The Ultimate Fall Bucket List: 95 Cheap & Free Things to Do This Fall
Fall is one of my favourite times of year. I love the crisp air, cozy sweaters, changing leaves, comfort food, and the way the light changes in the evenings.
But you know what I love even more? You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy fall.
Some of my favourite fall activities are really simple. A walk through the leaves, a cozy movie night at home, homemade apple crisp, or an afternoon spent at the library can be just as enjoyable as an expensive fall outing.
After nearly 18 years of living a frugal lifestyle, I've learned that saving money doesn't mean skipping out on the fun stuff. It's about finding ways to enjoy the things you love without automatically spending money every time you want to do something.
So, if you're looking for some fun things to add to your fall calendar, I've put together this ultimate fall bucket list for frugal people.
There are plenty of free and inexpensive ideas here for families, couples, friends, or anyone who just wants to enjoy the season without blowing the budget.
The Ultimate Fall Bucket List:
Get Outside
Go for a fall hike. The cooler temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable than those hot summer days.
Take a walk to see the fall colours. You don't need to go anywhere fancy. Check out your own neighbourhood or a nearby park.
Have a fall photo walk. Take your phone and see how many beautiful fall photos you can capture.
Go geocaching. Turn an ordinary walk into a little treasure hunt.
Take a scenic drive. Pack some snacks and explore an area you've never driven through before.
Have a picnic with a fall twist. Bring homemade sandwiches, apples, muffins and a thermos of something warm.
Try making homemade muffins instead of buying them.
Have an apple taste test. Buy a few different varieties and decide which one is your favourite.
Have a pumpkin spice taste test at home.
Free & Low-Cost Fall Challenges
Have a no spend weekend.
Have a fall themed no spend day.
Spend an entire afternoon without buying anything. Go for a walk, make something, read a book, bake or play a game instead.
Do a pantry challenge. See how many meals you can make from food you already have.
Have a "use what you own" decorating challenge. Rearrange your existing decor instead of buying new things.
Have a thrift-store-only costume challenge.
Try a month of homemade coffee.
Choose one expensive fall activity and find a cheaper alternative.
Make a list of 10 free things to do in your community and actually do them.
Don't Forget the Simple Stuff
One of the things I love most about frugal living is that the things that cost the least can sometimes end up being the things we remember the most.
You don't need to book a weekend getaway, spend hundreds of dollars on fall activities or buy a whole new collection of seasonal decor to enjoy autumn.
Sometimes it's as simple as:
Taking a walk while the leaves are changing.
Making soup on a chilly afternoon.
Reading a book with a cup of coffee.
Watching a movie under a blanket.
Baking something with apples.
Jumping in a pile of leaves.
Having friends over for dinner.
Exploring somewhere you've never been.
Spending an afternoon doing absolutely nothing.
That's the beauty of a frugal fall. You can enjoy the season without turning every activity into a shopping trip.
So grab your sweater, make yourself something warm to drink, and choose a few things from this list to add to your fall calendar.
And if you want to make your own fall bucket list, don't feel like you have to do all 95 things. Pick the ones that actually sound fun to you.
What are you going to add to your fall bucket list? What are some of your must-dos?
How to Live on One Income: 10 Things You Need to Do
Learning how to live on one income is about much more than finding a few ways to save money at the grocery store.
When one income supports an entire household, you need to think differently about your money. There isn't another paycheck to fall back on when the budget gets tight, and there may be less room for unexpected expenses.
That doesn't mean living on one income has to feel restrictive. It does mean you need to be intentional.
After almost 18 years of living frugally, I've learned that the families who successfully live on one income aren't necessarily the ones who are the best at finding coupons or never spend money. They're the ones who have systems and habits that make their money stretch.
If you're wondering how to live on one income, here are some of the things I think you really need to do.
1. You need to know exactly where your money is going
This is the place to start. You can't successfully live on one income if you don't know how much money is coming in and where it's going.
Take a close look at your last few months of spending. Don't just look at your regular bills. Look at everything. How much are you actually spending on groceries? Takeout? Clothing? Kids' activities? Amazon purchases? Entertainment? Home improvement? Random little purchases?
You don't need to judge yourself for what you find. The goal is simply to see the reality of your spending.
Once you know where your money is going, you can decide whether that's where you actually want it to go.
2. You need a budget that works with your real life
A budget shouldn't be a list of numbers that looks great on paper but falls apart two weeks into the month. If you're learning how to live on one income, your budget needs to account for the things that actually happen.
Birthdays happen. Cars need repairs. Kids grow out of their clothes. School expenses come up. Christmas happens every year.
Instead of treating these things as unexpected expenses, start planning for them.
Create categories for expenses that don't happen every month and set aside money for them throughout the year.
For example, if you know you'll spend approximately $600 on Christmas, saving $50 a month makes that expense much easier to handle when December arrives.
A good budget doesn't just tell you what you can spend. It helps you prepare for what's coming.
3. You need an emergency fund
When you're living on one income, an emergency can put a lot more pressure on your finances.
That's why having some money set aside for unexpected expenses is so important.
You don't have to build a huge emergency fund overnight. Start with whatever amount you can manage and keep building it over time. The first goal might be $500. Then $1,000. Eventually, you can work toward having several months of essential expenses saved.
The important thing is to actually keep this money available for genuine emergencies rather than treating it as extra spending money. When something goes wrong, having savings can keep a bad month from becoming a financial crisis.
4. You need to stop depending on credit for everyday expenses
If you're regularly putting groceries, clothing, entertainment or other everyday expenses on a credit card because there's not enough money in your bank account, it's time to take a hard look at your budget.
Credit can make a tight month appear easier than it really is.
But eventually, those purchases have to be paid for and interest can make them cost even more.
Living on one income means learning to work within the money you actually have available.
That may mean saying no sometimes. It may mean waiting until you have saved enough to make a purchase. And it may mean adjusting your expectations when the budget doesn't allow for something. That's not always easy, but it's an important part of making one income work long-term.
5. You need to know your family's priorities
You can't spend money on everything. And honestly, you shouldn't try.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned from frugal living is that saving money becomes much easier when you know what you're actually saving for.
Maybe your priority is being debt free. Maybe it's travelling as a family. Maybe it's being able to afford dance lessons, sports or other activities for your kids. Maybe it's having enough savings that an unexpected bill doesn't derail your month.
Once you know what matters most, it's easier to decide what doesn't.
You don't have to cut every enjoyable expense. You simply need to stop spending money on things that aren't important to you while telling yourself you can't afford the things that are.
6. You need to become comfortable saying "not right now"
This is a surprisingly important skill when you're living on one income.
There will be things you want that you can't afford right now. That doesn't necessarily mean you'll never be able to afford them. Sometimes the answer simply needs to be: "Not right now."
Maybe you wait for a sale. Maybe you save for it. Maybe you buy it secondhand. Maybe you put it on a Christmas or birthday wish list.
Learning to wait instead of immediately buying something can completely change your spending habits.
And sometimes, after waiting a while, you'll realize you don't even want the item anymore!
7. You need to plan for the expenses you know are coming
Some expenses aren't emergencies. They're just expenses that don't happen every month.
Car insurance. Property taxes. Back to school shopping. Christmas. Annual memberships. Home maintenance. Clothing. Birthdays.
If you know they're coming, they shouldn't be a surprise.
Make a list of your larger annual expenses and figure out approximately how much you'll need for each one. Then divide that amount by the number of months you have to save.
Even setting aside a small amount every month can make these expenses much less stressful. This is one of the biggest differences between being surprised by your expenses and being prepared for them.
8. You need to learn how to make things last
When you're living on one income, replacing things every time they get a little old can get expensive.
That doesn't mean you should keep something that's unsafe or no longer functional. But before automatically replacing something, ask whether it can be repaired, cleaned, maintained or used a little longer.
Take care of your car. Maintain your appliances. Repair clothing when it's worth repairing. Look after your furniture. Keep your home maintained.
And when something genuinely needs replacing, look for a good quality option at a reasonable price rather than automatically buying the cheapest thing available. Frugal living isn't always about buying the cheapest option. Sometimes buying something good and taking care of it is the more frugal choice.
9. You need to have a plan for "fun money"
This one is important because living on one income shouldn't mean that every dollar is accounted for and nobody gets to enjoy anything. Build some fun into your budget! It doesn't have to be a lot.
Maybe it's a family restaurant meal once a month. Maybe it's money for each person to spend however they want. Maybe it's a vacation fund that you contribute to every month.
Having some money set aside for enjoyment can actually make it easier to stick with your budget because you don't feel like you're constantly depriving yourself.
You're allowed to enjoy your money! The goal of frugal living isn't to spend nothing. It's to spend your money intentionally.
10. You need to have a plan for what happens if your income changes
When your household depends on one income, it's worth thinking about what would happen if that income suddenly disappeared or decreased.
This doesn't mean living in fear. It simply means being prepared.
An emergency fund is part of this. So is keeping your monthly expenses manageable and avoiding unnecessary debt.
It's also helpful to know what expenses you could immediately reduce if you needed to. Which subscriptions could you cancel? What spending could you temporarily stop? Which expenses are essential and which could wait?
Having a plan before you need one can make a difficult situation much easier to navigate.
Learning How to Live on One Income Takes Planning
Living on one income isn't about becoming the family that never spends money. It's about creating a financial life where your one income can cover your needs, prepare you for future expenses and still leave room for the things your family enjoys.
And you need to become comfortable making intentional choices about what gets your money, and what doesn't.
Some months will be harder than others. There will be unexpected bills and times when it feels like there's too much month left at the end of the money.
That's normal.
The goal isn't to create a perfect budget where nothing ever goes wrong. The goal is to build a financial system that gives your family some breathing room when life doesn't go according to plan.
And that's really what learning how to live on one income is all about.
How to Get Your Finances Under Control: 8 Simple Steps to Feel More in Charge of Your Money
Do you ever look at your bank account and wonder, “Where did all my money go?”
Maybe you're making enough to cover the bills, but there's never quite enough left over. Maybe unexpected expenses keep throwing your budget off track. Or maybe you simply feel like you're working hard for your money but aren't really in control of it.
I've been living frugally for almost 18 years, and one thing I've learned is that to get your finances under control, it's not about becoming super restrictive or never spending money again. It's about knowing where your money is going, making intentional choices, and creating a little breathing room.
You don't have to fix everything at once. Start with one step, then work your way through the rest.
Here are 8 simple ways to get your finances under control and feel more confident about your money.
1. Figure Out Where Your Money Is Going
Before you can change your finances, you need to know what's actually happening with your money.
For at least one month, track your income and expenses. Go through your bank and credit card statements and write down your regular bills, subscriptions, groceries, transportation, debt payments, spending money and everything else.
Don't worry about judging yourself while you're doing this. You're not trying to prove that you're "good" or "bad" with money. You're simply gathering information.
Once you can see where your money is going, you'll probably start noticing a few things you can change.
When money feels tight, it helps to prioritize your spending.
Start with the things you genuinely need to keep your household running: housing, food, utilities, transportation, insurance, basic household needs and other essential expenses.
Then look at everything else.
This doesn't mean you can never spend money on fun things. It simply helps you understand the difference between "I need this" and "I want this." That distinction can make a surprisingly big difference.
Negotiate or compare some of your regular household bills?
Small changes add up.
And remember: saving money doesn't always mean spending less. Sometimes it means spending more intentionally to get better quality/value.
4. Build Some Emergency Savings
One of the best ways to feel more in control of your finances is to have money set aside for the unexpected.
Because unexpected expenses aren't really unexpected. Eventually, the car needs a repair, the appliance breaks, the dentist bill arrives or something else comes along that you didn't plan for.
If you have no savings, those expenses can quickly turn into credit card debt.
If you're starting with nothing, don't worry about building a huge emergency fund overnight. Start with whatever amount feels achievable.
Your first goal might be $500. Then $1,000. Eventually, you can work toward having several months of essential expenses saved, depending on your circumstances.
The important part is getting into the habit of regularly putting money aside. Even a small automatic transfer every payday can help.
5. Make a Plan for Your Debt
If you have debt, don't simply make the minimum payments and hope it eventually disappears.
Take a look at what you owe, the interest rates you're paying and the minimum payments required.
Then choose a repayment strategy that works for you.
Some people prefer the debt avalanche, where they focus on the debt with the highest interest rate first. Others prefer the debt snowball, where they pay off the smallest balance first for those motivating early wins.
Neither approach has to be perfect. The best strategy is the one you can actually stick with.
And don't forget that paying down high-interest debt can be an important part of creating more room in your future budget.
As you pay things off, resist the temptation to immediately replace that payment with new spending. Instead, consider redirecting some of that money toward savings, future goals or other priorities.
6. Give Your Money a Job
One of the biggest changes you can make is to stop thinking about your money as one big pile.
Instead, give it a purpose. Your income might need to cover:
Monthly bills
Groceries and household expenses
Debt payments
Emergency savings
Annual or irregular expenses
Short-term goals
Fun money
Long-term savings
This is where sinking funds can be incredibly helpful. A sinking fund is simply money you set aside little by little for an expense you know is coming. Christmas. Property taxes. Car repairs. Back to school shopping. Annual memberships. Home maintenance.
When the expense finally arrives, you're not scrambling to find the money because you've already been preparing for it.
7. Stop Trying to Be Perfect
This might be one of the most important pieces of financial advice I can give you.
You don't have to be perfect with money.
There will be months when you spend more than planned. There will be unexpected expenses. You'll occasionally buy something you didn't need. You'll have birthdays, vacations, holidays and other occasions where your spending looks very different from an ordinary month.
That's life.
Getting your finances under control doesn't mean you never overspend or make a mistake. It means you notice what happened, make adjustments and keep going.
A bad financial week doesn't have to turn into a bad financial year.
8. Focus on Increasing Your Financial Breathing Room
Sometimes there simply isn't enough room to cut.
If you've already reduced your expenses as much as reasonably possible and you're still struggling, the answer may not be another $10 expense to eliminate.
That could mean asking for a raise, taking on occasional freelance work, selling things you no longer need, picking up additional work or finding another way to bring in extra money.
And if your financial situation is complicated or you're unsure what to prioritize, consider getting advice from a qualified financial professional who can look at your individual circumstances.
Remember, frugal living isn't about squeezing every last dollar out of your life.
It's about making the most of the money you have.
What Does Being in Control of Your Finances Actually Look Like?
It doesn't necessarily mean having a huge savings account or being completely debt-free.
It might simply mean:
You know how much money comes in each month.
You know what your regular expenses are.
You're not constantly wondering where your money went.
You have some money set aside for unexpected expenses.
You're making progress on your financial goals.
You're spending on the things that matter to you.
You're not letting every sale or tempting purchase make the decision for you.
That's financial control.
You don't have to achieve it all at once either. Start by looking at your numbers. Find one expense you can reduce. Set aside a small amount of savings. Make a plan for one debt.
How to Save $2000 a Year: Simple Ways to Save $2000 to $5000
Spending money can be fun, but there’s something pretty satisfying about saving for something you really want and then paying for it with money you’ve already set aside!
Maybe it’s a vacation, a new piece of furniture, a family outing, or simply having a little more breathing room in your bank account. Whatever your goal, saving money feels a whole lot better when you know exactly what that money is for.
If you're wondering how to save $2000 a year, you might be surprised by how achievable it can be. You don't necessarily need to make huge changes or give up everything you enjoy.
The key is to look for small expenses you can reduce, eliminate, or rethink. A few dollars here and there can turn into hundreds. Several small changes can add up to thousands over the course of a year.
And once you've figured out how to save $2000 a year, you may find that reaching a $3000, $4000, or even $5000 savings goal isn't as far away as you thought.
So let's look at some realistic ways to save money and keep more of it in your pocket.
Start With a Savings Goal
The first step in figuring out how to save $2000 a year is to break that big number down into smaller, more manageable amounts.
To save $2000 over 12 months, you'd need to put aside about $167 a month, or roughly $38 a week.
Want to save more?
$2,000 a year = about $38 a week
$3,000 a year = about $58 a week
$5,000 a year = about $96 a week
Looking at your goal this way can make it feel much less overwhelming.
And remember, you don't have to save the exact same amount every week or month. You might have a month where you save $250 and another where you save $100. What matters is working toward your overall goal.
Take a Close Look at Takeout
You don't have to give up takeout completely to save money. Instead, try cutting back.
Take a look at how often you're ordering restaurant food, grabbing fast food, or using a delivery app. It's easy to underestimate how much these purchases cost when they're spread throughout the month.
If you spend $40 on takeout once a week, that's about $2,080 a year.
You don't necessarily have to eliminate that spending entirely. Cutting it in half would still free up more than $1000 a year.
You could keep a few inexpensive convenience meals in the freezer for those nights when cooking feels like the last thing you want to do.
Review Your Subscriptions
Take a few minutes to look at your monthly subscriptions.
Streaming services, music subscriptions, apps, memberships, meal kits, gaming subscriptions and other recurring charges can quietly take a pretty big bite out of your budget.
You don't have to cancel everything. Instead, ask yourself:
Would I sign up for this again today if I wasn't already paying for it?
If the answer is no, consider cancelling it.
You could also rotate streaming services rather than paying for several at once. Keep one for a month or two, cancel it, and switch to another when there's something you really want to watch.
Cancelling subscriptions that total $30 a month would save you $360 a year.
Make Coffee at Home More Often
I'm certainly not going to tell you that you can never enjoy a coffee from your favourite coffee shop! But if you're buying coffee several times a week, this can be an easy place to find savings.
Instead of stopping every morning, try making coffee at home most days and saving your coffee shop trips for when you really want one. Like a Friday treat or something.
For example, saving just $5 per coffee shop visit and doing that four times a week would add up to more than $1,000 a year.
You can still enjoy your favourite coffee. You're just being more intentional about when you buy it.
Try a $5 Savings Challenge
Here's a simple savings idea that doesn't require you to completely change your budget.
Whenever you receive a $5 bill, put it aside instead of spending it. You can use a jar, envelope, or separate savings account.
Of course, how much you save will depend on how often you receive $5 bills, but that's part of the fun. You might be surprised by how quickly the money accumulates.
If you don't use much cash, you can create your own version of the challenge. Every time you would normally make an impulse purchase, put $5 into savings instead.
Save Part of Every Raise or Bonus
If you receive a raise, bonus, tax refund, or other unexpected money, consider putting at least some of it toward your savings goal. You don't necessarily have to save every dollar.
If your income increases by $2,000 a year, for example, you could decide to save $1,000 and use the other $1,000 for something else.
The important thing is to avoid automatically increasing your spending every time your income increases. Lifestyle creep can make it surprisingly easy for extra money to disappear.
Look at Your Cell Phone Plan
When was the last time you checked your cell phone plan?
Phone plans change all the time, and the plan that made sense a couple of years ago might no longer be your best option. Take a look at:
How much data you actually use
Whether you still need all the features you're paying for
Whether your current phone is paid off
Whether another carrier has a better deal
Whether you're paying for add-ons you don't use
Even finding a plan that's $20 cheaper each month would save you $240 a year.
Don't assume your current plan is the cheapest option. Shop around.
Become a Better Grocery Shopper
Your grocery bill is another area where small changes can make a big difference.
You don't need to completely overhaul the way your family eats. Instead, try a few simple habits:
Plan meals around what you already have.
Check flyers before shopping.
Compare prices between stores.
Buy sale items you regularly use.
Use loyalty points and rewards.
Shop your freezer and pantry before buying more.
Choose less expensive alternatives when it makes sense.
Reduce food waste.
Keep a list and try to stick to it.
Saving just $50 a week on groceries would put $2,600 back into your budget over a year. You don't have to save that much every week for grocery savings to make a noticeable difference.
Use Loyalty Programs for Purchases You're Already Making
If you shop regularly at stores with loyalty programs, make sure you're taking advantage of the rewards available to you.
For example, PC Optimum can be useful if you regularly shop at participating Loblaw banner stores and Shoppers Drug Mart.
The important thing is to use loyalty programs strategically. Don't buy something you don't need just because you're earning points. The goal is to earn rewards on something you were already going to buy.
Transportation can be one of the biggest expenses in a household, so even small changes can add up.
Instead of trying to completely eliminate driving, look for ways to reduce unnecessary trips. For example:
Combine errands into one trip.
Carpool when possible.
Walk or bike for short trips.
Use public transportation when it's practical.
Keep your vehicle properly maintained.
Compare gas prices before filling up.
Work from home when your job allows it.
Even reducing your driving by a few trips each week can save money on gas and help reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.
Learn to Do a Few Things Yourself
There are plenty of household tasks that you can learn to do yourself rather than paying someone else.
Simple examples include things like basic home maintenance, changing windshield wipers, replacing air filters, sewing a button, doing basic repairs, or tackling small painting projects.
For anything involving safety or specialized equipment, especially vehicle repairs, make sure you know what you're doing and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Sometimes paying a professional is absolutely worth it.
The goal isn't to DIY everything. It's to recognize that there are some jobs you may be perfectly capable of learning to do yourself.
Reconsider Your Gym Membership
If you have a gym membership that you rarely use, it might be time to rethink it.
Before cancelling, though, consider whether the gym genuinely helps you stay active and whether it's something you enjoy. If it is, the membership may be money well spent.
But if you're paying every month and rarely going, you're essentially paying for something you aren't using.
You could try walking, hiking, cycling, recreational activities, or free workout resources instead.
And remember: frugal living isn't about eliminating every expense. It's about spending your money on the things that are actually worth it to you.
For one week, don't spend money on anything except your regular necessities such as groceries, transportation, bills, and other essentials.
Use what you already have. Make meals from your pantry and freezer. Watch something you already have access to. Borrow books from the library. Find free activities in your community.
You may not save hundreds of dollars in one week, but you might discover just how often you spend money out of habit.
And that awareness can help you save long after the challenge is over.
Find Ways to Earn a Little Extra
Sometimes, the easiest way to reach a savings goal isn't just to spend less, it's to bring in a little extra money.
You could sell things you no longer use, pick up occasional work, babysit, pet sit, take on freelance work, or find another flexible way to earn some extra cash.
You don't need to start a second full-time job.
Even an extra $50 or $100 here and there can make a difference if you put it directly toward your savings goal.
For example, earning an extra $100 a month would give you $1,200 over a year.
Don't Forget About the Little Expenses
One of the biggest lessons I've learned from years of trying to spend less is that the little things really do add up.
It's easy to look at a $5 purchase and think, It's only five dollars. But if you're making that purchase several times a week, it's no longer just $5.
That's why tracking your spending for a month can be so useful. Look for patterns. Where is your money actually going?
You might discover that the biggest savings opportunity isn't something you've been thinking about at all.
How to Save $2000 a Year by Stacking Small Savings
Here's where things get interesting.
You don't have to find one magical way to save $2000. Instead, stack several smaller savings together. Maybe you save:
$25 a week by eating at home more often
$20 a week by shopping more carefully
$15 a month by changing a subscription or bill
$50 a month by reducing grocery waste
$50 to $100 a month from occasional extra income
Individually, these changes might not feel huge, but together, they can make a big difference!
That's one of my favourite things about frugal living: you don't have to make one enormous change to make a meaningful difference.
How Much Could You Save?
Here's an example of what some small changes could look like over a year:
Money-saving change
Potential yearly savings
Cut takeout by $40/week
$2,080
Reduce coffee shop purchases by $20/week
$1,040
Cancel $30/month in subscriptions
$360
Reduce a phone bill by $20/month
$240
Save $50/month on groceries
$600
Earn an extra $100/month
$1,200
You don't need to do all of these. In fact, some of these examples overlap, so don't add them together and assume you'll automatically save that entire amount.
Instead, use them as inspiration to find the changes that make sense for your household.
You Don't Have to Save $5,000 Overnight
If your goal is to learn how to save $2000 a year, start there.
Once you've reached that goal, you can decide whether you'd like to keep going.
Maybe you'll discover that $2,000 is enough to cover a particular goal. Or perhaps you'll find that the changes you've made are easier than you expected and you want to aim for $3,000, $4,000, or even $5,000.
The important thing is to start somewhere.
You don't have to stop enjoying your life or never spend money again. You simply want to become more intentional about where your money goes.
And there's something so satisfying about reaching the end of the year and realizing that all those little choices added up to something meaningful.
What Will You Do With Your Savings?
Don't just tell yourself you're going to "spend less." Give your savings a purpose.
Maybe you're saving for a vacation, Christmas, a home renovation, a new vehicle, debt repayment, an emergency fund, or more financial breathing room.
Knowing why you're saving makes it much easier to stay motivated.
And there's something incredibly satisfying about reaching the end of the year and realizing that all those little choices added up to something meaningful.
If you're trying to figure out how to save $2000 a year, don't feel like you need to completely change your life.
Start with one expense. Find one thing you can reduce. Put that money aside. Then find another.
Those small decisions can add up to much more than you might expect.
What are your favourite ways to save money? I'd love to hear what works for you! Leave a comment below and share your best money saving ideas.
20 Ways to Treat Yourself for Free (Because You Deserve It!)
Being frugal doesn't mean you can never treat yourself.
In fact, I think it's important to build a little fun into your life when you're trying to spend less. If every day is about cutting back, saying no, and sticking to the budget, eventually you're going to get tired of it. That's where frugal fatigue can creep in.
The good news? Treating yourself doesn't have to mean spending $50 at a restaurant, booking a spa treatment, or going on a shopping spree.
There are plenty of ways to give yourself a little pick-me-up without spending any money at all. Sometimes, the best treats are simply about giving yourself permission to slow down, enjoy something you already have, or do something just because you enjoy it.
So the next time you're thinking, "I deserve a little treat," try one of these 20 ways to treat yourself for free.
1. Read somewhere you love
Grab a book or magazine you've been meaning to read and find a nice place to enjoy it.
Head to the backyard, sit on the balcony, visit the park, or take your book to the beach if you're lucky enough to live nearby.
You don't even have to read the whole time. A little people watching can be part of the entertainment! (I could sit for hours people watching!)
2. Take a long, relaxing bath
If you already have bubble bath, bath salts, or other bath products at home, put them to good use.
Turn down the lights, put on some music, grab your favourite book and give yourself permission to soak for a while. It's amazing how luxurious an ordinary bath can feel when you actually slow down and enjoy it.
Sometimes the best way to treat yourself is to do absolutely nothing.
If you're tired, give yourself permission to take a nap. Put your phone away, get comfortable and enjoy some uninterrupted rest. Not every treat has to be productive.
4. Go for a walk
Get outside and take a walk without turning it into an errand.
You could walk around your neighbourhood, explore a nearby trail or simply wander somewhere you've never walked before. Pay attention to the little things around you instead of rushing from one place to another.
Fresh air, movement and a change of scenery can be a pretty great free treat.
5. Give yourself an at home spa night
You don't need an expensive spa appointment to have a little pampering session.
Use what you already have at home. Take a shower, do a face mask, moisturize, paint your nails, wash your hair or put on your comfiest pajamas.
The key is to make it feel like an occasion rather than just another item on your to do list.
6. Have a movie marathon
If you already have access to a streaming service, choose a movie or a few episodes of a favourite show and make an evening of it.
Make some popcorn, grab your favourite blanket and get comfortable.
Bonus points for choosing something you've been wanting to watch but haven't made time for.
7. Visit a free community event
Check your community calendar, library, recreation centre or local social media pages for free events.
You might find free concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, markets, library programs or community celebrations.
You don't have to spend money to get out of the house and do something fun.
8. Have a clothing swap with a friend
Feeling bored with your wardrobe? Instead of shopping, invite a friend or two over and swap a few pieces of clothing you no longer wear.
You'll get the fun of "new" clothes without buying anything.
Just make sure everyone is comfortable with the arrangement and agrees on what they're willing to swap.
9. Grab a notebook and journal
Sometimes treating yourself means giving yourself some quiet time to think.
Grab a notebook and write down whatever comes to mind. You could journal about your day, make a list of things you're looking forward to, write down some goals or simply get some thoughts out of your head. There are no rules. This is your journal!
10. Enjoy that treat you've been saving
You know that chocolate bar, fancy tea, bath product or other little treat you've been saving for "someday"? Today could be the day!
You don't necessarily need to buy something new to treat yourself. Sometimes you just need to actually enjoy the things you already have.
11. Bake something from your pantry
Craving a treat?
Before heading to the store, take a look through your pantry and freezer. You might already have everything you need to make cookies, muffins, brownies, a cake or another favourite dessert.
And if you have enough to share, invite someone over and turn it into a little get together.
12. Have a picnic
You don't need a fancy picnic basket or special picnic food. Take whatever you're already planning to eat and bring it outside.
Have lunch in the backyard, eat dinner at a nearby park or spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a snack outdoors.
Sometimes simply changing where you eat can make an ordinary meal feel like something special.
13. Do something kind for someone else
This might seem like an unusual way to treat yourself, but doing something kind for someone else can be incredibly rewarding.
You could:
Write a "thinking of you" message to a friend.
Give someone a genuine compliment.
Bring a friend some baking.
Help a family member with a task.
Let someone go ahead of you in line.
Send someone a funny message to make them smile.
Share a skill you have with someone who could use it.
Kindness doesn't have to cost anything.
14. Learn something new
Have you ever wanted to learn how to do something but kept putting it off? Learning something new can be a great way to spend an afternoon without spending a dollar.
Use the free resources you already have available. Check out a book from the library, find a free tutorial, learn a new recipe or finally try that hobby you've been curious about.
Look at your schedule and, if possible, protect a few hours where you don't have anywhere to be. No errands. No unnecessary chores. No rushing around. Read. Watch a movie. Sit outside. Listen to music. Do absolutely nothing.
You don't always have to fill your free time.
16. Rediscover an old favourite
Instead of looking for something new, revisit something you already love.
Pull out an old board game. Listen to a favourite album. Look through old photos. Rewatch a favourite movie. Read a book you've enjoyed before.
There can be something really comforting about returning to things you already know you love.
17. Have a backyard or living room coffee date
Invite a friend over for coffee or tea using what you already have at home.
Sit outside if the weather is nice or make yourselves comfortable inside.
You don't need to go to a coffee shop to catch up with someone. Sometimes an hour around the kitchen table is even better.
18. Declutter one small area
This might not sound like a treat, but hear me out...
Pick one small area that's been bothering you. A junk drawer, bathroom cabinet, kitchen counter or your nightstand. Then spend 15 minutes making it better.
You don't need to declutter your entire house. Sometimes clearing one annoying little area can give you that wonderful "ahhh, that's better" feeling.
19. Say no to something you don't actually need to do
Your time is valuable, too.
Sometimes our calendars become filled with things we feel like we should do because they're good, useful or expected.
If something is genuinely optional and you don't want to do it, give yourself permission to say no. You don't have to earn rest.
20. Give yourself permission to enjoy your frugal life
This might be the most important one.
Frugal living isn't supposed to mean constantly depriving yourself.
If you're working toward a financial goal, it's easy to become so focused on saving that you forget to enjoy the life you're living right now.
So take the walk. Read the book. Bake the cookies. Have the picnic. Take the nap. Watch the movie.
You don't have to spend money to make an ordinary day feel a little more special.
Treating yourself doesn't have to cost money
One of the best things about frugal living is learning that you don't have to spend money every time you want something fun, relaxing or special.
Sometimes the best treat is simply time. Time to rest, time to enjoy something you already have, time with people you love or time to do something just because it makes you happy.
And if you can give yourself that little boost without spending a cent? Even better.
What are your favourite ways to treat yourself for free? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!
Have you ever opened the fridge and discovered food you completely forgot you bought?
It happens to all of us. A bag of spinach gets pushed to the back of the fridge, leftovers don't get eaten, or you buy a large package because it's a better deal, only to throw half of it away a few weeks later. Ugh!
And when food goes into the garbage, so does the money you spent on it.
The good news is that trying to reduce food waste at home doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple changes to how you shop, store and use your groceries can help you waste less food and get more value from your grocery budget.
Here are 11 smart ways to reduce food waste and save money.
Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to spend less and waste less.
When you have an idea of what you're going to eat during the week, you can create your grocery list around the meals you actually plan to make. This makes it much easier to avoid buying random ingredients that end up forgotten in the fridge. Every ingredient/item has a purpose!
Your meal plan doesn't have to be complicated, either. Even planning just a few dinners each week can make a difference.
And don't forget to check your fridge, freezer and pantry before you make your grocery list. You may already have many of the ingredients you need.
2. Plan for Leftovers
Leftovers are only helpful if someone actually eats them. If your family isn't particularly happy about eating the exact same meal two nights in a row, get creative with how you use them.
Leftover roasted chicken can become sandwiches, soup or quesadillas. Extra vegetables can be added to eggs, pasta or soup. Leftover taco meat can become nachos or a rice bowl.
You can also designate one night each week as a leftover night and let everyone choose from what's already in the fridge.
The goal is to make leftovers part of your meal plan instead of hoping you'll remember to eat them.
Make leftovers easier to spot:Good food storage containers can make a big difference when you're trying to reduce food waste. I like using clear containers so I can actually see what's hiding in the fridge!
3. Buy Less, Even When the Bigger Package Is Cheaper
A larger package isn't always the better deal.
Sure, buying the bigger package of something may give you a lower price per unit. But if you only use half of it and throw the rest away, you haven't actually saved money.
I've learned this one myself the hard way...many times. If my family doesn't eat much celery, buying a large bunch because it's technically cheaper isn't a bargain if most of it ends up in the compost.
Before buying the larger size, ask yourself: Will we actually use all of this?
Sometimes buying a smaller package, or even buying only the amount you need, is the more frugal choice.
4. Buy Foods Your Family Will Actually Eat
It's easy to buy food because you feel like you should be eating it.
Maybe you decide you're finally going to start eating more quinoa, kale or some other food you've never really enjoyed.
Then it sits in the pantry or fridge.
There's nothing wrong with trying new foods, but don't fill your grocery cart with ingredients simply because you think you should eat them.
Buy foods your family enjoys and look for realistic ways to introduce new foods. You're much more likely to eat what you buy when you actually like it.
5. Shop Your Pantry and Freezer First
Before heading to the grocery store, take a quick look at what you already have.
You might discover:
A package of pasta you've forgotten about
Vegetables hiding in the freezer
Canned goods that need to be used
Leftover meat that could become another meal
Ingredients for a meal you hadn't considered
Making a few meals from what you already have can help prevent food from being forgotten and save you a trip to the grocery store.
It can also be really satisfying to see how much you can make from what you already have on hand.
Tip: If you can easily see what you already have, you're less likely to buy something you don't need. Clear pantry containers can make it easier to keep track of staples and use things before they get forgotten.
6. Store Food Properly
How you store your groceries can make a big difference in how long they last.
Some fruits and vegetables do better in the refrigerator, while others are best stored at room temperature. Herbs can be stored in ways that help them stay fresh longer, and many foods can be portioned and frozen before they have a chance to go bad.
It's also helpful to keep foods that need to be eaten soon where you can easily see them.
A little organization can prevent the dreaded "I forgot I had that" moment.
7. Use Your Freezer
Your freezer can be one of your best tools for reducing food waste.
If you know you're not going to eat something before it goes bad, freeze it instead. Reusable freezer bags and freezer labels are handy for freezing smaller portions of leftovers, fruit, bread and other foods that might otherwise get forgotten.
Depending on the food, you can freeze things like:
Bread and buns
Shredded cheese
Cooked meat
Soups and stews
Leftover sauces
Fruit for smoothies
Some vegetables
Extra portions of cooked meals
Freezing food can also make busy nights easier because you have meals and ingredients ready to go when you need them.
8. Understand Food Date Labels
Food date labels can be confusing, and they're not all telling you the same thing.
In Canada, best before dates generally relate to the freshness and quality of food rather than automatically meaning the food is unsafe to eat after that date. However, certain foods have different safety considerations, and you should always follow proper food storage and food safety guidance.
Instead of automatically throwing something away because you've noticed a date has passed, learn what the label actually means and use your judgment based on the type of food and how it has been stored.
And when in doubt about whether a food is safe to eat, it's better to throw it out.
9. Give Less Than Perfect Produce a Chance
A bruised apple or a slightly imperfect carrot doesn't necessarily belong in the garbage.
If produce is still safe to eat, you may be able to cut away a damaged portion and use the rest.
Overripe bananas are perfect for baking. Soft fruit can often be used in smoothies or become apple sauce. Vegetables that aren't looking their best can be added to soups, sauces or other cooked dishes.
Not everything needs to look perfect to be useful.
Just remember that moldy, spoiled or unsafe food should not be rescued simply to avoid waste. When food has clearly gone bad, it's time to let it go.
10. Serve Smaller Portions
Food waste doesn't only happen in the fridge. A surprising amount can happen at the dinner table when we serve more food than we can eat.
Instead of automatically filling everyone's plate with a large portion, start with a smaller amount. Anyone who is still hungry can always have seconds.
This can help reduce the amount of perfectly good food that ends up being scraped into the garbage.
11. Have a Plan for Food That Needs to Be Used
One smart way to reduce food waste is to create a "use it up" area in the fridge.
Put foods that need to be eaten soon somewhere visible. Then, when you're deciding what to make for lunch or dinner, check that area first.
You can also make a habit of doing a quick fridge clean out meal once a week. Look at the ingredients that are nearing the end of their useful life and figure out how you can combine them into a meal.
It might not be the prettiest meal you've ever made, but it can save you from throwing perfectly good food away.
Reducing Food Waste Can Make a Real Difference to Your Grocery Budget
Trying to reduce food waste isn't about never throwing anything away or making every grocery purchase perfectly.
It's about getting more value from the food you already paid for.
When you plan your meals, shop your pantry, buy realistic quantities, store food properly and find ways to use leftovers, you're not just wasting less, you may also find that your grocery budget stretches a little further.
And that's a win for both your kitchen and your wallet.
What are your favourite ways to reduce food waste at home?
