"I don't believe in tightening your belt more. I believe in earning more money — and understanding how to keep it."
I know that saving $10,000 can seem very difficult with today's cost of living. And honestly? I used to be a big spender. As soon as money came in, it was gone — often on things I didn't really need. What changed everything for me were a few simple habits I developed over time.
Tips that actually worked for me
"Nobody is coming to save me. If it's not me, it's nobody. That mindset pushed me to always find a way."
The real strategy — increasing your income
Cutting back has its limits. You can only cut so much. But the potential to increase your income is almost unlimited.
My approach: identify a skill or service to offer. Someone who cooks well can do catering. Someone handy can offer painting or renovation. Someone comfortable with technology can build websites or offer IT support.
What if you don't yet have a skill to offer? That's where training becomes an investment. In Quebec, there are AEC, DEP and ASP programs that train you in a few months for well-paying trades. Some lead directly to entrepreneurship.
My personal advice
Look for all trades that require a professional order or recognized license. When you have an official certification, you can offer your services credibly, charge your fair value, and build a client base. The financial planner, the electrician, the accountant, the nurse — all have a professional order. And all can work independently.
Short training programs leading to entrepreneurship in Quebec
Here is a list of programs that can quickly lead to offering services — and eventually building your own business.
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing | DEP | Self-employed plumber / contractor |
| Electrical work | DEP | Self-employed electrician |
| Building painting | DEP | Painting business |
| Carpentry and joinery | DEP | Renovation contractor |
| Floor covering installation | DEP | Flooring contractor |
| Roofing | DEP | Roofing business |
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressing | DEP | Hair salon |
| Esthetics | DEP | Beauty institute / spa |
| Manicure | DEP | Nail studio |
| Waxing | ASP | Waxing studio |
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Professional cooking | DEP | Caterer / private chef |
| Pastry making | DEP | Bakery / custom orders |
| Restaurant establishment management | ASP | Restaurant / cafe |
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Computer science technology | AEC | IT consultant / technical support |
| Web development | AEC | Web agency / freelance |
| Cybersecurity | AEC | Cybersecurity firm |
| Mobile app development | AEC | App studio |
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and management | AEC | Accounting firm / bookkeeping |
| Payroll management | AEC | Outsourced payroll service |
| Financial planning | AEC | Financial advisor — AMF exam |
| Administrative techniques | AEC | Administrative services for businesses |
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping | DEP | Landscaping contractor |
| Horticulture and gardening | DEP | Gardening / landscaping |
| Arboriculture and pruning | DEP | Tree-trimming business |
| Program | Type | Possible business |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic design | AEC | Graphic design studio |
| Photography | DEP | Photo / event studio |
| Interior design | AEC | Design practice |
Key note: For construction trades (electrical, plumbing, etc.), a RBQ license is mandatory to operate a business in Quebec. For finance, the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) exam is required. Research before you start.
The real message
I'm not saying it's easy. But I've always believed that nobody is coming to save us — and that it's precisely that reality that pushes us to find creative solutions.
A side hustle can start small and become your main source of income. That happened to me. And sometimes, working on your own project — even modestly — gives a quality of life and freedom that no employer can offer.
Informational content only. Training information is indicative — check with the relevant institutions for specific details and requirements.