shameless money saving tips

I am all about getting a good deal, I try not to pay full price for anything

Here are some of my tips for saving money on almost anything.


Price matching is no secret, most places offer price matching. Some places even offer incentives like matching the price and taking a little more off the price. If you are Canadian, Canadian Tire will match the price and give you the difference in Canadian Tire Money, which brings me to my next way to save money.

Point systems! most stores have some sort of point system or incentive to shop there, take advantage of them.  Don't be afraid to fill your wallet with stores cards!

Collect points from Air Miles, when you shop online there are a lot of sites that offer Air Miles with special offers, go on airmilesshop.ca.
 Air Miles aren't just for flights these days, you can use the points to buy things on their website, tickets to concerts and events. Also now you can use your points as instant cash in participating stores.



I use my AMEX for everything, I collect the Air miles on everything and I just pay it off right away. Its money you were going to spend anyways you might as well get the points. Obviously this works with any rewards credit card, just make sure you pay it off right away.

Use Coupons, some people might be embarrassed by using coupons but you shouldn't be.
Obviously in the U.S couponing is a lot better than Canada with the stacking, and you can actually make money from couponing. In Canada unfortunately couponing stacking isn't allowed at most places. 

You can use multiple coupons for the same item IF THEY ARE DIFFEENT. 

Coupon stacking for those who don't know, is when you can use the same coupon multiple times, if you do your math right you may get it your items for free, or even get money back from the store! Extreme couponing is CRAZY.

If you are buying an item online, look for online coupon codes and discounts!! I usually just google " coupon code for_______" sometimes it takes some searching but I usually find one.

Eg. You have a BOGO coupon for  Mr. Clean AND a .50 cent off coupon for Mr. Clean you can use them both.

Sign up for e-mails from stores, sure they may be annoying but they always e-mail out coupons! Bath and Body work, Michaels, etc.

Ask for deals! again do not be embarrassed!!
If there is an item you want that is full price, ask the manager for a deal!  I did this in the summer when purchasing my patio furniture and saved over $500! Ask for the last sale price, ask for a discount don't be ashamed.

If you buy an item and you see the price goes down, go back with your receipt and have them refund you the difference.

In Canada, we have SCOP( scanning code of practice) and this is why I always check my receipts! If an item UNDER 10$  has a lower price on the shelf than what you are charged,that item is FREE! If you have multiples of the same item they will be at the lower price. BUT IF!! they have a different UPC (barcode) each of those would be free. Eg, Laundry detergent is on sale for 5.99, so you grab 3, one of each scent. You get up to the till and they are ringing in as 8.99. Now you get all 3 for FREE. Usually if an item is the same but has a small variation like scent, it will have a different bar code so please check!


if the item is OVER 10$ you will receive the item for the lower price WITH 10 dollars OFF! most stores in Canada follow this practice, but if they do not honour it in the store, you can usually place a call to their head office and it will be sorted out. ( if you live in Quebec, SCOP is the law)

For things like hotels, car rentals, etc. shop around on line, don't be afraid to call and ask for a deal, they have corporate rates and deals. Call a hotel and let them know if you are coming for a special occasion, they will give you a deal.  If you are using a site like expedia, call them!  if you found it cheaper on another site call and see if they will price match.


My Biggest money saving TIP, If you don't need it, don't buy it. Buying something because you have a coupon really isn't saving you money. Just think of the money you had to spend to get it. I used to be so bad for seeing an item on sale and because I had a coupon I'd buy it, and I really was spending more than saving. The item will always go on sale again, and coupons do not usually expire right away.



Sometimes saving money does take some time and work, but its worth it, And who doesn't love to brag about what a good deal they got?!



Comment and let me know your shameless money saving secrets, I'd love to know!

What to do with all those Ipsy bags!

If you are an Ipsy subscriber like myself you probably have had the same thought as me, "what am I going to do with all these bags?!"

Sure, some of the bags are super cute..some not so much. I have no use for most of the bags so I am always thinking of things to do with these bags that take up so much room in my closet.

Here are some ideas if you are like me and just want the bags out of your way but don't want to just throw them away!

Use the bags as gift bags!

These make up bags are perfect for gift bags for little girls birthday parties, bachelorette parties or any other party you are thinking of having! These bags are great for holding lots of little treasures. This is also a good way to get rid of anything you got in your Ipsy that you don't like or won't use. Each girl can pick whichever bag she likes, you can fill it with different items or keep it the same, the possibilities are endless with this!

With the holiday season quickly approaching we sometimes forget about those who aren't as fortunate as us, these bags that mean very little to us could mean the world to someone less fortunate. Take the bags and fill them with items like; tooth brush, tooth paste, hair elastics, and lip gloss, all the little things that we sometimes take for granted and take the bags to a women's shelter or your local homeless shelter.

The bags also would make good pencil cases, so donating them your local school.

There is a store here called platos closet and they buy items in your closet that you are done with, they don't offer much money but its better than nothing.


There are so many things you can do to get rid of these bags instead of keeping them around unused.