Tips to reduce your budget in 2026

Discover simple and effective ways to make your money go further this year.

Groceries

Choose wisely where you shop

According to multiple price analyses conducted across the country, a family can save several hundred dollars per year by choosing low cost retailers.

The most economical options — for Quebec, for example — generally include Walmart, Super C, and Maxi & Cie.

In other provinces, the most affordable choices often include No Frills, FreshCo, and Food Basics.

Opt for store brands

Store brands are often 15% to 30% cheaper than national brands. In Canada, the most economical store brands include: No Name, Great Value, President’s Choice, Compliments, Selection.

Take advantage of discounts and digital tools

• Check weekly flyers and stock up during promotions.
• Use apps like Flashfood or Too Good To Go to buy discounted foods.
• Students and seniors: many grocery stores offer weekday discounts.

Compare prices by weight

Use the unit price (per 100 g or 100 ml) shown on the shelf label to spot the real deals.

Explore other options

• Pharmacies and some discount stores sometimes offer very competitive food prices.
• Products placed on the top or bottom shelves are often cheaper than those at eye level.

Adopt budget friendly habits

• Add more vegetarian meals (tofu, lentils, eggs).
• Buy in family size formats to reduce cost per portion.
• Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Keep your fridge and pantry organized to limit waste.
• Check the “reduced” sections for items nearing their best before date.
• For some foods, rely on your senses instead of the “best before” date alone.

Take advantage of loyalty programs, cashback rewards, or credit cards that offer grocery rebates

Maximize your savings by using the points, rewards, and cashback offered through loyalty programs and certain credit cards. Whether it’s collecting points on everyday purchases, earning cashback on groceries, or accessing exclusive offers, these tools can significantly reduce your bill week after week. A simple habit that pays off—without changing your routine!

Clothing and other goods

• Consider second hand options: local thrift stores, Value Village, or Marketplace.
• Sell items you no longer use to fund new purchases.
• Before buying something new, check if a used version in good condition is available online.

Activities and leisure

• Take advantage of free or low cost activities offered by your municipality: open gyms, skating, swimming, concerts, festivals, libraries, trails.
• Rent costly equipment instead of buying it (paddleboards, skis, camping gear, etc.).
• Replace restaurant outings with home based dinners where everyone brings a dish or their own drinks.

Transportation

• Reduce expenses by choosing carpooling, active transportation (walking, cycling), or public transit when possible.
• Travel prices vary significantly—always compare.

Home & services

Do it yourself when possible

Some tasks—cleaning, small repairs, lawn mowing, snow removal—can be done without professional help.

Reduce your energy consumption

A few simple changes can lower your energy bill:

• Use less energy intensive cooking appliances (microwave, toaster oven).
• Take shorter showers.
• Unplug unused devices to eliminate “phantom loads.”

The key message: rethink your habits.  To reduce expenses, observe your daily behaviors and adjust them wisely.

Small actions, repeated weekly, can lead to major savings over the course of a year.