What’s even better about this program is that you also earn money everytime you convince a friend to sign up for FREE and shop through the links provided from this program.

You save, your friends save and you make money from saving? Can anything be easier then that… well, check out the online stores you get to choose from

eBay, Alloy, Amazon, Apple Store, Avon, Beauty.com, Babies R US, Drugstore.com, eBags.com, Office Depot, Peach Pit, Total Gym, Pet Street Mall… AND SO MUCH MORE!

So check it out, sign up and tell your friends.

1. Spend With Cash- When you make purchases with a card you are tempted to spend more. Not only that, you pay extra service fees and penalties when you use plastic. To withdraw out of an ATM, you are looking at $1.25 (at least) from Interac and $4.00 (at least) for cash advances from a credit card. These charges seem small but if you make 10 withdraws a month, you are looking at spending anywhere from $150-$480 a year. That is money you pay  to spend YOUR OWN MONEY. And don’t forget about those pesky overdraft fees.  In fact, these fees are the #1 way banks are making money. $38.5 billion dollars in America to be more precise. Check out Reuters  for more information.  So, spend with cash.  Build a budget and take only enough cash that you need to make purchases. When the money is done, STOP SPENDING!
2. Turn off the AC and the Heat- America spends $22 billion or 185 billion kilowatt-hours to keep their homes cool and comfy.  Now that’s a lot of green and a huge environmental impact on the planet. Try dressing lighter. T-shirts, tank tops or go buff when you can. Drink some cool refreshments or suck on a Popsicle.  Hey, you can always open up a few windows here and there.  And if need be, get a ceiling fan which can save you alot more than using the AC.  Also, when outdoors, stay in the shade. Check out The Greenest Dollar for more energy savings tips.  And as for keeping toasty… invest in better insulation for your home.  People lose about 18-20% of their heat through their window/doors, about 10% through their ceiling, 15-18% through floors and grade space, 12-14% through wall and a whopping 35% through Infiltration (air leakage). Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweaters.  Are you reading or messing around on your laptop while you are on the couch? If you are then yourself a Snuggie. Buy some extra blankets. Cool weather is the perfect opportunity to snuggle up under some warm covers with somebody you love. You can save up to 3% on your bill by every 1 degree you turn down your thermostat.
3. Do Your Laundry Less Often- There are people who change their cloths 3 times or more a day and that is a waste.  Try to only wear 1 outfit a day.  Wash pants once every 2 or 3 wears (or when dirty or stinky). There isn’t always a need to wash your pants every single time you wear them (but feel free to wash your underwear and shirts after every use). After separating your laundry into colors, only wash when you have enough for 1 full load.  Share a load with family or a friend if you cannot make a full load. Wash with cold water.  Buy an energy efficient/water efficient washer and dryer. Hang cloths to dry instead of using a dryer.  
4. Quit Smokin’ and Drinkin’-You would be doing more than just saves what’s in your wallet. There are just some things you can’t put a price on; and one of those being your health. The average heavy smoker smokes between 15-30 cigarettes a day with an average cost about $4-$10 per pack.  A smoker can easily save up to $1500/year just by kicking the addiction. And don’t get me started on alcohol.  Americans spend almost $100 Billion (with a capital ‘B’) on beer alone.
5. Know What You Are Bringing In- That’s easy.  Check your paycheck and figure out how much you are making each month. If you have unpredictable shifts or you don’t work regular hours, try to get a basic average from the past year or 2.  If there are more than one income earners then work out how much the household is bringing in each month.
6. Pay The Higher Deductable- If you are a fairly decent driver, consider paying the higher deductable to keep get a cheaper premium.
7. Know How Much You NEED To Spend- Some people may need to get some help from a financial advisor to be sure they that are looking at this aspect of their finances honestly and reasonably.  Figure out how much it costs you to keep a roof over your head, food on the table, the water running, the lights on, routine health check-ups  and medication, car(s) on the road… there are a lot of stuff to look at and to take into consideration.  So, take your time. Keep all your bills. There are plenty financial software programs that can help you organize and calculate these expenses.
8. Turn Off The Lights- invest in light dimmers and compact florescent bulbs. Remember to power down any electronics that you are not using them (like a computer). Standby or Sleep mode is not enough.  When you leave an area, turn off the lights behind you.  There are real-time power cost monitors that you can purchase to track how much you are spending, down to the penny, on your electricity bill.  It’s an awesome motivator to keep your energy usage under control. Also consider getting a “Bits Smart Surge Strip” . This device will help to organize and save energy by shutting down any device that is suppose to be completely turned off when you shut down your computer.
9. Buy Quality Products- many people are tempted to shop at dollar stores, but let’s get real! A lot of the stuff you find there are crap. You are better off spending more money on products that will last longer than having to replace the stuff you purchase often.
10. Make A Shopping List- Are you an impulsive shopper? In other words, are you someone who will go to the store for 1 thing and come out with 5 other things? Well, here is something that can help you along with following tip #1, above.  Make a list, check it twice… make sure you include only items you need and planned into your budget. You may go to the store and see something that isn’t on the list and you will think you need it. WELL, FORGET ABOUT IT! If the item is not on the list you don’t get to buy it. If you truly do need that item, you will definitely remember to include it on the next shopping list.  You’d be surprised about the crap you avoid purchasing when you have a little time to sleep on it and think about how badly you need it.
11. Pay Your Bills On Time:  Avoid paying extra in late fees and penalties. If you have a budget, stick with it religiously. There is no real excuse for paying these fees if you have a good budget plan and you are organized about your spending.
12. Disconnect Landlines:  in a world where 82% of people have a cell phone, there are very few reasons to keep a landline unless you have kids or a serious medical concerns that requires that you keep a line with enhanced emergency features.  Consider signing up with  Skype – Unlimited Calls to Landlines  and get some sweet local and international rates.  Also consider using free chat, video conferencing and instant messaging services.

I know what you’re thinking; and the answer is NO! There are no shopping limitations. So shop where ever you want. There are other rewards programs that are affiliated with specific retailer and in order to receive your cash back you are limited to shopping at only these affiliate retailers.  But with these programs, you shop where ever you want and save at the stores of your choosing.

Capital One Platinum MasterCard

• Get up to 1% no hassle cash back on every purchase on purchases above $3000*
• No annual fees
• Cash Back rewards never expire
• Annual Rate is at 17.55%
• No caps on the amount you earn back
• Redeem your reward balance when it’s over $15.00 J

*get 0.5% no hassle cash back on purchases under $3000, then earn 1% cash back on purchases over $3000

CIBC Dividend Visa Card

• Earn up to 1% cash back on purchases you make with the card on purchases over $3000*
• No annual fees
• Personal Purchase Protection- automatic coverage for replacements, repairs or reimbursements on most purchases
• Bonus Money Saving Features: At Participating Avis locations get Common Carrier Accident  coverage of up to $100 000 and up to 20% discount
• Cash balance accumulates and is redeemable in December L
• Current regular rate 19.5%

*CIBC has a 3 tier cash back structure. On the 3^rd tier get 1% cash back on purchases over $3000

TD Rewards Rebate Visa Card

• Earn up to 1% cash back on purchases over $3000*
• No annual fees
• Receive your cash back rewards every January( Reward balance redeemable only once a yearL)
• Maximum annual purchase limit of up to $25 000 L
• Added Benefits: Preferred rates at Budget Rent A Car
• 19.75 interest rate
• Additional Features like: Verified by Visa, Balance Protection Insurance… and much more

*Earn 0.5% cash back on first $3000 spent. There after earn the 1% cash back on annual purchases over $3000

Canadian Tire Cash Advantage MasterCard

• Get up to 1.5% cash back on purchases everywhere *
• Earn up to 3% cash back on purchases at Canadian Tire stores, gas stations and Mark’s Work Wearhouse J
• No annual fees
• Unlimited cash back rewards
• Rewards applied to account once a year L
• Even more benefits
• $4.00 cash advance fee

*conditions apply so read the terms of and conditions carefully

There are many other programs out there you can look through. I mostly focused on programs in Canada but I’m sure that there are programs available in the country you live in. Don’t just focus on the cash back percentage. There are other key points to consider.  For instance, consider when and how you will be able to gain access to your rewards, what additional rewards and features that is built into your program and what are the additional fees associated with getting cash advances or getting a second card holder. Look for programs with additional bonuses and/or cash back for shopping at certain locations like gas stations, retail stores, department stores…etc.  Also, look out for those nasty interest rates. These reward programs are meant to help you save and put money back into your pocket. So spend money that you can afford to pay off right away. If you are paying  19.00% interest and only receiving 1% cash back on the maximum tier, then you are better off finding yourself a 0.00% interest  credit card or a card that will beat the cash back reward card’s interest rate differential.  And if you get a rewards program that eventually expires, be sure to get  rid of the card after the expiration date of the program. There is no point in keeping a credit card that is no longer rewarding you to shop with it. You can easily find another credit card with a better interest rate or a cash back rewards program that never expires.

Check Out These Great Reward Programs:

Also keep in mind that most of these program offer cash back in a tiered system. In other words, you have to spend over a specific limit to get cash back at the higher rates.   Take, for instance this example (pulled from the TD Rewards Rebate Visa page):  if net annual purchases on your cash back credit card total $10,000, you will earn cash a  reward of $85 ($15 for the first $3,000 in purchases and $70 for the additional $7,000.) That’s $85 you have earned just from using your Card for everyday purchases. And there’s no annual fee to pay.

1. Find Free Ways to entertain yourself- Get rid of the cable, cut up your blockbuster card, cancel your Netflix membership.  Try listening to local radio stations, picking up a free newspaper or magazine or get a library card. If you still insist on keeping your internet then fine. There are a lot of great online sites, like YouTube that offer free entertainment and you will definitely need your internet to check out my blog!;P.  An easy way to save on internet would be to cancel with any provider that is charging you the regular rate for your service and opt for a company that will give you a great introductory rate for 6-12 months. You may need to sign a contract but you will SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!
2. Get Over Your Gas Addiction- and get yourself a bus pass, a bicycle or just walk. The weather is great and you would be doing your health and the environment some good. Depending on where you live, a bus pass may cost about $75-$120/mo.  There are people who easily pay 2x that when trying to fill up their tanks every month. Not to mention you don’t have to worry about paying for parking, maintenance, parking/speeding tickets, insurance fees… In many cities, a pass can say people up to $8000/year easy!
3. Bag Your Lunch- you can easily save $7/day or up $140/mo if you work 5 days a week.  That’s almost $1700/year if you just take some leftovers or make a sandwich for work.
4. Don’t Travel On Your Vacation- Awww, this may suck for those who had their hearts set on leaving the country for tropical weather and sandy beaches, but you can still enjoy your vacation at home.  If you live in the city, there are wonderful spas in your area. And why not check out landmarks and event happening around your city. Museums, Zoos, Festivals, Carnivals, Night Clubs, Shopping Centers, Fitness Centers, Country Clubs… you may be surprised about what’s happening in your area. A vacation for 2 overseas can cost as much as $2000 for 2 weeks. Airline tickets, transportation, hotel stay, food, and spending cash.  In this economic times, why not put that money back into your own community? If you insist on traveling abroad then why not go and see family. Usually you can get free accommodations depending on who you are visiting.
5.  No More McD’s- No more eating out period.  Enjoy the family bonding you can get when cooking at home with the people you love. You can get a recipe book and try out some of your culinary skills. It could be funs, you’d save quite a bit, you will teach your kids good family values and you may even improve your health. Wining and Dining can cost a pretty penny and that’s because you are paying for the food, the time to prepare it, the utilities, health inspections, licensing, rent for the establishment, employee wages and the owner still needs to make a profit. Many restaurants tend to also serve extremely large portions. So you are either expected to stuff yourself silly or take home leftovers that you are highly likely to throw out eventually. So no more Starbuck and their designer coffees, no more Pizza Hut, No more Burger King… time for some wholesome home cooking from here on out!
6. It Pays to Recycle! Give the environment a helping hand and save all your bottles and containers and turn them in for cash. At my work, I was surprised at how many of my co-workers were just tossing out their bottles like they were nothing. I’m 1 month, I was able to collect nearly $200.00 in bottles and cans. As they say, “1 man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” It’s easy to scorn and look down at individuals who rumage through other people’s trash for bottles and cans.  Hey, money is money. I’m not suggesting that you go out rummage for yourself. But keep in mind, that every bottle or can you save is money in your pocket. I never toss a can or bottle away. Even if I have to spend the whole day carrying an arm full, I will do so. If for nothing else but to keep that stuff out of the landfill.
7. NO More Bottle Water- bottled water is definitely not better for you than tap water.  You are usually paying to drink the exact same stuff that comes right out of your tap for free. Also the chemicals in the plastic can leech its way into the water, especially if you leave the bottles in a hot place (like your car on a sunny day) for an extended amount of time. Get yourself a water filter jug or attachment for your faucet. Also, get yourself a reusable stainless steel canteen to store you water when you are on the go. Save your money, and keep bottles out of the landfill.
8.  Get Rid OF Your Junk- Sell what you don’t want on eBay or in a yard sale. There are some thrift stores and pawn shops willing to pay for your old cloths, books, CDs, electronics you don’t use anymore. Put some extra cash in your pocket or shop for pennies at auctions, yard sales, pawn shops and thrift stores. Remember, “1 man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
9. Open a GIC Savings Account- It’s a risk free way of saving money you don’t want to spend. There are many programs with 1, 2 or 3 year terms or different interest rates to choose from. With all that money you will be saving, a good savings plan will allow you actually see the results of your dedications and effort.
10.  Take Advantage Of Coupons- Newspapers, magazines, flyers, websites… cut them out and save up to 25% on groceries when you go shopping. 
11. Lighten Your Load- Save money by taking better care of yourself.  One way to better your health is as simple as walking for at least 30 minutes a day 3 days a week can save up to $300/year in health care costs.  And it’s FREE.  Instead of taking the escalator or elevator, take the stairs. Ride your bike as much as possible. Also, take better care about portion control. No, I’m not telling you to starve yourself. But rather then eating to the point of being stuffed, try to go for a state of satisfaction. Eat slowly. It can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to receive the message that you are full so if your brain enough time to catch up with your tummy. Eat out of smaller plates and containers. You are less tempted to over eat when you eat of small containers compared eating out of the original product packaging( e.g. poor potato chips into a small bowel rather than eating it straight from the bag). If you eat less, you will need to spend less on food. But again, if you already got your eating habits under control, don’t starve yourself.  But keep in mind that being overweight can weigh heavily on both your wallet and the environment RustyLime Article.
12.  Sign Up For Cash back Programs Online- You get an automatic discount at your favourite stores plus you get bonuses for sharing these programs with your friends.

Check out  12 More Ways To Save Up To $10, 000 A Year.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals make contributions of up to $5000/year without any of the income being subjected to taxation. It’s ment to be a complimentry  savings opportunity to the RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) and the RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). But it can also be a good way of saving for variouse significant planned goals and expenses like a new car, down payment on a home, or home improvement.

How Does such a plan Differ from an RRSP?

That is a very good question. Well, there are many ways in which the two differ.

1) TFSA is not tax-deductable but it is completely exempt from taxation upon withdrawn. However, RRSP is tax-deductable but it’s added to a person’s income and then taxed at regular rates.

2)RRSP is ment to be used as Savings opportunity towards retirenment. A TFSA can be uses for pretty much any type of goal that starts from complimenting an RRSP or an RESP to saving up for a new home, vehicle  to being used as funds to start up a personal business. 

3)A TFSA has no minimum Withdrawl like an RRSP. An RRSP is converted to income vehicle as soon as the plan holder turns 71.

4) There is no Spousal/Common Law TFSA plan. However, individuals an still invest in their spouse or common law partner’s plan, up to the maximum allowance.  Contributions are not attributed back to the individual who provided the funds.

How the Tax-Free Savings Account Works

• Canadian residents age 18 or older can contribute up to $5,000 annually to a TFSA.
• Investment income earned in a TFSA is tax-free.
• Withdrawals from a TFSA are tax-free.
• Unused TFSA contribution room is carried forward and accumulates in future years.
• Full amount of withdrawals can be put back into the TFSA in future years.
• Choose from a wide range of investment options such as mutual funds, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and bonds.
• Contributions are not tax-deductible.
• Neither income earned within a TFSA nor withdrawals from it affect eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and credits, such as Old Age Security, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the Canada Child Tax Benefit.
• Funds can be given to a spouse or common-law partner for them to invest in their TFSA.
• TFSA assets can generally be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner upon death.

Stay Tuned. I will go over the many factors to consider before picking the perfect TFSA plan for you!!

For additional info please check out  the Governement of Canada’s TFSA Website.