The good news is that Japan remains an accessible destination if you approach it with realistic expectations. Airfare will likely be your largest expense, but you can find reasonably priced lodging and affordable dining options throughout the country. Rather than attempting to travel on an unrealistic budget, focus on creating a practical spending plan that allows you to experience Japan comfortably while managing your expenses effectively.

Airfare

Flights to Japan from Canada typically range between $800 and $1,500 for a round-trip ticket. You can find lower prices during off-peak months like January, when fares average around $848, while December tends to be the most expensive time to book at approximately $1,703.

Booking early generally secures better rates, and some travellers have recently found round-trip flights starting at $500. Your final cost depends on factors such as departure city, airline, stopovers, and travel dates.

Airport Selection Matters

Tokyo operates two main international airports. Haneda sits closer to the city centre, while Narita is located about 60 minutes away by train. Choose Haneda when possible for convenience, though many international routes only serve Narita.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the other major airport in Japan that sees the most international flights. It’s located near Osaka and offers direct trains to Kyoto. Often, travellers will fly into Tokyo and out of Kansai to minimize backtracking.

Japan Accommodations

Japan offers diverse lodging options to suit every budget and preference. Expect to allocate approximately $200 nightly for standard accommodation. Space is often limited across most Japanese properties, resulting in compact rooms. Where North American hotels might provide two queen beds, Japanese rooms typically feature twin or single beds. Families of four should expect to book two separate rooms, but a few family-style hotels have opened as of late.

Hostels

Dormitory-style lodging represents the most economical choice for travellers, with nightly rates ranging from $40 to $60. Tokyo properties command higher prices than destinations such as Kyoto or other regional cities.

The shared accommodation model helps keep costs down while providing essential amenities and opportunities to meet fellow travellers.

Japan hostel recommendations:

• Book and Bed Tokyo (Tokyo)
• Gojo Guesthouse (Kyoto/Kansai)
• WeBase Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Capsule hotels

These compact sleeping quarters have evolved from novelty to mainstream accommodation. Each pod includes essential amenities efficiently organized within a small space. Nightly costs range from $30 to $75 per person.

Prices can match or exceed hostel rates, and in certain cases, basic hotel rooms may cost similar amounts. Compare options carefully before booking.

Japan capsule hotel recommendations:

• Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel (Tokyo)
• Sauna & Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza(Kyoto)
• Capsule Hotel Cube Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Mid-range hotels

Standard hotels typically cost around $150 per night. Significant savings are possible by choosing smaller chains or locations outside prime tourist districts. Japan’s excellent transit system makes staying in peripheral areas practical and convenient.

Japan mid-range hotel recommendations:

• Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower (Tokyo)
• Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (Kyoto)
• RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Luxury hotels

nternational brand hotels are readily available in major cities for travellers seeking upscale accommodation. Nightly rates start at $400 and climb substantially higher for premium rooms and suites.

Properties like Hyatt Regency Kyoto offer refined service and amenities expected from established luxury brands.

Japan luxury hotel recommendations:

• The Ritz-Carlton (Tokyo)
• Four Seasons Hotel (Kyoto)
• Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (Hiroshima)

Tradtional Japanese Inns (Ryokans)

Traditional inns provide an authentic cultural experience with tatami mat rooms and Japanese-style bedding. Most facilities feature shared bathing areas and washrooms, though some offer private facilities. Pricing varies considerably by amenities and location, ranging from $80 to $200 per night.

Rates are typically calculated per person rather than per room. Many properties include simple meals featuring rice and vegetables as part of the stay.

Japan ryokan recommendations:

• Kimi Ryokan (Tokyo)
• Ebisu Ryokan (Kyoto)
• Sansui Ryokan (Hiroshima)

Vacation rentals

Rental regulations in Japan restrict short-term lettings and require owners to obtain proper licensing. While platforms like Airbnb operate in Japan, legitimate listings must comply with local laws. Properties requesting that guests avoid contact with neighbours should raise concerns.

Licensed rentals or hotel rooms with kitchenettes offer better alternatives, particularly for groups or families requiring additional space. Costs vary significantly based on location, size, and amenities.

Japan apartment recommendations: 

• Akihabara Luxury Cityhouse (Tokyo)
• Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo (Tokyo)

Getting Around Locally

Japan has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. However, what confuses tourists is the number of options available. The best way to navigate is to review your options and choose the ones that make the most sense for your trip.

City Trains and Buses

Urban transit in Japanese cities is operated by multiple private companies. JR controls most surface rail lines, while separate operators manage subway systems. You’ll need to pay each operator separately unless you have a specific pass.

Prepaid IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA simplify payments across transit systems. These cards are interchangeable across major metropolitan areas. You can tap them at ticket gates and reload them at station machines. Many convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants also accept IC cards for purchases.

Transit fares in cities are distance-based and reasonably priced. A typical subway ride costs between 170 and 320 yen, depending on how far you travel. Buses usually charge flat rates within central zones. Taxis are available but cost significantly more than public transit options.

JR National Pass

The JR Pass grants unlimited access to Japan Rail trains, including most Shinkansen bullet trains, for consecutive periods of 7, 14, or 21 days. Recent price increases have reduced its value considerably compared to previous years.

The 7-day pass makes financial sense if you’re planning a return journey between Tokyo and Hiroshima or similar long-distance routes. For shorter trips or slower travel patterns, individual tickets often cost less than a pass.

The 14-day and 21-day passes rarely provide good value unless you’re travelling extensively between distant cities every few days. Calculate your planned routes before purchasing to ensure you’ll recoup the pass cost.

Area Transit Passes

Many cities and regions sell their own transportation passes that can offer better value than the JR Pass for localized travel. Kyoto sells passes specifically for its Raku bus network, which connects major tourist sites. These passes typically cover unlimited rides within a set area for one or multiple days.

Some regions offer combination passes that bundle transportation between major cities with local travel. The Hakone Free Pass and Koyasan World Heritage Ticket are examples that include both intercity transport and unlimited local travel. Research available passes for your planned destinations before arrival.

Major train stations have service counters where English-speaking staff can explain pass options and help you purchase the most suitable ticket. Bring your itinerary details to get accurate recommendations.

Food and drink

Meals in Japan don’t have to drain your wallet, though costs vary depending on your dining choices. A practical daily budget is about $55, covering breakfast at $8, lunch at $17, and dinner at $30. That said, you may end up snacking a lot, as street food and vending machines are everywhere.

Many accommodations include breakfast, offering a simple meal to start your day. Bakeries provide fresh buns for about $2, making them ideal for quick morning bites or snacks between meals. Convenience stores stock surprisingly good options, with bento boxes and sandwiches available for under $5.

A solid bowl of ramen will cost you about $15 and that’s a filling meal good at any time of the day.

Budget-Friendly Options

You’ll find authentic bowls of ramen, curry, udon, or soba at popular chains for less than $10. Fast-food combo meals typically cost around $10. These options let you experience Japanese cuisine without overspending.

Regional Specialties

Different regions offer distinct local delicacies worth trying. Kyoto is known for matcha treats, while Hiroshima specializes in okonomiyaki. Fresh sushi, Kobe beef, and takoyaki are just a fraction of the culinary experiences available nationwide.

Evening Dining

An izakaya offers an excellent way to sample a variety of dishes at reasonable prices. These Japanese bars offer affordable small plates alongside beer and sake, both of which remain reasonably priced nationwide. Of course, every major city in Japan is very multicultural, so you won’t have any issues finding different kinds of cuisine.

Remember that tipping isn’t practised in Japan, and all displayed prices include tax. This transparency makes budgeting straightforward, as the price you see is the price you pay. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a proper meal, you’ll find options at every price point that deliver quality and authenticity.

Attractions

While Japan offers numerous complimentary sites to explore, paid experiences will require a portion of your travel budget. Religious sites typically charge only a few hundred yen for entry, while museums demand slightly higher fees. However, costs escalate quickly if you attend sumo wrestling matches or visit entertainment complexes.

Major theme parks like Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disneyland represent significant expenses, potentially consuming several hundred dollars of your budget. Japanese theme parks remain competitively priced compared to international counterparts, though observation deck fees can feel steep.

Purchasing tickets ahead of your visit allows you to bypass queues, which proves valuable during peak periods like cherry blossom season when crowds surge.

Consider advance bookings for these popular destinations:

• Tokyo Skytree
• Tokyo Sanrio Puroland
• Legoland
• Osaka Castle
• Tokyo National Museum
• Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day trip from Tokyo
• Go karting in Akihabara, Tokyo
• Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou

Your attraction spending depends heavily on your itinerary preferences. If theme parks aren’t part of your plans, allocate approximately $200 for various paid sites throughout your journey. Including two major theme parks requires increasing your budget to roughly $350.

Entry fees for standard museums and historical sites typically range from $5 to $20, making cultural exploration relatively affordable when spread across your trip duration.

Random spending

Travellers often overlook this category when planning their finances, yet it accounts for a significant share of actual expenses. Shopping happens naturally during any trip, whether purchasing souvenirs, selecting gifts for loved ones, or acquiring items for personal use. Allocating approximately $400 for miscellaneous purchases provides reasonable coverage for these unplanned expenses.

Japan offers unique retail experiences that differ markedly from those in other destinations. You’ll encounter products and merchandise unavailable elsewhere, creating temptation to purchase items despite uncertain practical value back home.

Notable shopping destinations include:

• Official brand stores for gaming companies
• Character-themed merchandise shops
• Specialty retail locations

You may also visit distinctive themed establishments, such as cosplay cafes, anime-themed venues, or animal-interaction cafes. These experiences come with costs beyond standard dining. Setting aside dedicated funds for spontaneous purchases and unique experiences prevents budget strain and allows you to engage with Japan’s distinctive retail culture without financial stress.

Final Thoughts

When planning your journey, budget approximately $6,000 for a two-week visit to ensure you can fully experience the country. Without proper financial planning, you risk missing memorable activities and attractions.

Having a clear understanding of Japan trip cost elements – from accommodation and transport to dining and entertainment – allows you to make informed decisions throughout your travels. Research additional money-saving strategies before departure to stretch your budget further.

Alternatively, read my guides on Hong Kong, Vietnam, Southeast Asia and Malaysia for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What budget should you plan for a 14-day journey to Japan?

For a two-week visit to Japan, your budget will depend significantly on your spending preferences. If you’re travelling solo on a modest budget, plan for approximately $4,000 to $5,000. This covers basic hostels, economical meals, and standard transportation.

Couples should expect to spend between $7,000 and $8,500 for the same duration. Families of four will need to allocate roughly $10,000 to $12,000, accounting for larger accommodation requirements and additional meal expenses.

Your daily expenditure typically ranges from $150 to $400 per person. Budget-conscious travellers can manage on $150 to $200 daily by staying in hostels and choosing affordable dining options. Mid-range travellers should expect to spend $250 to $350 per day for comfortable hotels and varied dining experiences.

What should you expect to pay for lodging in Japan’s main urban centres?

Accommodation costs vary widely across Japan’s major cities. You’ll find hostels and budget guesthouses starting at $50 per night for a basic dormitory bed. Private rooms in budget properties range from $80 nightly.

Mid-range hotels in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto typically cost between $150 and $200 per night for a standard double room. These often include essential amenities and convenient locations near public transport.

Higher-end hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) typically start at $200 per night and can exceed $500. The average daily accommodation expense for two people is approximately $200, though this varies by location and season. Peak travel periods, such as cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, will command premium rates.

How much will you spend daily on meals whilst exploring Japan?

Your daily food budget in Japan depends on your dining choices. Budget travellers can eat well for $25 to $40 per day by frequenting convenience stores, casual ramen shops, and standing sushi bars.

Mid-range dining typically costs $50 to $80 per person per day. This allows for restaurant lunches, sit-down dinners, and occasional café visits. You can enjoy quality meals at casual restaurants for $8 to $15 at lunch and $15 to $30 at dinner.

Higher-end dining experiences will increase your daily budget to $100 or more. The general estimate is approximately $150 per person per day, covering all meals, snacks, beverages, and occasional treats. Convenience stores offer excellent value, with fresh, quality-prepared meals often costing less than $8.

What are the transportation expenses you’ll encounter throughout Japan?

Transportation costs depend on your travel patterns and distances covered. Local transport within cities averages $10 to $15 per person per day for subway and bus fares. Single subway trips typically cost $2 to $4.

For inter-city travel, you have several options:

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

• 7-day pass: approximately $280 to $310
• 14-day pass: approximately $450 to $500
• 21-day pass: approximately $580 to $640

Individual bullet train tickets are expensive. A one-way journey from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around $130, while a one-way journey from Tokyo to Osaka costs about $140. The JR Pass becomes worthwhile if you’re making multiple long-distance trips.

For two people, daily transportation expenses average about $30 per person, though this increases with longer journeys. Taxis are costly, with base fares starting at $7 and rising quickly in urban areas.

What strategies can reduce your travel expenses in Japan?

Several practical approaches can reduce your travel costs in Japan without sacrificing the quality of your experience. Purchase a JR Pass before departure if you plan multiple intercity trips, as it offers substantial savings on bullet train travel.

Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or capsule hotels rather than traditional hotels. These options provide clean, comfortable accommodation at significantly reduced rates. Consider vacation rentals with kitchen facilities for longer stays, allowing you to prepare some meals yourself.

Eat like locals by visiting convenience stores, supermarkets, and casual eateries. Lunch sets at restaurants cost considerably less than dinner menus, whilst offering similar quality. Look for temples and parks, as many charge minimal or no entrance fees despite offering remarkable experiences.

Travel during shoulder seasons (March to early April, late May to June, September to November, excluding peak autumn) for better accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Purchase a prepaid IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo, for convenient local transport and small discounts. Many cities offer day passes for unlimited subway and bus travel.

Take advantage of tax-free shopping at designated stores by presenting your passport. Free walking tours in major cities offer excellent orientation and cultural insights at no cost.

What visa and entry charges apply when visiting Japan?

Most Western nationalities enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for tourism purposes. Visitors from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most European Union countries can stay up to 90 days without a visa. You simply receive a temporary visitor status stamp upon arrival at no charge.

There are no entry fees or tourist taxes when entering Japan at airports or seaports. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Upon arrival, immigration officers may ask about your accommodation arrangements and return flight details.

You will need to complete a customs declaration form, but there are no associated fees. Ensure you have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay, though these are rarely checked for short-term tourists from visa-exempt countries.

If your nationality requires a visa, fees vary by country and visa type. Contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country well before departure to determine specific requirements and associated costs.

There’s no arguing the prices can be killer, and it’s actually easy to find cheap flights if you know how to use certain websites. But, there are so many articles floating around talking about ideal times to book, or “hacking” websites to give you lower prices when those tricks don’t work. Here are some tips on how to get cheap flights that people need to forget.

There is a specific hour to book your flights

I honestly have no idea where this came from. The time of day has zero relevance on airfares. You can stay up til 3am when there’s a full moon out, but the prices won’t be any different. I suspect this myth came from a flight website that looked at the data from thousands of tickets to come up with the perfect time. I suppose that data may be true, but that doesn’t mean there’s an exact time where you can book flights for cheap.

Book on a certain day of the week

The same thing applies to the day of the week, airfares don’t get loaded on certain days, and they certainly aren’t cheaper if you book them on a specific day at a certain time. That being said, flights are cheaper if you fly out a Monday and return mid-week.

Clearing cookies will reduce fares

Whenever you browse a website, small amounts of information called cookies are stored which records your browsing history. The assumption is that since the airlines will know that you’ve been looking for certain flights, there’s no reason to offer you a lower price. Clearing your cookies will make you look like a new browser so the lowest price will be offered right? Nope, airlines price their tickets based on supply and demand, they have enough data of their own and they price accordingly.

Booking from another country is cheaper

To be fair, on occasion lower fares can be found if you choose a different country of origin. e.g. you say you’re in Argentina as opposed to your home country when looking for flights in South America. The theory is airlines price by region so deals can be had. This used to be one of those tricks to getting cheap flights that worked, but now it almost never happens unless you’re searching for flights within a developing country.

Standby deals

These may have existed many years ago, but no airline offers standby deals anymore. It doesn’t matter if you don’t care where the flight is going, or how long it’ll take, you can’t just show up at the airport expecting some kind of deal. That said, if you know a flight attendant, there is standby available to staff.

Last minute deals

If you’re looking for a last minute deal on airfare, I’ve got some bad news for you, you’re more likely to pay more, much more when booking at the last minute. Last minute deals do happen for all inclusive resorts and tour operators so not all is lost. Companies such as G Adventures, Intrepid Travel and Air Canada Vacations have websites dedicated to their deals so it’s always worth browsing.

You should books exactly X days before your flight

A few years ago, KAYAK released their Travel Hacker Guide with their suggestions of when the best time to buy your airfare is. I quite like KAYAK and I’m sure their mass amounts of data are worth considering, but really, it’s not an exact science. They’re basing their findings off their aggregate data, it’s not like airlines decide when the cheapest time to book airfare is. If you see an airfare that’s reasonable, just book it.

You can get on a flight during its stopover

Some of the best flight deals out there usually require a stopover e.g. Boston → Toronto → Hong Kong. Well, what happens if you live in Toronto and want to take advantage of the deal? Can you buy the ticket and simply get on the plane in Toronto? Nope, you must get on the plane at the originating destination or your ticket automatically becomes void. Some people think this is an unfair practice by the airlines, it’s not, so stop trying to beat the system.

Bereavement fares

I’m sorry for your loss, I really am, but you know who doesn’t care? Airlines. Bereavement fares don’t really exist anymore. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a recent death in the family, generally speaking, airlines will only you a 5% discount at max. The only other thing that airlines “might” offer you is the ability to change your dates at no extra charge. Getting a refund would likely be difficult too.

5-star resort, all inclusive, free for children and under $1,000

There are a ton of travel groups, websites, and forums where people share travel deals they’ve found. These deals are great, but some people are under the impression that a deal can be found for anything– this simply isn’t true. Finding a deal for your exact dates for a specific property will never happen.

Final word

I hate to say it, but there’s really not that many tricks to getting cheap flights. My best suggestion is to monitor those websites that find cheap airfares and to book as soon as you see a deal since they won’t last long. You also need to be flexible, you’ll never know where the flight deal will take your or what dates are available. Alternatively, you could sign up for one of the best travel credit cards in Canada which can help you offset your costs.

Recently a pretty big unexpected expense came up in my life, but it never worried me since I had funds set aside already. Since money wasn’t an issue, I was able to focus on the other aspects of my predicament. Having an emergency fund made my decision making a lot easier, but I wondered how others would handle it if they didn’t have any money available?

Every situation is different, but I would imagine when money is a real concern, emotional decisions get made. Some of us might not have a choice and decide to charge the costs to credit, while others may be forced to make a tough decision since they can’t afford it. Neither of these choices is ideal, so it’s not hard to see how important it is to have an emergency fund in place.

Reasons to use your emergency fund

Job loss – Losing our jobs will always be one of our biggest fears since without a job, we won’t get paid. What makes losing our job even more frustrating is that it can happen at any time, and for any random reason. Having that emergency fund will give us a bit of a cushion while we hunt for a new job.

Medical expenses – Canadians are pretty fortunate to have some of the best healthcare in the world. Not only are trips to the doctor and hospital free, but so are many major medical procedures. However, there are times where we need to pay things out of our own pocket. Some medical expenses could cost thousands of dollars, so it’s best to be prepared just in case.

Travel – Let’s be clear, we should never blow our emergency fund on a vacation, but there are times when we’ll need to use it for travel. A sudden death in the family could force us to take an unexpected trip, and last minute flights tend to cost a small fortune. In these situations we already have so many things on our mind, it’s nice that money isn’t one of them.

Maintenance – It’s always a good idea to budget separately for house and car maintenance, but sometimes a major repair is required, and our reserve funds might not be enough. Dipping into our emergency fund to cover any outstanding costs makes a whole lot more sense than charging it to credit. The tricky thing is knowing what counts as an emergency. A burst pipe counts, but draining our reserve funds for a kitchen renovation is not a smart use of our money.

Final word

Emergency funds take time to build so don’t stress out if yours isn’t fully funded yet. The easiest way to build it up fast is to simply budget for it. Put aside $50-100 a month and you should get there in no time. Saving isn’t very sexy, but at least you won’t stress out when it you need to draw on those funds in emergency situations.

I don’t get into exact numbers when talking about my personal budget, but what I do share is percentages. I like to breakdown my budget into percentages to see how much I’m spending and saving. How I budget is irrelevant to everyone else; budgets are unique and my priorities will always be different from others.

Too often we get caught up comparing ourselves to others. The term “Keeping up with the Joneses” usually applies to spending but it equally applies to saving. We might convince ourselves that spending every thing is normal because our friends are doing it; alternatively we might think that we need to save more for the same reason. Getting advice from others can help, no matter what, you always need to budget for yourself.

Stop comparing yourself

For whatever reason our brains are wired to compare ourselves to others. The Joneses have a big house, a fancy car, and they take vacations every year, so that means we should be able to afford that too right? The thing about the Joneses, they’re probably broke.

Too often we see what others are doing and use that as a way to justify our own spending – that really doesn’t make any sense. Our incomes and priorities differ from others, so when we build our budgets it’s based on our own income and expenses. Just because others are putting everything on credit, it doesn’t we should too.

The same concept applies to saving. Some of us convince ourselves we don’t need to save yet, or we don’t need to save more because no one else our age seems to be doing it. What exactly does the savings rate of our peers have anything to do with us? We all know that the earlier we save, the more we can make from compound interest, and obviously saving more can only benefit us so why compare? How we save and spend should always be based on our own individual goals.

Don’t get upset

As weird as it sounds, sometimes getting advice from someone who has control of their finances can be a bit upsetting. We see that they’re saving a ton of money and we may not have even cleared our debts yet, so how can we possibly get to where they’re at? Again it’s all perspective, it doesn’t matter what someone else is doing, we just need to focus on what we’re doing.

When we create our budgets we need to base it on our individual needs. If we have debt then obvious that should be one of the things we tackle first. Once we’ve addressed that, saving becomes a lot easier.

Also don’t forget that everyone values things differently; it’s okay to spend more on travel or eating out as long as we’re meeting our savings goals first. What we shouldn’t be doing though is sacrificing our savings to justify our spending.

Final thoughts

I like to think of personal finance as a map. Everyone has a different starting point and a different final destination. It’s okay to get advice from each other but in the end, we’re going to pick the route that suits us best. Just budget for yourself and don’t worry too much about what others are doing.

Making generic resolutions is just silly, we need to pick goals that are actually attainable. Here are some common financial goals and tips to help you meet them.

Pay off debt

We would all like to pay off our debt but depending on how much we owe it may be next to impossible to pay it off in a single year. Instead, try to focus on paying a portion of the debt and set up up a repayment plan.

For example, let’s say we have $20,000 in consumer debt, maybe paying down $6,000 is a realistic number for us this year. That would mean we need to set aside $500 a month to meet our goal. Setting up a debt repayment plan and sticking to it is a much more realistic financial goal.

Make more money

This is one of those goals that we all make but it just not realistic. Getting a raise would be great, finding a higher paying job would be awesome, but both aren’t exactly easy in this economy.

Making more money isn’t out of reach, we just need to be a bit creative about how to earn that extra income. How about selling some of the crap stuff we no longer use on Craigslist or picking up a side hustle (part-time job)?

Increase my RRSP contributions

Making a larger RRSP contribution means we’ll get a bigger tax refund but how can we contribute more with so many other things going on? How about investing the tax refund we’re about to get after filing our taxes? Re-investing your tax refund every year will just help compound your contributions. This of course assumes we don’t owe money.

Another strategy is to set up an automatic savings plan through our bank so regular contributions are made immediately. If your employer offers any type of RRSP matching plan, be sure to take advantage of it.

Save more money

In theory, saving more money should be one of the easiest financial goals, even if we save just ONE extra dollar we’ve met our goal right? Technically yes but we shouldn’t be too proud about saving an extra dollar. How about aiming a little higher?

An easy way to save more money is to simply cut some of our spending. Look at your monthly bills/spending and it shouldn’t be too hard to find a few places where you can trim your expenses.

Stick to a budget

Here’s the thing about budgets, they’re impossible to stick to if we don’t have a realistic one set up. Before we can set up a budget, we need to track our spending, literally write down everything that you spend money on for a month. Once we know our spending habits it’ll be easy to make adjustments.

Also note that there are different ways to budget. Some of us prefer to use a cash-based system, whereas others prefer to always track their spending through budgeting software. Just find a system that works for you and stick to it.

Improve my financial knowledge

We all want to take better control of our finances, but those technical terms can be pretty intimidating. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, just read a book and you’ll have a much better understanding of how to make your money work for you. There’s a ton of great resources out there and if you read just one of them, you’ll probably know more about personal finances than 80% of the population.

Final thoughts

Sticking to any goal you make can be easy as long as the goal is realistic. What’s the point of setting a massive goal if you have no chance of obtaining it? You’re just setting yourself up for disappointment.

Here’s my picks of the top free Toronto Attractions.

Nathan Philips Square

Toronto’s City Hall is the main draw here but the revitalization that’s been going on has locals coming back.   Just above all the concrete, the City Hall podium roof has turned into a public garden offering solace from the politics below.  The permanent theatre stage has live performances during many of the festivals held here and don’t forget to check out the Peace Garden which has relocated to the west side of the square.

TIFF Bell Lightbox

A must see for all film buffs, the TIFF Bell Lightbox is the official home of the Toronto International Film Festival.  Inside you’ll find a museum which celebrates all things film and if you really want to geek out be sure to check out the film archives which houses the worlds largest collection of film resources.  Sometimes the touring exhibitions are free so check the website before visiting.

St. Lawrence Market

This is my favourite free Toronto attraction; Butchers, bakers, fishmongers, you’ll find them all and much more but if you’re a tourist you’ll want to sample some of the goods right away.  Toronto is the birthplace of Canadian bacon so trying it is a must, but before you grab that peameal on a bun, scope out the lower level of the market where you’ll find even more food options for round 2.

The Beach

Located in the east of Toronto, The Beach as it’s formally known is a short streetcar ride from downtown and plays host to the International Jazz Festival every year.  The beach offers something for everyone with parks, playgrounds, bike paths, a boardwalk, volleyball nets, a skate park, and of course the beach itself.  If you need to refuel head up to Queen st. where you’ll have plenty of options, I recommend Queen Margherita Pizza and The Burger’s Priest.

Art Gallery of Ontario

Every Wednesday night this attraction is free from 6-8:30pm.  As you can imagine the Canadian collection is quite popular but with other collections including European, Photography, Modern and Contemporary there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.  It’s hard to believe but the reimagination of the building a few years back by Toronto born architect Frank Gehry  was actually his first piece done in Canada.

Kensington Market / Chinatown

“Market” is a loose term here since it’s really just streets with stores but still a popular destination where you can find just about anything including vintage clothing, spices, restaurant supplies, and even military clothing.  If you’re a foodie Kensington and Chinatown offer food from all over South America and Asia so don’t go all-in at your first stop.

Centre Island

Need a break from the city? Jump on a ferry ($4.50-$7) and head over to the Toronto islands where you’ll get the best view of Toronto.  There’s plenty to do here for the day with a small beach, bike rentals, and the Centreville amusement park for the kids.  Food options are limited so you may want to pack a lunch and have a picnic.

BATA Show Museum

Not just for those with a shoe fetish, the Bata Shoe Museum explores the history of shoes, their cultural significance and of course there’s a section dedicated to celebrity foot ware.  Thursdays from 5-8pm admission to the museum is pay what you can, $8-14 at all other times.

Niagara Falls

Free Toronto attractions don’t apply just to the city, if you’re a first-time visitor you’re going to want to make a trip to see Niagara Falls.  The attractions nearby the falls are very touristy but still a must-see for first-time visitors, if you’re feeling lucky head over to the Fallsview Casino.  Easily accessible by Megabus, Coach Canada or Greyhound, Niagara Falls is worth the trip.