British Columbia is consistently ranked one of the best and most beautiful places to live in the world. However, this beauty does come with a price tag. 

At BCAA, we always strive to find more ways to save money for our Members. If it feels like inflation and price increases are starting to take a bite out of your household budget, here are some ways to help stretch your money further. 

Check out our tips for saving at the pump, on groceries, your other favourite activities and even your insurance, plus some savings advice from the pros.

Gas saving tips

BC continues to lead the entire country in high gasoline prices. If you drive a gas-powered or hybrid car which runs partially on gas, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to save money on fuel.

First, it’s good to keep in mind that gasoline is a commodity, and its price reacts to supply and demand, at both a wholesale and local retail level. That means, consumers, like you, can make a difference and cause gas prices to lower if their vehicles are consuming less fuel. Reducing how much fuel your vehicle uses, such as ensuring your vehicle is running efficiently and adjusting how you drive can influence prices. Another great reason to practice fuel-saving driving habits: it’s better for the environment.

Here are fuel-saving tricks that BCAA Auto Experts want you to know about including:

• Avoid aggressive driving and maintain steady speeds. Punching the gas and driving at high and unsteady speeds uses up more fuel.
• Don’t idle for more than 60 seconds.
• Reduce your driving distance by planning your trips. Consolidate errands into one trip or combine them with your daily commute. Avoid high traffic areas and rush hours if you can, to avoid having to sit in traffic idling.
• Lighten the weight of your vehicle. Carrying extra weight wastes gas, so remove unnecessary items from your car.
• Service your car regularly and keep your tires properly inflated. A well-tuned vehicle with properly inflated tires not only improves fuel economy, but it also reduces emissions, improves drivability and will help extend the life of your vehicle and tires.

To top it all off, BCAA Members can save 3¢/litre on fuel and more  at participating Shell stations. Just swipe your BCAA Membership card at the pump, scan your card in-store or add it to EasyPay™ in the Shell App to instantly save on every fuel-up.  

Try these tips out and see your savings rise—and if more drivers do the same, we may also see gas prices fall (any amount can help!).  

If gas prices have you thinking it might be time to go electric, check out this blog to learn more then take a look at our EV buyer’s guide. 

Saving on groceries

Grocery prices are increasing at their fastest pace (5.7%) since 1991. Here are some ways to cut your food expenses this year:

• Make simple meals you like.
• Plan meals around on-sale items at the grocery store.
• Grow your own food. Start your own garden: here are some beginner gardening tips for spaces of all size, including pointers for starting an indoor garden.
• Make big batches of meals and freeze the leftovers.
• Own a slow cooker and know how to use it.
• Save at the grocery store by making a list and sticking to it. Consider buying items that last in bulk, always bring your own bags and never shop when you’re hungry.
• Use your BCAA Membership card earn rewards on groceries. Members earn 5% in CAA Dollars® at Natura Market.

Treat yourself for less with your BCAA Membership

Yes, dining out less often is easier on the wallet, but every once in awhile you need to treat yourself. Did you know that you can use your BCAA Membership card to save on your favourite restaurants and coffee shops? Here are a few faves:

• Freshslice Pizza – get a medium thin crust pizza + pop for $8 ($18 value) or any slice and a pop for $3 ($5 value).
• Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar – save 10% on dine-in meals.
• Blenz Coffee – get a free beverage upsize and 10% off food.
• Montana’s restaurants – save 10% when you dine in or pickup meals.

Save on your insurance

There are ways to save on your insurance too. For example, if you purchase your insurance through BCAA, you can save $40 by bundling your BCAA Home Insurance and BCAA Optional Car Insurance. It also pays to be a BCAA Member! Members save up to 20% on BCAA Home Insurance and BCAA Optional Car Insurance. Here are a few other ways to save:

Car Insurance

• You can save money by driving less (and it’s better for the planet too). If you drive less than 5,000 km in a year, you’ll save 10% with ICBC’s low kilometre discount.
• Consider increasing your insurance deductible if you can afford the higher out-of-pocket expense. By increasing your car insurance deductible from $200 to $500 on your car insurance, you’ll reduce your monthly premium costs.
• Insure both vehicles with the same insurance company. For example, you can save up to 10% per vehicle when you insure two or more vehicles with BCAA Optional Car Insurance.

Learn how to get better coverage and save money with these six things you may not know about your BC car insurance.

Home Insurance

• Purchase your BCAA Home Insurance online and save up to 5%.
• Remain claims free. The longer you’ve been claims free, the more you’ll likely save on your insurance premiums.
• Invest in home safety. Having fire sprinklers, automatic water, shut off, intrusion alarms and other home safety systems can help you qualify for extra savings on your homeowners insurance.

Here are some additional home savings tips for improving your energy efficiency and saving money on your heating bill this winter.

Make eco-friendly changes

Another great way to save plus do some good for the planet: do an energy audit around your home. For good local energy-savings advice, BC Hydro has shared over a dozen no-cost ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money. You can also check out these tips for making eco-friendly changes at home and on the road, they’re great both for your wallet and the planet. For energy efficient lights and other home updates, use your BCAA Membership to earn 2% in CAA Dollars(™) when shopping online at Rona.

Budgeting, banking and investing

The best way to save money, slay your debts, and beat inflation is to make yourself a sensible budget. Here are the top 10 budgeting apps in Canada. We also like these excellent tips on how to budget for inflation and higher prices, courtesy of Forbes and The Globe and Mail. They recommend you streamline your mortgage costs, reduce your debt rates and do an energy audit around your home (see above tip).

Forbes also recommends you get rid of unnecessary and underused subscriptions (do you really need to subscribe to Netflix, Disney+, Crave, AND Starz?). If you don’t have time to track down all your subscriptions, use a personal finance app like Mint. You can link the app to your bank and credit card accounts, and it will search for subscriptions you’re paying for but no longer need or want.

Plus, you can save hundreds of dollars in banking fees by moving to an online bank with a no-fee chequing account. If you do all your banking online, you’ll never pay a transaction fee again. According to WealthRocket, here are the best online banks in Canada.

In addition to maximizing your RRSPs before the March 1st deadline, we highly recommend you take Tori Dunlap’s advice to open a high-interest savings account. These accounts will earn you up to eight times the normal rate of interest—something you’re going to need when you’re fighting against a 5% inflationary loss on any savings you’ve got parked in your bank account. An American personal finance expert, Tori also recommends tracking your purchases and not waiting to invest.

Be a savvy travel & outdoor adventurer

Nothing elevates the soul more than travel and outdoor exercise. You’ll save a ton on travel if you vacation right here in BC—check out our 10+ great restaurants on Vancouver Island, seven unique & cozy cabins in BC, and eight more spectacular cabins and adventures around the province for inspiration.

• If you’re driving to your destination. Your BCAA Membership is the perfect road trip companion. Download and use the BCAA Mobile App to help you get faster access to Roadside Assistance, plus find real-time travel conditions and savings from BCAA Rewards Partners along the way.
• If you’re flying to your BC destination, we can help you save with that too! BCAA Members save 10% on flights across BC with Pacific Coastal Airlines. Flying out of YVR? Use your BCAA Membership to save up to 15% on airport parking when you reserve online with Park YVR or save 20% plus earn 3% in CAA Dollars at Park ‘N Fly.

See all of BCAA’s Travel Rewards Partners here, including hotels and car rentals too. Plus, learn how BCAA Members save up to 20% on BCAA Travel Insurance.

There you have it: many great ways to save money and beat inflation this year. Subscribe to our BCAA Member Rewards e-news for more helpful content, exclusive BCAA offers, contests, deals and more.