We were out on the golf course recently when my tech-friendly golf buddy pointed out that his smartwatch not only tracked how many yards there were to the centre of the green, but also his blood pressure, number of steps taken in the match, blood oxygen levels and more.

His wife, he added, wore a special ring that gave similar helpful health data. Another friend of our monitors her blood glucose levels not by getting a regular blood test, but via a wearable device hooked up to her smart phone.

Save with SPP decided to take a closer look at the wearable fitness tech boom, to find out what else has appeared on the market.

NBC News begins their review by noting that “whether you are training for a marathon or working out for the first time in months, a fitness tracker can show you health and exercise data that can help you better understand your efforts. Most have heart rate, GPS and activity tracking built-in, and many can provide insights into your sleep and recovery.”

The trackers, the article continues, come in the form of watches, bands and rings. If you are looking to buy one, the article notes, comfort is critical.

The article quotes Dr. Koyya Lewis-Trammell of California State Polytechnic University as saying “a fitness tracker is only useful if you wear it. It can have the most advanced tools on the market, but those features are meaningless if you don’t wear it regularly.”

It’s also important that the wearable tracker be compatible with your mobile phone, the article notes, and that it yields useable data on categories such as “steps and heart rate… (and) analysis of your workouts and efforts.”

The top pick was a Fitbit Charge 6, which the reviewers found to be “lightweight and easy to use… (it’s) a small, beginner-friendly fitness app that’s light on weight and light on price.”

A review on MSN found the Oura Ring 4 to be “the best smart ring for most people, thanks to its long battery life, highly accurate tracking, and intuitive and easy-to-understand app for reporting your health data.”

“I aim to hit 10,000+ steps a day, like to know the cumulative load from my daily workouts, and prefer to have a read on how recovered or taxed my body is from stress, travel, fluctuating sleep quality, and activity,” writes MSN’s Rachael Schultz.

The devices are growing in popularity here in Canada.

According to The Health Insider, a study authored by Guy Paré of HEC Montreal found 66 per cent of respondents “kept track of something related to their health, with most of them using some kind of device to aid them in doing so.”

The article discusses some Canadian health and fitness trackers from companies such as HeartWatch, Muse, Hexoskin and iMerciv.

Save with SPP has not tried, and is not endorsing, any of these products. If you do become interested in purchasing one, it is important to do your research on fit, ease of use, phone compatibility, and so on, and perhaps chat with a professional – like your doctor – about what he or she can do with the resulting data.

It’s nice to have a professional doing the heavy lifting and decision making, and that’s what members of the Saskatchewan Pension Plan experience. Money they contribute to their retirement nest egg is carefully and professionally invested in SPP’s low-cost pooled fund.

Years from now when the days of work are mercifully over, SPP members can choose to convert their savings to income through such options as receiving a monthly lifetime annuity payment, or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

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Six ways to start saving for retirement – at age 50

So you’ve hit the half-century mark – hooray for you! Many best wishes, and there are many good years ahead of you.

But what if you haven’t yet started saving for retirement? Can you still catch up?

According to an article by Daniel Liberto, writing for Investopedia, the answer is yes. His article outlines six ways you can get into the savings game, even starting late.

We have Canadianized some of the ideas in this U.S.-facing article.

First, he suggests that if you can, you should try to maximize contributions to government retirement savings programs. Here in Canada, this generally refers to registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) and Tax Free Savings Accounts – if you have room in either, fill it.

Secondly, if you have any sort of workplace retirement savings program, be sure you are registered in it and contributing to the max. Such plans, he writes, often provide “matching funds from your employer.”

When investing for retirement, Liberto writes, “avoid being too aggressive or too conservative.”

“How you invest your money is equally important. Starting at 50 doesn’t mean you should choose overly aggressive and speculative investments. You’ll want to invest sensibly, which could mean waiting a bit longer to retire if you’re struggling to hit targets,” he explains.

Your savings target needs to factor in inflation – the idea that the cost of most things today will be a lot higher in the future, even if inflation is relatively low.

“Remember to consider inflation when estimating how much you’ll need to live on. Today’s money will be worth less when you retire, so your savings targets should account for this reality,” he writes.

If you are late to the savings game, you should consider deferring the start of government benefits (here, meaning the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security) until after age 70. “The longer you can hold off before reaching 70, the higher your monthly payments will be. This strategy can significantly boost your retirement income, which is especially important if you’re starting to save later in life,” he adds.

Finally, understand fully the tax rules about Canadian retirement income. Most of us will get many streams of retirement income, and all have slightly different tax impacts. As well, if you are retired and converting an RRSP to a registered retirement income fund (RRIF) there are taxes on mandatory withdrawals from the RRIF. It is best to consult a professional for tax advice regarding your retirement income sources and strategies.

If you don’t have a workplace pension plan to contribute to, you do have a great option for retirement savings via the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. SPP is open to any Canadian who has available RRSP room. You can decide how much to contribute each year – any amount up to your personal RRSP contribution limit.

SPP also allows you to transfer in any amount from other RRSPs. If you have several RRSPs (non-locked in), perhaps from past workplace programs, you can consolidate them all in SPP.

Check out SPP today!

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Those closely watching the federal election this spring on CBC will have seen a brief segment featuring Vernon, B.C.’s Carole Fawcett of the Seniors Tin Cup movement, advocating for more help for low-income seniors.

While pleased by the publicity, Fawcett says the CBC “didn’t use a lot of the things they asked me about – I guess I got a little strident, as I am wont to do!”

The movement’s aim is help improve federal benefits for seniors “to meet at least the current accepted line of poverty,” about $25,252, the organization’s website notes. “Twenty-eight per cent of senior women are living in poverty,” the site adds.

With all that’s going on in the world, from trade wars to actual wars, it has been a quiet time on the seniors’ advocacy front, Fawcett says. “Other things are on people’s minds – but now, we are about to get back up and running.”

The group’s next event will be “a rally up and down the main street of Vernon. We’ll be bringing lawn chairs and will sit at all intersections,” distributing literature, taking questions and “getting the word out,” she says.

While the recently rolled out national dental care program is good news for many low-income seniors, there hasn’t been much action on senior income and care from the government lately. In fact, says Fawcett, a federal program called NEXUS in B.C., which helped older people “age at home” and offered seniors help with housekeeping, doctor visits, mowing the lawn and so on, recently announced it was winding down due to program cuts.

“These are low income seniors, not always in the best of health – these are not people who are going to be able to do these things themselves,” she says.

It’s not easy being a low-income senior in these days of eye-popping rents and grocery bills, she says.

“I live on $23,000 a year. But I’m lucky, I have a townhouse and a good vehicle, both are paid off and mine. But many seniors have nowhere to live, and finding an affordable place when rents are so exorbitant – in the thousands – is very difficult,” she explains.

“I really don’t know when this government is going to pay attention to seniors – of late, with every budget brought forward, there is no mention of seniors. Meanwhile, everything is going up in price.” As an example, she says a can of Maxwell House coffee now goes for $25 in her local grocery store. “I’m going to have to switch to tea,” she says with a laugh.

The efforts of the Seniors Tin Cup movement are starting to gain traction. Their website “looks great, and is getting more traffic,” she says.

Seniors themselves can help government see that the modest benefits offered by the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) are not keeping up with the rising cost of living.

“They can write letters. I’ll help them draft the letters, even,” she says, adding that a letter to government template will soon be added to the website.

Fawcett says one policy change — increasing the GIS — would be the best way to help low-income seniors. “That’s the change we absolutely hope for,” she explains. Often, she points out, increasing CPP or OAS can actually reduce GIS amounts — that’s why the group favours increasing GIS over changes to the other benefits.

“We are looking for the government to take action,” she says. Provinces can also help by lowering costs for seniors – an example is shingles vaccines, which you have to pay for in B.C., she adds.

“All we’re looking for is to raise people’s incomes up to around $25,000, so they can function. They will be able to live a basic, simple life at that level of income,” she says.

We thank Carole Fawcett for taking the time to speak with us.

Saving for retirement today, while you are younger and working, is an important step to help you avoid living solely on very modest government income programs in the future. If you have a pension program at work, be sure to join up and contribute to the max.

If you don’t have such a program, the Saskatchewan Pension Plan may be a good option for you. You decide how much to chip in, and SPP does the rest, investing your savings dollars in a professionally managed, low-cost pooled fund. Your retirement income options include a lifetime monthly annuity payment that can never run out, or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

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Bleak retirement savings picture for U.S. divorced, widowed women

South of the border, new research has found that one in four “divorced, separated or widowed women” have less than one month’s worth of retirement savings, reports Benefits Canada.

Less than one in 10 divorced, separated or widower men are in the same situation, the article continues, citing research from PensionBee.

“The survey, which polled more than 1,000 employees, found following a marital transition, women (43 per cent) are twice as likely as men (21 per cent) to report having a loose retirement plan and may lack clear retirement goals. Just nine per cent of divorced, widowed or separated women report working with a financial advisor on their retirement, compared to 18 per cent of men undergoing the same life transition,” Benefits Canada reports.

Nearly 23 per cent of “separated, divorced or widowed women” said they were unlikely to be able to survive more than a single month on their retirement savings, the article tells us.

This group, with scant savings, was also seen as less likely to increase their retirement contributions in the coming year, the article continues.

Twenty-three per cent of all “separated, divorced or widowed” respondents have made hardship withdrawals from their retirement savings accounts, the article adds. That compares to 17 per cent of married respondents, Benefits Canada notes.

And while 50 per cent of married people “reported a positive view of retirement,” that number falls to just “28 per cent for women and 31 per cent for men following divorce, separation, or the death of their partner.”

An article in Financial Advisor adds more detail about some of the retirement income problems faced by single, senior American women.

“While 26 per cent of all Americans are predicted to run out of money in retirement, the reality can be worse for single women who need long-term care. Those costs run as high as $248,000, and some 52 per cent of them will run out of money in retirement, according to Morningstar data,” the publication reports.

“With lower income earners, even without long-term-care costs, there’s a really large percentage who are running short of money and having to rely on charity or government programs. And then with higher earners who have more wealth saved, they can oftentimes self-insure,” states Morningstar’s Spencer Look in the article. “So it’s really the middle class, the middle two income quartiles, who are most exposed to this risk.”

Running out of savings can be a great concern for any of us.

Fortunately, here in Canada, government retirement benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement are paid for life.

Members of the Saskatchewan Pension Plan have a retirement option that can help with “longevity risk,” or the danger of outliving your savings. SPP offers a variety of different annuities – you can convert some or all of your SPP savings into an annuity when you retire.

You’ll receive an SPP annuity payment on the first of every month for the rest of your life. Some of the annuities offer survivor benefit options, as well. For full details, see our Pension Guide.

SPP is open to any Canadian who has registered retirement savings plan room. Check out SPP today!

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Inspiring book helps you face challenges, manage negativity and adversity

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.”

This quote from Thomas Jefferson launches you into The Mental Toughness Handbook by Damon Zaharaiades.

“Mental toughness,” he writes, “is required to overcome hurdles that threaten to derail us from our goals. This state of mind can literally mean the difference between success and failure,” he adds.

He continues by noting that “mental toughness is durability in the face of adversity.” Faced with stress, “do we crumble or persist? Do we give up or stay the course?”

There are emotions, too, notes Zaharaiades. “How do we deal with our anger and disappointment when life seems unfair to us?” Are we resilient – “do we dust ourselves off and get back on track, or complain and blame others for our predicaments,” he asks. Finally, there’s grit – “do we press onward or concede defeat” when goals are going to be hard to achieve.

The book outlines some of the attributes of those who have mental toughness, while also offering steps we all can take to boost these qualities in ourselves.

An example is adopting “practical optimism,” he explains. “Mental toughness is usually found in those who have a positive attitude… optimistic about the future,” and striving “to make the best of every situation rather than being ‘gloomy and pessimistic.’”

Among the challenges to combat is listening to hard to your “inner critic,” writes Zaharaiades. “It’s the voice in our heads telling us that we’re not good enough, smart enough, or attractive enough… it finds fault in everything we do and asserts that others will do the same.”

The book outlines ways to “showing your inner critic who’s the boss,” he continues.

Other things to overcome include fear, laziness, perfectionism, self-pity and self-doubt, emotionalism, and self-limiting beliefs.

Zaharaiades notes that self-awareness holds great value. We need, he writes, “to be acutely aware of our thoughts, beliefs and convictions.” Rather than trying to be detached from our emotions, he continues, we need to “embrace them… by acknowledging our fear, frustration and other negative emotions when things go wrong, we’re able to evaluate them, determine their veracity, and regulate the ones that are unrealistic,” he writes.

With emotions, control is possible through reflection, scrutiny of negative emotions, meditation, and confronting “your inner critic whenever it `speaks,’” he explains. Recognize “circumstances you can influence and circumstances you can’t influence.” Finally, take action, even when you’re uncertain of the outcome. This will train your mind to be proactive,” he notes.

On catastrophic thinking, he notes that “if we fail to prepare psychologically for the challenges we’re sure to face every day, our minds will slowly perceive every obstacle to be more consequential than is true.” He advises us to “push back” against any catastrophic thoughts as they emerge.

He presents a technique to use to develop good habits – “start small.”

“For example, suppose you’d like to start exercising on a daily basis. You might be enthusiastic and tempted to start your new habit with a 45-minute workout on Day 1. Don’t do that. Instead, take baby steps. Start with a five-minute workout…. (then) make slow, incremental progress.”

Near the end of the book, in a chapter focusing on tactics to boost your mental toughness, Zaharaiades suggests we “stop spending time with negative people… they complain, criticize, and can put a negative spin on anything… guard your time. Don’t allow negative people to monopolize it.”

The book concludes by noting if you build up the “muscle” of mental toughness, “you’ll be able to rely on it whenever life presents you with unanticipated challenges and obstacles.”

This is a really well-written, well-researched and helpful guidebook, well deserving of a spot on your bookshelf.

Many people know they should be saving for retirement, but never get around to it, perhaps because they think it will require a big effort and/or a big outlay of cash. As the book suggests, an approach is to start small and build your savings rate incrementally.

This is entirely possible for members of the Saskatchewan Pension Plan as you, the member, decide how much the contributions will be. You can start very small and ramp things up over time. The heavy lifting of investing your contributions in a professionally managed, low-cost pooled fund is done by SPP. And when it is time to turn savings into income, your SPP options include a lifetime monthly annuity payment or the more flexible Variable Benefit.

Check out SPP today!

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The key to retirement saving – start as soon as you can

Writing for Morningstar, Paul A. Merriman says saving for retirement is “easier than you think.”

“Time – lots of it – is your biggest ally,” he writes. And the process of saving for retirement, he insists, is “easier than they think… if they get a few things right.”

First, he suggests, “you’ve got to set aside money regularly, without fail.” Even small amounts will add up over time, and “you have to invest that money where it will work hard for you.”

And you have to start – right away, if you haven’t already, he adds.

“If you haven’t yet `got around to’ starting a retirement savings program, do it now. Start this very week, using whatever money you have. It will feel good to be on your way,” he explains.

Once you start, keep it going regularly “with a plan you can afford,” he adds.

“Get the long-term power of the stock market working for your savings right away,” he notes, and “find a way to make your savings automatic, so you don’t have to think about it every month or paycheque.”

Consider, he suggests, your “savings plan as if you were starting a business, along with a terrific business partner: the stock market.”

“Your job: Fund the business by regularly adding capital. Your partner’s job: Make that capital grow big enough so you can retire comfortably,” he writes.

He provides an example of the return rate someone would get if they put $1,000 a year into an index stock fund starting in 1985. If you increased your contribution by three per cent each year, he writes, “and kept doing it until the end of 2024,” you would have earned $4 for every dollar you contributed after 15 years.

You must factor in inflation as a consideration, he writes. So what’s a good amount to set aside each year?

“If you can set aside 10 per cent of your earnings each year and invest that money intelligently, you’ll be well on your way toward a comfortable retirement,” he writes.

“If you’re fortunate enough to work for an employer that matches some part of your contributions in a retirement plan, you’ll do considerably better than this table suggests,” he adds.

“The `magic’ in this scenario comes from doing what millions of people do all the time: They engage a willing and capable business partner (the market) in order to own stakes in hundreds (and in many cases thousands) of real-world companies,” Merriman writes.

“Every business day, employees of those companies show up for work. Managers figure out how to profit from that work. Executives plot to make sure investors get a share of those profits,” he continues.

“Your job as the `senior partner’ in this little business arrangement is to keep your focus on the big picture and the long term. If you do that and let your partner do its job, the long-term payoff can be huge,” he concludes.

Automating your savings, and ramping your savings rate up when you get a raise, are key pieces of the savings puzzle. Members of the Saskatchewan Pension can choose to make their contributions automatically. You can let us know (PAC-PCC-application.pdf) where you want your contributions to come from – either a bank account or your credit card. We’ll do the rest, and invest your savings in our professionally managed, low-cost pooled fund.

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Is there a single “best” type of exercise?

What if there was a single type of exercise out there that was best suited to your overall fitness?

What kind of exercise would that one type be? Save with SPP took a look around to see what people are saying on this topic.

The Organic Authority blog begins by asking “if you could do only one total body exercise… what would you do?”

Their answer is “the burpee…. the winner by a landslide.” The article explains that “burpees require flexion and extension at all major joints, including ankles, hips and shoulders. Additionally, a well-executed burpee will tone the arms, chest, core, gluteus muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, and promotes cardiovascular conditioning and coordination.”

The Today Show’s website advises that if “you don’t have time for a full workout, here’s the one exercise that will work your entire body in a short amount of time: the pushup downward dog.”

“The reason why this move is so great for your entire body is because of the tension placed on various muscle groups throughout the movement. As you start in a high plank and lower yourself into a push-up, you will be using your core, shoulders, chest and upper body muscles to support your body weight,” the article adds.

The Fit & Well website describes a “one-move kettlebell workout” as their recommended one best exercise.

“The multi-muscle compound exercise you’ll be tackling involves lifting a kettlebell from the ground to a goblet hold in front of your chest, performing a squat, then pushing the weight overhead before returning to the starting position,” the article explains. If you do this for six minutes a day, the article continues, “this short exercise can help you access health benefits you might have missed sitting at your desk.”

Indeed, the article tells us, “quick hits like this can be used as `exercise snacks’ – a relatively new term used to describe short bursts of activity performed at intervals throughout the day, which can help boost your fitness, improve your heart health and look after your lungs.”

The Hello Doctor blog suggests that “if you are looking for the best single full body exercise that requires little to no learning curve, then the step up is probably for you.”

All you need, the blog continues, is an elevated platform, “like a step on the stairs.”

Here’s how to do a step up, per the blog. “Choose an elevated platform, like a box or a step on your stairs. The ideal platform is high enough so that when you step up, your knee forms a 90-degree angle,” the blog explains.

“Stand with your chest open and your shoulders pulled. Step up on the platform using your right leg. Then, bring your left leg on top of the platform as well, in a tiptoe position,” the blog continues.

“Bring your left leg down. Repeat the procedure, but this time, step up with your left leg first. Start with 15 reps for each leg and work your way up,” the blog adds.

Maybe one of these ideas will help boost (or begin) your own exercise routine.

It’s interesting to think of exercise “snacks.” A little now and again thing that is actually good for you, perhaps. Putting money away for the future, a “retirement snack,” is a similar positive little thing you can do today that will help your future you.

With the Saskatchewan Pension Plan, you have many options for adding to your retirement nest egg. You can set SPP up as a bill and “pay” yourself with your other bills. You can set up pre-authorized contributions from a bank account or credit card. You can transfer in any amount from other registered retirement savings plans. You can even send us a cheque. All roads lead to growth in your retirement nest egg.

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Saskatoon cited as the number one place to retire in Canada

“It’s no secret,” writes Sandra McGregor for Money Canada, “that Canada is considered one of the best places in the world to live.”

Factors like “incredible landscapes, universal healthcare and a multicultural society that welcomes people from all over the world” make Canada “the perfect place to call home.”

However, where in Canada is the best place to retire? McGregor’s list of the 16 top places focuses on “the cost of living… weather, quality of life and access to amenities.”

At the top of the list is the city of Saskatoon!

“Saskatoon is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community, scenic parks and a thriving arts scene. Though it’s not the capital (Regina is), it’s actually the largest city in the province. Its affordable housing makes it among the best places to retire in Canada, income wise,” she writes.

The runner-up is St. John’s.

“St. John’s has a great culture and food scene, as well as a breathtaking harbour that offers occasional whale and iceberg sightings,” reports McGregor.

Rounding out the top three is another east-coast location, Charlottetown.

“Charlottetown is an incredibly picturesque city with a strong sense of community, excellent culinary offerings and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the best places in Canada to retire,” she notes.

Goderich, Ont. is in fourth spot. “Goderich is a charming town on the shores of Lake Huron, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic parks. It’s often dubbed the `prettiest town in Canada,’” she writes.

In fifth is Parksville, B.C. “Parksville is a popular retirement destination on Vancouver Island, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic parks,” McGregor reports. In sixth place is “St. Catharines, a charming city in Ontario… a popular retirement destination known for its greenspaces, culture and affordable housing options. It’s also just next door from one of Canada’s largest and most acclaimed wine regions.”

The list continues with Penticton, B.C., which offers “an appealing blend of affordability, pleasant weather and a high quality of life.” Calgary boasts “beautiful parks and outdoor recreation opportunities.” Ontario’s Windsor is ranked next for its “cultural attractions and affordable housing options,” as well as the warmest weather in the province.

After Collingwood, Ont., Cape Breton, N.S. and Montreal comes Saint John, N.B., offering “a low cost of living, beautiful waterfront views and a growing job market.”

Kelowna, Canmore and Victoria round out the list.

Even if you don’t relocate in retirement, all of these communities are worth a visit. We are fortunate to live in such a vast, beautiful country.

Retirement, of course, requires a bit of forethought. You’ll need to set aside some money in your younger years to look after the older you.

If you don’t have a retirement program through work and are nervous about investing on your own, consider joining the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. SPP is open to any Canadian who has available registered retirement savings plan room. You decide how much to contribute to your account, and SPP does the rest, investing your savings in a low-cost, professionally managed pooled fund that has boasted steady returns since its inception in 1986. At the end of work, you can choose to convert your savings to a monthly lifetime annuity or withdraw money more flexibly with our Variable Benefit option.

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`No Buy’ days, `subscription scrutiny’ are among this year’s trends in saving

You’ve really got to hand it to consumers – no matter what twists and turns the cost of living takes, people seem to find new ways to save.

Save with SPP checked out some of the latest trends in saving.

Writing for the U.K.’s Indy 100, Becca Monaghan identifies a number of them for us.

“With the cost of living on the rise, individuals are becoming increasingly focused on smarter ways to manage their finances and secure long-term stability. From creative budgeting techniques to adopting sustainable spending habits and using innovative financial tech, these trends reflect a broader shift towards intentional, efficient money management. It’s all about making every pound count in a world that demands more financial agility,” she begins.

Among these “smart ways” are ideas like “save and splurge,” she continues. This involves “cutting back on day-to-day expenses so they can allocate funds towards special, high-quality purchases or experiences,” Monaghan explains.

There’s also the “No Buy 2025” trend, which “encourages individuals to pause unnecessary expenditures, aiming to save money and reduce overconsumption.”

Next comes “subscription scrutiny.”

“People are reevaluating their subscription services, cancelling those they don’t use, and opting for pay-as-you-go options to maximize flexibility and cut costs. This trend is fueled by the growing awareness of `subscription creep,’ where small, recurring charges add up significantly over time,” writes Monaghan.

The Smart Money Advice blog offers up a few more savings trends.

The blog, citing research from the Canadian Bankers’ Association, notes the use of “digital tools” is helping Canadians save. “Over 70 per cent of Canadians now use banking apps,” the article continues, making automatic saving easier, providing “the ability to track expenses in real time,” and making the “setting of financial goals” easier.

“Thrifting” continues to grow in popularity, the blog adds.

“Another notable trend is the rise in thrifting and second-hand shopping. Retail analysts predict that more Canadians will embrace buying used goods in 2025—not only as a cost-saving measure but also as a way to support sustainability. Gen Z is particularly driving this trend, valuing affordability alongside environmental responsibility,” the blog reports, citing a recent article from CityNews Vancouver.

Other trends the blog has noticed include the fact that we are collectively dining out less and doing a lot more online price comparison research before buying.

The Saving Advice blog presents some other fresh saving strategies.

With grocery costs being particularly impacted by inflation, shoppers are looking for ways to “inflation-proof” their grocery bill, the blog notes.

“Bulk buying, smart pantry stocking, and freezer meals are back in fashion but with a modern twist. Apps now recommend recipes based on sale items in your (area) and social media has made sharing `$50/week meal plans’ wildly popular. People aren’t just saving at the store—they’re learning how to stretch ingredients creatively to cut back on food waste and frequent shopping trips,” the blog reports.

The blog also notes that those of us with credit cards offering such things as points or cashback are being more strategic.

“In the past, using credit cards `responsibly’ just meant paying your bill on time. But in 2025, savvy savers are playing the points game like pros. Travel hackers, cash-back chasers, and promo offer strategists are teaching others how to turn regular spending into serious rewards,” the blog adds.

Similarly, consumers are embracing energy efficiency as “not just a green initiative” but a way to save, the blog tells us.

“Smart thermostats, LED lighting, energy monitors, and tax credits for efficient appliances are part of a growing ‘home optimization’ trend. In 2025, even renters are joining in with portable devices and simple insulation upgrades. Lower monthly bills and incentives are proving that energy efficiency is one of the most overlooked money-saving tools,” the blog concludes.

We can conclude that we’ve come a long way from the days of clipping coupons!

A dollar saved, they say, is a dollar earned. And those earned dollars will come in particularly handy in the future, when you’re no longer working.

While workplace pensions seem to be becoming harder to find, Canadians can opt for a “do-it-yourself” pension through the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. You decide how much to contribute – perhaps using some of the savings tactics listed in this article – and SPP does the rest. We’ll invest your hard-saved dollars in a professionally managed, low-cost pooled fund with a strong track record.

When it’s time to retire, options for your SPP account include the chance of a lifetime monthly annuity payment, or the more flexible Variable Benefit option.

Check out SPP today!

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Retirement `dashboard’ would make planning income from multiple sources easier: CD Howe

Those of us who have punched our last timeclock know that our retirement income comes from multiple sources – unlike our working days, when there was only one paycheque.

This makes retirement planning much more complicated.

Fortunately, reports Wealth Professional, the C.D. Howe Institute has come up with an idea to help untangle multi-stream income planning – a “national pension dashboard.”

“With the shift from defined benefit to defined contribution pension plans, many Canadians are left with a fragmented picture of their retirement savings, especially as accounts are scattered across financial institutions,” the article begins.

In other words, instead of having one pension from a defined benefit plan, folks may have small chunks of money growing away in several defined contribution/registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) pots.

This, the team at C.D. Howe notes, means that “few people have a clear sense of how their savings will translate into sustainable income, fueling anxiety about financial security.”

Enter the idea of a national, digital pension dashboard.

“A national pension dashboard could be a game changer by bringing together all retirement savings and entitlements into one digital platform where users would be able to see their Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, workplace pensions, RRSPs, and other savings,” the article tells us.

Similar tools are already in place in “Australia, Sweden and the Netherlands,” the article adds.

“How can Canadians make optimal decisions if they don’t have a straightforward way to see how savings and entitlements translate into monthly income?” asks senior fellow Kathryn Bush, a member of the C.D. Howe Institute Pension Policy Council and former chair of the Association for Canadian Pension Management’s National Policy Committee, in the Wealth Professional article. “We need a modern and accessible tool that gives them an accurate picture of their expected retirement income – without needing to be an expert,” she continues.

While there are tools provided by the Canada Revenue Agency to give estimates of your federal government retirement benefits, these tools “require manual input and don’t consolidate data from all sources,” the article adds.

The dashboard, the article adds, might have additional benefits – such as reuniting members with lost pots of retirement savings from a long-ago job, or the opposite – connecting pension plans with long-lost members.

Bush tells Wealth Professional that the dashboard could be built using a “real-time data retrieval model” linking to existing systems, rather than building a massive new centralized database.

“A pension dashboard that is cost-effective, secure, and accessible could be life changing,” Bush tells Wealth Professional. “Canadians need a clear roadmap for retirement – and the time to build it is now.” 

If you, like many of us, have little bits and pieces of pension savings in separate RRSP accounts, there’s an easy way to stitch your savings quilt together. The Saskatchewan Pension Plan allows you to transfer any amount into SPP from other non-locked-in RRSPs. This will simplify your life in retirement, as you’ll cut down on the number of sources of income you’ll receive.

SPP does also offer a stand-alone calculator to help you get a better picture of the future value of your account. The Wealth Calculator offers an easy way to produce an estimate.

Check out SPP today!

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