Throughout the year, Marjorie Thibault prepares for her holiday season by accumulating points with different brands. In December, she goes shopping using all her points converted into dollars and hunting for deals. Clever, you say?
“It takes patience, diligence and organization,” says the Beauport resident, mother of two boys aged 8 and 10. We must keep in mind that we do not go shopping when we feel like it, but rather when it is the right time. »
It’s all in the planning. Marjorie starts early to follow the specials in the supermarkets. She watches for deals on foods that go into her Christmas recipes: meat such as beef and pork, shrimp, cheese, pâtés, sausages, etc.
Shopping for food…and gifts
At the checkouts, she pays, as much as possible, with points accumulated through different programs. The most advantageous, according to her? That of PC Optimum which includes Maxi, Provigo, Esso and Pharmaprix. “If I collect 200,000 points, it’s worth $200,” she explains. I already have $75 accumulated. I make a list of what I need and wait until it’s on sale to get it. »
If it’s meat, it freezes. Or she cooks, then freezes the meals.
These same points are also used to buy gifts. How ? She buys gift cards.
“The guys want a PS5 this year,” says this respiratory therapist. I will use my accumulated points to purchase gift cards from Best Buy when they are on sale. It’s advantageous to get a $50 card for the sum of $40! The game console isn’t going to cost me much in the end. »
A discount
PHOTO PASCAL RATTHÉ, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Shared moment in the kitchen!
Since she has a Costco “executive” membership card, she receives a rebate in the form of a check in September. This year, it goes up to $500. And once again, she is patient: she goes through the flyers and monitors the website, looking for discounts on the products she wants for the holidays.
She is also eyeing M&M Foods stores, where there are some great deals to be had, she says. “My boys are finicky, but the shrimp crown is a must! It will go on sale at some point in December. »
$1000 per year
Marjorie also scrupulously collects points at Metro and the Société des alcools du Québec.
Alcohol is expensive. I usually ask my guests to bring their own drinks. And we also share certain tasks: for example, I ask that someone bring chips, baguettes, etc.
Marjorie Thibault
In total, she follows between eight and ten programs or tips to save money on her holiday meals. And she refuses to take credit for her creativity.
“It’s not me who is hot, she exclaims, it’s the members of the Facebook group Bienvenue chez les cheaps who inspire me! I consider that year after year, with everything I take the time to do, I save $1000 on my budget. I think it’s worth it! »
Corrigendum
In a first version of this article, it was stated that 200,000 PC Optimum points gave a value of $20. It should have read $200 instead. Our apologies.
Calling all
What are your tips and tricks for entertaining during the holiday season without breaking the bank?