Whether it’s challenging economic times or only a determination to not pay more than you have to, the internet can help you save money. A LOT of money, if you know where to look.
Following are our best tips for saving money online in Canada.
1. Online Price Tracking & Comparison
You can use price tracking apps to monitor prices on a variety of websites, allowing for both price comparisons and ongoing monitoring of price fluctuations. When/if the price falls within your price range, you can go ahead and order. Tracking also protects you from cycles of price hikes followed by “sales” that aren’t really sales at all.
A price tracking app is a tool that allows you to compare and track prices from a variety of websites or locations in an area, usually determined using a postal code. This tool lets you comparison shop before you leave your home and may inform your shopping choices. Using this tool, you can seek out retailers offering the best prices on the items you use regularly. That can help you spend less overall and save you from running from store to store to discover the best prices, which can result in saving your time and can have a reduced environmental impact (if you’re using a vehicle to travel to the store).
Apps and websites can compare the prices of similar products from hundreds of stores. They all work differently and excel at different functions, so try out a few to find the best one for you.
Here are three to get you started:
Some trackers and comparison apps specialize in marketplaces, local searches, or online merchants. For example, you can track Amazon prices with apps like CamelCamelCamel and Keepa.
2. Online Thrifting
Buy used everything! Furniture, books, clothing and more can be found online. Condition is rated on many platforms.
3. Avoid Impulse Buying
Add it to your cart and then wait a day or two before checking out. Most sites will keep the items in your cart for awhile before it appears empty again.
“Before adding an item to your cart, set yourself a 24-hour waiting period. Consider making the purchase if you still have a strong desire to buy the item after a day,” suggests Dr. Tim Sandle. “Extending this cooling-off period to 48 hours, if possible, can further help distinguish between genuine needs and impulsive wants.”
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4. Coupon Apps & Cashback Sites
Check out these Free Coupon Apps for Canadians.
The most popular cashback site in Canada is Rakuten. Earn cash back on purchases you make online through a large number of online retailers, including Walmart, The Source, Michaels, Etsy, Old Navy, Best Buy, Reitman’s & more, simply by clicking through to each site via Rakuten Canada.
5. Streaming & YouTube Videos
If you’re still using cable or multiple streaming services, evaluate your need for them. You can track how often you use them, or if other services have the same program favourites you can reduce the number of subscriptions.
YouTube is loaded with free entertainment if you don’t mind commercials. If you own a SmartTV, it’s easy to download apps like Tubi or your favourite TV station for free viewing (such as CTV and CBCGems, usually with ads). Check your local library’s website for streaming freebies too.
6. Online Flyers
Online Flyers can help you make a list before you leave home, or you can add them to an online order. All of the information is there, including price information that’s in tiny print on shelf labels.
7. Save on Travel
The internet is the best place to shop for travel deals!
CheapOAir offers serious savings on flights, hotels, car rentals, attractions, and more to thrifty Canadians who love to travel.
Expedia Canada also provides travelers with the information they need to book a worry-free trip with a Best Price Guarantee, no Expedia change/cancel fees, and trip insurance. Plus, with the Expedia Rewards loyalty program, travelers earn points for free travel.
Be on top of the best travel rates at any given time, with apps like Hopper or Google Flights. Jump on cheap airfares before they’re snatched up by another lucky Canadian traveler.
Learn 8 Ways Canadians Can Make US Travel More Affordable.
8. Online Shopping Events
Shop during big events like Boxing Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday. These major sale events are usually on for more than just the day in question, such as Boxing Week Sales. Not only do you avoid the offline crowds, but you can also take your time to go from website to website doing price comparisons. This leisurely way of event shopping also helps to avoid impulse buying.
9. Online Subscriptions
The pandemic caused a boost in the number of Canadians who use the internet to save money via subscription services.
“During the height of the pandemic in 2020, 16% of Canadians had online subscriptions for physical goods,” states Made In Canada. “These included subscriptions for meal kits, regular grocery orders, and other physical goods. The other physical goods included subscription services to companies such as Fabletics Canada and Shave Club Canada. These companies cater to meet specific interests and provide customers with surprise items every month.”
Here are just a few ways for Canadians to save money with subscriptions:
Sign up online for a meal kit subscription and you’ll get free meals to try the service, plus ongoing savings. HelloFresh, for example, currently offers Canadians up to 20 free meals, free shipping on first box, plus free sides for life.
Many businesses offer a discount if you sign up for a subscription to receive products on a specific day after a designated time period. Amazon.ca has Subscribe ‘n Save, but many independent businesses offer it as well. Pet supply stores like PetWellbeing, for example, offer subscriptions for food, supplements and medication.
Additionally, you can subscribe to services that help you save money. For example, you can sign up for Kindle Unlimited for a fixed monthly fee, giving you access to thousands of free ebooks.
If you currently pay for print subscriptions like magazines or newspapers, check their website for ‘online only’ subscription options that may be cheaper.
10. Local Events
Search online for event calendars with free local events, such as your city’s website or library portal.
11. Free Ebooks
Today’s libraries have embraced the internet and you can access it all for free. Most public libraries now have ebooks available that you can check out online.
Save & Earn
The above tips will help you use the internet to save money in Canada… and you may be surprised how much!
You can also use the internet to EARN money, isn’t that awesome? Here are 10 Side Businesses you can Start Online.
How do you use the internet to save money in Canada? Please share your frugal tips in the comments below, or join us on social media.
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We got a little slack on diligently looking for savings and this article will help us get back on track. Everyone needs to save where they can and BUY CANADIAN!