The following is an article by Mr.CBB who is the voice behind Canadian Budget Binder a blog about Personal Finance, Relationships, Recipes, the famous Grocery Game Challenge and more. Join him on Facebook, x.com and Pinterest.
How to start a budget
When we first started to use a budget we really didn’t want to commit to such a boring task. Like many, we were used to tracking expenses in our head and checking in on the bank account to see how much money we had left. Looking back it was probably the worst thing we did for our personal finances and I can’t believe we did that.
Budgeting can be overwhelming at first but it doesn’t have to be if you plan it out correctly. No matter what your situation or money mistakes are, or were, a budget is necessary. I typically equate this to a business that has a yearly budget so they know what they can and can’t do with the company money. How is a company supposed to sustain themselves if they have no budget? That’s right; they probably would go bankrupt or close shop. Your household budget is just as important as a business.
One of the first things I did when I started to blog at Canadian Budget Binder was put together a 10 step budgeting series. Many people wanted to know how we were saving so much money. It’s not really about how much money we were saving. It's really about how we got to the point where we were actually saving money.
The easy answer was: with a budget.
That’s what I’m going to show you today. The steps we took to get from Step 1 to Step 9 and eventually to complete debt freedom. We own our vehicles, have no consumer debt and will be paying our mortgage in full this year. All of this and still over 30 years until retirement (of course we may plan to retire early).
The magic happened just from paying attention to our personal finances and spending less than we earn. It also helped that growing up we were savers. But the bulk of our money came just in the past 10 years. Not everyone wants to lead a frugal life, but it has it’s pros and cons and for us, well worth it.
The first step with budgeting
One of the first steps I talk about in my budgeting series is simply “gathering all the information”. You can’t sit in front of an empty budget spreadsheet with no numbers. You need to get all the numbers from your bank accounts, credit cards, lines of credits, bills, whoever you owe, how much you owe, interest rates, due dates, etc. It’s like getting ready to bake a cake. If you don’t have all the ingredients for your recipe how will your cake grow? It won’t. It will sink because all the ingredients (in this case the numbers) are not available.
What is Net and Gross Income?
Net Income in simple terms, is the amount of money that you get after all your taxes are paid. So for those that get direct deposit from your employer that is your net. If you are self employed or no taxes are taken off that is NOT your Net Income, that is your Gross Income.
You can read in more detail each step of our budget and why we did what we did. The budget spreadsheet I designed for our family changed numerous times over the course of the year. A budget will always change and so should yours. You should never just set it and forget it.
There are a myriad of free budget spreadsheets and free budget programs to track expenses on the internet if you do a Google search. If you want to have a budget binder so you can manually track your budget and expenses, then do it. As long as you know exactly what is going in and what is going out.
Some people chose to use a cash system and put it in envelopes or jars. If that’s what it will take to motivate you to start budgeting, then do it. You will see over time how easy it becomes and you will continue to challenge yourself further each month. We no longer carry cash we use credit cards for rewards. I don’t recommend this unless you are at a stage where you can pay your credit card in full every month.
9 Steps for Creating a Budget
Step 1 - Gather all the information - As mentioned above, the first step in designing a budget is to gather all the information. You will need to get all the numbers from your bank accounts, credit cards, lines of credits, bills, whoever you owe, how much you owe, interest rates, due dates, etc.
Step 2 - Categories - Every person/family is different so you need to decide what categories will suit your budget. You may need daycare while another family does not, for example.
Step 3 - Tracking Receipts - This is so important and I can’t stress that enough if you want to know where you are spending your hard earned dollars. Have a plan in place so you save your receipts and input them into your tracking spreadsheet.
Step 4 - Note Taking - Always make notes so you can backtrack information. Know where the purchase was made, how you paid for it, dates, etc.
Step 5 - Organization - Keep organized and keep your workstation free from distractions.
Step 6 - Who Does What and When - If you are in a relationship, budgeting doesn’t have to be a one person job. In fact my wife and I both share the budget duties as a team. If in the event something should happen to one of us, we both need to know what is happening with our personal finances. Don’t put the burden on one person.
Step 7 - Balancing Our Budget - Your budget has to balance each month. If you can’t balance your budget you have to do one of 2 things: Make more money or spend less than you earn.
Step 8 - Reading Our Bills - I can’t tell you enough to make sure you always read your bills and receipts when you are shopping. There have been times when I found errors on my communications bill where they charged us for services we did not get. You may also notice the wrong price on your grocery bill. This could result in a scanning code of practice where you get the item free up to $10, if the store participates. Most importantly, you catch an error where you were paying more than you should have. So many people get burned by not reading.
Step 9 - Projected Expenses - This is a big category for us. We save close to $15k a year in it. What is it? In short, it’s an account where we keep money for items that we know we will have to pay for at some point during the year that our regular budget won’t be able to handle. We were always taking money from our emergency savings for these items which was wrong. A sticker for our vehicle once a year is not an emergency but should be saved all year long so the money is ready to be used when it comes due. We save $7.50 a month in a separate account for 12 months to pay for the sticker. $90/12 months. This has been the biggest stress reliever for us and one of the biggest reasons people fall off their budget. If you don’t factor in the small stuff, you may not have the money to pay for it. You should budget it in and save it.
Another thing that can really help when you're overwhelmed or paralyzed by the thought of budgeting? Create a plan to stay focused! Check out this thoughtfully made BUDGET PLANNER – pages to help you achieve financial goals, track your bills and spending, discover what you did well, what you need to improve on and so much more!
I encourage you to take a deep breath if you are wanting to budget but are feeling stuck in getting started. Start living instead of existing and take back control of your personal finances. A budget is just one step in the process in working towards debt freedom, but one that may allow you the opportunity to drop that debt and get back in the game. Time to look at a budget as part of a lifestyle rather than a chore.
Mr.CBB is the voice behind Canadian Budget Binder a blog about Personal Finance, Relationships, Recipes, the famous Grocery Game Challenge and more. Join him on Facebook, x.com and Pinterest.
Looking for simple money saving tips that actually work? The good news is that saving money doesn't have to mean giving up everything you enjoy or making drastic changes to your lifestyle. In fact, some of the most effective ways to save money are also the easiest to implement.
Many people assume that building savings requires a higher income, an extreme budget, or a complete financial makeover. While those things can certainly help, the truth is that small daily habits often have the biggest impact over time. A few dollars saved here and there may not seem like much in the moment, but those savings can quickly add up over weeks, months, and years.
The best simple money saving tips are the ones that fit naturally into your everyday routine. Whether it's reducing household expenses, cutting down on grocery costs, avoiding impulse purchases, or finding creative ways to reuse items you already own, there are countless opportunities to save money without feeling deprived.
If you're trying to stretch your budget, pay off debt, build an emergency fund, or simply become more intentional with your spending, these simple money saving tips can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. The key is consistency. You don't have to do everything on this list. Start with a few ideas that work for your lifestyle and build from there.
Ready to save more and spend less? Here are some of the best simple money saving tips anyone can start using today.
Everyday Simple Money Saving Tips
Swap paper products for reusable cloths. Replace paper towels and napkins with washable alternatives to cut ongoing household costs.
Make your own cleaning supplies. Basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can replace multiple store-bought cleaners.
Use your local library. Borrow books, audiobooks, movies, and even digital content for free instead of buying or subscribing.
Borrow and share with others. Trade books, tools, kitchen items, or even kids’ toys with friends and family.
Hang dry your laundry. Air drying reduces electricity use and helps clothes last longer.
Lower your heating and cooling costs. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees when sleeping or away from home.
Reuse what you already have. Plastic grocery bags can become small garbage liners, and many storage bags can be reused safely (except those used for raw meat).
Food & Grocery Simple Money Saving Tips
Plan your meals weekly.Meal planning helps reduce impulse buys and food waste.
Make a grocery list and stick to it. This is one of the most effective simple money saving tips for avoiding overspending.
Shop clearance and discounted items first. Especially for clothing and pantry staples.
Cook at home more often. Even a few extra home-cooked meals per week can significantly reduce expenses.
Make your own baby food. If you’re already cooking vegetables, set some aside to mash or puree.
Use leftovers intentionally. Plan “leftover nights” to stretch meals further.
Buy in bulk when it makes sense. Staples like rice, oats, and pasta are often cheaper in larger quantities.
Compare unit pricing. Don’t just look at the sticker price—check the cost per gram or litre.
Budget-Friendly Lifestyle Habits
Think before you buy. Use a “24-hour rule” for non-essential purchases to avoid impulse spending.
Have a No Spend Challenge. Challenging yourself to a no spend day, week or even month can be a real eye opener to your spending habits.
Track your spending. Even a simple notes app can help you see where your money goes.
Cancel unused subscriptions. Streaming, apps, and memberships add up quickly.
Use cashback and rewards programs. Get a little money back on everyday purchases.
Buy secondhand when possible. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales can offer huge savings.
Repair instead of replacing. Fix clothing, electronics, and furniture when it’s cost-effective.
Transportation & Energy Savings
Walk, bike, or carpool when you can. Reducing fuel use is one of the easiest simple money saving tips for long-term savings.
Combine errands into one trip. This saves both gas and time.
Reduce hot water usage. Shorter showers and cold water washes help lower utility bills.
Switch to energy-efficient habits. Turn off lights, unplug devices, and use power strips to reduce phantom energy use.
Final Thought
The best simple money saving tips are the ones you can actually stick with. You don’t need to do everything at once. Even choosing a few habits from this list can start making a difference in your monthly budget.
Small steps. Consistent habits. Real savings.
What are your favorite ways to save money without much effort? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Grocery Store Tricks That Make You Spend More Money
Did you know that grocery stores use a variety of sneaky tactics to encourage shoppers to spend more? While these strategies are smart from a business perspective, they're not always great for those of us trying to lower our grocery bills and stick to a budget.
Many of these grocery store tricks that make you spend more money work because they target impulse purchases. Think about your last grocery trip. How many items ended up in your cart that weren't on your shopping list? Most of us have been there!
The good news is that once you recognize these tactics, you can make more intentional shopping decisions and keep more money in your pocket. Here are seven common grocery store tricks that make you spend more money and how to avoid falling for them.
1. Buy One, Get One Free Deals
Everyone loves getting something for free.
At first glance, there's nothing wrong with a Buy One, Get One Free promotion. Especially if it's an item you already planned to purchase. The problem is when the deal convinces you to buy something that wasn't on your list.
While you're technically getting a free item, you're still spending money you may not have intended to spend in the first place. This is one of the most effective grocery store tricks that make you spend more money because it creates a sense of urgency and value that can be hard to resist.
Free samples seem harmless, but they're surprisingly effective at influencing purchasing decisions. The combination of smelling and tasting a product can make you much more likely to buy it.
Even if you don't purchase the item right away, you've now been introduced to it. The next time you see it on sale, you may be more tempted to add it to your cart.
Costco isn't the only store that offers samples, but they're certainly known for them. Enjoy the free snack, but remember that free samples are one of the classic grocery store tricks that make you spend more money.
3. Giant Shopping Carts
Shopping carts are convenient, but have you noticed how large they've become?
The bigger the cart, the emptier it feels when you only have a few items inside. Stores know this and hope you'll continue filling it with products you didn't originally plan to buy.
To avoid overspending, bring a shopping list and stick to it. If you're only picking up a handful of items, consider skipping the cart altogether and carrying a basket, or just your items.
4. Strategic Store Layouts
You walk into the store for milk and leave with bananas, chips, and a few sale items you didn't plan on buying.
Sound familiar?
There's a reason for that. Essential items like milk, eggs, and bread are often placed at the back of the store. This forces you to walk through multiple aisles, increasing the chances that you'll spot something tempting along the way.
Store layouts are carefully designed to expose shoppers to as many products as possible, making this one of the most powerful grocery store tricks that make you spend more money.
5. End Caps
End caps are the displays located at the ends of grocery store aisles.
Because these displays are highly visible, stores often use them to promote new products, seasonal items, or products with higher profit margins.
Just because an item is featured on an end cap doesn't necessarily mean it's the best deal. Always compare prices and ask yourself whether you actually need the product before adding it to your cart.
6. Clearance Bins
There's something exciting about finding a bargain.
The challenge is that clearance bins often encourage impulse purchases. You may find an item that seems like an incredible deal, only to realize later that you didn't really need it.
Before buying, compare the sale price to the regular price and consider whether the item solves a genuine need. Otherwise, you're simply spending money because something is discounted.
7. Checkout Displays
Checkout lanes are packed with candy, magazines, gum, drinks, and other small items for a reason.
As you wait in line, the store has your undivided attention. These products are strategically placed to encourage last-minute purchases that seem inexpensive on their own but quickly add up over time.
Checkout displays remain one of the most successful grocery store tricks that make you spend more money, especially when shoppers are tired or distracted after finishing their shopping trip.
Final Thoughts
Most of us have fallen victim to these grocery store tactics at one time or another. I know I certainly have! The good news is that understanding these grocery store tricks that make you spend more money can help you shop more intentionally, avoid impulse purchases, and keep your grocery budget under control.
Have you noticed any of these tricks at your local grocery store? Are there other sneaky tactics you've seen stores use to encourage shoppers to spend more?
This was such a big hit in past years, that I took the time to update it with this year's dates! Hope you enjoy 🙂
Are you living in the Okanagan or planning a visit there this summer? Since the Okanagan is the place I’m lucky enough to call home, I wanted to put together a guide packed with fun and affordable things to do all summer long in the land of sunshine. My goal is to make this the ultimate frugal Okanagan summer activity guide! If you know of a great event, hidden gem, or must-visit spot, let me know and I’d love to add it to the list.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or you’re lucky enough to call this region home, I hope this Okanagan Summer Activity Guide helps you make the most of every moment. From lake days to orchard visits to local markets to scenic hikes, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy all summer long. Save this Okanagan summer activity guide for later and start ticking off your favourite experiences as you go. Summer in the Okanagan always goes by faster than we think.
Looking for deals?
Grouponhas a ton of local discounted restaurants, spas, things to do and more! Check it out for great savings on the things you want to do in the Okanagan.
Trying to organize your home without spending a fortune? You're not alone. Keeping your space tidy and clutter-free doesn't have to mean investing in expensive storage systems or custom organization solutions. In fact, some of the best organizing products are surprisingly affordable.
In a world where clutter seems to multiply overnight, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Whether you're organizing a small apartment, a busy family home, or simply looking for ways to make everyday life a little easier, affordable organizers can help you maximize your space while staying within budget.
From kitchen cabinets and bathroom counters to closets and entryways, budget-friendly organization products offer practical solutions for every room in your home. The best part? You don't have to spend a lot to get organized.
Below, you'll find 12 affordable organizers available on Amazon for $25 or less. These clever storage solutions can help reduce clutter, simplify your daily routine, and make your home feel more functional, all without breaking the bank.
I think one of these over the door organizers would be perfect for those kids who love knick knacks! Or for holding baby supplies. The option are endless, really. See it on Amazon.
We have something like this in our garage to wrangle the mop and brooms and I love it! This one from Amazon looks even better than what we have. I like that it has small hooks for hanging other small things! See it on Amazon.
If you have tea drinkers in your home, this tea bag organizer is going to be so nice to have! Say goodbye to stacking boxes that you have to individually move to get to the flavour you really want! See it on Amazon.
If you are short on space in your closets, these pant hangers could free up a lot of space for you! There are ones especially for skirts too. See it on Amazon.
This is advertised as a shoe organizer, but I think this you could store so many different things in one of these! May hair care, toys, gift wrapping supplies, office supplies and so much more! See it on Amazon.
This organizer would make a great addition to any entryway or kitchen. Use the hooks to keep track of car keys, spare keys, and other small items, and use the main compartment to keep track of your mail. See it on Amazon.
I have these all over our house! I've got them in our bathroom drawers, kitchen, the girls' craft desk... they are so good! These are interlocking and I find they slide around less than ones that aren't interlocking. See it on Amazon.
This is the first time I have seen one of these, but instantly I knew it could be very useful! My youngest has a bunk bed in her room and I like that she could have a place to put her water bottle, books and knick knacks. See it on Amazon.
I have a couple of these in our fridge. One holds yogurt cups and the other holds apples/oranges. I love that these ones have removable dividers, making them great for organizing snacks in the pantry. See it on Amazon.
These 2 tier under sink organizers are brilliant! I have one under our kitchen sink and one in each of the bathrooms! Highly recommend! This is a two pack on sale! See it on Amazon.
How amazing would these be for easy access of all the water bottles and travel mugs? No need to take everything out just to get the bottle you're wanting. See it on Amazon.
Getting organized doesn't have to come with a big price tag. With the right affordable organizers, you can create a more functional, clutter-free home while sticking to your budget. Whether you're tackling overflowing closets, messy kitchen cabinets, or crowded countertops, these budget-friendly storage solutions can help you make the most of your space. Start with one or two organizers that solve your biggest pain points, and you'll be surprised at how much easier daily life can become when everything has a place.
Want to see more of my affordable organization picks from Amazon? Visit my Amazon storefront to see more than 50 recommendations! (Not every item is under $25 though.)
With Amazon Music, you can now can get one Audible book per month as part of your monthly Amazon Music subscription. Unlimited subscribers can now enjoy one audiobook per month, including the largest catalogue of audiobooks from Audible, top podcasts and millions of songs ad-free.
Get 7 Free Audiobooks
Yes, you read that right: 7 audiobooks for FREE!
Here’s the deal:
Right now, you can sign up for a4-month free trial of Amazon Music, which includes one free audiobook each month (you get to pick!). That’s 4 audiobooks to enjoy.
Then, if you're new to Audible or recently canceled, you can grab a 3-month free trial of Audible when you sign up by July 15. That gives you 3 credits to use on any audiobooks you want. You keep them forever, even if you cancel.
That’s 7 audiobooks totally free. No strings, no spending. Just be sure to cancel your memberships before the trials are over, unless you intend on continuing your memberships.
Here’s How to Stretch It Out for 7 Months of Free Listening:
June to September: Use Amazon Music to stream one audiobook a month (these don’t stay in your library, so listen before the month ends).
June to August: Use your Audible credits to grab one book each month and download or pre-order them.
October to December: Listen to the Audible books you downloaded earlier.
That’s 7 FREE audiobooks spread across 7 months. Smart, frugal, and totally doable.
Summer is the perfect time to make memories, enjoy the sunshine, and spend quality time with family and friends. But having fun doesn't have to come with a big price tag. Whether you're looking to keep the kids entertained during school break, plan budget-friendly family adventures, or simply make the most of the warmer weather, there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy the season. From outdoor adventures and creative activities to local events and staycation ideas, these 45 free and cheap summer activities will help you make the most of summer while keeping your spending in check.
1. Bowl for FREE — Kids can bowl 2 games for FREE every day throughout the Summer. Visit KidsBowlFree.com to see which bowling alleys are participating.
2. Get a FREE Slurpee — July 11 is always FREE Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven. Take your family out for a free tasty treat that will help cool you off during the Summer heat!
3. Make Slime — Both my daughters and I have so much fun creating and playing with this Inside Out Sensory Slime. It's just so fun to see how it works.
4. Make Homemade Iced Tea — Try brewing a batch of my favourite sun tea. You'll have fun watching the water change colour and even more fun adding your favourite flavourings like lemons, mint or even raspberries.
5. Visit a Park — Why not visit a nearby provincial or national park that you've never visited before? You could explore the trails or just do some day camping by bringing along the hot dogs and marshmallows.
6. Visit the Beach — Living in the Okanagan, we have a ton of beautiful beaches at our fingertips. We like to grab a book or magazine and head to one to relax while our daughters play in the sand or on the playground.
7. Go Fruit Picking — One word. Cherries! We love to get out as soon as our favourite fruits are in season. U-Picks are a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family and are always much cheaper than the grocery stores!
8. Plan a Picnic — Picnics are one of our favourite things to do. We've got a system down to make things easy: It's always bunwiches with deli meat, cheese and pickles. I always throw in some fruit and veggies too. As a treat, I pack some cold pop and a bag of chips. Simple!
9. Fly a Kite — Well, I haven't flown a kite since I was a kid, but it still sounds like a fun idea! Don’t own one? This one has great reviews on Amazon.
10. Pitch a Tent in the backyard — Give the kids a fun experience by pitching a tent in your own backyard. Build a campfire, or use a propane fire ring like we do (because of campfire bans) to roast marshmallows.
11. Make Art with Sidewalk Chalk — Sidewalk chalk is something I always have on hand so Sienna can go out to create some masterpieces on the sidewalk or the basketball court we have at our townhouse. This is something she likes to do on her own so I can get a little work done. 😉
12. Plant Flowers — Now, you have to be careful with this one as buying "only a few" plants can really add up! (Trust me, I know!) Rather than planting an entire garden, you could concentrate on filling up a planter to keep costs down. While you're at it, why not create this Milk Jug Watering Can so the kids can help water.
13. Plant an Herb Garden — Another fun planting project is to plant an herb garden. Fresh herbs are so great to have on hand to make meals delicious. Growing your own herbs can also save you a bundle at the grocery store.
14. Plan a Scavenger Hunt — Want to get the kids outside? They can spend their summer outdoors with a fun scavenger hunt! Buggy and Buddy has 30 free printable options - you're sure to find something appealing!
15. Run Through the Sprinklers — Cool off in the backyard with sprinklers or even the garden hose. Even water balloons would be a blast! You can pick up water balloons at the dollar store or even one of these neat Fast Fill kits from Amazon.
16. Blow Bubbles — Bubbles are always a hit around here! When I see them for the first time in the spring, I'll pick up a few of those bubble wands that cost only $1. You could even try whipping up your own bubble solution for the kids to play with in the yard or at the beach.
17. Have a Garage Sale — Gather up all your unwanted items and host a garage sale one weekend to make some extra cash. Let the kids join in on the fun by setting up a lemonade stand for customers. Here are some garage sale tipsfrom Simply Frugal readers that you may enjoy!
18. Visit a local Festival or Event – Our city hosts regular free music events, movies in the park and even summer festivals that are fun for the whole family. These events are free for everyone to enjoy. Check your newspapers and city website to see what's being offered this year near you!
19. Visit the Library — The library is a great place to visit over the summer months. I believe most libraries offer reading challenges that are sure to encourage reading even while school is out. Check out this post for more ideas on how the library can save you money.
20. Head to the Farmer’s Market – Support your local farmers, and check out a couple of the markets in your area throughout the Summer. You really can’t beat the quality of the produce and the neat homemade items. Here are 5 reasons to buy local produce.
21. Go Swim in the Pool — Since most of us don't have a swimming pool, head out to one in your community to cool off. Some may require a small entrance fee, but can be loads of fun for the kids.
22. Stop By a Splash Park — Another fun option for the especially hot summer days is to stop at a local splash park. We like to meet friends there since my daughter has a bit more confidence when she's not surrounded by strangers trying to get her wet. 😉
23. Play on a Sports Team — Love to play sports? Why not gather a group of friends and put together a beach volleyball team? Or maybe ultimate frisbee? If you'd rather, you could sign up your group of friends for a weekend tournament instead.
24. Go to the Movie Theatre - Currently, Cineplex movie theatres are offering a discount on movies on Tuesdays. Take a look here for more details.
25. Snag a Daily Deal — Keep an eye out on Grouponand WagJag for deals and local activities for huge savings. You might be surprised at everything that’s offered in your own city!
26. Go Hiking— Our family loves to go for hikes, they're not quite as long now that we have kids, but it's still an enjoyable activity! Visit a local bookstore for trail maps or check AllTrails for hiking trails near you.
27. Attend a Home Depot Workshop — The Home Depot offers these great FREE workshops where kids can build a different project each month. Check this page for the schedule.
28. Watch Fireworks — Canada Day is known to be a day where fireworks will be involved. Why not find a special viewing point to enjoy this year's show?
29. Take a Craft Class — Michael’s Canada offers classes for adults and kids featuring all sorts of different projects. I have noticed that every once in a while they offer a substantial discount on classes so keep your eyes open for that.
30. Volunteer — Why not take some time to give of yourself this Summer? Volunteer at a local food pantry, woman's shelter, or soup kitchen. Ask around, I'm sure the opportunities are plentiful!
31. Find the Best Ice Cream — Go on an ice cream date once a week in an attempt to discover the best ice cream in your city. Places like Marble Slab have coupons often and locally owned shops may have daily specials for you to save.
32. Take an Evening Walk — An evening walk in the summer is just so, so nice. The temperature is somewhat cooler. Plus, there's just something so nice about the evening light.
33. Try Geocaching — Geocachingis an outdoor activity of searching for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website. We thought this sounded so much fun, so we borrowed my parent's GPS to give it a try!
34. Do a Puzzle — Puzzles are a hit in our household. Both my husband and I enjoyed doing puzzles growing up and now our oldest daughter likes them too!
35. Learn a New Skill — Summer is a great time to learn something new, whether it be gardening, knitting, or discovering your artistic talent. Read 52 Things to Learn for Free to get started.
36. Start a New TV Series — Why not use Netflix to start a new TV series during the Summer, and catch up on all the seasons just in time for the Fall premieres. What shows would you recommend to someone looking for suggestions?
37. Do a Science Experiment — Help your kids learn about our fascinating world by trying their hands at a fun science experiment? KidsActivitiesBlog.com has links to a ton of fun projects!
39. Make Homemade Playdough — This is my current favourite no-cook recipe for playdough. My kids used to play for a long time making me "food" to eat. You probably have all the ingredients on hand already!
40. Go for a Bike Ride — Rather than walking, why not put those wheels to good use! Go for a ride around the neighborhood or ride along a nice path your city may have. You could make a day of it if you pack lunches and lots of water.
41. Make a Sock Puppet - This adorable monster sock puppet is anything but scary. Plus, it uses dollar store items to make for a cheap summer activity!
42. Sort Through Clothes — Maybe I'm weird, but I actually get a hankering to do more organizing projects in the summer. (Not just in January.) I find Summer is a great time to clean out my closet and donate what I don’t wear anymore.
43. Paint Your Nails - Summer time means I must have my toe nails painted in pretty colors all the time! I don't normally put nail polish on my finger nails, but my toe nails are fair game for anything bright and fun. Why not have a simple spa time by giving yourself a pedicure?
44. Color a Picture - Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore! Print off coloring pages for adults, and pull out the kid’s coloring books for a fun family time. Play some music for hours of good relaxing fun!
45. Have a Nap - Finally, why not have a nap? No better spot than outside in a nice shady area!
I also whipped up this printable Summer Activity sheet that you can print off and hang somewhere convenient so you're always full of ideas.
Summer doesn't have to be boring for anyone when you're armed with these summer activity ideas! Leave your fun and cheap summer activities in the comments below!
Free Printable Summer Bucket Lists for Kids and Families
Summer is the perfect time to slow down, make memories, and enjoy all the simple pleasures the season has to offer. Whether you're planning family adventures, looking for screen-free activities, or encouraging your kids to read more, these free printable Summer Bucket Lists are here to help.
This printable set includes a Summer Bucket List and a Summer Reading List, making it easy to keep track of all the fun things you want to do before summer comes to an end. From beach days and backyard campouts to library visits and reading challenges, these lists help turn summer goals into lasting memories.
Simply print the pages, hang them on the fridge, and start checking off activities as you complete them. Kids will love creating their own summer plans, and parents will appreciate having an easy way to encourage outdoor play, family time, and reading.
Download your free Summer Bucket Lists today and start making this your best summer yet!
I have also curated a whole bunch of summer things in my Amazon storefront. Find beach essentials, outdoor games, activity books & craft kits, summer reads and more.
What do you have planned for your summer? What's on your reading list? Let us know in the comments!
How to Pay Off Debt in Canada: 15 Strategies That Actually Work
If you're wondering how to pay off debt in Canada, you're not alone. Rising living costs, high interest rates, and unexpected expenses have left many Canadians carrying credit card balances, personal loans, lines of credit, and other forms of debt.
The good news is that becoming debt-free is possible. While there isn't a magic solution, there are proven debt repayment strategies that can help you take control of your finances and make steady progress toward your goals.
Whether you're looking for ways to pay off debt fast or simply want a realistic debt payoff plan, these strategies can help.
1. Create a Budget and Stick to It
The first step in any debt repayment plan is understanding where your money is going.
Track your income and expenses for a month and identify areas where you can reduce spending. Even small cuts can free up money that can be applied toward debt payments.
A budget gives every dollar a purpose and helps you avoid relying on credit cards to cover monthly expenses.
2. Stop Adding New Debt
This may seem obvious, but it's one of the most important steps.
If you're actively trying to pay off debt, avoid adding new balances whenever possible. Focus on using cash, debit, or money you already have available rather than financing new purchases.
Paying off debt becomes much harder when balances continue to grow.
3. Live Below Your Means
One of the most effective Canadian debt tips is learning to live on less than you earn.
Living below your means creates extra money that can be used for debt payments, savings, and future financial goals.
Avoid lifestyle inflation and focus on spending intentionally rather than trying to keep up with others.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades
Many Canadians fall into the trap of upgrading their lifestyle every time their income increases.
Before upgrading your vehicle, phone, wardrobe, furniture, or home, ask yourself whether the purchase is truly necessary. Delaying major upgrades can free up thousands of dollars that can be used toward your debt payoff plan.
5. Use the Debt Snowball Method
The debt snowball method involves paying off your smallest debt first while making minimum payments on all other debts.
Once the smallest balance is paid off, roll that payment into the next debt.
Many people find this strategy motivating because they experience quick wins that help build momentum.
6. Consider the Debt Avalanche Method
The debt avalanche method focuses on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. This approach can save money on interest over time and may help you pay off debt faster.
Choose the method that keeps you motivated and consistent.
7. Never Pay Full Price
One of the easiest ways to free up extra money is to reduce everyday spending.
The money you save can go directly toward your debt repayment goals.
8. Increase Your Income
While reducing expenses helps, increasing your income can dramatically speed up your progress.
Consider:
Freelance work
Selling unused items
Pet sitting
Childcare
Delivery services
Seasonal employment
Online side hustles
Every extra dollar earned can help you become debt-free sooner.
9. Put Windfalls Toward Debt
When extra money arrives, resist the temptation to spend it.
Consider applying these funds toward debt:
Tax refunds
GST/HST credits
Bonuses
Work incentives
Cash gifts
Inheritance funds
Large lump-sum payments can significantly reduce your debt balance.
10. Automate Your Payments
Automatic payments help ensure you never miss a due date.
Obviously, missing payments can lead to additional fees, increased interest charges, and damage to your credit score. Automation makes it easier to stay consistent with your debt repayment plan.
11. Lower Your Monthly Bills
Review your recurring expenses and look for opportunities to reduce them.
You may be able to save money on:
Internet service
Cell phone plans
Insurance policies
Streaming subscriptions
Banking fees
Simply saving $50 to $100 per month can make a meaningful difference when applied toward debt.
12. Build a Small Emergency Fund
Many people wonder whether they should save money or pay off debt first. Ideally, do both.
Having even $500 to $1,000 set aside for emergencies can help prevent new debt when unexpected expenses occur. Without an emergency fund, a single car repair or appliance breakdown can undo months of progress.
13. Sell Things You No Longer Use
Most households have hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of unused items.
Consider selling:
Electronics
Furniture
Sports equipment
Children's toys
Clothing
Collectibles
Put the proceeds directly toward your debt instead of spending them elsewhere.
14. Use Raises Wisely
Receiving a raise is exciting, but it's also an opportunity to accelerate your debt payoff journey.
Instead of increasing your spending, direct some or all of the additional income toward your debt.
Many people pay off debt years sooner simply by avoiding lifestyle inflation.
15. Celebrate Progress Without Spending
Paying off debt is a major accomplishment. As you reach milestones, find low-cost ways to celebrate your success.
Take a hike, enjoy a movie night at home, visit a local park, or spend time with family and friends.
Recognizing your progress can help you stay motivated while continuing to work toward becoming debt-free.
Final Thoughts on How to Pay Off Debt in Canada
Learning how to pay off debt in Canada doesn't require drastic measures or a perfect financial situation. Small, consistent actions add up over time.
Whether you choose the debt snowball method, debt avalanche method, or another debt repayment strategy, the most important step is getting started. Create a budget, reduce unnecessary spending, increase your income when possible, and stay committed to your debt payoff plan.
Every dollar you put toward debt today brings you one step closer to financial freedom, lower stress, and a more secure future.
What strategies have helped you pay off debt? Share your best debt repayment tips in the comments below!
