Canada’s top New Year’s resolutions are to save more money and eat healthier

Here are some simple tips to do that all year long

Marketing research company Sago estimates about 43 per cent of Canadians make New Year’s resolutions. Saving more money is at the top of the list with 21 %, followed by eating healthier at 19 %, exercising more at 17 % and losing weight at 15 %.

I was rather surprised by the 43 % because I don’t know of anyone in my circle of friends and family who make New Year’s resolutions. If they do, they certainly keep it to themselves. And I don’t make a list of the things I would like to improve. Sure, eating healthy is something I always strive to do and not just at the beginning of a new year.

While nearly half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, only about 25 % of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after just 30 days, according to Columbia University. And even fewer, less than 10 %, accomplish their goals. It’s probably the same in Canada.

Saving more money is certainly a very good resolution because the size of the consumer debt in Canada is scary. In the third quarter of 2024, consumer credit debt in Canada reached a record $2.5 trillion, a 4.1 % increase from the previous year. That’s trillion !

Credit cards are the primary driver of rising debt, with outstanding balances reaching $122 billion in the second quarter. Mortgage debt makes up 74 % of the total outstanding balances.

Saving more money is a very good resolution but for many young folks and young families that’s a hard one to follow through with. The cost of living in a city and trying to save money while raising a family is not easy. But eating healthier is certainly something everyone can do and you can save money while doing it.

Here’s how: I’m dumbfounded by the traffic that goes through a Tim Hortons outlet every day of the week. It’s crazy the vehicles that line up for coffee and whatever else they order. It starts early in the morning and continues all day long. Service trucks and cargo vans go through before heading to a job. Are they ordering coffee and donuts? Is that their breakfast? You’ll see service vehicles go through in the afternoon. Nobody seems to be taking a thermos and lunch along like we did when I grew up. It’s a quick drive into Tim Hortons. But how much is this costing the consumer? Way too much. And it’s a bad habit.

You’ll probably snicker when I tell you I have never gone through a Tim Hortons or any kind of drive-through. That isn’t my way of doing things.

I read an article about frugal living tips that the Amish live by. The number one tip is to drink water. One of the most manageable New Year’s resolutions we can commit to is drinking more water. If not for the overall health benefit, your body will thank you. In reality, we already crave it, and it helps our bodies repair themselves and stay nourished. Cold water is the best source to quench a thirst. Water doesn’t cost money unless you buy it bottled.

Their number two frugal living tip is eat at home. A large Amish family can eat at home for less than $10 but if they go to a fast food outlet it would cost them $120 or more.

Number three: Cook from scratch. It always amazes me when I’m shopping for groceries what I see that women have in their carts. So many little bottles of things to add to whatever they’re making. A shopper in front of me at the cashier last week spent $570. She didn’t have an enormous amount in her cart — just things the Amish and I don’t buy.

Number four: Make coffee at home. It cost only pennies to make and you’re not paying $1 -$2 -$3 for it in town, plus taxes.

Number five: Bake your own bread: I have been baking bread for 30 years, mostly in the winters when I have more time on my hands. Baking bread is a wonderful experience. You don’t need a fancy mixer — just use your hands. You have to follow guidelines from a good recipe and don’t rush and cut corners or your bread won’t turn out nice and loose. I’ve seen some awful recipes that will make your bread heavy and hard. The water yeast mixture can’t be too hot or too cold and you have to knead the dough for a certain length of time. Do it right and your bread will be loose and fluffy and so good. Try again and again until you get nice textured bread. It takes lots of practice. You can save a lot of money by not buying store bread.

My last tip for frugal living is not on the Amish list but it is one I have always lived by. Don’t buy lottery tickets. I have never bought any and never will. Don’t waste your money on lotteries!

Maynard van der Galien is a Renfrew-area farmer and a long-time columnist with Farmers Forum.