Month: December 2023

It’s time to put away those stuffies, pack up the LEGO, and upgrade from a single bed. You’re ready to transform your room into a personal paradise. You’ve been scouring TikTok and Pinterest for ideas that will better reflect who you are now. You’re aware it’s going to take effort and money to realize your big vision for your space, so how can you make your room dreams a reality without breaking the bank? 

We’ve got you! In this article, we’ll take you step-by-step through nine budget-friendly decorating tips that will help you create a cozy and stylish space where you can unwind, chill, and express yourself. 

1. Start with a blank canvas

Having a blank canvas to work with when planning a bedroom redecoration project helps you see what could fit and what needs to go. It’s hard to know what you’re working with when you can barely see your floor or the inside of your closet. 

Start by decluttering, A.K.A. clearing out your room. Resist organizing when you start, and don’t get lost re-reading your old favourite books. Make it fun! Put on a favourite playlist and consider inviting a friend or rope an adult into helping you out. Create four piles: keep, toss, donate, and sell. 

Once your piles are sorted, toss out anything you no longer need and donate those old toys. Put anything in your keep pile that you don’t need immediately in storage and put away your regular-use items like clothes. Photograph anything you’d like to sell for posting on buy-and-sell groups or apps or consider taking them to a thrifting consignment store. Bonus: Any money made by selling your gently used items can go towards funding your new room!

2. Make a plan 

Now that you’ve got “a blank space, baby,” and a sense of what your furniture/storage needs are, start your planning phase. Make sure to measure first (you can use the measuring app on your smartphone) and jot down the measurements someplace so you won’t lose them. Then, use graph paper or a free design layout app to play with the placement of bigger items like a bed or a desk.

Watch some “teen bedroom decor” transformations on TikTok for inspo. Create a mood board on Pinterest to get a sense of your aesthetic. Follow hashtags like #room-decor and #teen-rooms, then layer in your obsessions to get the right vibe. Are you a maximalist or a minimalist, a sports, plant or cat lover? Do you have favourite bands or artists? Do stuffies get to stay, and which ones?

3. Create a budget 

Set a budget based on how much you have saved and how much you can potentially earn or from an allowance or your part-time job.Make a list of your must-haves vs. nice-to-have. Do you need new furniture, or can you update your existing bed or dresser with some DIY hacks? Make sure you have the consent of your parents or caregivers before you buy any big-ticket items, commit to changing wall colours, or begin any construction project. 

What needs to be completed first before you move on to the finer details? Build out your project plan to reflect your budget and how much time each renovation or redecorating task will take.

4. Play with lighting

Getting lighting right can be the difference between blah and vibes. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create an enchanting atmosphere. Consider adding some inexpensive options like second-hand lamps, your parents’ old lava lamp, or go wild with flexible LED strip lights, which come in various colours and can easily attach to your walls, around your bed frame, or even behind your desk. Don’t forget to consider task lighting like lamps if you read or do homework in your room.

5. Add greenery 

Plants are a great way to breathe life into your space. Whether you opt for real or fake plants, they add a touch of nature and calm to your room. If you’re not sure about taking care of real plants, you can choose low-maintenance ones like succulents. Fake vines and dried flowers can also bring a pop of nature without the need for daily watering. Save money by asking friends and family for clippings or repottings of their overgrown houseplants.

6. Create a gallery wall

Gallery walls are a budget-friendly way to showcase your personality and passions. Find posters, prints, or even postcards that resonate with your style. Scour garage sales and thrift shops to save money on frames, which are typically expensive. Arrange your chosen pieces into a gallery wall that tells a story about you and your interests.

One of the best ways to add a personal touch to your room without spending a fortune is by creating your own artwork. You don’t need to be a professional artist to make something beautiful. Try your hand at painting, sketching, or even digital art. Canva, a free online tool, offers numerous templates and design ideas. Express your interests, favourite quotes, or even create a mural that represents your personality.

7. Hang wallpaper

When it comes to personalizing your space, wallpaper can be a game-changer. You don’t need to cover every wall; a single accent wall can make a bold statement. Look for peel-and-stick or removable wallpaper options that allow you to change up your room’s look without a major commitment. Ask around for leftovers from other people’s past wallpaper projects or visit a construction remnants store, like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, for inexpensive rolls. 

8. Add texture

Texture can make your room cozier and more inviting. Smooth textures like silks and satins create a sleek feel, while chunkier textures promote warmth. Consider adding pillows, throws, and accessories that reflect your personality and the vibe you want to create. If you have a plain headboard, you can DIY it by adding fabric, paint, or even some LED lights. You can also find unique lampshades that add a touch of elegance to your space without breaking the bank. 

9. Thrift for retro accessories 

Thrift stores and garage sales are goldmines for finding retro or vintage accessories that add character to your room. You can discover unique items like old records, vintage mirrors, or quirky lamps that make your space truly one-of-a-kind. Thrifting is not only budget-friendly but also a sustainable way to decorate. Sometimes, one unique find that speaks to you can help anchor your entire design project.

10. DIY decor

TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube overflow with fantastic DIY ideas that can add a personal touch to your room. The big-ticket item you’re coveting might be achievable for a fraction of the cost with a trip to the craft or hardware store. 

Here are some popular crafts to consider:

Glass Music Plaque

Consider creating a Glass Music Plaque using an inexpensive dollar-store 8 x 10 frame (preferably with clear plastic vs. glass) and your home printer. Select your favourite song and save a screenshot of the album cover with the music app buttons. Then, you can simply replace the album cover with a chosen pic while using the song title and app button printout. Or go further and place the printout under the glass and trace over the buttons and title with a white oil-based paint pen for that floating look.

DIY Rain Cloud

Bring the outside inside by creating a DIY rain cloud light. Using a paper lantern lamp, some cotton batting or synthetic snow, and your glue gun, create a fluffy cloud. Some DIYers go the extra mile by creating bead strings or adding fairy lights to look like rain.

Mossy Fairy Mirror

Get an inexpensive mirror, plus some moss, fake or dry flowers, air-dry clay and acrylic paint from the craft store. Spend a rainy day sculpting mushrooms out of the clay, then paint as you wish when dry. (Or skip this step and paint the mushrooms directly on the mirror.) Hot glue moss around the mirror, then add on flowers and mini mushrooms or other items that suit your personal Fairycore aesthetic.

Remember that creating a space that reflects your style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With a little creativity, planning, and setting a budget, you can transform your room into your dream space. Now that you’ve got the knowledge and inspiration, it’s time to put your plans into action. 

With Mydoh, you can manage your money, save for your goals, and make smart financial decisions. Your room transformation is just the beginning of your journey toward financial independence and an exciting future.

Get Mydoh today.

Shopping online is easier than ever. With just a click of a mouse, families can buy anything from gifts to groceries, to the latest gadget—all without changing out of your PJs. While shopping online has its perks, you and your kids should also take precautions when making a purchase.

Before handing over your credit card details to your teen, here are some tips to help kids stay safe and protect themselves while shopping online. 

Online shopping in Canada

Even before the pandemic forced many of us out of  malls, Canadians were shopping online. In 2020, 82 per cent of Canadians shopped online and spent a staggering $84.4 billion dollars. Of those, 90 per cent were aged 15 to 24 years old, which just goes to prove that Gen Z are digital natives. COVID-19 certainly changed how Canadians shop, and it’s expected this holiday won’t be an exception. Last year, Canadians spent more than a third of their holiday budget online. 

What are the risks of kids and teens buying online?

Phishing

Phishing is a cyber attack that uses an email or text message to get personal or sensitive information from the person they are targeting. Unfortunately, phishing is the third most common scam in Canada. That’s why it’s important for parents to talk to their kids and teens. Explain how a phishing message could look like it’s from a financial institution, an online store, or social media, and to be cautious of suspicious emails or text messages. 

Theft of data

Shopping online usually requires us to provide personal information, such as our full name, home address, and a credit card number or other method of payment. Explain to tweens and teens that theft of data and identity theft occurs online. They may be vulnerable to having their personal information stolen by cybercriminals who could hack into their account or commit other fraudulent activities, such as opening a credit card in their name. 

Malware

If your teen spends as much time on their P.C. as they do in class, you probably don’t need to lecture them about the dangers of malware. But for the rest of us, malware is a catch-all phrase for malicious software, such as viruses, worms, or ransomware, that’s designed to harm a person’s device or network. Typically, cybercriminals use malware to obtain personal information which they can use for financial gain. 

Fake online reviews

How many of us check the reviews before buying an item online? When there are near-identical items to choose from, that five star rating could be the deciding factor before clicking “add to shopping basket.” But, according to a 2017 report, approximately one-third of all online consumer reviews are fake. Kids and teens should be aware that some companies may encourage—or even employ—people to post favourable reviews online. 

Counterfeit goods

As online sales have increased, so have counterfeit goods in Canada—that’s according to the Better Business Bureau. Those top-dollar designer sneakers may be a knock-off. The Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network reports that between $20 and $30 billion in counterfeit products move through Canada every year. That’s a lot of fake products. 

How can kids protect themselves when shopping online?

Here are some tips parents can share with tweens and teens to help protect them when shopping online: 

Purchase from trusted and secure sites 

Tweens and teens should shop at trusted sites. This means sites where the URL begins with “HTTPS.” They shouldn’t input their payment or personal details in a site that begins with “HTTP” only, as it does not have SSL encryption. Explain that kids should look for a locked padlock on any site they’re shopping at. The icon usually appears on the left of the URL in the address bar. 

Tweens and teens should also be wary of sites that may look similar to trusted sites, but the URL is slightly different (for example amazon.net instead of amazon.ca), as they could be fake. Another red flag might be websites with typos or grammatical errors. Kids should also check to see if the website has a phone number and physical address before spending their money. 

Protect your personal information 

Kids and teens may not realize how much personal information they could unknowingly share online. Thanks to social media, casual acquaintances can know their birthday and even where they live. Remind kids not to over share details on social media sites or other places online. Similarly, if they’re shopping online and are asked questions about personal details such as financial data, they should consider the following:

• Is this information necessary for my online purchase?
• Who is collecting this information?
• What will they do with it? 

Be wary of great deals

We all love a bargain, but if your tween or teen comes across an online deal that’s too good to be true, chances are it probably is. If an item is priced much lower than it normally is, it could mean the item is counterfeit or the website isn’t legitimate. Fake e-commerce sites are becoming increasingly common. To help mitigate the risk, teens and tweens should check out reviews of the site from multiple sources. 

Create strong passwords

More than a few of us are guilty of using the same password without changing it frequently (if at all). But, in order to help protect yourself when shopping online, teens (and parents) should create a unique password—one that avoids using personal details like a pet’s name. There are plenty of password generators available online that will help kids create a password that’s tougher to crack. Kids and teens should also create a unique password for each website, rather than recycling the same password for every online shopping site. 

Check your financial statements 

While there are steps your kids can take to help shop online safely, it’s also a good idea to check your financial statements after purchasing items online. If your kids are a cardholder or using your credit card, review your credit card statements carefully. 

What should kids and teens do if they think they’ve been scammed online?

If your tween or teen thinks they’ve been scammed online and they paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute the charges with the credit card company. Depending on the financial institution, credit card users typically have between 30 to 60 days to do so. Parents can also report fraudulent or suspicious activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) through their website or by calling 1-888-495-8501. Kids and teens should also change the passwords on any website or account that might be affected. 

How can parents keep their kids safe online? 

If your child is new to the world of shopping online, parents can help protect their kids by walking them through the process. But whether it’s their first time shopping online or their 50th, here are some things kids should consider before adding an item to their shopping cart:

• Look for the security symbol, such as a key or padlock, on the website 
• Create strong, unique passwords when buying online
• Question “too good to be true” deals
• Research reviews of the site or product before providing their payment details
• Check for hidden fees, such as expensive shipment costs, before submitting a payment
• Don’t click on suspicious links or text messages 
• Don’t save payment information to a site

Parents can also set ground rules about when and how their kids can buy items online. Perhaps your tween or teen needs to share the details of their purchase with you ahead of time—especially if they’re asking for your credit card to make the payment. 

Looking for more tips to keep your kids safe on the internet? Read our parents guide to social media and how to set social media boundaries.

How Mydoh can help kids shop online safely

The Mydoh app and Smart Cash Card can help teens and tweens shop online safely. Your kids’ Smart Cash Card can be used anywhere Visa or Apple Pay is accepted. Mydoh gives parents oversight on your kids’ spending activity. And if there is any suspicious activity, Mydoh makes it easy for parents to lock the kids’ Smart Cash Card. Parents also have peace of mind in knowing that Mydoh is backed by RBC.

Learn more about how you can use Mydoh as a way to help your kids learn, earn, and save. 

The holidays are the one time of the year many of us struggle with sticking to our budget. With rising inflation and an unpredictable economy, Canadians actually plan to spend 11 per cent less than in 2022.

While it may feel satisfying to see a towering pile of presents under the Christmas tree, starting the new year in debt soon takes away that warm glow. Which is where a holiday budget comes in––not just for adults, but for kids and teens, too. 

Here are some holiday spending tips to help kids and teens stay within their budget and still enjoy the holiday season. 

Why is holiday budgeting important?

If you’re the type of holiday shopper who panic buys at the mall (many of us have been there!), then you probably already know the benefits of budgeting for the holidays. Creating a budget for the holidays is even more important because, without one, you could easily overspend or wipe out a month’s worth of budgeting and savings.

Going into battle (or a crowded mall in December) without a plan could be disastrous. Not only does creating a holiday budget help adults, but it’s a great money-management skill to model for our kids and teens. 

How much should you budget for the holidays?

The most wonderful time of the year isn’t always so wonderful for our bank balance. While Canadians say they’ll spend less this year, they still plan to spend an average of $1,347 over the holidays in 2023.

When budgeting for the holidays, financial experts suggest spending between one and 1.5 per cent of your annual salary. While that math might work for adults earning a yearly, salary, teens and kids should choose a dollar amount they feel they can comfortably afford. As the saying goes, “it’s the thought that counts.” So decide on a spending limit and stick with it. 

Do kids need a Christmas budget?

By the time kids have grown to be teens, they likely have a list of people they want to buy gifts for during the holidays. From matching necklaces for their BFF to the latest Steam game for their Secret Santa to yet another “World’s Best Dad” mug. 

But even candy grams and silly stocking stuffers for the family pet can add up, which is why the holidays are an ideal time for kids and teens to practice making and sticking to a budget. This way, they’re empowered to spend their own money how they choose on Christmas gifts for loved ones.

By setting a spending limit, kids and teens get real-world practice at budgeting and deciding where their money goes. Because planning ahead to buy for everyone on your list and still having money left over to see a movie or go skating is a great feeling! 

Read more: How to make a budget for kids and teens

How kids can earn extra gift money

Instead of having your kids hit you up for money to buy you your own Christmas present, talk to them ahead of time about how they can make extra money for their holiday spending. If your teen has a part-time job, they may be able to take on some extra shifts leading up to the holidays (especially if they work in retail). Kids and teens can also earn additional money by taking on extra chores or seasonal winter tasks. 

The holidays are a busy time for many families, so take advantage of a willing pair of hands to wrap gifts, babysit younger siblings, declutter the family room, or shovel the driveway.

Read more about giving your kids an allowance

How kids and teens can create a holiday budget

Creating a holiday budget doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can even be a fun activity you can do as a family. Here are a few holiday budgeting tips you can share with your kids and teens:

Set a spending limit

Every budget needs a dollar amount allocated to it. Kids can check how much they have saved in cash or on their Mydoh account and how much of that they want to allocate for the holidays. 

Create a gift list

Who do they want to buy for and what? Writing out a list with a dollar amount is one thing, but your kids can also get creative by creating a Pinterst board and pinning items or creating a pictorial list online using Canva. 

Assign a dollar amount

Determine how much you can afford to spend on each gift or person. Not sure what a gift will cost? Encourage your kids to do some research and compare prices online first. 

Total your amounts

Simply add the amount for each gift and ensure it doesn’t equal an amount more than your spending limit. If your kid is planning to spend more than they budgeted, see our next point.

Adjust accordingly

If your teen has brand name tastes but a no-name budget, they might need to adjust their budget (and their expectations). Is there one area of their budget they can cut down on or could they earn some extra money to boost their holiday spending? 

Looking for more holiday budgeting tips for your family? Read our guide to budgeting for kids

7 tips to budget for the holidays as a family

1.  Take all your holiday expenses into account

As well as gifts, remember to budget for any other expenses you may have this holiday season. This could include travel plans, get-togethers or family dinners, food, decorations (including the cost of a tree), gift wrapping, stocking stuffers, or teachers’ presents. To help manage expenses, consider hosting a potluck or deciding on a Secret Santa gift swap rather than buying presents for everyone in your extended family. 

2.  Set your kids’ expectations

While many of us want the holidays to be a magical time for our kids, nothing can blow out the holiday budget more than buying everything on their Christmas wish list. Instead, set expectations early on. Ask your kids to identify a few gifts they really want and let them know how many gifts they might expect. Another approach some parents take is to buy their kids something they want, something they need, something they wear, and something they read. This can apply as well to teens as it does to younger kids. 

3.  Shop for the best deal

Make your budget stretch further by shopping for the best deal. Maybe your kids’ “must have” gift probably won’t go on sale until after the holidays, but you can still price compare. Flipp and Rebee are two apps that will compare prices on recent flyers, so you can shop for the best deal. If you’re shopping online, don’t forget to factor shipping costs into your budget. 

4.  Give the gift of time together

Gifts aren’t the only way families can celebrate the holidays. Whether you’re budget conscious this year or not, focus on presence, rather than presents. One of the joys of the festive period is kids spending time as a family. Why not have each person write a certificate for a “gift” they’d like to experience over the holidays. Perhaps it’s a holiday movie marathon with plenty of popcorn, decorating a gingerbread house (or creating teams and turning it into a friendly competition), playing board games, or a walk in the snow followed by hot chocolate. Not only can doing this help create wonderful memories, but it also teaches kids that there’s more to the holidays than simply accumulating a pile of gifts. 

Read more: Fun and cheap winter activities for families

5. DIY the holidays

Those pretty baubles and festive wreaths can tap your budget. One way to cut down on expenses is to get crafty and DIY everything from a centrepiece for the dinner table to handmade shortbread for teachers’ gifts to homemade bath bombs. Encourage them to hand make gifts for people on their shopping list and bank some of their money. There’s plenty of #DIYgiftideas inspo available on TikTok.

6.  Volunteer

The spirit of the holiday season isn’t about what you get, but about what you give. Teaching kids and teens about managing their money can include being grateful for what you already have. One way to appreciate what you’ve got is to give back to their community. Encourage (or even challenge your kids—and yourself) to find even one small way to volunteer this holiday. It could be donating one gift from their list to a local toy drive, volunteering to distribute gifts or food for a local charity, or as simple as shovelling the driveway of a neighbour. 

7.  Start saving money early

If you find the holidays often put a strain on your finances, make a resolution to set aside monthly savings for the next year. Make it a teachable moment for your kids and teens and discuss a plan to spread the cost out the following year. Parents can also encourage their kids to save money and think about putting aside a set amount each month. Mydoh makes that easy with our Savings Goals feature in the Mydoh app.

Read more about teaching good money habits

How Mydoh can make budgeting easier for your kids

Holiday shopping and buying gifts for family and friends can be fun! And while you don’t want to rob your kids of that joy, it’s also important for parents to help guide kids in making sound decisions about their money. The Mydoh app and Smart Cash Card allow kids and teens to shop safely and securely this holiday season and, as it’s prepaid, they won’t have to worry about going into the red in the New Year. 

Mydoh helps kids and teens “sleigh” their holiday spending! Learn more about about Mydoh.