Image description: A small green seedling with several fresh leaves grows from the center of a pile of mixed coins spread across a reflective surface. To the right, a clear glass jar lies on its side with more coins spilling out. The background is softly blurred with green and blue tones, suggesting an outdoor garden or natural setting. The image symbolizes financial growth, investing, savings, or sustainable economic development.
For the past couple of months, I have been sharing with you a few practical strategies I use in my daily life to save/earn up to $4k a year (check them here and here). Today 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s blog is the last bit of information I have on that.
A few disclaimers: I’m married, and both my husband and I are international PhD students in engineering at Queen 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s. We do not have children. I have personally done or tested everything on this list over the past 2 years. Gains are yearly estimates based on personal experience.
9. Cashback Apps (Gains: up to $20 per app)
There are many available rebate/cashback apps in Canada. Usually, you upload a receipt as proof of purchase of a specific product or from a specific grocery store. Each app has its own specificities, but they are all very easy to use and pretty intuitive. I have tried , , and . Since each upload rewards a few cents to up to 2 dollars, it's worth it only if you're consistent and upload receipts every week. Some apps also offer quick surveys that pay. For online shopping, there are options like .
10. Loyalty Programs (Gains: up to $100 dollars per program)
Many of our daily purchases could be tied to a loyalty program, allowing us to collect points for later redemption. Food Basics and Metro use ; Loblaws, Shoppers Drug Mart, No Frills, Esso, and Mobil use . Membership is free but remember to load your weekly offers before shopping. As a point-boosting option, I also like the app, where you complete quick health learning paths to earn PC Optimum points. There are also online shopping options, such as the Aeroplan eStore, where you can earn miles. Most programs offer promotions periodically, so watch for chances to earn extra points or redeem at a better value.
11. Municipal Fee Assistance Program (Gains: up to $1k)
Did you know that many of us grad students are low-income under the law? The 2026 threshold is $34,793 for a 1-person household and $49,205 for a 2-person household (GRF funding does not count!). This offers funding and discounts for recreation, health and vet fees, transit, food, and legal documents. Signup is online, and your card is valid for a year. Since funding is on a first-come, first-served basis, pay attention to deadlines for the most popular activities.
12. Credit Cards (Gains: up to $1k)
This topic is somewhat controversial, but if you manage money responsibly, credit cards are useful tools. We use a Cobalt American Express, a Gold American Express, a Scotiabank Visa, and a TD Bank Visa. Each purchase earns points you can redeem for flights, travel, restaurants, or stores, among other options. Some cards offer benefits like airport lounge access. Yes, it takes a second to plan where to use each card to maximize points, but it 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s nothing like getting a graduate degree. If you think entry-level cards lack value, we got our Visa cards upon arriving in Canada with student accounts and have booked hotels in Brazil through ExpediaForTD. I have never paid for movie tickets (or popcorn!) in Canada thanks to Scene+ points.
13. Yearly Review of Signatures, Plans and Insurances (Savings: up to $300)
Every year, we take some time to review all signatures, subscriptions, plans, and insurances to see if there 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s a cheaper alternative. For phone and storage plans and streaming services, I found that around Black Friday is the best time. Last year, we halved our phone bill by switching companies (check out if you haven’t already).  For home insurance and internet, it 91ÖÆƬ³§ ’s usually around early-August, right before renewing a lease (remember to check for Union and Membership discounts). For other services, the best time is also close to the end of the subscription.