She Strengthens

The Thrifty Toronto Challenge: A Weekend of Frugal Living

As a Toronto resident, I’m no stranger to the city’s high cost of living. With unaffordable housing and pricey food and drinks, staying on budget can be a daunting task. Recently, I took on a challenge to cut down on discretionary spending and get thrifty again.

Friday: A No-Spend Day

I started the challenge on Friday, deliberately making it a no-spend day. With a decently stocked fridge and pantry, I didn’t need to worry about groceries. I also worked from home, which reduced the temptation to spend on unnecessary items. One of my weaknesses is ordering takeout, but I’ve been combating that urge by buying cold brew in bulk from a higher-end grocery store. It’s a cheaper alternative to frequent Starbucks deliveries, and I still get to enjoy a nice cup of coffee.

Saturday: A Day of Treats

On Saturday, I allowed myself to spend a little money. I walked to the bank to run an errand and stopped at a local bakery to get a coffee and snack. It was a lovely treat, and I discovered some new neighborhood spots along the way. I also planned to do some laundry but decided to leave it for the next day, leaving me with some extra money.

Sunday: Cleaning and Breakfast

Sunday is my day for cleaning, and I always order breakfast before getting started. It’s a fun treat that keeps me motivated to get my chores done. I allocated enough money to keep up this habit, and my breakfast order was my biggest cost for the weekend. I also did my laundry, which was the only other cost for the day.

The Results

Throughout the weekend, I managed to stay on budget, with a total weekly spending of $32.73 CAD. According to my Daily Pocket app, 78% of my spending was on food and dining, while 21% was on laundry. I’m proud to say that I didn’t overspend, and I enjoyed the practice of challenging myself to spend less.

Lessons Learned

This challenge helped me be more mindful of my “fun” spending. I realized that I don’t need to spend a lot to have a good time. Simple activities like going for a walk, meditating, and practicing yoga at home can be just as enjoyable as expensive outings. I’d definitely take on this challenge again and encourage others to do the same.

About the Author

Mercedes Killeen is a Toronto-based freelance writer and editor. You can learn more about her work and order her freelance services at mercedeskilleen.com.