{"id":179267,"date":"2025-01-04T05:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-04T10:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/news\/learn-gerrymandering-budget\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T15:52:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T15:52:47","slug":"learn-manage-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/guide\/strategy\/learn-manage-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn to manage your budget to save money and travel more"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Learning how to <strong>manage your budget<\/strong> is a bit boring. Right? But what if I told you that managing your budget could help you save money and travel more? In this article, I share with you my best tips and tricks: budgeting, saving, strategy, and much more. At the same time, I&#8217;d like to share a little anecdote with you.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"412995,279227\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-budget-priorities\">Budget priorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>A friend of mine told me that she didn&#8217;t think it was possible to travel as much as I do, because she doesn&#8217;t make a lot of money. Yet she has a better income than mine! What I found ironic was that we were having this conversation while she was enjoying her <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/reward-program\/starbucks-rewards\/\">Starbucks<\/a> coffee and eating her chocolate bread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/starbucks-unsplash-Large.jpeg\" alt=\"Learn to manage your budget to save money and travel more - starbucks-unsplash Large\" class=\"wp-image-324320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/starbucks-unsplash-Large.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/starbucks-unsplash-Large-450x338.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/starbucks-unsplash-Large-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/starbucks-unsplash-Large-200x150.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/starbucks-unsplash-Large-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So I made some calculations. This daily treat costs her about <strong>$8<\/strong> &#8220;only&#8221;. She was very surprised when I told her that she spends <strong>$2,920<\/strong> ($8 x 365 days) on lunch on the run, because she even goes there on her days off! At an average tax rate of 25% (marginal 36.12%), it takes about <strong>$3,900<\/strong> in gross salary to afford this expense, which is equivalent to one month&#8217;s salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is it worth working for a month to have the luxury of breakfast on the go every morning? The answer is personal to her, and I&#8217;ll never judge her; <strong>to each his own<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All this to say that it&#8217;s essential to draw up a budget to be aware of how much money we have coming in and going out! Then, <strong>manage your budget<\/strong> and make choices according to your priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='1'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"170834\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tips-for-managing-your-budget\">Tips for managing your budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are my best tips and tricks to help you regain control of your finances, learn how to <strong>manage your budget<\/strong> and save!<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__notice component__notice--info wp-block-milesgutenberg-notice\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-info-circle\"><\/i>\n\t\t<div class=\"component__notice__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<p>I am not a financial planner or advisor. These are tips and tricks drawn from my personal experiences. Your personal and financial situation may be different.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-record-expenses-in-each-category\">1. Record expenses in each category<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, the first step is to keep track of your expenses. Make a list of your weekly, monthly and annual expenses. But you don&#8217;t need to be up to the cent. However you do need to know how much you&#8217;re spending in each <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\">category<\/a> or expense item. That&#8217;s the only way you&#8217;ll be able to analyze your habits and optimize all those hours spent at work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s often the &#8220;phantom expenses&#8221; like the morning coffee that can surprise us, because they&#8217;re very small amounts. They accumulate and you don&#8217;t notice the financial haemorrhage. Once you&#8217;ve identified them, you can decide whether or not to keep them, but it will be a well-informed decision!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The large annual expenditures should not surprise us. After all, it&#8217;s the same thing every year: <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/reviews\/products\/best-travel-gifts\/\">Christmas presents<\/a>, license plates, <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/guide\/tutorials\/how-to-save-dentist\/\">dentist appointments<\/a>, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1793\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dentist-1639683_1920.jpg\" alt=\"My mini world tour on 5 continents: the journey of two students - dentist 1639683 1920\" class=\"wp-image-61426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dentist-1639683_1920.jpg 1793w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dentist-1639683_1920-450x301.jpg 450w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dentist-1639683_1920-1024x685.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dentist-1639683_1920-200x134.jpg 200w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/dentist-1639683_1920-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1793px) 100vw, 1793px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"228029\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-draw-up-a-monthly-budget\">2. Draw up a monthly budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you know approximately how much money will be in your <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/offers\/bank-accounts\/best-chequing-accounts-canada\/\">bank account<\/a> at the end of the month? In 3 months? In 6 months?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may be a personality thing, but I like to know what my expenses are going to be so I can readjust. I&#8217;m sharing the Excel file we use in our family. Check out our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\">toolbox<\/a> to download it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"558\" src=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiffrier-budget.jpg\" alt=\"Learn to manage your budget to save money and travel more - chiffrier budget\" class=\"wp-image-176296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiffrier-budget.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiffrier-budget-450x157.jpg 450w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiffrier-budget-1024x357.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiffrier-budget-200x70.jpg 200w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiffrier-budget-768x268.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, this tool allows us to calculate all our cash inflows and outflows over the course of a year. To use it, simply fill it in with your figures. You can use it &#8220;as is&#8221;, or use it as a basis and adjust it according to your situation. Each month, simply&nbsp;:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__list\"><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Update your account balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set previous month&#8217;s balance to zero on first line<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing whether I&#8217;ll run a deficit in my <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/offers\/bank-accounts\/best-chequing-accounts-canada\/\">bank account<\/a> motivates me to reduce my spending and\/or increase my income. Also, having an emergency fund allows me to deal with the unexpected and reduce the associated stress.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='1'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"210582\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-use-an-online-budgeting-tool\">3. Use an online budgeting tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To <strong>manage your budget<\/strong> more easily, you could instead use an online budgeting tool or mobile app. For some of you, this may be easier and more intuitive than an Excel file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Free budget management applications are becoming increasingly rare. However, a few are still free. For example, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\">EducFinance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"211368\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-determine-the-amount-to-save\">4. Determine the amount to save<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In my opinion, determining your ability to save is a very important step. In addition to points and travel, it&#8217;s important to plan for contingencies and retirement. I advocate a balance between <em>carpe diem<\/em> and retirement. Retirement is also my carpe diem&#8230; just later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my situation, I have several types of savings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__list\"><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Short-term travel savings (<a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/personal-finance\/investing\/tax-free-savings-account-tutorial\/\">TFSA<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/offers\/bank-accounts\/high-interest-savings-accounts-canada\/\">high-interest savings account<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Short-term savings for contingencies (emergency fund)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medium- and long-term savings for my children&#8217;s education (<a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/personal-finance\/investing\/registered-education-savings-plan-resp-101\/\">RESP)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term retirement savings (<a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/personal-finance\/investing\/registered-retirement-savings-plan-rrsp-101\/\">RRSPs<\/a>, real estate, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--4'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"189231,318807,191721,336026,247124\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"deferred_button\" data-page=\"1\" data-per_page=\"4\">\n\t\t\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-spinner-third fa-spin\"><\/i>\n\t\t\t\tLoad More\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>I consider my savings to be an &#8220;expense&#8221;. In other words, I force myself to put money aside as if I had no choice, just as I have to pay for my groceries because I have no choice. This behavior is called &#8220;paying yourself first&#8221;. Whether it&#8217;s $50 or $500 a paycheck, it&#8217;s important to create savings and <strong>not underestimate the power<\/strong> <strong>of compound interest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, you should invest your savings, according to your risk tolerance and objective, to make your money grow. For example, invest in exchange-traded funds (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\">ETFs<\/a>) using an <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\">online brokerage account<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For our family, our short-term savings for travel are in a <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/offers\/bank-accounts\/high-interest-savings-accounts-canada\/\">high-interest savings account<\/a>. Our retirement savings consist of investments in an <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/personal-finance\/investing\/how-to-invest-online-in-canada\/\">online brokerage account<\/a> and a real estate portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/beginners-guide\/\">rewards points<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/\">credit cards<\/a>, mastering <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/personal-finance\/investing\/how-to-invest-online-in-canada\/\">investments<\/a> is the key to getting maximum value from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1776\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/money-2724241_1920.jpg\" alt=\"Learn to manage your budget to save money and travel more - money 2724241 1920\" class=\"wp-image-25174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/money-2724241_1920.jpg 1776w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/money-2724241_1920-450x304.jpg 450w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/money-2724241_1920-1024x692.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/money-2724241_1920-200x135.jpg 200w, https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/money-2724241_1920-768x519.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1776px) 100vw, 1776px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--3'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"247124,210650,210593\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-setting-priorities\">5. Setting priorities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m not judging anyone who decides to spend <strong>$3,900<\/strong> of their gross salary on coffee and breakfast, if that&#8217;s what makes them happy. But, you have to be able to target <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\">expenses<\/a> that you can reduce or cut if you can&#8217;t afford to do something else that&#8217;s also important to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main excuse I hear is that people can&#8217;t afford _______. Eliminating phantom expenses and setting priorities are the first steps to doing this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good for you if you make enough income to pay for each budget item! For the others, we have to make choices and focus on our priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a clear, concise budget, it&#8217;s easier to target where you could cut.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"166044\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-implement-a-grocery-strategy\">6. Implement a grocery strategy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/guide\/strategy\/grocery-costs-less\/\">grocery budget<\/a> is often the one we let go. But, in my opinion, it&#8217;s often the one where we lose the most money. On the contrary, I&#8217;m a <em>foodie<\/em> and I love to eat! In fact, it&#8217;s my second passion <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/guide\/destination\/visit-7-wonders-of-the-world\/\">after travelling<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My main focus is on food waste. I find it absurd to throw food, and therefore money, in the garbage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For optimal grocery shopping, you need to&nbsp;:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__list\"><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take inventory before grocery shopping (fridge, freezer and pantry)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consult flyers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Think revenue in terms of discounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a grocery list<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check your basket before you check out, in case you&#8217;ve consciously or unconsciously added items you don&#8217;t really need (don&#8217;t store with children or when you&#8217;re hungry).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/grocery\/\">the best credit card for groceries<\/a>, of course!<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='compare-simple'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='5'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--compare-simple container_count--5 container_count--lots'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"22621,401432,25774,22640,22676\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\n    <div class=\"card card-list card-list-header\">\n        <div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-dark shimmer-bar--short card-specs--title\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-dark shimmer-bar--short card-specs--title\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card card-list\">\n\n\t<div class=\"card-list--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--card\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-graphic-cta shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card-list--title-offer\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card-list--offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning, execution, <em>cross-check<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think carefully. Are you aware of everything in your freezer? Is there a frozen lasagna you&#8217;ve forgotten about for 6 months?   Did those bananas you bought 2 weeks ago end up in your tummy or in the garbage can?<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--4'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"232179,257485,300789,312702\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-integrate-credit-card-reward-points\">7. Integrate credit card reward points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These two statements are the real <em>game-changers<\/em> in my case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__list\"><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Credit cards allow me to <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/beginners-guide\/\">accumulate travel points<\/a> or reward points for travel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Credit cards allow me to accumulate <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/best-credit-cards-in-canada\/cash-back\/\">cash back<\/a> on my everyday expenses, lowering my cost of living and increasing the funds available for travel.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This has enabled me to <strong>travel five to seven times a year<\/strong> over the past decade. In an article on <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/guide\/strategy\/management-expenses-credit-cards\/\">credit card management<\/a>, I had said that it&#8217;s best to concentrate on one or two programs when you&#8217;re a beginner, in order to master them well. Over time and depending on the number of programs mastered, you will build the points and rewards into your budget!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/reward-program\/airmiles\/\">AIR MILES<\/a>, many everyday items as well as Christmas gifts for the kids end up being almost free every year. The same applies to the travel budget. I&#8217;ve been accumulating <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/programme-fidelite\/aeroplan\/\">Aeroplan<\/a> points for over 10 years, so I know my average annual accumulation rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I know how many plane tickets I can afford with my points, I can adjust my travel budget accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='page'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_page container_template--s container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"page_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"207228,213383\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-personal-budget-vs-couple-vs-family-budget\">8. Personal budget vs. couple vs. family budget<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>United we stand! I&#8217;m not telling you anything new when I say that many expenses are reduced when you&#8217;re a couple (or sharing with roommates). As far as points are concerned, accumulating them and using them in pairs is the most lucrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s more, I often share expenses with my parents, to get a better price (and bonus miles). For example, buying 5L of ketchup at Costco, or buying a large pack of paper towels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are savings that can go a long way as they accumulate and everyone&#8217;s budget shrinks. So think of your friends, your parents and your spouse to help each other save and collect points!<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--2'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"377435,370036\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article><article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bottom-line\">Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing I&#8217;ve often noticed is that people tend to make excuses for their financial problems. My philosophy is to find solutions and put them first.  It&#8217;s also this kind of effort and mentality that will make life easier. If you&#8217;re convinced you&#8217;re going to run out of money, this will become your reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/personal-finance\/how-to-budget-for-your-personal-activities\/\">good budget management<\/a> and the integration of credit card rewards points are the two main factors that have enabled me to travel often in the last decade&#8230; and for those to come!<\/p>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='s'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='post'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_post container_template--s container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"post_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"210582\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<article class=\"post-preview\">\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-thumbnail\">\n\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-image\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"post-preview-content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"simmer-bar-group\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__deferred_contents wp-block-milesgutenberg-deferred-contents\">\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-template='m-h'\n\t\t\t\tdata-post_type='card'\n\t\t\t\tdata-per_page='4'\n\t\t\t\tclass='deferred_container--preload container_card container_template--m-h container_count--1'\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tag=\"card_id\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-post_ids=\"22621\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-utm=\"wpb\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t<div class=\"card\">\n\t<div class=\"card--grid\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card--img-outer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--img\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-card\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card--title-offer-selling\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--title-offer\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"card--selling-points\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-bar--short\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-bar--short\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-bar shimmer-bar--short\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"card--apply\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"apply-btn\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shimmer shimmer-btn\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<aside class=\"component component__faq wp-block-milesgutenberg-faq\">\n\t\n<div class=\"component component__faq__item component__faq__item--opened wp-block-milesgutenberg-faq-item\">\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__title\">\n\t\t<h4 id=\"how_do_you_budget_in_excel_every_month_\" class=\"toc_exclude component__faq__item__title__heading\">\n\t\t\tHow do you budget in Excel every month?\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content__inner\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<p>Create an Excel file with different sections for your cash inflows, fixed and variable expenses, savings, etc. Then use formulas to automatically calculate the totals for each section and the final balance. Finally, adjust the table to suit your needs. Consult our <a href=\"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/toolbox-organize-finances-and-rewards\/\">toolbox<\/a> to download a dynamic Excel budget template.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__faq__item component__faq__item--opened wp-block-milesgutenberg-faq-item\">\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__title\">\n\t\t<h4 id=\"what_apos_s_the_best_free_budget_management_app_\" class=\"toc_exclude component__faq__item__title__heading\">\n\t\t\tWhat&apos;s the best free budget management app?\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content__inner\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<p>Free budget management applications are becoming increasingly rare. Often, these tools require a paid subscription. However, a few are still free, such as Quebec&#8217;s <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/educfinance.ca\/outils\">EducFinance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__faq__item component__faq__item--opened wp-block-milesgutenberg-faq-item\">\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__title\">\n\t\t<h4 id=\"what_apos_s_the_50_30_20_rule_for_better_budgeting_\" class=\"toc_exclude component__faq__item__title__heading\">\n\t\t\tWhat&apos;s the 50\/30\/20 rule for better budgeting?\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content__inner\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<p>The 50\/30\/20 rule involves dividing your income into three categories: 50% for essential expenses, 30% for personal desires and 20% for savings. Divide your net income according to these percentages to get a clear picture of these 3 expense categories.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"component component__faq__item component__faq__item--opened wp-block-milesgutenberg-faq-item\">\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__title\">\n\t\t<h4 id=\"how_to_save_money_to_save_and_travel_more_\" class=\"toc_exclude component__faq__item__title__heading\">\n\t\t\tHow to save money to save and travel more?\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<i class=\"fas fa-chevron-down\"><\/i>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content\">\n\t\t<div class=\"component__faq__item__content__inner\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<p>Keep a record of all your expenses to learn about and analyze your consumption habits. Then decide which ones you want to keep, reduce or eliminate. The money saved can be used to save and travel more.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/aside>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this article, I share my tips for learning how to manage your everyday budget to save money and travel more 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