Saving on purchases and for emergency funds, Canada’s extreme couponer shares her secrets

Now, being more budget-conscious, I love using my PC Mastercard. It allows me to earn PC Optimum points on my everyday purchases, everywhere I spend. And the best part is, not only can I redeem those points for free groceries and other essentials, sometimes I like to treat myself and redeem on items that I’ve been vying for, like a cute outfit from Joe Fresh or the season’s hottest perfume scent.

What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?

There’s no way to “get rich quick.” It takes time and planning to grow your money and make it work for you.

What’s the worst money advice you’ve ever received?

It’s not necessarily advice, but just the peer pressure to measure up to others. This can cause individuals to make financial decisions that don’t work for them or their lifestyle.

If you’ve ever experienced this, my piece of advice is whenever you are feeling FOMO (fear of missing out), take a step back and get a better understanding of your personal goals versus what the people around you are doing. 

Would you rather receive a large sum of money all at once or a smaller amount of money regularly for life?

Receive a large sum of money all at once. This way I can build a plan around the dollars I receive and make them work for me.

What do you think is the most underrated financial advice, tip or strategy?

Couponing. And I’m not only talking about the paper coupons you clip from newspapers. Couponing and budgeting has evolved a lot since, you can find an app for everything! Like the PC Financial app that shows you customized offers based on your spending habits.  

My strategy is finding programs that fit your spending habits. From loyalty points programs, price matching or cash back apps, I recommend shifting to a strategy that works with your everyday purchases.

For me, that’s the PC Mastercard and PC Optimum program. I’ve been using this program for years and it’s helped me save hundreds of dollars and save every month. By earning PC Optimum points everywhere I shop using my PC Mastercard, I’m able to fast forward to free and redeem on essentials like groceries, or reward myself with items I want, like face masks and makeup from Shoppers Drug Mart.