I’ve always been really good with money, I spent 17 years in Financial Institutions, starting when I was 18 years old. I had more than enough money and every dime was accounted for.

And now… not so much!

It’s not even because I’m a mother of 4 and there are huge expenses involved with club sports, there are school fees, trip fees, and growing out of more than once size of clothing and shoes in a month’s time. There are birthday parties, pre-packaged easy peasy school snacks, and needing a new snow suit almost each and every year!

In the last few years, back to when almost everything went digital… I no longer carry cash… easy debit access to my money… no more cheques to write down in a cheque book… and a sudden realization that there’s more month left than there is paycheque. 

For the month of October, Manulife is hosting a Cents and Sensibility Challenge. I am taking the challenge. I am taking back my paycheque! I am going to take stock of where my money goes, stop those unplanned splurges, start planning my week properly so that when it is suddenly dinner time, I don’t go to a drive-thru vs making a meal at home. I used to say, “Poor planning on my part does not constitute an emergency on yours.” Now I’m the poor planner…

Over the next 30 days, I’ll be posting on Instagram and Twitter where I’ve saved, or where I’m managed not
to spend frivolously. It’s an easy challenge. It’s a start. It’s a great way for you to realize where your money is going.

I challenge YOU to join me in this 30 day #CentsAbility Challenge. Who knows, you may just start a habit that changes your life. 🙂

A week into the challenge, join me and @HartGalla @julienowell @pegcitylovely @commoncentsmom @mydirt @tokyoricky & @christaclips on October 8th at 9pm ET for a #CentsAbility Twitter Chat. Let’s talk about how we’re doing, share tips for keeping track of your money, let’s encourage each other to take back the power of our paycheques.