How to Save Money on a Tight Budget: 10 Practical Ways to Find Extra Savings
When money is tight, the idea of saving money can feel almost impossible. If you've already cut back on the things you don't really need, where is there anything left to save?
The good news is that saving money on a tight budget isn't necessarily about making huge changes. Sometimes it's about finding the small leaks in your budget, making a few strategic swaps, and being more intentional about where your money goes.
And if you're wondering how to save money on a tight budget, start by remembering this: you don't have to change everything at once. Even a few small changes can make a difference over time.
Here are some practical ways to find extra savings when your budget is already stretched.
1. Track where your money is actually going
Before you try to cut your spending, figure out what you're already spending.
For a month, keep track of your purchases, even the small ones. Coffee, convenience store stops, takeout, subscriptions, online purchases and those little “it's only $10” purchases can add up quickly.
Don't use this exercise to beat yourself up over your spending. Use it as information. Once you know where your money is going, you can decide where you'd like it to go instead.
2. Look at your recurring expenses
Recurring expenses deserve special attention because they're easy to overlook.
Go through your bank and credit card statements and make a list of everything that comes out automatically each month. Look at things like:
Streaming services
Apps and memberships
Phone and internet plans
Insurance
Banking fees
Gym memberships
Subscription boxes
Cloud storage
Other services you pay for automatically
Ask yourself: Would I sign up for this again today? If the answer is no, cancel it.
For bills you need to keep, see if there's an opportunity to negotiate, switch plans or shop around. Even a small monthly reduction can add up over a year.
3. Prioritize what matters most
When your budget is tight, you can't always afford everything you'd like to have. That's not a failure, it's simply a reason to prioritize.
Instead of trying to eliminate every enjoyable expense, decide what matters most to you and spend your money there.
Maybe your family values swimming lessons, but doesn't care about every other extracurricular activity. Maybe you'd rather keep your weekly coffee date and cut back somewhere else.
The goal isn't to create a life where you spend nothing. It's to make sure the money you do spend is going toward the things that are actually important to you.
4. Find one expense you can eliminate
Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to cut your entire budget overnight. Pick one expense.
Maybe you could:
Make coffee at home a few more days a week
Pack lunch instead of buying it
Reduce takeout
Borrow books instead of buying them
Skip one shopping trip
Use what you already have before buying more
Replace one convenience purchase with a homemade option
Once that becomes your new normal, look for another small change.
Saving money becomes much easier when you treat it as a series of small decisions rather than one giant financial overhaul.
5. Shop your home before shopping the store
One of my favourite ways to save money is so simple: use what you already own!
Before buying something, take a look around your home. Do you already have something that will work?
Check your pantry before grocery shopping. Look through your freezer. Shop your cleaning supplies before buying another bottle. Look through your closet before buying another outfit. Check your craft supplies, toiletries and household storage before adding something else to the collection.
Sometimes the best deal is the thing you don't have to buy at all.
6. Get creative about earning extra money
Cutting expenses isn't the only way to create more breathing room in your budget.
If you have the time and energy, consider whether there's a way to bring in a little extra income.
You could sell things you no longer need, pick up occasional work, offer a service, or turn an existing skill or hobby into a small side income.
And if you do earn extra money, consider giving it a specific job before you receive it. For example, you might decide that extra money will go toward your emergency fund, a specific bill, debt repayment or another financial goal.
7. Sell things you no longer need
Most of us have money sitting around our homes in the form of things we no longer use.
Look around your home with fresh eyes. What could someone else use? Clothing, furniture, electronics, toys, kitchen appliances, sporting equipment and other household items may be worth selling.
You could sell your things with local buy-and-sell groups, online marketplaces or other resale platforms.
And here's an important part: don't let the money disappear into your regular spending. If you're trying to build savings, transfer your earnings somewhere specifically designated for that goal.
8. Make your grocery budget work harder
Food is one area where small changes can make a noticeable difference.
Before you shop:
Check what you already have.
Plan meals around food that needs to be used.
Compare prices.
Buy store brands when they make sense.
Watch for sales on things you regularly use.
Use your freezer to reduce food waste.
Plan a few inexpensive meals each week.
Don't shop hungry if it leads to impulse purchases.
You don't need to become an extreme couponer or spend hours chasing every deal. Instead, focus on consistently paying less for the groceries you were already planning to buy.
9. Start a change jar or a small savings habit
Saving loose change may not make you rich, but it's an easy way to turn money you might otherwise ignore into savings.
Keep a jar for coins and empty your wallet or pockets into it regularly.
You can take it a step further by creating a small automatic savings habit. Even $5 or $10 at a time can help you build the habit of paying yourself first.
If your budget is extremely tight, don't worry about the size of the amount. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
10. Shop strategically instead of automatically
When you're on a tight budget, timing your purchases can make a big difference.
If you know you'll need birthday or Christmas gifts, watch for sales throughout the year rather than waiting until you need everything at once. The same applies to clothing, household goods, seasonal items and other predictable purchases.
Make a list of things you know you'll need eventually and keep an eye out for good prices.
But there's an important distinction here: a sale isn't a savings if you didn't need the item in the first place. The best deals are the ones that help you spend less on something you were already going to buy.
Give every dollar a job
When money is tight, it's easy to feel like you're constantly reacting to whatever bill or expense comes next.
Creating a simple plan can help you feel more in control. You don't need a complicated budgeting system. Start by knowing:
What money is coming in
What bills have to be paid
What you need for groceries and other essentials
What expenses can be reduced
What you're trying to save for
Even a simple budget can give you a clearer picture of where your money needs to go.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of budgeting, my printable budget planner can help you organize your bills, spending and financial goals all in one place.
Saving money on a tight budget is about progress, not perfection
When money is tight, you may not be able to save hundreds of dollars every month. That's okay.
Maybe you start with $5. Maybe you find $25 in savings by cancelling a subscription. Maybe you sell a few things you no longer need. Maybe you reduce your grocery bill by $10 a week.
Those small amounts matter.
The goal isn't to live an unnecessarily restrictive life. It's to find realistic ways to spend less, waste less and make your money work harder for you.
So if you're wondering how to save money on a tight budget, don't start by asking, “What else can I give up?”
Instead, ask: “Where is my money going, and what small change would make the biggest difference?” Start there. Then build from it.
What is one thing you've done to save money on a tight budget?
When you're trying to save money, it's easy to start feeling like your budget is putting a giant NO sign on all the fun stuff.
Going out for coffee? Costs money. Shopping? Costs money. Going out for dinner? Definitely costs money. Even a quick “I'm just going to browse” trip to the store somehow turns into $75.
But cutting back on spending doesn't mean you have to be bored.
In fact, some of the best ways to have fun cost absolutely nothing. You just need to get a little creative and resist the urge to treat spending money as your default form of entertainment.
If you're looking for things to do instead of spending money, I've put together 36 ideas to help you stay entertained, productive and connected while keeping your budget in check.
36 Things to Do Instead of Spending Money
1. Learn a new game
Pull out a board game you've forgotten about, learn a card game, or teach yourself a new game online. If you have kids, let them choose the game and make an evening of it.
You probably have something sitting in a closet right now that hasn't been played in ages.
2. Read a book
Instead of browsing online stores when you're bored, pick up a book.
Check your own bookshelf for something you haven't read yet, revisit an old favourite, or borrow something from your local library. Libraries are one of the best free sources of entertainment around!
3. Send an encouraging message
Think of someone you haven't talked to in a while and send them a thoughtful text, email or message.
Tell a friend you're thinking about them. Thank someone who has helped you. Send your family member a funny memory. It costs nothing, and it might make someone's day!
4. Play your own version of a cooking show
Open the cupboards and refrigerator and see what you can make using ingredients you already have. Give yourself a challenge: pick a few random ingredients and see if you can turn them into an actual meal.
Bonus points if you narrate the process like you're hosting your own cooking show.
This is also a great way to use up food before it gets forgotten in the back of the pantry.
5. Make some money
Not spending money doesn't mean you can't make money.
Walk around your house and look for things you no longer use. Clothes, toys, small appliances, home décor and other unwanted items could potentially be sold locally or online.
You might even turn your no spend day into a make money day!
6. Cross something off your to-do list
You know that thing you've been putting off?
Do it.
Clean out the email inbox. Make that appointment. Finally organize the paperwork. Fix the wobbly drawer. Return the library books.
It may not sound exciting, but there is something so satisfying about crossing an annoying task off your list.
7. Look for free community activities
Check your local library, community centre, recreation centre or municipal website for free events.
You may find free concerts, outdoor movies, workshops, festivals, children's activities, walking groups or other community events.
Free doesn't have to mean boring!
8. Try a new hairstyle
Instead of shopping for something new, experiment with what you already have.
Try a different hairstyle, learn a new braid or recreate a look you've saved online. Social media and YouTube are full of inspiration and tutorials.
9. Go for a walk
This is one of the simplest things to do instead of spending money. Take a walk around your neighbourhood, visit a local trail or simply wander somewhere you've never explored before.
Leave your wallet at home so you aren't tempted by an impromptu coffee or shopping stop.
10. Go camping in your backyard
If you have a backyard, pitch a tent and have a backyard camping adventure.
Make it as elaborate or simple as you like. Bring out sleeping bags, tell stories, play games and have dinner outside.
No backyard? Build a blanket fort in the living room instead.
11. Write a bucket list
Make a list of all the things you'd love to do someday.
Your bucket list doesn't have to be made up entirely of expensive vacations and big adventures, either. Include small things you've always wanted to try, places you'd like to visit, skills you'd like to learn and experiences you'd like to have.
You might be surprised by how many of your ideas can actually be done for free or very cheaply.
12. Take a nap
Honestly, sometimes the best thing you can do when you're tempted to spend money is go to bed.
If you're tired, bored and scrolling on your phone, you're probably not going to make your best spending decisions. Put the phone down, get comfortable and take a nap.
13. Rearrange some furniture
Give a room a completely different feel without buying a single thing. Move the furniture around, rearrange your décor or switch things between rooms.
It's amazing how different your home can feel when you look at your existing stuff differently.
14. Go house hunting, for fun
Love looking at beautiful houses? I sure do!
Open up a real estate app and browse homes in your area, across Canada or somewhere you've always dreamed of living. Set yourself a ridiculous budget and see what kind of dream home you can find.
Just remember: looking is free. Buying is not.
15. Invite a friend over for coffee or tea
Instead of meeting at a coffee shop, invite your friend to your home.
Make coffee or tea, put out a few snacks you already have and enjoy an afternoon of conversation.
You get the social experience without the restaurant or coffee shop bill.
16. Pick some wildflowers
If you're somewhere it's permitted, pick a small bouquet of wildflowers and bring them home. Or you could just enjoy the flowers where they grow.
Nature provides plenty of beautiful entertainment for free.
17. Organize a junk drawer or closet
I know. This doesn't exactly scream “fun.”
But if you're someone who loves the feeling of getting organized, tackling a small space can be really satisfying. Pick one drawer, shelf or closet instead of trying to reorganize your entire house.
You'll have a finished project before you know it!
18. Watch something that makes you laugh
Watch funny clips, old family videos or your favourite comedy show. Better yet, send the funniest things you find to a friend and have a virtual laugh together.
Entertainment doesn't always need to involve a shopping trip or a night out.
19. Shop your closet
Instead of shopping for a new outfit, shop your own closet.
Pull out pieces you haven't worn in a while and see what combinations you can create. Try styling something in a completely different way. You may rediscover an outfit you forgot you loved.
20. Bake something
Check your pantry for ingredients you already have and bake something delicious.
If you have enough ingredients, make something to share with a neighbour or friend.
21. Find a free way to earn rewards
If you enjoy earning rewards through surveys, receipt apps or loyalty programs, use some of your downtime to explore legitimate programs that are available in Canada. I actually really like Swagbucks. I've earned quite a few Starbucks gift cards over the years!
Just remember that these shouldn't become an excuse to shop. The goal is to earn rewards or a little extra money without spending money you wouldn't otherwise spend.
22. Listen to a podcast or audiobook
Put on a podcast or audiobook while you walk, clean, organize or relax.
There are podcasts covering practically every interest imaginable, from home organization and personal finance to comedy, history, hobbies and current events. I like to use Libby to listen to free audiobooks through the library.
23. Read the archives of your favourite blogs
Have a few websites you love? Instead of scrolling through shopping sites, go back through their archives. You might discover older articles you missed the first time around.
And if Simply Frugal happens to be one of your favourites, there are plenty of old posts to explore! 😀
24. Finally make something you've saved on Pinterest
We've all done it.
Save recipe. Save craft. Save organizing idea. Save DIY project.
Never actually do it.
Today is the day. Pick one thing you've been saving and actually try it using supplies you already have.
25. Do a “5-minute fix” tour of your house
Walk through your home and look for little things that need attention.
A picture that needs hanging. A button that needs sewing. A drawer that needs adjusting. A pile of paperwork that needs sorting.
Give yourself 5 minutes in each room and see how much you can get done.
26. Mend your clothes
Before tossing something because it's missing a button, has a small tear or needs a little repair, see if you can fix it. Learning a few basic mending skills can save money and help your clothes last longer.
27. Use those gift cards
Maybe you have gift cards sitting around? Check your wallet, purse or junk drawer. You may have forgotten about some of them!
Instead of spending your own money on something, use a gift card for an item or experience you were already planning to buy.
28. Tackle an organizing project
Choose one small organizing project and work with what you already own.
Organize your pantry. Sort the bathroom cabinet. Tackle your paperwork. Clean out the freezer.
And remember: you don't need to buy a bunch of organizing products to get organized. Sometimes the best organizing tool is simply getting rid of the things you don't need.
29. Clean the car
Give your car a good cleaning inside and out.
Vacuum the seats, clean the windows, wipe down the dashboard and get rid of all those random receipts and wrappers.
It'll feel like you've got a freshly detailed car without paying for one.
30. Call someone you love
When was the last time you actually called someone instead of sending a text?
Call a relative or friend you haven't talked to in a while. You don't need an elaborate plan. Just catch up.
31. Make birthday cards
If you have cardstock, paper, markers or craft supplies at home, make a few cards for upcoming birthdays.
You'll have them ready when you need them, and you'll avoid the last-minute store purchase.
32. Bake your favourite cookies
Yes, this one gets its own spot. There's something extra special about making your favourite treat at home instead of going out to buy one. Plus, you'll have a whole batch instead of only one!
33. Return things you've been meaning to return
You know that purchase sitting by the door? The one you've been meaning to return for two weeks?
Go do it.
You'll get your money back and clear something off your mental to-do list at the same time.
34. Take advantage of free local fitness opportunities
Rather than signing up for a membership just because you're bored, look for free fitness options in your community.
Try a walking trail, free outdoor fitness equipment, a community recreation program or a free workout video at home.
You don't need an expensive gym membership to move your body.
35. List more things you no longer need
Turn decluttering into a money making project.
Go through your home and find things you aren't using anymore. Take photos, write descriptions and list them for sale on a local marketplace.
You get a cleaner home and the possibility of making some extra money. That's a pretty good no spend activity.
36. Clean your outdoor spaces
Give your patio, balcony, deck or yard some attention. Sweep, tidy, weed, rearrange your outdoor furniture or clean things that have been neglected.
Then sit outside and enjoy the space you've created.
The best things to do instead of spending money are the ones you already have
The next time you're bored and find yourself reaching for your wallet, pause for a minute.
Ask yourself: “What could I do right now that doesn't require spending money?”
You might be surprised by how many options you have.
Read something. Bake something. Call a friend. Go for a walk. Organize a drawer. Sell something. Learn something. Make something.
You don't need to spend money every time you want to have fun.
And honestly, one of the best parts of embracing a more frugal lifestyle is realizing that a good time doesn't have to come with a price tag.
So save this list for the next time you're tempted to spend money because you're bored. Your wallet will thank you!
What are your favourite things to do instead of spending money? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!
Money is meant to be used. Of course, we need to save for the future, but we also need to enjoy the money we work so hard to earn. Learning how to balance saving money and spending it can help you make progress toward your financial goals without feeling like you have to give up all the fun along the way.
Saving every penny can leave you feeling deprived, while spending without a plan can make it difficult to reach your financial goals. The good news? You don't have to choose between saving money and enjoying life. With a little planning, you can make room for both. Here are some tips on how to balance saving money and spending it:
Pay Yourself First
One of the easiest ways to make saving a regular habit is to save before you have a chance to spend the money.
Set up an automatic transfer to a savings account each time you get paid, even if it's a small amount. You can always increase it when your income or circumstances change.
Think of saving as one of your regular expenses rather than something you do only when there's money left over. Because let's be honest: if you wait until the end of the month to see what's left, there probably won't be much!
Give Yourself Some Spending Money
Being frugal doesn't mean you can't have fun.
If every dollar in your budget is earmarked for bills, groceries, savings and other responsibilities, it's easy to start feeling like you're working just to pay for life. That's why I think it's important to leave some room for guilt-free spending.
Set aside an amount that works for your budget and use it for something you enjoy. It could be a coffee with a friend, a book, dinner out, a hobby or something you've had your eye on.
The amount isn't nearly as important as knowing that you've planned for it. When fun money is part of the budget, you can spend it without feeling guilty.
Spend With Intention
There's a big difference between spending money on something you genuinely want and spending money simply because something caught your attention.
Before making an unplanned purchase, give yourself a moment to think about it. Ask yourself:
Do I really want this?
Will I actually use it?
Do I already own something that does the same job?
Would I still want it if it weren't on sale?
Will I be happy I bought it a month from now?
You don't have to say no to every unnecessary purchase. Sometimes the answer will be, "Yes, I really want this and it's worth it to me." That's perfectly okay.
The goal isn't to eliminate spending. It's to make sure your spending reflects what actually matters to you.
Let Your Budget Make Room for Both
A budget shouldn't be a list of everything you're not allowed to buy. A good budget should help you decide where your money needs to go, and make room for the things you enjoy, too.
Start with your necessities, such as housing, utilities, groceries and transportation. Then make room for savings and your financial goals. Finally, give yourself some money for discretionary spending.
The exact amounts will look different for everyone. What matters is creating a plan that works with your income and priorities.
And yes, sometimes this means saying no. If you've already used your entertainment budget for the month, you may need to wait until next month. That's not deprivation. It's simply deciding ahead of time where your money is going.
Save for the Things You Really Want
There's something especially satisfying about buying something you've saved for.
Instead of putting an expensive purchase on credit or buying it impulsively, create a separate savings goal and work toward it. Whether it's a vacation, a new appliance, a special experience or something you've wanted for a long time, watching the money build can make the eventual purchase feel even better.
Plus, when you save first, you get to enjoy your purchase without the stress of wondering how you're going to pay for it afterward.
Remember: Frugal Doesn't Mean Miserable
Being good with money isn't about never spending it. It's about making thoughtful choices with the money you have.
Save for your future. Pay your bills. Spend on the things that genuinely make your life better. Skip the purchases that don't matter to you.
If you're trying to figure out how to balance saving money and spending it, remember that you don't have to choose between being financially responsible and enjoying your life. The goal is to find a balance that allows you to work toward your financial goals while still making room for the things that bring you joy.
I'd love to know: How do you balance saving money with spending money on the things you enjoy?
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!
