freezer was by far one of the best purchases I ever made. I still have food purchased at 50% the current cost if I were to go out and buy it now. If you eat lots of food that’s freezable the $200 or so it costs to get one gets paid for real fast in savings. I’m positive after only a year of owning one I’ve already paid off the cost in savings. It allows you to stock up when a really good sale is on too. I also live in an apartment so pretty much anyone living anywhere can fit a chest freezer somewhere in their home. One of the best and biggest cost savings decision I’ve ever made.

[Guest]

I agreed a long time ago to go to a birthday dinner... Just found out it's going to be at Gotham's 

 

$150 down the drain I assume 

[Sharpshooter]

5 hours ago, VancouverHabitant said:

I agreed a long time ago to go to a birthday dinner... Just found out it's going to be at Gotham's 

 

$150 down the drain I assume 

Chew very slowly. 
 

Great food though. 

[brilac]

I get really excited when I plan out my grocery list!  Here's my list for this week: 

 

Handi Snacks 12 pack

Kombucha

Cheese

Organic kale

Organic bananas

Avocados

String cheese

Frozen meals

 

From this list you can probably tell that I live alone with no children and I am single with a cat! 

[D-Money]

I like kombucha, but it is ridiculously expensive. Only but it when on sale at Costco, then stock up for a few weeks. When not on sale? Just go without.

[brilac]

26 minutes ago, D-Money said:

I like kombucha, but it is ridiculously expensive. Only but it when on sale at Costco, then stock up for a few weeks. When not on sale? Just go without.

I compare grocery stores for the kombucha. At one grocery store, it is 2 for $5 and at another one, it is about $2.25 each here in Seattle.  I look at the price per ounce, and if the bigger bottle is on sale and the price per ounce is cheaper, then I will get the bigger bottle.  

[StanleyCupOneDay]

11 hours ago, brilac said:

I compare grocery stores for the kombucha. At one grocery store, it is 2 for $5 and at another one, it is about $2.25 each here in Seattle.  I look at the price per ounce, and if the bigger bottle is on sale and the price per ounce is cheaper, then I will get the bigger bottle.  

It’s like we’re soul mates lol. I always, always look at price per 100g/100ml when deciding what to buy food wise. I’ve never run into anyone else who does that before. On sale prices and/or bigger items aren’t always the cheaper options like most people are tricked into believing. Nor is the off brand items when compared to name brand. Those myths along with the refusal for people instinctively to round up “it’s not $2.00, it’s $1.00 for an item priced $1.99” are how grocery stores get you to spend wayyyy more money then you wanted to and rob you of potential savings.