By: Danielle Dufour
With the cost of food, fuel and utilities climbing, many Saskatchewan residents are feeling the pressure to make ends meet and are uncertain how they will afford to get by.
Brenda Dreaver, a financial literacy consultant from Flying Dust First Nation, suggests the first thing to do is to get to know your income and expenses by tracking your money coming in and going out for at least 30 days.
“Focus on the priorities, housing, food, transportation, utilities and debt,” said Dreaver. “If something doesn’t support necessities, don’t consider it a priority.”
Dreaver suggests that individuals keep an eye out for available benefits Saskatchewan residents can access such as the housing benefit, Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit (2026 Updated as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – CGEB), the Canada Workers benefit, and other income support programs that can be accessed when filing your taxes.
“Many people are eligible but don’t apply,” said Dreaver.
Dreaver recommends individuals to look at their housing options as “a way to get ahead,” by getting a roommate or sharing housing.
“Consider renting a basement suite,” said Dreaver. “Or even commute from a nearby smaller community if commuting is an option.”
Meal planning is one way people can control some of their grocery budget.
“Buy food in bulk, taking lunch instead of eating out,” said Dreaver.
As fuel costs are rising, Dreaver suggests combining trips to reduce fuel consumption or carpool with others if possible.
For those with debt payments, Dreaver said, “Focus on paying off debt by paying high interest loans off first, consider consolidation loans.”
When your current income is simply not enough, you might consider a career change, and Dreaver noted that in Saskatachewan the main sources of income are in trades, mining and working in the health sector.
To supplement your income, Dreaver said, “There are also side jobs like cleaning, childcare, yard work or driving an Uber.”
Dreaver suggests that individuals consider selling skills they already have, such as preparing resumes, bookkeeping or tutoring.
“There’s a lot of options out there to help us during this time,” said Dreaver.
Bridging Financial Literacy: https://www.bridgingfinancialliteracy.ca/