As a business professional, mother, wife and homemaker
it has always been abundantly clear to me the importance of conservation, whether that be with household utilities, business
supplies, or even while shopping at the local grocery store. I mean, when was the last time someone called the house and
said, "We are lowering your hydro bill by 30%, so leave all the lights on and open the outside door and turn on the air
conditioning?" The answer is, never...
So
with that in mind, I find it ultimately my responsibility to make sure that I utilize any and all opportunities to conserve,
both financially and environmentally. Having said that, I feel that with the right amount of planning anyone can make a difference
in how far they make their dollar stretch.
When it comes to your everyday shopping for things
like bread, milk and juice, there usually is very little difference in prices. These items are considered staples and their
prices don't vary all that much. However, when it comes to the rest of the shopping list, I find it very useful and almost
therapeutic to take the time to peruse the flyers that come with the local newspaper. I find it comforting to know that I
have done my homework and am in fact getting the best deal. Many stores will either honour other stores discount coupons,
or better yet, price match their competitors. This tends to create a loyal following for storeowners.
Shopping for six people every week can and does get expensive. Having a shopping
strategy is beneficial and allows me to save for the other things, such as vacations and dinners out.
American Express obviously plays by that same philosophy as they have just
introduced the all-new SimplyCash Card. It is a one-stop shop Card that rewards the Cardmember with every purchase. Statistically,
only 26% of Canadians consider themselves savvy shoppers even though the vast majority (92%) believe it's important to shop
around in order to find the very best deals. This just validates everything I already believe to be true. One of my favourite
ways to shop is online. No crowds, no pushy commission salespeople and no one trying to influence my decision. Shipping
in many cases is included. Delivery to your home or office is convenient and you are not out wasting time or gas for the
car.
My busy schedule makes this type of shopping
far more convenient for my family and me. Using only one card to make all these purchases online is also very comforting.
I know that come months' end, I am in line for only one bill.
My card of choice for years has been the American Express Card. They offer several different options depending
on individual needs and limits. The one thing that all Amex Cards have in common though is the Cardmember benefits like 24/7
customer service; travel insurance, Front of the Line (FOTL) ticket and event purchases. I am really no different than the
average Canadian, looking to stretch my dollar and get added value with my purchases. The perks that American Express offers
me are why I stay loyal. I have been to concerts in the city and have had the privilege of being invited into private rooms
just for carrying my Amex Card.
If you are
in the market for a useful new card experience then try the American Express SimplyCash Card. For the first six months you will get 5% cash back on
eligible purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants in Canada (up to $250 cash back) and 1.25% on everything
else you buy with the card. You will continue to get 1.25% cash back on everything you buy after your intro period ends,
and enjoy benefits at any time such as insurance coverage including Buyers Assurance, Purchase Protection, Travel Accident,
and Car Rental & Theft Damage Insurance, 24/7 customer service and access to the hottest entertainment - all of this for
no annual fee.
With the holidays just around
the corner, I am in planning mode and will be using my time tested shopping strategies and my American Express SimplyCash
Card to make it that little bit easier to handle.
This post was sponsored by Amex Bank of
Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.
