There are definitely some things I wouldn't recommend buying at the dollar store, but that doesn't mean you should write off the whole place! There are tons of items that can save you money, especially when you're shopping for things that don't need to be fancy or last forever.
From party supplies and craft materials to organizing bins and greeting cards, the dollar store can be a great place to stretch your budget.
Here are 15 must buy dollar store items that I think are worth picking up:
Party supplies - Napkins, paper plates, plastic cutlery, tablecloths and party decorations are some of my favourite dollar-store buys. When you're purchasing something that's likely to be used once, there's not much reason to spend a fortune on it.
Mailing supplies - The dollar store is where I usually pick up our mailing envelopes. You can often find a great selection at a much lower price than at an office-supply store, including peel-and-seal envelopes so you can skip the licking!
Pregnancy tests - Pregnancy tests can be expensive at the drugstore, so the dollar store can be a much more budget-friendly option. Just make sure you follow the package instructions carefully and check the expiration date before using one.
Greeting cards - My husband says that if I have to get him a greeting card for a special occasion, he'd appreciate it if I got it from the dollar store. LOL.
Honestly, I agree. There are usually lots of cute and funny options, and I'd much rather spend a couple of dollars on a card that's going to end up in a drawer than several dollars on one that's going in the recycling bin a few days later.
Craft supplies - Craft supplies are must buy dollar store items, in my opinion. Felt, beads, acrylic paint, embellishments, glue, cardstock and double-sided tape are just some of the craft supplies I've picked up at the dollar store.
Some locations have really good craft sections, so it's worth taking a look before heading to a specialty craft store.
Wrapping paper - Why pay a premium for wrapping paper when it's going to be ripped to pieces in approximately 14 seconds?
The dollar store is my go-to for inexpensive wrapping paper, especially when I need a particular colour or theme for a birthday or special occasion. (Though I do get my Christmas wrapping paper on clearance from other stores when it goes on sale after the holidays.)
Gift bags - Gift bags are another item I don't think you need to spend a lot of money on. Dollar stores usually have a huge selection of colours, sizes and designs, and they're perfect for those last-minute gifts.
Organizing products - I've purchased numerous bins, containers and buckets from the dollar store over the years.
My most recent purchase was some simple white plastic bins for organizing our bathroom closet. They hold our stuff just as well as the fancy (and much more expensive) versions, and that's exactly what I'm looking for!
Foil pans - Doing some freezer cooking? Feeding a crowd? Taking food to a potluck?
Pick up your disposable foil pans at the dollar store rather than paying more for them elsewhere. They're especially handy when you don't want to worry about getting your favourite casserole dish back.
Helium balloons - I've always found balloons and party decorations to be worth checking out at the dollar store, especially when you're putting together a birthday celebration.
I've purchased regular balloons and decorations there, and helium balloons can also be a budget-friendly option where available. Just check the current selection and pricing at your local store.
Double sided tape - Double-sided tape is one of those little things that can be surprisingly expensive at an office-supply or craft store.
If you use it for card making, crafts, wrapping or little household projects, check the dollar store first. It's one of those inexpensive supplies that's worth having in your craft drawer.
Kid Activities/Crafts - I like to keep a few colouring books, activity books, craft kits and little projects tucked away for rainy days, long car rides or those inevitable "I'm bored!" moments.
The dollar store is perfect for this because you can put together a little stash without spending a lot of money.
Batteries - I haven't done any scientific testing on dollar-store batteries, but I've had good experiences with the ones I've purchased over the years.
For things like remotes, clocks and other lower-demand household gadgets, they're definitely worth considering. Just compare the price per battery and check the package before assuming the cheapest looking option is actually the best deal.
Reading glasses - My mother-in-law has always purchased her reading glasses from the dollar store. I love the idea because it means you can keep a pair in different rooms of the house instead of constantly wondering where you left them!
They're also handy to keep in a purse, desk or bedside table.
Cooking Utensils - I've found some surprisingly good cooking utensils at the dollar store.
I recently purchased a pair of heavy-duty Betty Crocker tongs for $3 from Dollarama, and they were by far the best price I had found for a sturdy pair.
Of course, quality can vary, so give utensils a quick inspection before buying them. But there are definitely some gems to be found.
A Few More Dollar Store Items Worth Checking Out
And because I can never stop at just 15, here are a few more things I think are worth checking out while you're there:
Reusable food storage containers - Great for lunches, leftovers and organizing small items around the house.
Cleaning supplies - Microfiber cloths, sponges, scrub brushes and cleaning tools can be inexpensive dollar store wins. Even some cleaning products (like Barkeeper's Friend) are cheaper at the dollar store than other stores.
Seasonal decorations - If you're looking for inexpensive holiday or seasonal décor, this is one category where I think the dollar store really shines.
Hair accessories - Hair elastics, clips, headbands and similar accessories are often inexpensive items that don't necessarily need to be a splurge.
School supplies - Not every school supply is a great dollar store deal, but it's worth checking prices on things like folders, notebooks, pencil cases and basic art supplies.
Storage hooks and organizers - Adhesive hooks, small baskets and little organizers can be incredibly useful for creating inexpensive storage solutions. Don't skip the makeup section! I've found some great containers there!
The trick with dollar store shopping is to know what is actually a deal. Just because something is inexpensive doesn't automatically mean it's a good buy. I like to focus on things where the quality is good enough for the job and the lower price genuinely saves me money.
Because the goal isn't to spend $1 or $3 just because you can, it's to spend less on things you were going to buy anyway.
What are your must buy dollar store items? I'd love to hear what you always pick up!
How to Create a Spending Journal to Take Control of Your Money
We journal our thoughts, our meals, our goals and sometimes even our workouts. But how often do we actually write down what we're spending?
A spending journal is one of the simplest ways to get a clearer picture of where your money is going. And you don't need a fancy budgeting app or complicated spreadsheet to get started. All you really need is a notebook, a pen and a few minutes each day.
The goal isn't to make you feel guilty about every coffee or takeout order. It's simply about becoming more aware of your spending habits. Once you can see where your money is going, you can start making more intentional decisions about where you'd like it to go instead.
Here’s how to create and keep a spending journal that can actually help you spend smarter and save more.
1. Choose a simple journal
You don't need anything fancy to get started. In fact, I'd recommend keeping it really simple.
Grab a notebook, spiral-bound journal or even a small notepad you already have at home. There's no reason to spend a lot of money on a spending journal when the whole point is to help you save money!
Choose something that's easy to carry with you and give it a title such as “My Spending Journal” or “Where Does My Money Go?” The important thing is that you'll actually use it.
2. Decide how you want to organize it
There are several ways you can set up your spending journal, so choose whatever feels easiest for you.
You could:
Use one page for each day.
Divide the journal into weeks.
Create separate sections for income, bills and everyday spending.
Keep a running list of every purchase.
Use a simple table with columns for the date, item, amount and category.
Don't overthink this part. The best system is the one that makes it easy for you to record your spending consistently. If you're new to the idea, I'd start with a new page for each day. You can always change your system later.
3. Write down every dollar you spend
This is the most important part of keeping a spending journal: record everything.
That means the big expenses and the little ones. Write down your:
Groceries
Coffee and takeout
Gas
Household purchases
Clothing
Entertainment
Online shopping
Subscriptions
Bills
Miscellaneous purchases
Those small purchases are especially important. A $5 purchase might not seem significant on its own, but several small purchases throughout the week can add up quickly.
The goal isn't perfection. It's awareness.
(You may also want to record income or money coming into your account so you can get a more complete picture of your finances.)
4. Separate needs from wants
Once you're recording your purchases, try adding a simple category to each expense.
For example:
Needs: Groceries, utilities, transportation, medication, housing and other necessary expenses.
Wants: Takeout, entertainment, impulse purchases, unnecessary clothing purchases and other things you could live without.
You can use different coloured pens if you enjoy that, but you certainly don't have to. A simple N for need and W for want works just as well.
This can be incredibly eye-opening.
You might discover that you're spending far more on convenience purchases than you realized. Or that some of the things you thought were “needs” are actually wants. There's no judgment involved. You're just collecting information.
5. Review your spending at the end of each week
This is where your spending journal really starts to become useful.
Once a week, take a few minutes to look back at what you've written down. Ask yourself:
What did I spend the most money on?
Were there any purchases I regretted?
Did I make any impulse purchases?
How much did I spend on convenience?
Are there expenses I could reduce next week?
Did I spend money on things I already had at home?
Were there any purchases I could have planned for better?
You may start noticing patterns that are difficult to see when you're simply tapping your debit or credit card and moving on with your day.
6. Track the money you save, too
Here's a fun addition I'd make to your spending journal: keep track of your wins!
Create a small section for money you've saved. This could include:
Coupons or discounts you used
Sale prices
Cash-back rewards
Money you transferred into savings
Items you chose not to buy
Bills or expenses you successfully reduced
Don't underestimate the value of recording the things you didn't spend money on.
If you planned to spend $50 but found a way to spend $35 instead, that's a $15 win. Write it down!
Watching those savings add up can be surprisingly motivating.
7. Keep your spending journal somewhere convenient
Keep it somewhere you'll remember to use it. That might be in your purse, beside your computer, on your desk or in another spot you visit every day.
You can also use a notes app on your phone if that's more convenient for you. The point isn't to use a particular type of journal. The point is to create a habit of paying attention to your spending.
Try recording purchases as soon as possible. Waiting until the end of the day makes it much easier to forget those little purchases.
8. Use what you learn to make better decisions
After you've kept your spending journal for a few weeks, you should have a much clearer picture of your habits.
Now comes the fun part: do something with that information.
Maybe you discover you're spending $40 a week at the coffee shop. Perhaps you're making small purchases online often. Or maybe you realize that grocery trips are becoming expensive because you're stopping at the store several times a week.
You don't have to overhaul your entire budget overnight. Choose one or two areas where you think you could make a change and start there.
The purpose of a spending journal isn't to make you feel bad about spending money. It's to help you become more intentional about it.
Give a Spending Journal a Try
You don't need a complicated budgeting system to start paying closer attention to your money.
A notebook and a few minutes a day can be enough to show spending patterns you might not have noticed otherwise. Once you know where your money is going, you can make more informed decisions about where you'd rather have it go.
Try keeping a spending journal for the next 30 days and see what you discover. You might be surprised by what you learn. You will probably find a few easy opportunities to spend less along the way.
Have you ever kept a spending journal? What did it teach you about your spending habits?
How to Feed a Family on $50 This Week: A Practical Grocery Budget Plan
One of the things I love most about home cooked meals is how they bring a family together. There is something pretty special about gathering around the kitchen table, eating something delicious and talking about what happened during the day.
Unfortunately, feeding a family can get expensive quickly.
If you're trying to stretch your grocery budget this week, though, there are ways to make $50 go further. It won't necessarily be easy, and prices vary depending on where you live and what is on sale, but with some planning and creativity, you can make a small grocery budget stretch a lot further.
One important note: when I talk about how to feed a family on $50 for a week, I'm assuming you have at least a few pantry, refrigerator or freezer staples already on hand. You don't need to start with an entirely empty kitchen!
Here's how I'd approach a $50 grocery budget.
1. Take Inventory Before You Shop
Before you even think about going to the grocery store, shop your own kitchen.
Check your:
Pantry
Refrigerator
Freezer
Baking supplies
Spices and seasonings
Write down everything you already have that could be used to make meals.
You might have pasta, rice, potatoes, canned tomatoes, frozen vegetables, eggs or a package of meat hiding in the freezer. Maybe you have half a bag of tortillas or a can of beans that you forgot about. There is no need to buy tomato sauce if you already have some in the pantry!
The less you need to purchase, the further your $50 will go.
2. Check the Flyers and Build Your Meal Plan
Once you know what you already have, check your local grocery flyers and look for the best deals. I like to use Flipp to compare prices.
This is where I think a lot of people go wrong with meal planning. They decide what they want to eat first and then go shopping for all the ingredients.
When you're working with a very small budget, I'd do the opposite: Look at what you already have, see what's on sale and then build your meals around those ingredients.
If chicken thighs are on sale while chicken breasts aren't, chicken thighs might be the better choice. If ground beef is expensive but another protein is on sale, adjust your plan. If potatoes are a great price, find several ways to use them throughout the week.
You don't have to stop eating the foods your family enjoys. You just need to be a little flexible about which ingredients you use.
This is also where a meal planner can really help. I like having everything written down so I can see the entire week at a glance and make sure I'm not planning meals that require a bunch of ingredients I don't already have.
If you want to make meal planning easier, I've created a printable meal planner that you can print and use week after week.
Use it to plan your breakfasts, lunches and dinners, then build your grocery list around what you still need. When you're working with a specific budget, having everything planned out before you shop can help prevent those little “I'll just grab this” purchases that add up really quickly!
The goal isn't to plan the fanciest meals. It's to create a meal plan that uses what you already have, takes advantage of what's on sale and keeps your grocery spending under control.
3. Use Budget-Friendly Meal Stretchers
When money is tight, inexpensive staples can be your best friend.
Rice, beans, potatoes, pasta and oats can all help stretch meals without adding a lot to your grocery bill. Beans can be added to tacos, chili and soups. Rice can bulk up a stir-fry or serve as a side dish. Potatoes can turn a small amount of meat into a more filling meal. Pasta can stretch a sauce and feed more people. Dry beans are generally one of the most economical options if you have the time and desire to prepare them, but canned beans can also be convenient when they're on sale.
These are simple ingredients that can help you get more meals out of your grocery budget.
4. Make a List of Cheap Family Meals
I believe that most meals can be frugal meals when you buy the ingredients at the right price.
For example, if chicken thighs are on sale, I'll choose those instead of chicken breasts. If pasta is on sale, I'll work it into the meal plan. If a big bag of carrots are on sale, I'll look for ways to use them throughout the week.
I also have a 20 meal rotation that I've been using lately. I'd consider most of the meals on that list simple, inexpensive family dinners.
Some other budget friendly ideas include:
Spaghetti with tomato sauce
Homemade soup
Chili with beans
Tacos with beans or a small amount of meat
Fried rice
Grilled cheese and soup
Pancakes or French toast
Baked potatoes with toppings
Pasta salad
Egg sandwiches
Rice and vegetable bowls
You don't need fancy recipes to feed your family well.
5. Keep Breakfast and Lunch Simple
In our house, I have a pretty predictable breakfast rotation: oatmeal, pancakes/waffles, French toast, peanut butter toast, scrambled eggs and cereal, always served with fruit.
That might sound boring, but honestly, it makes life easier! I'll also make pancakes/waffles or French toast for dinner sometimes just so I can freeze the leftovers. Then I can pop them into the toaster on a busy morning for a quick and filling breakfast.
I take a similar approach with lunches.
Sandwiches, grilled cheese, soup, leftovers and simple wraps can all make inexpensive lunches.
Save your meal variety for dinner. You don't need to reinvent breakfast and lunch every day of the week.
6. Use Store Rewards and Loyalty Points
If you have grocery store loyalty points, don't forget to check your balance before you shop.
I like collecting PC Optimum points because I can redeem them toward my grocery bill. I recently redeemed $30 worth of points, which made a pretty noticeable difference at checkout!
If you regularly shop at a store with a rewards program, it can be worth learning how the program works and watching for opportunities to earn extra points.
When you're trying to stick to a $50 grocery budget, $10 in rewards can make a big difference!
7. Look for Grocery Rebates
Grocery rebate apps can be another way to squeeze a little more value out of your shopping trip.
I personally like Checkout 51 and Caddle because I can upload my receipt after shopping and claim eligible offers easily.
Ampliis another option if you're comfortable connecting your cards to the service. (I haven't tried this one.)
The important thing is to check the offers before you shop rather than buying something simply because there's a rebate. A rebate isn't a deal if it causes you to spend money on something you didn't need!
8. Be Willing to Shop Somewhere Different
If you're used to doing all of your grocery shopping at one particular store, this might be the week to step outside your usual routine.
Different stores can have very different prices on the exact same products. Depending on where you live, you might find better prices at stores such as Walmart, No Frills, FreshCo, Food Basics, Giant Tiger or a local discount grocer.
You don't need to shop at five different stores, either. If the time and transportation costs aren't worth it, choose the store that gives you the best overall value. I like to use Flipp to compare prices so I can get a general idea of what store will provide the best value each week for what I need.
The goal isn't to spend your entire day driving around town to save $3. It's to be strategic about where you shop so your $50 buys as much as possible.
9. Look at a Sample $50 Grocery Haul
So what could a $50 grocery trip actually look like?
Your exact prices will depend on your location, store and what's on sale, but here's the kind of shopping list I'd build around a tight budget:
Oats
Eggs
Bread
Bananas
Potatoes
Carrots
Onions
Pasta
Rice
Canned tomatoes
Beans
Frozen vegetables
Tortillas
One sale priced protein
Cheese or another inexpensive topping
The key is that these ingredients aren't just for one meal. For example, potatoes can become a side dish, breakfast potatoes or part of a soup. Beans can go into chili, tacos or rice bowls. Eggs can cover breakfast, lunch or even dinner.
Think in ingredients, not individual meals. That's how you make a small grocery budget work harder.
10. Don't Forget the Leftovers!
Who wants leftovers?
Well, maybe not everyone. But leftovers are one of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget because you've already paid for the ingredients and done the cooking.
If your family doesn't enjoy eating exactly the same meal two nights in a row, change it up.
Taco Tuesday can become taco salad Wednesday. Leftover chicken can become sandwiches or soup. Roasted vegetables can be added to eggs, rice or pasta.
I also love freezing leftovers whenever possible. For example, I'll freeze leftover spaghetti sauce so that I have an easy meal waiting for us on a busy night.
Don't think of leftovers as yesterday's dinner. Think of them as tomorrow's shortcut!
11. Don't Be Afraid to Repeat Meals
There's something about the idea of eating the same thing twice that makes people feel like they're failing at meal planning.
You're not.
If you make a big pot of chili on Monday and eat it again on Wednesday, that's not boring. That's smart grocery budgeting.
You can also freeze portions so you aren't eating the same meal several days in a row.
When you're trying to feed a family on $50, repetition is your friend.
What Would I Actually Do With $50?
If I had exactly $50 to spend on groceries this week, I'd start by shopping my own kitchen.
Then I'd check the sales and look for inexpensive proteins, produce and staples that could be used in several meals.
I'd use my meal planner to map out the week and build a grocery list around what I actually need.
I'd keep breakfast and lunch predictable, make several inexpensive dinners, use rice, beans, potatoes and pasta to stretch meals, and plan to eat the leftovers.
I'd also check my loyalty points and available grocery rebates before I went shopping.
And most importantly, I'd leave some flexibility in the plan.
If I got to the store and discovered that chicken was expensive but pork was on sale, I'd change the plan. That's one of the biggest advantages of meal planning around sales instead of being stuck to a particular recipe.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your family on $50 for a week isn't necessarily going to be easy, especially if you're starting with an empty pantry. Grocery prices also vary considerably, so your $50 may look very different from someone else's.
But if you have some staples at home and are willing to plan around sales, shop strategically and get creative with your ingredients, you may be surprised by how far a small grocery budget can stretch.
To me, frugal living isn't about making every meal as cheap as possible. It's about using what you have, buying things at the right price and finding ways to make your money work harder.
And sometimes, that means a pot of chili feeding the family twice. 😉
What are your favourite ways to stretch a $50 grocery budget? I'd love to hear them!
How to Live Below Your Means: 9 Simple Ways to Spend Less Than You Earn
Living on less than you make is one of the simplest ways to create more breathing room in your finances.
And despite what you might think, living below your means doesn't mean living a boring life or never buying anything you enjoy. It simply means creating a lifestyle that costs less than your income so you have money left over for saving, unexpected expenses, future goals and even some fun.
The goal isn't to spend as little as humanly possible. It's to stop spending everything you earn.
If your money seems to disappear every month, these simple strategies on how to live below your means will help you, without feeling like you're depriving yourself.
1. Know exactly what you bring home
Before you can spend less than you earn, you need to know what you're actually working with.
Look at your take-home income rather than your gross salary. If your income changes from week to week or month to month, calculate an average based on several months.
Then look at the bigger picture:
How much do you bring home each month?
What are your regular expenses?
How much are you currently saving?
Where does the rest of your money go?
Don't worry if you don't love what you see at first. This isn't about judging your spending. It's about getting an honest starting point.
Need a bit more help to feel more organized with your money? My simple printable Budget Planner will help take a lot of the guesswork out of managing your finances.
2. Build your budget around your priorities
A budget shouldn't be a plan for spending every dollar you earn. Instead, give your income a job before you start spending it.
Start with your necessities, then make room for savings and the things that matter most to you. Once those priorities are covered, you can decide what money is available for everything else.
And remember: there's no magic budget percentage that works perfectly for everyone. Your housing costs, family situation, income and goals are all different.
The important thing is that your spending stays below your income.
3. Track where your money is actually going
You can't change spending habits you don't notice.
For a month, keep track of everything you spend. You can use a budgeting app, spreadsheet, notebook or whatever method you'll actually stick with.
Pay special attention to the little purchases. A coffee here, takeout there, a few online purchases and several “it's only $20” purchases can add up quickly.
Tracking your spending isn't about making yourself feel guilty. It's about finding the places where your money could be working harder for you.
4. Learn the difference between needs and wants
One of the most useful habits you can develop is learning to pause before you spend.
Ask yourself: Do I need this, or do I simply want it right now?
There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying things you want. The problem comes when wants consistently take priority over necessities, savings and financial goals.
Try creating a little space between wanting something and buying it. Add it to a wish list, wait a few days and see if you still want it. You might discover that some purchases aren't nearly as important as they seemed in the moment.
5. Look for ways to lower your regular expenses
If you want to learn how to live below your means, don't only focus on cutting little purchases. Look at your recurring expenses, too.
Could you:
Reduce your grocery bill?
Cancel subscriptions you rarely use?
Find a less expensive phone or internet plan?
Shop around for insurance?
Reduce energy use at home?
Borrow books and movies from the library?
Buy certain things secondhand?
Make more meals at home?
Even small monthly savings can make a difference because they keep adding up month after month.
6. Stop trying to keep up
It's difficult to live below your means when you're constantly comparing your life to someone else's.
There will always be someone with a newer car, bigger house, more expensive vacation or seemingly endless shopping budget.
But you don't know what their finances look like behind the scenes.
Instead of asking, “Can I afford that?” try asking, “Does spending my money on this move me closer to the life I want?” That's a much more useful question.
7. Make saving part of your lifestyle
Don't wait to see what's left at the end of the month to decide whether you can save. If possible, make saving one of your regular expenses.
Even a small automatic transfer can help you build the habit. As your income increases or you find ways to reduce expenses, you can gradually increase the amount you're putting aside.
Having money set aside can give you something incredibly valuable: options.
An emergency fund, savings for a big purchase or money set aside for future goals can make unexpected expenses much less stressful.
8. Give yourself some room for fun
This one is important.
If your plan for living below your means is so restrictive that you can't enjoy anything, you're probably not going to stick with it for long. Build some fun into your budget!
Maybe that's dinner out once a month, a weekend activity, a hobby, books, coffee with a friend or saving for a vacation. The amount doesn't matter as much as making sure your spending reflects what you actually value.
Frugal living isn't about saying no to everything. It's about spending intentionally.
9. Increase your lifestyle slowly when your income increases
Got a raise? Started earning more from a side hustle? Paid off a debt?
One of the easiest ways to stay ahead financially is to resist immediately spending every extra dollar you earn. Instead of automatically upgrading your lifestyle, consider putting some of that extra money toward savings or another financial goal.
You can absolutely enjoy the benefits of earning more. Just don't let every increase in income turn into an increase in expenses.
That's how you create more financial breathing room over time.
Living below your means doesn't have to feel restrictive
Learning how to live below your means isn't about living like a miser or never spending money on things you enjoy.
It's about making sure your lifestyle fits your income and leaving yourself some room between what comes in and what goes out.
That extra breathing room can help you save for the things that matter, handle unexpected expenses and work toward bigger financial goals.
Start small. Track your spending. Look for a few expenses you can reduce. Be more intentional about the things you buy.
You don't have to completely overhaul your life overnight. Sometimes, spending just a little less than you earn, consistently, is what makes the biggest difference.
What’s your best tip for how to live below your means without feeling like you’re missing out? I’d love to hear what works for you!
How to Have a Healthy Money Mindset: 7 Simple Ways to Feel Better About Your Finances
When I first started paying closer attention to my spending, I didn't necessarily think I had a problem with money. I was simply curious about where all of it was going.
Back in 2008, I decided to try something that seemed almost impossible at the time: a no spend month.
The idea was simple. I would stop buying anything that wasn't an absolute necessity and see what happened.
What happened was…eye-opening, to say the least!
I started noticing all of the little purchases I had barely thought about before. The quick trips to the store. The things that were “on sale” so I couldn't pass them up. The random purchases that seemed insignificant on their own but really added up over time.
That month taught me something I hadn't fully understood before: saving money isn't just about finding cheaper things. It's also about becoming more aware of why you're spending money in the first place.
And that, for me, was the beginning of a much healthier relationship with money.
Over the years, I've learned that having a healthy money mindset isn't about being obsessed with saving, never spending money, or convincing yourself that you'll magically attract more money if you simply think positively.
It's about becoming more intentional.
It's about understanding what money means to you, being honest about your habits, making spending decisions that align with your priorities, and learning to look at your finances without immediately feeling stressed or guilty.
So, how do you feel when you think about money?
Do you feel confident and in control? Or does the subject immediately bring up stress, guilt, or anxiety?
Maybe you love finding a great deal but feel guilty when you actually spend money. Maybe you're constantly worried about whether you're saving enough. Maybe you avoid checking your bank account because you're afraid of what you'll see.
Or maybe you've spent years hearing things like, “Money doesn't grow on trees,” “We can't afford that,” or “We'll never have enough,” and those messages have stuck with you.
Whatever your relationship with money looks like right now, it isn't necessarily where you have to stay.
A healthy money mindset can be learned. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as paying attention.
Here are seven ways to start building a healthy money mindset:
1. Pay attention to the way you talk about money
One of the easiest places to start is by noticing the things you say about money.
Do you frequently say things like:
“I’m terrible with money.”
“We’ll never be able to afford that.”
“I always spend too much.”
“I’m just not good at saving.”
“Money always disappears.”
It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated about money sometimes. But repeatedly telling yourself that you’re bad with money can make it much harder to change your habits.
Try replacing those statements with something more realistic and constructive. Instead of “I’m terrible with money,” try, “I’m learning how to manage my money better.”
Instead of “I can never afford anything,” try, “I need to decide what is worth spending money on.”
The goal isn't to pretend everything is perfect. It's to change the conversation from “I can't” to “What can I do?”
2. Stop making money a measure of your worth
Your income, your bank balance, and the things you own don't determine your value as a person.
It can be so easy to fall into the comparison trap, especially when we're constantly seeing other people's homes, vacations, purchases, and lifestyles online.
But you have no idea what someone else's financial situation actually looks like.
Someone driving a newer vehicle may have a large car payment. Someone taking an expensive vacation may have saved for years to make it happen. Someone with a beautiful home may have very different financial priorities than you do.
Your financial life doesn't need to look like anyone else's.
Instead of asking, “Am I doing as well as everyone else?”, try asking: “Am I making choices that work for me and my priorities?” That's a much healthier comparison.
3. Learn to look at your money instead of avoiding it
If checking your bank account makes you nervous, you may be tempted to simply avoid it. Unfortunately, avoiding your finances rarely makes the situation feel better.
You don't need to spend hours obsessing over every transaction. But knowing what's coming in, what's going out, and what bills need to be paid can give you a much greater sense of control.
Try having a regular money check-in. Look at your:
Bank accounts
Upcoming bills
Subscriptions
Credit card balances
Savings
Upcoming expenses
Think of it as taking the temperature of your finances rather than judging yourself.
You aren't looking at your bank account to determine whether you've been “good” or “bad.” You're looking so you can make informed decisions.
Ready to feel more organized with your money?
A simple budget can take a lot of the guesswork out of managing your finances. If you need a little help getting started, check out my Budget Planner.
4. Stop feeling guilty about spending money on things that matter
Frugal living doesn't mean you should never spend money.
In fact, one of the healthiest things you can do for your money mindset is learn the difference between spending intentionally and spending mindlessly.
There are things that are worth spending money on because they genuinely make your life better.
Maybe that's a family experience, a hobby, a quality pair of shoes, a meal out, or something that saves you time and frustration.
The goal isn't to spend as little as possible. The goal is to spend your money in ways that align with what matters to you.
A great deal isn't a great deal if you don't actually need or want the item.
One more thing, spending a little more on something you'll use constantly can sometimes be more frugal than repeatedly buying cheaper replacements.
5. Give yourself permission to enjoy the money you're saving
Saving money is important, but saving every possible dollar without ever enjoying any of it can make frugal living feel like punishment.
If you're working hard to save for something important, it's okay to celebrate your progress along the way.
That doesn't necessarily mean going on a shopping spree.
Maybe you set aside a small amount for a coffee date, a family outing, a hobby, or something you've been looking forward to. Having some room for enjoyment can actually make it easier to stick with your bigger financial goals.
Frugality should help you create a life you enjoy, not make you feel like you're constantly depriving yourself.
6. Focus on what you can control
There will always be financial things you can't control.
Grocery prices change. Unexpected expenses happen. Bills go up. Life throws curveballs at us. Constantly worrying about things outside your control can leave you feeling powerless.
Instead, focus on the things you can do. You can:
compare prices.
plan your meals.
look for better deals.
cancel subscriptions you don't use.
shop your pantry before going grocery shopping.
build savings when you're able.
learn more about your finances.
choose where your money goes.
You may not be able to control every financial circumstance, but you can often control the next decision you make. That could be enough to get you moving in a better direction.
7. Check in with your money mindset regularly
Your relationship with money isn't something you figure out once and then never think about again.
Your circumstances change. Your priorities change. Your income and expenses change.
So every once in a while, ask yourself: How am I feeling about money right now?
Are you feeling confident? Stressed? Avoiding something? Guilty about spending? Worried about saving enough? Excited about a financial goal?
There is no wrong answer.
The important thing is to notice what you're feeling so you can decide whether there's something you need to address.
Maybe you need to revisit your budget. Maybe you need to have a conversation about your financial goals. Maybe you simply need to stop comparing your finances to someone else's.
A Healthy Money Mindset Isn't About Being Perfect
Having a healthy money mindset doesn't mean you'll never overspend, worry about a bill, regret a purchase, or make a financial mistake.
You're human. It's going to happen. What matters is how you respond.
Instead of beating yourself up over a mistake, ask: What can I learn from this?
Instead of feeling guilty about spending, ask: Was this purchase important to me?
Instead of worrying that you'll never have enough, ask: What can I do today to make my financial situation a little better?
Money is a tool. It can help us pay for the things we need, enjoy the things we love, prepare for the future, and create a little more breathing room in our lives.
You don't need to be wealthy to have a healthy money mindset.
You simply need to start becoming more aware of where your money is going, why you're making the choices you make, and what you want your money to help you accomplish.
And that's something you can work on one small decision at a time.
Your Healthy Money Mindset Reset
Feeling overwhelmed by your finances? Grab a notebook and answer these five questions:
What is one thing about my finances that is going well?
What is one expense I'd like to reduce?
What am I currently saving for?
What is one financial task I've been avoiding?
What's one small thing I can do this week to feel more in control?
Ready to feel more organized with your money?
A simple budget can take a lot of the guesswork out of managing your finances. If you need a little help getting started, check out my printable Budget Planner.
Simply Frugal Weekend Deals is here to bring you the best discounts and deals across Canada!
Whether you're hunting for home essentials, fashion finds, or something else, I've rounded up the best offers to help you stay on budget without sacrificing what you love.
From limited-time sales to secret coupon codes, I'll make sure your shopping is both fun and affordable.
Want this post to hit your email inbox? Sign up for the Simply Frugal Deals Email. You can do so here. It normally goes out every Friday.
Let's get started shall we? Get ready to shop smart and save more!
Like all of my other deal posts, this post contains affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.
Well.ca
Take a look at some of the brands that are on sale this week at Well.ca: Attitude, Webber Naturals, Nature Clean, Sukin, Jan &Jul, Healthy Crunch, Baby Gourmet, Neutrogena, S'well, Bio-Vert, The Bare Home, Love Child Organics, Bragg, Hornby Organic and more! (ends August 16, 2026)
The Friends & Family sale is on now at Gap Canada! Save 40% off everything! Also, use the coupon codes ADDON and FAMILY to save even more!. (ends August 20, 2026)
The Semi-Annual sale is on now at DSW Canada! Save up to 70% off. It's a great time to get any shoes needed for school or sandals to finish off the summer. Also, save an extra 20% off clearance sandals!
Have you checked out the “We Made Too Much” section online at Lululemon? I recently learned that they update this section every Thursday. They’ve got so much on sale with steep discounts! Men’s, women’s, bags, accessories, shoes and even an under $50 category!
Build School Bus Organizer! If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, The Home Depot has a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own School Bus Organizer! Free workshop is September 12, 2026 anytime between 9am – 12pm.
I love this sale from Book Outlet! Save an extra 15% off sitewide online! That means stacked savings on discounted books already 50% or more on the list price! (ends August 24, 2026)
In my experience, Walmart has consistently been the place to get the lowest price on most school supplies. If it's not on sale, it's probably a good price anyways!
I'm trying something new with Amazon Deals and you'll have to let me know if you like it!
Amazon deals are incredibly time consuming to share the way I was previously with lists organized into categories. It always felt like by the time I finished, some deals would no longer be valid! That's not fun for you, and maybe feels misleading if something goes off deal sooner than anticipated.
So, because I have the ability to create lists directly on Amazon, I thought, why not send you there! It's a lot easier to keep updated. Perhaps more visually appealing too since you can see a picture of each item. Ultimately, I hope it's less frustrating for both of us.
You can check out my Canadian Amazon Storefront here. This is my storefront main page. As the seasons change and different holidays/occasions approach, I add new lists to cover those things.
But because I know you appreciate some organization. I have created separate lists for each category I had before. Here they are:
