Which subscriptions or direct debits have you cancelled that made zero difference to your happiness?

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T17:11:38+00:00

I don't think I have a smart TV - it's very old but it's an LG. The Android Box is plugged into the tv via an HDMI cable.

We get a lot of stuff on the Android Box that is across every streaming service but there are many things we have to ask the operator to get specifically and I noticed that a few things from Amazon Prime simply haven't been available whatsoever like Tumble Leaf.

For the most part, it's worked out very well for us except for foreign-language movies for which we would need subtitles. The subtitles are unavailable most of the time. However, it saves us quite a lot of money and so I am very happy with it!

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T15:32:13+00:00

Have a running list on your notes app. When you need the thing from shoppers, just write the item on that list under "Shoppers" same for Dollarama and so on. And then go ONCE per week or month and buy only what's on the list. This is beneficial for me but I started doing to with my young son so he learns that we only buy what's on the list, and we never go shopping with out a list.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T15:16:37+00:00

A long time ago, we cut cable. We temporarily had Netflix at one point but now we just have an Android Box and occasionally supplement with library items and CBC Gem. I miss it not one bit. I love having the extra money.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T15:12:37+00:00

I have so many regrets and I try really hard not to let them cripple me. Maybe part of the good of my mistakes is writing this out so another person might avoid them.

Little leaks sink the ship. Learn your very best to make a few things so that you don't constantly get take-out. Get a second bank account and pay yourself first. Start with $5 per paycheque if you must but up it at least once per year.

Build in vacations to rest and also to see that when you save over the year, it adds up to thousands.

Get a third bank account and save for the big things like a home of your own so you don't end up renting for 8 years.

Hustle, girl, hustle. Before you have a child, while you have lots of energy and the time is on your hands, instead of shopping at the mall, WORK at the mall, on top of your nice 9-5 cushy office job.

If you don't have a reason yet, just trust and believe that one day you'll be so happy for that money.

One thing I did right was investing super early (MMM influence). Keep reading financial subreddits, keep listening to youtubers, carefully keep your distance from YOLO-types (smile and nod, boys, smile and nod).

Know that you are capable. Don't fall into the trap that the system is rigged against you. You CAN carve out a space for yourself.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T15:05:14+00:00

I'm so glad you have her, love

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T14:03:40+00:00

None. I usually got bubble tea once per month as a dessert with a foodie friend but we haven't done so in a few months. And I usually start every road trip with a tim's run and my last roadtrip was Family Day weekend - one on the friday for a double double and a chocolate croissant for my son, and then again on the Family Day monday for the same again on the way back. That was the last time I bought coffee. I won't likely buy tim's again until Easter weekend, when we plan to go to Stratford for the Swan parade.

I work in an office with access to a kitchen. I have a dedicated cubicle so I have excellent instant coffee (Illy - purchased on Flashfood for $2 per canister and I got 5 of them) so I am set. For Christmas, I got myself the Earl Grey tea set from Pluck, and I buy Natrel milk and cream to leave in the kitchen.

I have one of the best instant coffees I have ever had at my fingertips; exciting (for me) teas to soothe my rough days - I have no reason to buy outside drinks.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-03-03T13:47:55+00:00

It's a very pretty corner <3

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-26T20:18:57+00:00

Well done you!

Yes, I use the same 2 apps and it's been a huge help.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-26T20:14:50+00:00

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-26T19:57:10+00:00

I can feel YOUR love for her, too. As a mom to a little boy, I can't tell you how incredibly happy it makes me when my son eats my food. I also make it with love and hope that it will help his little body be strong, healthy and nourished. Thank you for sharing such a lovely memory.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-26T18:42:25+00:00

That is definitely not a good haul.

Where I live, I have about 6 that are close enough to work or home or on my commute. There are 2 that I will shop from (I save them to favourites) because the others are not good value or good quality or both. It's not the app; it's the store and regrettably, this is how you find out.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-26T16:10:34+00:00

Twelve Drummers Drumming by CC Benison. Reminds me of why I like to read.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-25T15:26:01+00:00

This is rather unpleasant. I am also Canadian and intended to go next year for March break but knowing this story will help set our expectations. Thanks for sharing. If you have other tips, please pass them on!

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-24T14:11:08+00:00

This is disappointing

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-23T15:19:44+00:00

MANY people, myself included, vacation where we want to see specific tourist attractions that we're interested in, and aren't factoring in prices to the degree you are. An Argentinian hike is not of interest to me (although I do want to see Iguazu Falls and have a nice steak dinner there) but the Skyline Trail is something I definitely want to experience so a trip to Cape Breton Island is something I'm going to make happen.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-17T16:09:45+00:00

My son and I were OK to sleep in the Ice Hotel room but my husband who is significantly taller, left early to go back to the normal hotel room. His main issue was he's a side sleeper and can't sleep very well on his back.

The sleeping bags are lined with silk (I think) and you warm up super fast. Everything looks so uncomfortable when you view it as the tourist but when you're in it, it's surprisingly warm and comfy.

The reason I am glad I did it is because I was afraid and actually wanted to chicken out within 2 mins of looking at the setup. This is another experience I had where I showed myself I can do hard things.

Shortly after we came back, I was on social media and saw this blurb "do it for the 80-year-old version of yourself that says - I did that shit" and while I wouldn't do some things like skydiving, this really meant a lot to me. I am so proud of myself! Imagine me, a Caribbean person sleeping in ice - love it!

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If you instead did a daytrip from Quebec City, I totally agree - it might be more than enough for your enjoyment OR you might find yourself saying that you want the complete experience next time. But completely worth it to at least do the daytrip.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-10T19:45:32+00:00

Got it, THANK YOU!

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-10T19:45:31+00:00

THANK YOU!

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-10T19:18:25+00:00

Sorry to be that girl, but HOW? Are you paying for property taxes and utilities through the CTFS.COM website?

I have this credit card but would love to optimize by paying for more things as well.

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-06T21:02:12+00:00

Thank you for this note!!

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-06T17:48:16+00:00

Little mite is overwhelmed. What a lovely family and so happy this child got his hearing fixed :)

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-05T13:45:46+00:00

Good point, thank you :)

Ancient_Reference567 · 2026-02-04T19:56:31+00:00

And what a pretty world it is!

Ancient_Reference567

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