September Budget... Kid Activities

I don't know about you, but September always feels like the start of a new year.  Kids off to school and the beginning of new routines.
Which leads me to the kid activities!  We have two kids that are now 7 and 9 and boy are they busy!  I always say that we are cutting down the activities that they sign up for but something always sneaks in.
Today it was gymnastics.  Now there is an activity for the girls Monday to Thursday which lead to some hefty up front fees. OUCH!
We have an envelope in our cash budget system labelled Kid Activities.  Original eh? Each month we put a set amount of money in the envelope for the kids. Let's face it, they always want to do something.  Gymnastics and dance is paid for based on term, no more fees until the real new year.  Guides and Brownies is paid for in June for the year. But wait, there is a weekly dues. I always write a cheque and pay them for the year to keep it in the budget while also not relying on my bad memory as we are rushing out the door.
Even though all activities are allotted their money for the fall activities, the key is to keep saving. Keep adding to the envelope to build up the fund for the next round.
September also means back to school and after school child care for some.  Count these items in your budget. You may even start an envelope system too!
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Rising Price of Gas

The price of gas is one of those things that will always be a thorn in our side.  Let's be honest we spend a lot of money at the pump.
There are some things that you can do to make the price a bit more easily to handle.
I buy gift cards at Sobeys when they have the promotion buy $200 in gift cards and receive 95 or 100 Bonus Air Miles.
Sobeys gift cards can be used directly at Shell locations that have a Needs.
I prefer Shell as my primary gas station since I get air miles, and a bonus large hot beverage with each fill up.  I try to fill up on Thursdays, as gas changes during the night Thursday.  I watch the trend to see if going up or down.  I tend to fill up in the morning and have a French Vanilla as my pre work treat.

Perhaps Shell isn't your favorite gas station. Find a loyalty card and make it work for you. This summer I went to Irving a lot to get air miles and the game pieces to win prizes.  I bought my Irving gift cards at Lawtons and Sobeys and paid with my Sobeys gift card. This process collects your air miles twice.
Other gas stations offer loyalty programs
Petro Canada has Petro Points
Esso has Aeroplan Miles
Ultramer has their own fuel program ( I don't know anything about this program)
Sobeys Fuel locations Air Miles, and a coupon to use at Sobeys AND sometimes free coffee this is the fill up lotto win

The trick is find a gas station near your house with a loyalty program you like and start collecting.

BUT THERE ARE OTHER WAYS I CUT DOWN ON FUEL FEES
I drive a smaller car. I drive a Toyota Corolla
I drive a standard
I put my car in neutral a lot when driving and coast
I unplug the phone charger when I am not using it
I keep the sunroof open and windows open vs the air conditioner for in town driving, unless its unbearable, I'm cheap but not that cheap!
I try to plan my outings to do them all in one trip. I really suck at this though, and need a lot of work on it.
I keep my car serviced for the regular maintenance
My husband checks the tire pressure regularly

What tricks do you do to help with the gas prices?
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