Bargain Shopping: From Online Coupons to Cheap Tickets

Let's get something straight – being frugal is not about being cheap. Cheap is under-tipping a waitress to save a few dollars, or checking phone booths for quarters. Frugal shopping is about being smart: putting together the latest celebrity look without having the celebrity budget, or using online coupons to chop your grocery budget. Bargain shopping doesn't mean deprivation at all; it means spending wisely and getting more out of your income.

• Decide if an item is a want or a need. We're all guilty of buying things we really don't have a need for (most of us have the never-worn clothing in our closet to prove it). You'll be surprised what you can save by adopting the “only buy when you need it” mentality.
• Shop online for the best deals. It's hard to comparison shop when you're hoofing it all over town. Online shopping can save you time and money. BlackFriday.com has deals year-round – not just on Black Friday, so you'll find adscans, coupons and online offers anytime on everything from baby apparel to the latest electronic gadgets. You'll save time and money with online specials submitted by other users.
  
• Shopping in your neighbourhood can also save money, and you're supporting local businesses. For the complete bargain shopping experience, check out our Shopping page.

Find Travel Deals

Just because money is tight doesn't mean you have to cut out holidays:

• You can save big if you're flexible on travel dates and take advantage of online sales. For example, heading to Mexico in the off-season (September and October) or booking a Disney family trip in the winter months (except Christmas break) can be surprisingly cheap. Our hotel rates are guaranteed to be the lowest, so you know you're getting the best deal, every time.
• Consider taking a weekend getaway somewhere nearby, rather than a full vacation. Find online deals on travel and book a hotel or bed and breakfast a few hours away. Explore the city and enjoy local restaurants and shopping.

Find Entertainment Deals

Again, just because you're tightening your belt when it comes to expenses doesn't mean you have to cut out all the fun stuff. It's all about balance, right?

• Support the arts by seeing plays at a community theatre or going to outdoor festivals in the summer. 
• Go web shopping for entertainment offers. Check out local concerts and upcoming sporting events and find deals on cheap tickets, or use online coupons to get money off activities.
  
• There are plenty of free things to do in Vancouver. Check out our Things to Do page for great ideas.