FALL IN LOVE.. WITH YOUR FINANCES!
Take charge of your money and finish the year strong.
“It’s time to take action and make money moves, Queen”
They say money can’t buy happiness. That’s true, but it can bring you peace of mind, give you financial independence (and buy cool things if it’s fiscally responsible.) But you can’t enjoy the benefits of money without understanding your finances. November is the perfect time to do a year-end financial review to finish 2025 strong and set yourself up for success in 2026. Time to fall in love with your finances!
Review Your Budget - The Whole Year
Knowing where your money goes is the foundation of financial wellness. Most banks let you download statements, and many even categorize spending automatically. Group your data into broad categories to see the full picture:
Look for patterns: When did you overspend, undersave, or stayed on budget?
Spending spikes: Plan for months where expenses are higher (birthdays, vacations, holidays).
Set goals for 2026: Be specific—if you want to save X dollars, break it down into monthly, weekly, and daily targets.
Tip: Spend 30 minutes a week reviewing your spending. Awareness alone helps you make smarter decisions. If weekly isn’t possible, do it monthly—or at least once per quarter.
Spending Tracker Apps
Spending Tracker
Apple: Download on iOS
Android: Download on Google Play
Every Dollar
Apple: Download on iOS
Android: Download on Google Play
Get Expert Guidance
Everyone’s financial situation is different. A financial advisor or planner can help you make informed decisions tailored to your income, goals, and lifestyle. Consult with a financial advisor through your bank or choose an independent/private planner.
Bring Key Information:
Personal info: age, marital status, dependents, major life changes
Income: pay stubs, side income, employer benefits
Expenses: monthly budget, recurring bills, subscriptions
Assets: bank accounts, investments (TFSA, RRSP), property, valuables
Debts: credit cards, loans, mortgages, lines of credit
Insurance & Legal: life/disability coverage, wills, powers of attorney
Goals: short-term and long-term priorities, risk tolerance
Questions to Ask:
Am I on track to meet my short-term and long-term financial goals?
Should I prioritize paying off debt, saving, or investing right now?
Are a TFSA or RRSP right for me?
Do I have adequate insurance coverage and financial protection?
How can I optimize my budget, savings, and investments?
Ask about a high-yield savings account (HYSA).
Debt Management Tip – Your advisor can help you prioritize debt strategically:
Tackle high-interest debt first (credit cards, payday loans).
Make minimum payments on low-interest debt (student loans, mortgages) while saving or investing.
Track progress and celebrate wins
Check Your Employer Benefits
Before the year ends, review your employer’s benefits and matching programs.
Retirement Matching: Maximize any employer RRSP or pension match.
Wellness & Education Programs: Take advantage of workshops, webinars, or financial learning programs.
Other Perks: Health spending accounts, or professional development funds can save money.
Tip: A quick chat with HR can uncover benefits you might be missing.
Credit Card Rewards / Cash-Back Programs
You’re already spending on essentials—using a rewards credit card lets you earn cash back, points, or travel perks on money you’d spend anyway.
Pick a card that fits your spending habits:
Grocery-heavy? Look for cards offering 3–5% cash back on groceries.
Travel-oriented? Points on flights, hotels, or ride-sharing apps.
Use your credit card for planned purchases instead of your debit.
Pay off immediately! This is “free money” as long as you pay your balance in full each month; otherwise, interest negates the benefits.
Tip: Talk to your bank or provider to find the card that maximizes rewards for your everyday spending.
Key Takeaway: This isn’t about spending more—it’s about earning rewards on money you’re already using. (If you’re not confident managing a credit card, skip this!)
Make Finances Fun and Easy
Money doesn’t have to be all serious— these tips help you enjoy managing it while celebrating wins along the way.
Treat Yourself: Set aside a “Fun Fund” for whatever you want to do.
Find Free Events: Check our November events list, Eventbrite, or local community calendars.
Celebrate Wins: Paid off a debt? Hit a savings goal? Recognize progress—it trains your brain to view money positively.
Pay yourself first: Automate savings from every paycheck—or every other one—whatever works for you. Every small step counts.
Grow Your Knowledge: Spend 10–15 minutes a week reading, watching videos, or listening to podcasts. Here are some podcast suggestions:
Now that you’ve reviewed, planned, and set yourself up for success, it’s time to take action and make money moves, Queen. Every small step—from tracking spending to celebrating wins—brings you closer to financial independence and peace of mind. Own your finances and let them work for you in 2026!
Mark your calendar for these November events:
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12:00pm - 6:00pm
J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, 1355 Harwood Avenue North Ajax, ON L1T 4G8 Canada
Free
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4:00pm - 5:00pm
Toronto Public Library - Parliament Street Branch, 269 Gerrard Street East Toronto, ON
FREE
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Fri: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex,
Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
1867 Valley Farm Road Pickering, ON L1V 6K7 Canada
FREE
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5:00pm - 9:00pm
City Hall (50 Centre St. S.) to Memorial Park (110 Simcoe St. S.), Centre St. to John St.
FREE
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2025 2-Day Holiday Pop-up Market
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Audley Recreation Centre | Community Hall | Entrance C | 1955 Audley RoadAjax, ON, L1Z 1V6 Canada (map)
Get your holiday shopping done all in one place at our 2-day Holiday Pop-Up Market! With over 60 local vendors, this is your chance to find unique gifts, seasonal must-haves, and one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're checking off your gift list or just getting started, this market makes holiday shopping easy and enjoyable!
Bring the whole family along and make a day of it! Enjoy great music, tasty food vendors, a photo booth, face painting, and a fun kids’ zone to keep little ones entertained while you shop. It’s festive, convenient, and full of holiday cheer… everything you need to kick off the season right.
written by Nickisha RASHID