So having just moved to Canada (end of August) as a PR, my husband and I are trying everything to save money wherever we can, and it currently it seems VERY easy for us to spend spend spend.

Anyway, I was looking into reducing our home phone, TV and internet which we are paying $120/month for on Shaw. I've just found the exact same package with MTS for $80/month as part of the 'newcomers to Manitoba' deal. Which you must prove you are a new immigrant (less than 1 year in Canada).

http://www.mts.ca/mts/personal/welco...new+manitobans

So my question is, are there lots of deals like this?? If there is, I would love to hear about them! (Or just in general, any saving money tips wouldn't go a miss!)

Who do you bank with? Many banks will give you an account for free for the first year too.

I'm with TD, and they have waived my account fees, and I'm pretty happy with the account I've got

I've been looking at getting a credit card though to help build my credit rating and it seems the RBC newcomers credit card is a good option?

You might want to look at VOIP 'phones. Our experience has been that they are a lot more versatile and have saved us a lot of money over the years. All you need is an internet connection coming into your home. You can have a geographic specific number too.

If you want an idea, I've used Voicehost.co.uk for years and they still deal with all our business and domestic telephone traffic after all these years and they're based in Norfolk in the UK!

Nothing to do with being a newcomer, but pay attention to the supermarket flyers. Don't bin them.

No coupons involved. Just list what is advertised that you would normally buy - much of it is half or less - and compare supermarket rivals. Shop at whichever is cheapest that week - it's not always the same.

Better still, buy what's cheapest in both stores if it's convenient to take in both stores. It doesn't take twice as long. Because you have a list, it's targeted, so there is less "in store" time. You might spend 2 x 20 mins instead of 30.

You can save a third or more off your total grocery shopping this way and you'll wonder why people pay "normal" price for much of the stuff you buy.

If you own where you live make sure you get any local tax reduction for residing there. It might be rated on the previous owner not living there.

Good point. We find we tend to buy non-perishables in bulk when they're on "special" and then we don't have to buy them again for ages. One of the advantages of having so much storage space here compared to our UK house.

Always gives us that secure, self-sufficient illusion too; bit like stocking up on meat and fish at Costco and then splitting it, vacuum packing and freezing it.

When the "Big One" comes - we'll be ready! (yeah right......)

+1

You should also look at the links on this website for any benefits, credits or rebates you might be entitled to. http://www.taxtips.ca/govbenefits/manitoba.htm

I've never tried it but most supermarkets here seem to price match. If you take a competitor's flyer with you showing something on offer then the supermarket will let you have the same item at the cheaper price eg Super C have mushrooms at $1 but Maxi still has them at $2. You go shopping at Maxi, pick up a pack of mushrooms, show the Super C flyer at the cash and you'll get them for $1.

Thanks for all the tips! I've been trying to do the flyer thrift but the one time i've attempted it so far i've found the store has sold out of most of the promotional things (I went a few days later due to work).

I think I just need to be a bit more on the ball with these things!!

Thanks for the tax tips too

That might depend on which store and how soon into the flyer week.

Aside from the last day of the week (when they're not restocking, but at least it's quiet) I find it's rare that there's nothing left except when it's the ridiculously cheap stuff like Butter @ $1.99 or Pork @ 99c a lb.

On the rare occasion that Walmart has the best price - like a big laundry detergent - it seems they only have about 6 of them and then they sell out. They might do a rain check but then A) you have to wait until more is available and 2) you have to go back again; once is enough.

Don't under estimate the pharmacies like Lawtons and Shoppers Drugmart either. Just walking around them, stuff looks more expensive. But certain groceries (butter, cheese, bacon, micro-wave snacks, crisps, coffee, tins, ice cream) and many toiletries are often cheaper than the same brands in the supermarkets.

Yes I've noticed shoppers do great discounts for certain items at a time. Got a steal on bread there last week!

I think I just need to get into the habit of shopping around!

Bristol, can you please explain the term 'raincheck' and how it works here....I have seen it written down on flyers as in 'no rainchecks' but have no idea what it is or how it works. Many thanks

Hi

1. If a product is on sale, and when you go to the store and they are out, you will be given a "rain check" allowing you to purchase the item at the sale price when they have it in stock. No "rain checks" on sale products means if it is out of stock, you are out of luck.

Done.

My GF and I have just moved to Winnipeg and our best money saver is with the superstore credit card - I think our receipts give us 10.5c per litre off at Superstore... a pretty good deal in my view.

On my first day here I made the mistake of going to Safeway... where: 1 Red Pepper, 1 Jar instant coffee and 1 bag oranges, cost $19! Safeway should be called SafeDistanceAway.