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1 in 4 Canadians Can Only Afford the Minimum Payment on Their Credit Card

  Published August 24, 2026 · Canadian Money Brief A new survey from Equifax Canada puts a hard number on something a lot of us have felt creeping up all year: credit cards are doing more of the heavy lifting in Canadian budgets, and fewer people are paying them off. Of more than 1,500 Canadians surveyed, a quarter said they expect to make only the minimum monthly payment on their credit card, and another 7% think they'll fall behind entirely. That leaves just over half — 56% — who expect to pay their balance in full each month. The survey also found that 40% of respondents are spending more overall than they were a year ago, more than double the 18% who say they're spending less. Nearly 3 in 10 said they're leaning more heavily on credit cards to cover essentials like groceries and utilities, and close to a quarter are dipping into savings to keep up with everyday costs. More than a third have cut back on contributions to savings, investments, or education funds to make ro...

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Cut Costs, Not Corners: How to Save Money on Your Everyday Bills and Expenses



From groceries to utilities, Canadians are paying a lot for necessities. The rising cost of living continues to be a source of stress for many Canadians. However, there are easy ways to save money on everyday bills and expenses without sacrificing little things that bring you joy.

How to Save on Groceries

According to the Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, more than 64% of Canadians have changed their grocery shopping habits to save money. Here are some tips to help you save money on your grocery bills:

  • Shop in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Take stock of the food you already have, and plan your weekly meals around those ingredients.
  • Stop paying for convenience. If you’ve been paying for grocery delivery, start picking it up instead. And that includes food delivery apps, too. If you want to eat from your favourite local restaurant, make an occasion of it. Go back to making eating out a treat and not a regular occurrence; eating at home saves money.
  • Swap out fresh fruit and veggies for frozen. Buy frozen produce, especially when fresh is out of season. It’s flash-frozen right after harvest at its peak in nutrient content, it’s convenient—no chopping or washing—and it’s much less expensive than imported produce.

How to Save on Gas

Gas prices can be unpredictable, but there are ways to save money on fuel. Here are some tips to help you save money on gas:

  • Use coupons and shopping apps like Flipp to see what’s on sale in your area and cash-back credit cards to earn cash back on groceries and gas purchases.
  • Consider carpooling or using public transportation to save money on gas.

How to Save on Cellphone Bills

Cellphone bills can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your phone bill. Here are some tips to help you save money on your cellphone bill:

  • Shop around for the best deals. Compare plans from different providers to find the best deal for your needs.
  • Consider a prepaid plan. Prepaid plans can be a great way to save money on your phone bill, especially if you don’t use your phone very often.

How to Save on Other Home Bills

There are many other bills that Canadians pay every month, including utilities, rent, and insurance. Here are some tips to help you save money on your other home bills:

  • Shop around for the best deals. Compare rates from different providers to find the best deal for your needs.
  • Consider bundling your services. Many providers offer discounts if you bundle your services together.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your utility bills.

I hope these tips help you save money on your everyday bills and expenses!

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