Crazy Canuck Finance - Because Maple Syrup Isn’t Free!

  The True Cost of Living in Canada Some nights, after my kids are asleep, I sit alone at the kitchen table in our small Ontario apartment. The lights are dim, the house is finally quiet, and I open my banking app with a knot in my stomach. Rent has gone out. Groceries are due again. The hydro bill is higher than last month, again. This is The True Cost of Living in Canada , and it’s not a headline or a statistic to me. It’s lived experience. Note: Read to the end for my free downloadable budget template! I’m a single father of two, working full-time, doing everything “right” by the book. And still, it feels like I’m falling behind. If you’re reading this and feeling the same pressure, I want you to know something first: you’re not failing, the system is getting harder to survive in . Across the country, Canadians are feeling squeezed from every direction. Rising housing costs, food inflation, utilities, transportation, and job uncertainty have turned everyday life into a balanc...

  The Hidden Financial Story Behind a Simple Daily Coffee When we think about our morning Double Double, we picture something warm, comforting, and familiar. What we rarely consider is what the actual cost of a double double coffee in Canada costs in the long run,  not just in dollars spent today, but in wealth lost tomorrow. This article reveals the financial truth behind the Canadian coffee habit, supported by real numbers, gentle explanations, and long-term projections that may surprise you. Why This Conversation Matters Most people don’t realize how much small daily choices affect long-term financial futures. Coffee isn’t the problem; it’s the unconscious spending that quietly replaces the chance to build wealth over decades. The Popularity of the Double Double in Canada The Double Double is iconic in Canada. Whether it’s Tim Hortons, McDonald's, or another shop, millions consume it daily. That consistency is exactly why its long-term cost matters so much. Breaking D...

  The Rule of 72: How One Simple Trick Changed the Way a Canadian Family Planned Their Future When Mark, a 32-year-old teacher from Barrie, first heard the phrase “Rule of 72,” he assumed it was some obscure tax law or CRA regulation. Little did he know that this simple little rule would change the way he approached saving, investing, and building wealth for his young family. He was sitting in his kitchen one cold February morning, sipping a double-double and scrolling through emails, when his friend, a financial planner, sent him a message: If you want to know how fast your money will double, just divide 72 by the return rate. Mark blinked. That’s it? That’s the whole rule? Curiosity kicked in. He grabbed a pen, opened a fresh page in his notebook, and wrote in big letters: 72 ÷ interest rate = years to double your money That moment was the beginning of a financial transformation, not just for him, but for anyone ready to understand how powerful compounding really is. L...

If you’re serious about improving your financial literacy in 2026, you’re in luck. The Canadian market is brimming with insightful books that go beyond numbers and charts, they dive into the psychology, history, and values that shape our financial decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your journey toward financial independence, these five books will help you think smarter about money and life. 1. The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money has become a modern classic for a reason. Unlike traditional finance books that focus on technical strategies, Housel explores the human side of money, our emotions, biases, and behaviors. He argues that financial success isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about how we act under pressure and uncertainty. Why It’s Essential in 2026 In a world of economic volatility and rapid technological change, understanding your own financial psychology i...

Introduction Let’s be honest, life in Canada isn’t cheap. Between rising grocery prices, utility bills, and family activities, it can feel like your paycheck disappears faster than a Tim Hortons double-double on a cold morning. But here’s the good news: saving money doesn’t mean living like a hermit or giving up the things you love. In this guide, I’ll share 10 smart, practical ways to save money in Canada without sacrificing comfort for your family . These tips are easy to implement, family-friendly, and designed for real Canadian households. 1. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs Why pay full price when you can earn rewards? Programs like PC Optimum , Air Miles , and Scene+ are gold mines for Canadian families. How to make it work: Download the PC Optimum app and load offers weekly. Use Scene+ for groceries at Sobeys, Freshco and entertainment discounts (Cineplex is my favourite with the kids). Combine loyalty points with cashback credit cards for double savings. Pro Tip: Set a ...