Did you go crazy yesterday and did the thing all the stores are conspiring to make you do on Black Friday? In other words, did you spend more money than you should have?
If the answer is yes, I bet you did not check your credit card balance or your bank account right after?
Am I wrong?
This psychological phenomenon that makes us want to avoid being aware of our financial situation is called the Ostrich Effect.
This bias is not only impacting your financial life. It makes us want to avoid any information that is uncomfortable, so it could also impact negatively your health or even your relationships!
Researchers found that the Ostrich effect do not impact children 6 years old or younger, but that 7-10 years children start to exhibit the symptoms, by trying to avoid being exposed to the reasons why their favourite candy is unhealthy.
My previous business was a budgeting app and the Ostrich Effect was one of the reasons it was not an easy product to market.
The good news is that your fear of checking your banking app or logging into your credit card portal is 100% natural!
And researchers have found a simple hack to overcome it. The solution is to simply think about why checking your banking app makes you uncomfortable, and acknowledge that while checking it will make you uncomfortable for a short moment, checking it might have long term benefits, such as avoiding going into debt.
Personally, I try to check my credit score and log into my bank and credit cards accounts at least once a week. And the first few seconds before I'm in, I feel kind of sucky.
But then, the magic happens! Once I'm in, not only can I start making informed decisions about my personal finance, but I stop thinking about it afterwards and I sleep better.
While doing a budget is even better, if you just commit to check your spending weekly, you'll already be in a better place than the 39% of Canadians that admit to losing sleep over money worries.
Julien Brault, aka JB, Co-Founder of MooseMoney.com
Disney+ Canada has slashed its standard plan to just $3.99/Month for Black Friday
Disney+ has dropped the price of its ad-supported plan in Canada for Black Friday, offering a steep discount that any streamer on a budget will love. Until December 1st, you can sign up for just $3.99/month for 12 months, a massive drop from the regular price of $8.99/month, for a $60 savings. In other words, for less than the price of a cheap latte, you get access to Disney’s vast library of classics, new releases, and originals. According to Disney+, this is the best Black Friday deal they’ve ever offered Canadians, so make sure you grab it before December 1st!
Source: MobileSyrup
Barry Choi: How smart planning can turn Black Friday into your biggest savings opportunity
Black Friday Weekend is here, and if you haven’t started shopping yet, now’s the time to jump in.
Some people dismiss it as a marketing gimmick designed to get consumers to spend more, but the reality is that Black Friday has become the biggest shopping event of the year - surpassing even Boxing Day. For anyone looking to tackle holiday shopping, this is the time to do it.
What’s interesting is how the event has evolved. Black Friday is no longer confined to a single day. Most retailers now launch pre-Black Friday sales up to two weeks in advance, giving shoppers plenty of time to plan their purchases. That’s a huge advantage if you’re organized.
Personally, I start mapping out my holiday shopping list at the beginning of November. I write down who I’m buying for and what items I’m targeting. As the deals roll out, I use the Flipp app, which lists local flyers and lets me search for the lowest prices in the palm of my hand. It’s incredibly useful for price matching and helps me avoid overspending.
Even though I’m usually cautious about spending, Black Friday is the one time of year I look forward to. The discounts can be substantial, like the time I replaced my TV and saved $1,000, or when I used to get CD-Rs for 50 cents each.
These days, my focus has shifted toward travel deals. Airlines, hotels, and vacation package providers all participate in Black Friday deals. Since I typically plan trips a year in advance, I can take advantage of sales that align with my travel dates. When the timing works, I don’t hesitate to book.
Another reason Black Friday feels different now is the convenience it offers. Gone are the days of lining up outside stores for hours to snag the best deals. Between pre-sales, Cyber Monday, and even Cyber Week, the chaos has been replaced by the ease of online shopping. You can secure the lowest prices without ever leaving home.
At the end of the day, Black Friday isn’t just about impulse buying; it’s about thoughtful planning. With the right tools and a clear list, it’s possible to save big while keeping spending under control.
This guest post was authored by Barry Choi, an award-winning personal finance expert who specializes in credit cards and loyalty points.
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78% of Canadians plan to use AI tools for holiday shopping: here's how it can help you save
A new survey from KPMG in Canada finds that 78% of Canadians plan to use AI tools to help with their holiday shopping this season. Despite that, many remain wary about trusting algorithms with their holiday budget. In fact, 76% say they wouldn’t rely entirely on AI agents to shop for them. If you haven’t considered using AI to shop, here are some ways that the right tools can help you save money and time!
Flipp is an app that shows you weekly flyers and coupons from nearby stores after you enter your postal code. It's AI now automatically compares your shopping list to all local deals. All you have to do is type in items, like “Lego set” or “coffee maker,” and within seconds, Flipp will display all of the deals in your area, so you can quickly find the lowest price.
Another handy AI tool when it comes to shopping is Perplexity AI, which is an hybrid between an AI chatbot like ChatGPT and search engine like Google. It's really useful for shopping, since Perplexity always provide the link and don't rely on out of date data like other AI chatbots. You can ask things like, “What are affordable alternatives to the Apple Watch?” or “Find me gift ideas under $30 for my sister.” You can also ask it to "find discount codes", "compare features", or "suggest cheaper alternatives" of specific products.
Source: KPMG
Financial Calculator of the Week
Buying a used car involves costs beyond the purchase price. You can use this calculator to see your exact monthly payment, total loan cost, and complete breakdown, including provincial sales tax that applies even when buying from a private seller.
Canadians are facing soaring meat prices. Here are some budget-friendly foods that can help
According to a CTV news report, rising food inflation in Canada is pushing up the cost of meat, especially chicken and beef, making them less affordable for many households. As prices climb, shoppers say chicken, in particular, has become a real problem, forcing them to reconsider their grocery choices or buy less meat. The increase in costs reflects broader inflationary pressures across grocery stores, and consumers are feeling the pinch when stocking up on protein staples. But protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in building and repairing muscles, organs, and bones. It also keeps you full longer and supports a strong immune system.
If chicken and beef are getting too pricey, how do you get enough protein in your diet? The good news is that other protein-rich foods often cost less per serving, and can help you stretch your food dollars.
For example, two eggs contain about 12-14 grams of protein, about the same as a small chicken breast portion. While egg prices can vary, I found a dozen eggs at No Frills priced around $5 (or $0.82 per two eggs), a lower cost per gram of protein than chicken or beef. Canned tuna usually contains about 20–25 grams of protein per 100 grams. I located a can at Walmart for $1.24. Again, cheaper than chicken or beef. Finally, one of the most cost-efficient protein sources is dried lentils, which contain over 25% protein! I priced these at a measly $0.42 per 23 grams of protein, a much lower cost than chicken or beef.
By mixing in these lower-cost protein options, you can keep your meals nutritious, satisfying, and budget-friendly, even as meat prices continue to climb.
Source: CTV News
Furble launches Canada's first online pet prescription platform
Owning a pet in Canada is becoming increasingly expensive. In fact, a recent study from PetSmart Charities of Canada found that approximately 50% of pet owners are skipping vet visits because they can’t afford the rising costs of prescriptions, checkups, and ongoing pet wellness care. That’s where Furble comes in. According to this Financial Post article, the e-commerce company is Canada’s first “all-in-one online pet-care platform”. It offers prescription medications, pet food, and wellness products delivered straight to your door.
Because Furble lets you compare prescription prices and choose your fulfillment options, you may be able to avoid the inflated markups typical of vet offices. Here’s how it works for prescriptions. Once a veterinarian prescribes a medication to your pet, you can go to the Furble website to compare medication options and pricing from various brands and choose how you want the prescription filled. The vet then sends the prescription directly to one of Furble’s licensed pharmacy partners, who prepare the medication and ship it straight to the owner’s home.
Source: Financial Post
Side Hustle Of The Week: Reselling Vintage Clothing!
After turning a weekend hobby into a steady income stream, Satu Tuohimaa has carved out a surprisingly profitable side hustle selling vintage clothing on Poshmark.
Satu, who lives in Aurora, Ont., started selling her own clothing on Poshmark during the COVID lockdown. Eventually, she used some of that money to buy inventory from thrift stores, after realizing how often she found high-quality vintage pieces for pennies on the dollar.
Her biggest flip so far?
A 1990s Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print dress she picked up at Value Village for $12, then flipped on Poshmark for around $1,100. Of course, most items won’t generate a thousand-dollar payday, but they don’t need to!
Steady $20, $40, and $60 profits add up quickly when you’re sourcing consistently, which is how Satu made $47,000 in 2024 alone by reselling.
Today, she continues to find clothing at thrift stores, consignment shops, and donation centres. Her finds range from designer dresses to vintage denim. The margins can be incredible when she stumbles on luxury labels, but even mid-tier brands can sell well if they’re in great shape. While the article didn’t list her exact income, it made one thing clear: she’s built a legitimate home-based business by choosing good inventory, photographing it well, pricing strategically, and shipping fast.
How to get started
If you’re thinking about selling vintage clothing as a side hustle, the first step is to get comfortable with sourcing. But don’t worry, you don’t need a fashion degree. Satu didn’t. Start by visiting thrift stores in your area and paying attention to labels, fabric quality, and condition.
Ideally, you want to find pieces you can sell for several times what you paid. They don’t all have to be designer finds, though. Brands like Aritzia, Levi’s, Lululemon, Patagonia, and Roots often resell well in Canada.
Once you’ve sourced a few items, create simple but clear listings on Poshmark. You can also try Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or eBay. Make sure you take high-quality pictures, write detailed and honest descriptions, and post consistently.
Satu built momentum by treating the process like a real micro-business. As she listed more pieces, she learned which brands, sizes, and styles sold fastest and refined her sourcing around that. For example, she says that her typical buyers are women in their 30s to 60s, who are looking for high-quality, vintage fashion.
🚨🏷️ Moose on the Loose in Dealville
FREE* Big Mac With The Purchase of a $25 Gift Card
Free with a $25 Gift Card Purchase
Until December 31, 2025, if you spend $25 on McDonald’s gift cards in-restaurant at the front counter, they’ll hoof over a coupon for a FREE Big Mac, McChicken, or McVeggie! You can buy the gift card as a Christmas gift for someone special, or keep it for yourself (I won’t tell). If you do, it’s basically like scoring a 28% discount on your own McDonald’s feast. (I checked what Bic Mac's and McChicken's are going for these days, and they can be as much as $6.99!) That’s some Grade-A, moose-approved savings! Keep in mind, this deal is only available at participating McDonald’s locations in Canada. Go forth and chomp proudly!
Gildan Short Sleeve Adult T-Shirt
$3.50
A white cotton T is a timeless classic that will that will allow you to look good for a long time or until you eat eat a sloppy joe. Anyway, Michaels is discounting those t-shirts, available in small to XXX-large. You can order them and pick them up in store for free, so I suggest you do just that before they run out...
SodaStream Drink Mix (Pepsi, 7 Up, MUG, Mountain Dew)
$4.88
Who doesn't have a vice? In my case, it's Pepsi Zero and since I do own a SodaStream, this deal is pretty awesome. Last year, Walmart was offering the same deal on Black Friday. This year, it's at Canadian Tire and it covers most brands distributed by Pepsi (and their zero and diet versions), including Pepsi, 7 up, MUG and Mountain Dew. While it end up costing more than water (and being less healthy), a single bottle syrup is officially good for 9 liters, but I probably do 15 liters per bottle rationing it. So even accounting for the CO2 bottles and the Pepsi Zero mix, using a Sodastream makes my vice a little cheaper than buying cans.
Robin Hood All-Purpose Flour
$11.97
Listen up, holiday bakers! Walmart has Robin Hood All-Purpose Flour (10 kg bag) for over 35% off (and at the lowest price I could find), and my moose snout is never wrong about baking season. This trusty Canadian flour is perfect for cookies, pies, breads, festive treats, basically anything that makes your house smell like cinnamon glory. Stock up before December 3rd, because even Santa can’t beat this deal. Grab a bag and let the holiday carb-fest officially begin!
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