We’re less than four weeks away from a new year. Yes, 2025—despite feeling like it started yesterday—is almost over, and 2026 is around the corner. Before long, 2026 will turn into 2027, and the cycle continues. The goal of this post isn’t to stress about how fast time moves, but to help you do a…
Imagine you’re in your early 20s, having just finished your higher education, when a wise friend approaches you and says: “I know a somewhat easy — but not simple — way to become a millionaire. If you save and invest $1,000 biweekly for the next 20 years, assuming a 7% average return, you’ll hit that…
The 50/30/20 finance ratio – or a way to budget – is something we talked about last year, where you dedicate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants and the remaining 20% goes towards your savings and investments. This breakdown is simple, effective, and ensures that your essentials, lifestyle choices, and future financial…
Let’s face it—budgeting isn’t for everyone. No matter how much you preach its benefits, some people will never follow or practice it. To many, it’s boring, restrictive, and just not sexy enough. Honestly, I’m sure some would rather go bankrupt than follow a spreadsheet that tells them how much they can spend and where. Want…
When it comes to investing, things can quickly get complicated, or you can choose to keep it simple. One way to simplify investing is by opting for index funds, which have been gaining popularity over the last two decades. However, even index fund investing can become overwhelming when faced with the task of choosing from…
As part of my investment strategy, my portfolio is spread across several accounts, including a work-funded account and others where I pay no transaction fees. Additionally, I set aside a fixed amount each week, and once it reaches a certain threshold, I use that money to purchase new investments, such as stocks, bonds, or ETFs….
If you are new to the world of personal finance and budgeting, or just don’t bother getting your money matters in order, the 50/30/20 rule may be just for you. What is it exactly and what do these number represent? it is a finance ratio used to simplify the way you divide your money, where…
If you are someone who thinks finance and money management is too boring, stressful, or just complicated, then I have an easy solution for you: automation! Automation, in this instance, refers to setting up systems and tools that automatically manage various aspects of your finances without requiring constant attention. This can include automatic bill payments,…
Is it just me, or do you spend a lot more money during summer than you usually do the rest of the year? There are more things to do, more places to be, and more friends to be with. This all requires more money than you would otherwise normally spend. I am not necessarily talking…
Social media envy is real, but for me, it’s something somewhat related: I have what I like to call ‘social media curiosity.’ While not very active on platforms like Facebook, X, and others (fact: I have never had Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok accounts), the occasional times I do go online, one very common post I…
Last week, I wrote about how a simple switch of insurance providers has helped me save $100 per month. This week, and as promised in my aforementioned article, I am going to cover in more details about how I am spending this saved money. While $100 may not seem like a lot to some, when…
Recently, I did the math and realized I was saving just about 21% of my net income. While this is good considering my living situation, family expenses, and other factors, I thought it would be even better to increase my savings rate to 25%. However, without making major changes or sacrifices, I couldn’t just boost…
Many of us can relate to this scenario: after diligently paying off our credit card debt, we feel a surge of relief and accomplishment. However, it’s disheartening to see our debt slowly creep back up over time, ultimately leading us to realize that we’re on the verge of starting the debt repayment journey all over…
As the annual income tax season looms, it’s essential to approach the process with foresight and preparation. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating a refund or resigned to the prospect of payment, ensuring a smooth experience hinges on meticulous organization and attention to detail. By gathering all necessary documents, such as T-4s and tax statements, and thoughtfully…
When was the last time you said to yourself: ‘I am spending too much; I better start saving’? On the other hand, when was the last time you said to yourself: ‘Man, I am saving too much money and need to start spending more’? The first question is not only more likely for the vast…
We’ve all been there: striving to achieve a particular goal, whether it’s shedding pounds or mastering a new skill, only to find ourselves faltering with each attempt. But why does this happen? Weren’t we told that setting goals is the key to success? While setting goals is undoubtedly important, it’s just the beginning. Merely establishing…
On a recent grocery shopping trip, my eyes were intrigued by something completely unusual. It was something I had never seen before, or at least in my 28+ years of grocery shopping as an adult. No, I didn’t come into contact with a smart robot that was there to shop for its human owner, nor…
Have you fallen off and given up on your 2024 resolutions yet? Whether you have or not, we have an easy challenge for you to follow, even if the year is already close to one month old. In fact, it’s a good idea to start this one now to get back on track in case…
Salary increases are indeed a blessing that I never take for granted, especially in today’s uncertain economic times where job security is a luxury. Receiving a salary increase feels like a bonus, and even though there’s no assurance of it, I’ve already planned how to utilize any potential increase. Firstly, I won’t be frivolously spending…
A recent CGA-Canada survey revealed that more than half of the respondents had no idea how much interest they were paying on their credit card balances, with many mistakenly believing it to be around 3-4%, similar to the prime rate. This is a startling revelation. While not everyone may know the exact percentage, it’s concerning…
The ultimate goal of your budget is to have money left over after covering all your expenses. To achieve this, you need to maximize your income and minimize your expenses. Here’s how: Minimizing Your Expenses Maximizing Your Income These are just a few examples of how to minimize expenses and maximize your income. While it…
In your budget, a ‘savings’ category is essential for emergencies or general savings. But what if you want to purchase something pricey, like a vacation or new furniture? Instead of dipping into savings, create a new category dedicated to the specific item…
Talk about budgeting, and some people envision a restrictive “financial diet” that saps the joy out of life. They picture endless spreadsheets and deprivation. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! Budgeting is about taking control of your finances, not becoming a slave to them. It’s about organizing your spending so you can actually…
Creating a budget is a fundamental step toward financial stability, yet many people find it challenging. At BudgetSense.ca, we’re here to simplify this process for you. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to create a budget that fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your financial goals. Step 1: Choose Your Budget…
Welcome to BudgetSense.ca! Unlock Your Financial Potential. Here is how! In a world where prices soar and wages struggle to keep up, mastering your finances has never been more crucial. We’re here to guide you through the art of smart budgeting and wise spending, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Our approach combines personal…