Beating The Recession Blues

It’s true. Canada is slowly but surely pulling its way out of the recession. The national economy, in fact, is growing at a rate greater than most nations, making Canada a leader in the gaining of financial stability. That being said, it is not as if all Canadians are quite out of the woodworks yet. Many are still seeking jobs among other methods to save money and pay the bills.

Earlier this month, QMI Agency posted a list of ways in which Canadians and beat “Recession Depression” by citing advice from Consumer Reports. Of course, people still want to enjoy themselves, but doing so in a way that is mindful of their financial situations is key to surviving the post-recession blues.

When it comes to air travel, Consumer Reports recommends flying on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. Apparently, these days of the week offer the least expensive tickets for flights. Saturdays and Sundays are the worst days to book flights, according to Rick Seaney, the CEO of FareCompare.com. As well, don’t forget to check websites and newspapers for specials on hotel stays.

If travelling is outside of your budget and you’re looking to entertain yourself in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of your own city, there are still a number of ways to find cheap fun. (Behave!). If bowling is your thing, go early in the morning or after 9 p.m. for the best rates. For the cheapest golfing rates, be sure to tee off before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Now of course, you may need to drive around to get to your destinations for fun. For the best parking prices, seek out those city garages that offer better rates if you pull in before 8 a.m. Need to wash your car? “Go before 9 a.m. or sometimes after 9 p.m. for cheaper deals or buy cheaper washes when you fill up with 25 litres of gas at some stations,” says the QMI report.

Obviously, we all have to eat right? What’s the most cost-effective way to do so in the post-recession era? Farmer’s Markets, says Consumer Reports. Deals are often best at closing time since sellers rarely ever want to return back to the farm with inventory. For regular supermarkets, don’t forget to clip those coupons! For those dining out, look for restaurants that offer early-bird or even late-night specials.

Looking to relax and unwind? Many spas and salons offer discounted services before 3 or 4 p.m. Look out for specials and other offers from these establishments online or in the newspapers. What about the good old movie theatre? Some theatres offer cheaper tickets on Tuesdays. Into live theatre? Matinee performances and weekdays are usually less expensive that the weekend box office prices.

When it’s all said and done, it’s all about being creative. At the same time, actively seeking out deals and bargains is always time well spent. As both business owners and consumers alike, we are all used to searching for the best deals, even when it comes to our leisure time. It’s only fair that we have fun while saving money. Following a recession, every penny counts.