Simply Frugal Weekend Deals

Simply Frugal Weekend Deals

Simply Frugal Weekend Deals

Looking to save big this week?

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.

Or, if you prefer Instagram or Facebook, you can find deals in my Instagram stories and Facebook Group often.

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

Well.ca is a Canadian company that I really enjoy ordering from that offers a lot of Canadian brands too. Take a look at some of the brands that are on sale this week: Sun Bum, Baggu, Method, La Roche Posay, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Baby Gourmet, Love Child Organics, Simply Protein, Aleve, Crumblz and more! (ends June 21, 2026)

Take a look online at Well.ca here.

Gap Canada

Gap Days are on! Save 50% off your purchase, including new arrivals! Also, use the coupon codes ADDON and TREAT to save even more. (ends June 22, 2026)

Shop online at Gap Canada here.

Hatley Canada

Summer Flash Sale: Save up to 50% off + 2x the points sitewide! I love their pajamas and swimwear for kids! (ends June 21, 2026)

Shop online at Hatley Canada here.

Audible Canada

Prime Member Exclusive Offer: For a limited time, get Audible Standard free for 3 months! That means you get 3 free audiobooks! Auto-renews at $8.99/mo. after 3 months. Cancel anytime before the 3 months is up and you won't be charged. Ends July 15, 2026.

Sign up for your Audible trial here.

Canadian Tire

Have you checked out the clearance deals online at Canadian Tire? The discounts are steep! Order online and pick up in-store for free.

Shop online at Canadian Tire here.

Old Navy Canada

You're going to want to head to OldNavy.ca! Currently, they have everything online on sale for 50% off! (ends June 22, 2026) Plus, save 60% off shorts and swim for the family! Finally, find $10 and $8 dresses! (ends June 21, 2026).

Shop online at Old Navy here.

Lululemon

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! Men’s, women’s, bags, accessories, shoes and even an under $50 category!

Shop online at Lululemon here.

H&M Canada

Save up to 60% off in all sale sections online at H&M Canada! I'm actually seeing discounts at more than 60% off!

Shop online at H&M Canada here.

Giftcards.ca

This is new to me! I think it could be a really useful website if you find yourself needing to send along an eGift card! Here's more information about Giftcards.ca:

We're one of the biggest sites in Canada for buying gift cards, prepaid cards and eGift cards, offering popular brands like Mastercard®, Sobeys, Tim Hortons and more. You'll find over 150 different brands of Canadian eGifts available in a range of prices, along with a selection of virtual Joker Prepaid Mastercards, plus our small but growing collection of physical gift cards.

Shop online at Giftcards.ca here.

Penningtons

The Summer Countdown: Save 40% off tops from Penningtons! Save an extra 60% off sale items!

Shop online at Penningtons here.

Reitmans

This weekend only, save 40% off (almost) everything from Reitmans!

Shop online at Reitmans here.

American Eagle Canada

The Summer Solstice sale is on at American Eagle! Save 30% off sitewide, plus, shorts are 40% off! (ends June 22, 2026 at 5am ET) 

Shop online at American Eagle here.

Aerie Canada

The Summer Solstice sale is on at American Eagle! Save 30% off sitewide, plus, $35 bikini tops & bottoms and shorts and under 8 for $40. (ends June 22, 2026 at 5am ET) 

Shop online at Aerie here.

The Home Depot Free Kids Workshop

Build a Go Kart! 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 Go Kart! Free workshop is July 11, 2026 anytime between 9am – 12pm.

Register for the workshop here.

Athleta Canada

Carry On, Covered: Save 30% off travel essentials from Athleta Canada! The Retreat Linen shorts and pants look fabulous! (ends June 22, 2026)

Shop online at Athleta Canada here.

Trivago Canada

Need to book a hotel stay? Book through Trivago to find a great hotel deal! They compare hotel prices from hundreds of sites.

Visit Trivago Canada here.

Book Outlet Canada

The $7.99 Fiction Sale is back at Book Outlet!

Find fiction escapes for $7.99 (or less!), including hardcovers, sprayed edges, and special editions. Time to stock up on some summer reads! (ends June 23, 2026)

Shop online at Book Outlet Canada here.

Kids Bowl Free

The Kids Bowl Free program is back this year! This fun program allows your children to enjoy two free games of bowling at participating bowling centres every day, all summer long! Looks like some bowling alleys start offering free bowling as early as May!

Learn more and sign up here.

Abercrombie

For a limited time, save up to 30% off Abercrombie summer favorites! Be sure to take a look at the clearance as well! (ends June 21, 2026)

Shop online at Abercrombie here.

Crocs Canada

Shop Crocs and save up to 50% off your favorite styles, plus grab Jibbitz for $3 Singles & $8 Packs! Grab an extra 25% off your purchase with code CROC25. (ends June 23, 2026)

Shop online at Crocs Canada here.

Mabel's Labels

The Big Back-to-School Sale is on now at Mabel's Labels! These have been my favourite labels since my girls were in preschool! Enjoy 25% off all School Label Packs! No code required, discount automatically applied at checkout.

Shop 25% Off School Labels Now.

The Children's Place

Save 60% off summer essentials from The Children's Place!

Shop online at The Children's Place here.

The Shoe Company

New price drops! Save up to 60% off clearance styles online at The Shoe Company!

Shop online at The Shoe Company here.

Amazon Canada Deals

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:

Or, here they are all together: Weekend Deals storefront. I also share daily deals in my Facebook Group and Instagram Stories!

Simply Frugal Weekend Deals

9 Meal Prep Supplies to Make Summer Meals Easier

meal prep supplies

Meal Prep Supplies to Make Summer Meals Easier

Summer is almost here! Warm weather, backyard BBQs, swimming, road trips, picnics, and spontaneous adventures are just around the corner. It's one of my favourite times of year.

But if you're anything like me, mealtime can become a bit stressful during the summer months. Cooking isn't exactly my favourite activity, and on busy days it's tempting to grab takeout. Unfortunately, that isn't very budget-friendly, and after a while it gets old.

I've found that having a little organization and preparation in place makes a huge difference. The right meal prep supplies can help you spend less time in the kitchen, waste less food, and make healthy, affordable meals much easier to pull together.

The good news? You don't need dozens of expensive gadgets to meal prep successfully. A few practical meal prep supplies can help you prepare fresh summer meals faster and enjoy more time doing the things you love.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Meal Prep Supplies I Love

Printable meal planner

The Meal Planner

The number one thing that helps me with mealtime is having a plan. Not a strict, every-detail-accounted-for plan, but at least a list of meal ideas for the week.

That's actually why I created The Meal Planner. It's a set of printable sheets that helps me organize meal ideas, create grocery lists, keep track of family favourites, and take inventory of what I already have on hand.

One of the easiest ways to save money on groceries is to use what you already own before buying more. Having a meal planner helps prevent duplicate purchases and reduces food waste.

If meal planning feels overwhelming, I highly recommend starting with a simple system like this.

Glass Meal Prep Containers

A good set of meal prep containers is one of the most useful meal prep supplies you can own.

They're perfect for storing leftovers, portioning lunches, prepping salads, and keeping cut fruits and vegetables ready to grab throughout the week.

I personally prefer glass containers because they don't absorb food odours and they're easy to clean. Having meals and ingredients ready to go makes busy summer evenings so much easier.

Vegetable Chopper

I'm actually quite a minimalist when it comes to kitchen gadgets. I've learned that many kitchen tools get used a few times and then sit in a drawer forever.

But a vegetable chopper is one item I genuinely use regularly.

I debated buying one for the longest time, but now I'm glad I did. It makes quick work of potatoes, onions (no more tears!), peppers, cucumbers, and vegetables for Greek salad. It's also great for shredding cheese and speeding up meal prep on busy days.

Salad Spinner

Fresh salads are a staple in our house during the summer, and a salad spinner makes preparing them so much easier.

Washing and drying lettuce thoroughly helps it stay fresh longer, which means fewer slimy greens getting tossed in the compost. If you eat a lot of salads, this is one of those meal prep supplies that quickly pays for itself.

Produce Savers

Every time I use our produce saver container, I'm amazed by how quickly the food inside gets eaten.

Grapes that used to sit forgotten in the fridge are suddenly gone within days because I've washed them and removed them from the stems ahead of time. The same goes for strawberries, blueberries, and cut vegetables.

Produce saver containers help keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer, making healthy snacks much more convenient and reducing food waste.

Reusable Silicone Storage Bags

These silicone storage bags have become one of my favourite meal prep supplies.

They're perfect for storing chopped vegetables, marinating chicken, freezing fruit for smoothies, and packing snacks for summer outings.

Since they're reusable, they also help cut down on disposable plastic bag usage.

Air Fryer

It might be a stretch to call an air fryer a meal prep tool, but it definitely earns a place on my list.

We use ours regularly for quick meals like chicken nuggets, fries, roasted vegetables, and chicken breasts that can be sliced and added to salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.

On busy summer nights, it can be an absolute lifesaver.

Slow Cooker

Summer mornings tend to be slower around our house, which makes them the perfect time to throw something into the slow cooker.

When dinner is cooking while we're out enjoying the day, everyone wins!

Some of our favourites include BBQ chicken for sandwiches or even naan pizzas, shredded chicken tacos, roast beef dip sandwiches, soups, and more.

The slow cooker also keeps the kitchen cool while making dinner almost effortless.

Mason Jars

I use mason jars for everything from overnight oats and yogurt parfaits to cut fruit, homemade fridge pickles, and pasta salads. They're especially handy for preparing grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches during the summer when we're constantly on the move.

Mason jars are also great for storing dry pantry staples, homemade sauces & salad dressings, smoothie ingredients, and even infused water. If you're looking for meal prep supplies that offer a lot of value for the money, mason jars are hard to beat.

Final Thoughts

Having the right meal prep supplies doesn't mean filling your kitchen with gadgets you'll never use. Instead, focus on tools that genuinely save time, reduce food waste, and make healthy meals easier to prepare.

For me, that means having a meal planner, quality food storage containers, produce savers, a vegetable chopper, and a few versatile appliances like an air fryer and slow cooker.

By spending a little time preparing ahead, you'll spend less time worrying about what's for dinner and more time enjoying everything summer has to offer.

What are your favourite meal prep supplies? I'd love to hear which tools help make your summer meals easier.

meal prep supplies

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Things Frugal People Never Buy (And What They Buy Instead)

Things frugal people never buy

Things Frugal People Never Buy (And What They Buy Instead)

Being frugal isn't about being cheap. It's about spending intentionally and getting the most value from every dollar.

People who are good with money don't necessarily spend less on everything, they simply spend differently. They look for ways to reduce waste, avoid unnecessary purchases, and invest in things that save money over time.

If you've ever wondered how frugal people seem to stretch their budgets so much further, here are some things frugal people rarely buy, and what they choose instead.

1. Bottled Water

Buying bottled water regularly can become an expensive habit.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Reusable water bottles and water filters.

A quality reusable bottle can last for years and eliminate the need for countless convenience-store and grocery store purchases. Our family's favourites are Owala and Simple Modern for water bottles and we use a Brita in the fridge.

2. Coffee Shop Drinks Every Morning

A daily coffee run may seem harmless, but it can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year!

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Travel mugs and home brewing equipment. We have Contigo travel mugs we bought years ago from Costco, but look at how pretty these ones are! We have also recently switched from a Keurig (it finally broke) to a basic drip coffee maker.

Many frugal people enjoy great coffee. They just prefer making it at home and taking it with them.

3. Restaurant Lunches During the Workweek

Eating out regularly adds up really fast.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Food thermoses, lunch containers.

Frugal people know that yesterday's dinner can become today's lunch for a fraction of the cost. I really like our Thermos brand food thermoses and these Sistema bento boxes (They hold a lot!).

4. Disposable Batteries

Few things are more frustrating than constantly replacing batteries.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Rechargeable batteries.

While they cost more upfront, they can be reused hundreds of times and save money year after year.

5. Single-Use Kitchen Supplies

Paper napkins, parchment paper, and disposable cleaning products like disinfectant wipes, create ongoing expenses.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Cloth napkins, silicone baking mats, and reusable cleaning cloths.

These simple swaps reduce waste while lowering household costs.

6. Expensive Snack Foods

Packaged snacks often cost far more than people realize.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Popcorn makers and bulk ingredients to make their own snacks.

Homemade popcorn remains one of the most affordable snacks available. Making your own snacks like granola bars, cookies, muffins and more is a really smart (and delicious) way to make the grocery budget stretch.

7. Cheap Furniture That Falls Apart

Frugal people understand that the cheapest option isn't always the best value.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Quality second-hand furniture.

Many used pieces are better built than brand new budget furniture and cost a fraction of the price.

8. Full-Price Household Essentials

Paying full price for products that regularly go on sale is something many frugal people avoid.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Bulk purchases during sales.

They stock up on items they already use when prices are at their lowest.

9. Food That Ends Up in the Trash

Nothing frustrates a frugal person more than wasted groceries.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Freezers and vacuum sealers.

These tools help preserve food longer, reduce waste, and make bulk buying practical. They also meal plan so they use everything they buy and only buy what they need.

10. High Heating and Cooling Bills

Heating and cooling costs can take a significant bite out of a household budget, especially during extreme weather.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Electric fans, thick sweaters, blankets, and smart thermostats.

Rather than cranking the heat or air conditioning at the first sign of discomfort, frugal people look for simple ways to stay comfortable while using less energy.

11. Frequent Takeout After Busy Days

Many people order takeout because cooking feels overwhelming after a long day.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Slow cookers, Instant Pots, and air fryers.

These tools make homemade meals quicker and more convenient, reducing the temptation to spend on restaurant food. When they inevitably do get take-out, they'll try to get something that will give them leftovers, like pizza or Chinese food.

12. Brand-New Books

Book lovers know how quickly reading can become expensive.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Used books, libraries, book swaps, and digital borrowing apps.

They enjoy the same stories without paying full retail prices!

13. Repair Services for Simple Fixes

Not every repair requires a professional.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Basic tool kits and sewing kits.

Learning a few simple skills (YouTube can be super helpful!) can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

14. High Electricity Costs

Frugal people pay attention to recurring monthly expenses.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

LED bulbs, drying racks, and energy-saving household upgrades.

Small reductions in energy use can add up significantly over time.

15. Cheap Shoes That Need Replacing Every Year

The lowest price isn't always the best deal.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Good-quality shoes that last.

Many frugal people follow the idea that it's often cheaper to buy one quality item than replace several cheaper ones.

16. Memberships They Never Use

Unused subscriptions quietly drain budgets every month.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Memberships that they actually use.

This may include warehouse clubs, gym memberships, credit cards with an annual fee (because the perks are worth it), or TV subscriptions.

The key is using them regularly enough to make them worthwhile. Our family finds having a Costco membership worthwhile. We also like to switch between a Netflix subscription and a Disney+ subscription. Never both at the same time.

17. Convenience That Costs More Than It Saves

Many people assume frugal living means avoiding convenience entirely.

That's not true.

What Frugal People Buy Instead:

Convenience that creates monetary and/or time savings.

They often invest in:

  • meal prep containers that make packing lunches and storing leftovers easier
  • grocery pickup or delivery services that reduce impulse buys during in-store shopping
  • simple home organization systems (like drawer dividers or pantry bins) that prevent overbuying and duplication
  • multi-purpose kitchen tools that replace several single-use gadgets

Frugal people understand that convenience can be a smart investment when it lowers overall spending.

18. Things They Can Borrow

Many items are only used once or twice a year.

What Frugal People Do Instead:

Borrow from friends, family, libraries, or community lending programs.

Why own something that spends most of its life collecting dust?

The Real Secret Behind Frugal Spending

The most frugal people aren't constantly asking, "How can I spend less?"

They're asking, "How can I get more value from the money I spend?"

That's why they often avoid purchases that create ongoing costs and choose alternatives that save money for years to come.

Frugal living isn't about sacrifice. It's about making intentional choices that help your money go further while still enjoying the things that matter most.

Are there any other things frugal people never buy that you'd add to the list? Share your best money saving swap in the comments below!

things frugal people never buy

25 Creative Uses for Coffee Filters

creative uses for coffee filters

25 Creative Uses for Coffee Filters Around the House

Most people think coffee filters only belong in the coffee maker, but these inexpensive household staples are surprisingly versatile. If you're looking for frugal living hacks, you'll love these creative uses for coffee filters. Best of all, you can pick up a large package at your local dollar store for just a few dollars!

1. Cover Food in the Microwave

Use a coffee filter as a splatter guard when heating food in the microwave. It helps keep your microwave clean without the need for plastic wrap.

2. Clean Windows and Mirrors

Because coffee filters are lint-free, they're perfect for cleaning windows, mirrors, and chrome surfaces without leaving streaks behind.

3. Protect Fine China

Place a coffee filter between dishes when storing fine china to help prevent scratches and chips.

4. Remove Broken Cork from Wine

If a cork crumbles into your wine bottle, simply pour the wine through a coffee filter to catch the pieces.

5. Prevent Rust in Cast-Iron Pans

Place a coffee filter inside your cast-iron skillet before storing it. It absorbs moisture and helps prevent rust.

6. Apply Shoe Polish

A balled-up coffee filter works well for applying and buffing shoe polish.

7. Reuse Frying Oil

Strain used cooking oil through a coffee filter to remove food particles before storing it for future use.

8. Weigh Chopped Ingredients

Place chopped vegetables, fruit, or herbs in a coffee filter when weighing ingredients on a kitchen scale.

9. Hold Tacos and Other Messy Foods

Coffee filters make handy holders for tacos, sandwiches, and other foods that tend to drip or crumble.

10. Keep Soil in Plant Pots

Line the bottom of flower pots with a coffee filter to prevent soil from escaping through drainage holes.

11. Catch Popsicle Drips

Poke a hole through the center of a coffee filter and slide it onto a Popsicle stick to catch sticky drips.

12. DIY Waxing Strips

In a pinch, coffee filters can be used as an alternative to waxing strips for small areas.

13. Absorb Grease from Fried Foods

Place fried foods like bacon, French fries, or chicken fingers on coffee filters to soak up excess grease.

14. Stop Razor Nicks from Bleeding

A small piece of coffee filter can help stop minor shaving cuts from bleeding.

15. Use as Sewing Backing

Coffee filters work well as temporary backing when embroidering or appliquéing delicate fabrics.

16. Freshen Shoes and Closets

Fill a coffee filter with baking soda, tie it closed, and place it in shoes or closets to help absorb odors.

17. Strain Soup Stock

Use coffee filters to strain homemade stock or bundle herbs for soups and stews.

18. Create a Spill-Free Funnel

Place a coffee filter inside a funnel when adding fluids to your vehicle to help catch debris and reduce spills.

19. Use as a Spoon Rest

Set cooking utensils on a coffee filter while preparing meals, then simply throw it away when finished.

20. Hold Baking Ingredients

Use coffee filters to hold pre-measured baking ingredients, chopped vegetables, or fruit while cooking.

21. Protect Christmas Ornaments

Wrap delicate ornaments in coffee filters before storing them away for the season.

22. Remove Nail Polish

Out of cotton balls? Coffee filters work surprisingly well for removing nail polish.

23. Sprout Seeds

Dampen a coffee filter, place seeds inside, fold it up, and seal it in a plastic bag until the seeds begin to sprout.

24. Press Flowers

Use coffee filters as blotting paper when pressing flowers. Place flowers between two filters and weigh them down with a heavy book.

25. Make Disposable Snack Bowls

Coffee filters are perfect for serving popcorn, chips, crackers, and other snacks at parties or movie nights. Or you could even use them to line these food baskets!

And of course, coffee filters still make great coffee! But as you can see, there are plenty of creative uses for coffee filters beyond your morning brew. From cleaning and organizing to gardening and cooking, this inexpensive item can be used in countless practical ways around the house while helping you save money at the same time.

creative uses for coffee filters

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How to Start a Budget

how to start a budget

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 Facebookx.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.
printable budget planner

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 Facebookx.com and Pinterest.

how to start a budget

25 Simple Money Saving Tips

simple money saving tips

Simple Money Saving Tips You Can Start Today

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!

simple money saving tips