You know that feeling when you’re at the grocery store, mentally converting prices while your toddler asks for the twentieth time if they can have those colourful cereal boxes? That’s me every single week, and now, I’ve made peace with it.
Coming from Mexico where stretching every peso was practically an art form, to navigating Canadian prices that sometimes make my eyes water. I’ve learned that being frugal isn’t about being cheap. It’s about being intentional. It’s about making our dollars work as hard as we do.
Why Frugal Friday?
As a SAHM who left her software developer career behind, every purchase feels more weighted now. We’re living on one income in a country where everything, especially groceries, costs more than I ever imagined. But here’s the thing, I refuse to let financial stress steal the joy from this season of my life.
You know the saying, “Creativity is born from necessity”. Some of my best mom hacks, family traditions, and even quality time moments have come from finding creative ways to stretch our budget.
What You Can Expect
Every Friday, I’ll be sharing:
- Real budget wins (and fails, because we’re keeping it honest here)
- How to maintain our cultural traditions without breaking the bank
- Simple swaps that make a difference
- Community suggestions from other mamas
This isn’t about extreme couponing or eating beans and rice every night (though rice and beans are delicious and budget-friendly). It’s about finding that sweet spot where we can care for our families, honour our values, and still sleep peacefully at night.
Let’s Start Simple
This week, I’m challenging myself (and you, if you want to join) to one simple thing: before buying anything over $20, wait 24 hours. That’s it. No complicated spreadsheets, no apps to download.
Just pause. Sleep on it. See if I still want or need it tomorrow.
I started this last month when my daughter wanted a new coloring book set that cost $25. We waited, and the next day she found her old coloring books and got excited about finishing the half-colored pages. Sometimes we already have what we need, we just need to pause long enough to remember.
Your Turn, Mama
What’s one frugal tip that’s actually worked for your family? Drop it in the comments. I’ll read every single one, and I would love to learn from this incredible community we’re building together.
Remember: being mindful with money doesn’t make us any less deserving of beautiful lives. We’re just choosing to create that beauty intentionally.
With love,
Vanesa
