From school fees to activities to new shoes, the money just seems to be shovelling out the door this season. Mix in the holidays coming fast down the track and I’m looking to pick up spare change at every turn. Since poking pay phones is out of the question in these modern times (remember doing that as a kid and rejoicing when you found a quarter?!), here are other ways I save money:

Buy And Sell Your Stuff

You don’t need the hassle of a garage sale anymore. Nowadays, it’s easy to turn outgrown clothes into cash by selling them online.

Each season we go through what they’ve grown out of and what’s in good condition. We snap a few
pictures, post it up and usually sell it in a couple of days. Halloween costumes are always a good seller.

We sold some costumes this year (that were worn maybe twice) for $15. We paid $20 for them 3 years ago!

This is also a way to save money at a time when you need new gear. The end and beginning of winter and summer seasons is a great time to get a deal on winter coats, boots, skiing gear, skates, and more.

Coupons

For groceries, I use the  Flipp App to track flyers, and stock my freezer. It may sound silly, but buying a freezer for our garage has really helped me save. When something is on sale, I can stock up and store it away.

I also scour websites like Red Flag Deals and Smart Canucks to get find out deals on things like shoes, sports equip, clothes and more.

Get Cash Back When You Shop

Using your credit card smartly when you shop can score you all kinds of rewards. The SimplyCash Card from American Express earns you 1.25% cash back on everything you buy. Shoes, Halloween costumes, freezers, vacations – all of it. It’s money in your pocket all the time. And, for the first 6 months, you can earn up to 5% cash back at eligible gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants!!

The best part is, there are no limits on the amount of cash back you can earn and no annual fee! That’s smart.

Skimp on your kids

Seriously, stop spending so much on them. You don’t need to blow your budget at Christmas and birthdays when your kids are young. They really will be entertained by a cardboard box more than the toy. Let friends and family spoil them while you save.

Embrace Free

From entertaining at home, to walking through parks and taking in community festivals, there is much to life that doesn’t have a price. Go on a road trip, pack a lunch, and explore your community.

That’s how I’m trying to get some pennies saved away this season, how do you do it? Have any simple money saving tips? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

This post was sponsored by Amex Bank of Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.

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