Category: Life
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Eating out has always been part of life, but it’s no secret that inflation and higher food prices are making it harder to enjoy restaurants as often as we’d like. According to Restaurants Canada’s 2025 Foodservice Facts report, 75% of Canadians are eating out less because of the rising cost of living. For younger adults…
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The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is one of Toronto’s most beloved summer traditions. It has been a yearly tradition for my family since 1947. Every year the EX has happened since the 1920s our family has been there.Each August, the CNE transforms Exhibition Place into a colourful mix of rides, games, shows, and delicious (and…
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Whether you’re waiting for payday, cutting expenses, or just looking to enjoy life without spending a dime, this list has you covered. There have been so many times in life when I have been homeless and broke, but there are still ways to make the most out of the life you have today. You can…
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Whether you’re saving for a rainy day, paying down debt, or building a path to financial independence, side hustles are one of the most practical ways Canadians can take control of their finances. This guide is designed to help you find flexible, real side hustles that work for Canadians and the best apps to help you…
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For decades, personal finance experts have preached the mantra: “Live within your means.” But for many Canadians, that phrase feels vague, outdated, and even dismissive. What does “means” mean anyway? Credit limits? Future raises? Family support? Far too many include their credit limit when they think of their means. It’s time to shift the conversation…
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When my mom passed away, I was heartbroken—and broke. The pandemic had just passed, and I had used mine to live during my time off work. I didn’t have enough saved to fly home and be with family. I had to rely on others to help get me there. It was humbling, stressful, and eye-opening.…
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What Is Tithing? A Christian Guide to Giving Without Guilt As a Christian, I have thought long and hard about giving and what I see going on in many churches and congregations today. I have had quite the spiritual journey, and thankfully, over the years, I have learned to study the bible and rely on…
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If I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice, I’d skip the lectures and go straight to habits. Because that’s where the real change happens — not in not in the big choices we make but in small habits formed. Today, I’m sharing 10 money-saving habits I wish I’d started…
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Twenty-one years ago this week, my life changed forever. I was in a deadly fire. I survived, but my neighbour didn’t. That night haunts me still ( I still wake up from dreams about that night and the fire fighters who rescued us), and it taught me some hard lessons about fire safety, tenant insurance,…
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Hello again, dear readers. It’s been a while. When I first launched Common Cents Mom, it was more than a blog; it was a place where we had real conversations about the big money questions, shared real-life financial wins and fails, and found empowerment through practical advice rooted in the everyday Canadian experience. I went…