Helping Canadians maximize their value and savings on groceries
Couponing expert Kathleen Cassidy’s steps to creating a weekly shopping list that saves you money
Article content
Known for her money saving Instagram and TikTok accounts, Living on a Loonie, Kathleen Cassidy started her savvy shopping journey about 10 years ago, as a university student.
Since then, she has amassed a large social media following eager to learn how she couponed her way to financial freedom.
“I am always looking for the best deals when it comes to grocery shopping,” says Cassidy.
“Loblaws and Zehrs both allow customers tons of different saving options across their stores, so Canadians are getting greater value from every grocery shop. I want to make sure Canadians are aware of these great deals.”
According to the expert, creating an effective shopping list is one of the most important steps to saving money. To do so, Cassidy conducts a quick inventory of the fridge, freezer and pantry each week to see what items she already has in stock to use and writes those down.
Next, she browses the flyers at her local Loblaws or Zehrs and selects the closest store with the most flyer savings for the items she needs. After scanning the sale items and cross referencing the items she already has at home, Cassidy makes a meal plan list for the week.
“Write out your shopping list based on the essential items, and add any snacks or household items you need,” she suggests.
“Finally, note down any coupons, price drop or PC Optimum points offers associated with your items to ensure you don’t forget your extra savings or accelerated PC Optimum points opportunities.”
Stocking up is a great idea if you know your prices and the number of items you use in a given period of time, says Cassidy, all which you learn as you go.
Generally, large sales happen on a three-month rotation, so you want to buy enough to have a three-month supply of items to last you until the next sale.
“This is not always possible for all shopping categories,” says the branding executive and couponing expert, “but key for household essentials such as toothpaste, toilet paper, cleaning products and more.”
In addition to shopping smart, there are many in-store programs at Loblaw’s grocery stores that enhance the value of everyday grocery shopping. Every four weeks, Loblaws and Zehrs both drop pricing on over 400 products so that you can save more, an offer that allows customers to get more value from their everyday grocery shopping.
Known as Price Drop, the program was designed to help Canadians maximize their value and savings.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Loblaw’s Fresh Promise is another initiative designed to not only provide the best value, but also the highest quality; because budgeting doesn’t mean compromising, just shopping smarter.
If you’re not completely satisfied with produce purchased in-store, Loblaw’s grocery stores will not only replace it, but also provide a refund within seven days of purchase. This program helps customers save money and ensures they are getting the best use out of every produce item purchased while nothing goes to waste.
PC Optimum Points and PC Mastercard are two other ways that Cassidy saves at Loblaw’s grocery stores.
“I am able to enhance my shopping experience by earning PC Optimum points on everyday purchases, getting me to free, fast,” she says. “This provides me with the flexibility to redeem my points at a later date, allocating them towards big ticket items or purchases.”
The PC Optimum Points program is free to sign up for and has exclusive offers and members-only pricing, allowing customers to redeem points on everyday essentials based on where you shop and what you spend your money on.
The PC Mastercard is the ultimate credit card for essentials that allows customers to earn even more points along with other perks.
In addition to Hit of the Month specials, (selected deals across all banner stores with locked in prices nationwide), Cassidy also uses coupons to save money on groceries, just as she did during her university days, as well as discount stickers.
“These items can be 25 to 50 per cent off the original price, making it a great purchase for tonight’s dinner or to throw in the freezer,” she says. “The customer gets a great deal and the store helps reduce food waste.”
To take advantage of savings on groceries, visit your local Loblaws and Zehrs stores or learn more at loblaws.ca.
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Loblaw Companies Limited.
