Bills keep arriving: groceries, utilities, gas and more. Many Canadians are feeling the strain as the cost of living rises, but small daily pleasures—like your morning cappuccino—don’t have to disappear. There are practical ways to reduce recurring expenses without giving up the things that matter.
“I want people to really look at their big expenses and see where they can cut, and not give up on small indulgences,” says Edmonton-based Kelley Keehn, founder of Money Wise Workplaces. Below, experts share straightforward, painless strategies to lower your monthly bills across food, home utilities, transport and more.
How to save on groceries
Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab reported in October 2023 that more than 64% of Canadians have adjusted grocery habits to save money. About 80% signed up for loyalty programs and over half are using apps that sell discounted near-expiry items, such as Too Good to Go and Flashfood. With food inflation elevated, many households are finding ways to stretch their grocery dollars without sacrificing nutrition, says Leslie Beck, a Toronto-based registered dietitian and director of food and nutrition at Medcan.
Grocery bill saving tip: Shop your pantry first
Inventory what you already have and plan meals around those ingredients. “Plan weekly meals around foods and ingredients you already have in your pantry, fridge or freezer,” says Beck. Leslie Gardner, a certified financial planner on Vancouver Island, recommends involving the whole family in meal planning using a calendar on the fridge to collect ideas and build a single grocery list—reducing impulse buys and mealtime complaints.
Grocery bill saving tip: Stop paying for convenience
Delivery fees add up. If you’re paying for grocery or restaurant delivery, start picking up orders or make dining out an occasional treat. “Eating at home saves money,” Gardner notes. Cutting convenience charges can free up significant weekly savings.
Grocery bill saving tip: Choose frozen produce
Frozen fruits and vegetables are often flash-frozen at peak ripeness, preserving nutrients and usually costing less than out-of-season fresh or imported produce. They’re also convenient—no washing or chopping needed.
Grocery bill saving tip: Embrace meatless meals
Plant-based proteins such as chickpeas, lentils and beans are inexpensive and versatile. Batch-cook dishes like vegetarian chili, lentil soup or chickpea salads and freeze portions for quick, budget-friendly meals.
Grocery bill saving tip: Use technology for meal planning
Tools like ChatGPT can help you generate affordable, nutritious meal plans in minutes. Lesley-Anne Scorgie says she tells the tool what her children dislike and gets a tailored grocery list that reduces impulse shopping. Online shopping also limits exposure to in-store impulse displays.
Other practical steps include using coupons and apps like Flipp to find sales, and earning rewards through cash-back or points-earning credit cards when you do use cards for grocery and gas purchases. Combine loyalty programs and rewards to maximize savings.
Grocery bill saving tip: Reduce food waste
Organize your fridge, freezer and pantry so more perishable items are front and centre; use older purchases first to avoid spoilage. Don’t wash leafy greens right away—if stored damp they spoil faster. Proper storage and first-in, first-out rotation can cut food waste and save money.
How to save on household expenses
Beyond groceries, household bills like heating, electricity, water, internet and cell service can be reined in with a few targeted actions.
How to save on utilities bills, including water and electricity
Consider an energy audit to identify inefficiencies and learn about government rebates for insulation, window upgrades and more. Small efficiency changes often unlock larger savings.
Electricity and hydro savings tip: Upgrade lighting and controls
Switch to LED bulbs and check the packaging for actual wattage—LEDs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs while providing the same light. Motion sensors, smart power bars and timers are inexpensive investments that reduce wasted energy and pay back quickly.
Electricity and hydro savings tip: Consider a heat pump
Heating often represents the largest share of home energy costs. Heat pumps have become more affordable thanks to incentives and can significantly lower energy bills. Homeowners who install heat pumps commonly report substantial reductions in total energy spending.
Water savings tip: Be efficient with hot water
Heat-pump water heaters or other energy-efficient units can lower hot-water costs, especially in households with high usage. Also use cold-water detergent when possible and fix leaky taps promptly to avoid wasting water (and money).
How to save on internet and cable bills: Renegotiate service agreements
Review and renegotiate your internet, cable and phone plans. Bundling, downgrading plans you no longer need or switching providers can save hundreds annually. It’s often worth calling and asking for a better rate—even if it means spending time on hold, the savings can be substantial.
How to save on cell phone bills: Audit your plan
Check your bill for expired promotions, unused features or unnecessary add-ons. Family plans, removing international calling, and disabling background app data can reduce monthly costs.
How to save on car expenses and maintenance
Owning a vehicle is costly, but regular upkeep and sensible driving habits cut long-term expenses.
How to save money on your car: Maintain it regularly
Routine oil changes and tune-ups keep your vehicle running efficiently and help avoid costly repairs. Short-term maintenance costs are far less than emergency engine work.
How to save money on your car: Keep tires properly inflated
Correct tire pressure improves fuel economy and reduces wear. In winter, appropriate tires and pressure help both traction and efficiency.
How to save money on your car: Drive smarter
Drive smoothly, avoid unnecessary idling, remove excess weight from your vehicle and take off roof racks when not in use to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy.
The best ways to save money on bills
Alongside the specific tips above, several broader habits can boost your savings and financial resilience.
Money saving tip: Track your spending for one month
Conduct a 30-day spending review using a notebook, spreadsheet or a large paper on the wall. Record everything to build awareness—not judgment—about where money goes. From there, identify small trims that free up funds for debt repayment, retirement savings or a short-term goal. Multiply your monthly adjustments by 12 to see annual impact.
Money saving tip: Reduce high-interest debt
High-interest credit card debt drains finances quickly. Moving balances to a lower-rate product or consolidating debt can save thousands over the life of repayment. Also review bank fees and account packages to see if a better option exists.
Money saving tip: Cancel unused subscriptions
Many people pay for streaming, apps or memberships they rarely use. Review recurring payments and cancel services you don’t need.
Money saving tip: Shop your own wallet
Check for forgotten gift cards and rewards points that can be redeemed for everyday purchases. Using those balances is effectively free money.
Money saving tip: Buy used and swap locally
Second-hand marketplaces and local swap groups offer quality items at much lower prices. Selling items you no longer need can also boost cash flow.
Money saving tip: Increase your income
Cutting costs is important, but growing income can be equally powerful. Consider side gigs, selling unused items, negotiating a raise or investing in skills that lead to higher pay over the next few years. A combined approach—spending less and earning more—creates the most durable financial improvement.
Saving money requires small changes and a bit of effort, but consistent adjustments add up and deliver real relief from rising bills.
Read more about saving money:
- 10 simple ways to save money
- Canadians spending less on gifts (and donations) for the 2023 holiday season
- Travel hacks to help you save money on your next trip
- Fewer banking fees, help for mortgage holders—here’s what new rules could mean for Canadians