This resource page contains a list of some of the tools I use. You can always come back and refer to this page when you have questions or wonder which tools I’ve used to help me manage my finances and blog.
Disclosure: Please note this page contains some affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you choose to purchase. These are products I recommend and believe in regardless of whether I earn a commission. I have only ever endorsed products I have used and believe in. These affiliate commissions help me run this blog and continue to provide information free to you. Thanks for your support! For more information, you can read my privacy policy.
BLOGGING RESOURCES AND TOOLS
The first three are all you need to get started with making your own blog.
BLUEHOST – Web hosting Recommended by WordPress
Start your blog with one of the largest website hosting providers and with an easy 1-click WordPress install button. Officially recommended by WordPress, and in my experience, their customer service has never failed me and I’m never waiting to have my questions answered. I – and millions of websites – rely on Bluehost and you can start as well for $4.95/month. That’s less than a cup of Starbucks!
NAMECHEAP – Domain Marketplace & Registrar
One of the world’s largest domain registrars providing web hosting, as well as a wide range of other services. Alternatively, if you sign up for hosting with Bluehost, you receive a free domain for a year.
WORDPRESS.ORG – The Best Blogging Platform
The best blogging platform and content management system that 40% of all sites in the world use. Different from WordPress.com, WordPress.org allows you to fully customize and monetize your blogging business. A free and open-source software that anyone can use, you just need to buy your own domain and hosting. Installation 1-click via Bluehost.
TAILWIND. Traffic is the lifeblood of a small blog. Pinterest can help with that. There are several social media scheduler apps that can save you time – but Tailwind is an official partner of Pinterest. No more manually pinning, which saves you so much time to do what really matters. And the Tailwind’s analytics tool informs of your pinning performance so you know where to focus on. Boost your blog’s traffic in less time.
Learn more here.
CANVA. There are several graphic design tools but none is as robust – or free – as Canva. This is an online design tool that helps you create everything from social media assets to ebooks, logos, and Pinterest ads. You get a ton using the free version, but the Pro gets you unlimited access and more features. Plus, it’s more affordable and smaller learning curve than Photoshop. Try them out here.
MONEY-SAVING RESOURCES AND TOOLS
THE ULTIMATE MONTHLY BUDGET TRACKER. This is my money management and financial dashboard! Every bill, debt amount, income, and expense are tracked here. With automatic visual graphs, it was easy for me to see an overview of my progress. Especially since pen and paper tend to be a bit heavy and messy for me. So if you want to kickstart a new financial journey to start building wealth, I recommend the one I use to keep track of your personal finances all in one place. Click here to learn more.
SWAGBUCKS. This is a free program that allows you to earn cash and FREE gift cards to your favourite big-named stores like Amazon, Sephora, and Starbucks. And you earn it all by doing what you’re already doing now – surfing the web, watching funny videos, filling out surveys, and playing games. Swagbucks has helped save its members over $728,481,642 as of today. It personally helped me make spending more affordable when I redeemed my $50 gift cards – which in turn helped me save more. You can sign up for a free account by Checking them out here.
Survey Junkie. Your opinion matters – and as it turns out – people will pay money for it. Sign up for a FREE account and you can earn extra cash and gift cards by answering simple surveys online. They’ve been in business since 2013, rated 8.7/10 on trust pilot, and you can use your computer or phone anytime to do this. Sign up for them by Checking them out here.
RAKUTEN. (formerly Ebates) I’m a big fan of Rakuten. Simply put: you get paid to shop. Literally. Rakuten is a cash-back shopping portal. The idea is simple – you start your online shopping from Rakuten, proceed to your favourite store, and earn cash back on purchases. Major stores are included too – Walmart, Amazon, Sephora, and Expedia. Once you are ready for your cash back, you have the option to get paid via a fat cheque, PayPal, or sent to a charity or friend of your choice.
If you do a lot of online shopping, cashback is worth your while. Check them out here. And if you sign up for your free account, you can redeem $10 after your first $25 purchase.
$5 Meal Plan. This was a gem of a find when I downsized and stopped eating out so often (especially as a Canadian in this economy.) I didn’t have to cut coupons as much (although that’s still fun). But if you’re looking to save money and time, Erin and Jim got you covered. They’ve made a weekly meal plan for your family. For $5/month, you’ll receive a meal plan and grocery list that costs around $2-$5 per meal.
They also offer a free 14-day trial risk-free, so if you decide this doesn’t fit or isn’t for you, cancellation is easy and no questions asked. Click for $5 meal plans.