[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” top_divider_style=”ramp2″ top_divider_color=”#E7DFF3″ bottom_divider_style=”curve2″ bottom_divider_color=”#5B25AF” bottom_divider_height_tablet=”80px” bottom_divider_height_phone=”50px” bottom_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
By Monika Ritchie<\/em><\/p>\n Whether you’re returning to the office full-time or adjusting to a hybrid schedule, “going back to work” looks different than it used to. And while remote work is still common for some, many Canadians are now spending at least part of their workweek onsite. Whether you’re feeling anxious about returning or relieved to be back in a more structured setting, it can be a stressful and busy transition.<\/p>\n Amidst all the chaos of getting into a new routine, it can be easy to overlook the impact that going back to work can have on your budget. The incidental costs that come with going back to in-person work \u2013 commuting, office attire, food, and beverages \u2013 can add up quickly. Preparing your budget for these back-to-work costs will help you avoid overspending and will allow you to make the most of your earnings, without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to get you started.<\/p>\n 7 Tips to Help With the High Cost of Living<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”12px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;\t” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nomoredebts.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Is-Your-Budget-Ready-to-go-back-to-work-scaled-e1656103174341.jpeg” alt=”How to deal with the high cost of living, increasing cost of groceries, and deal with money problems.” title_text=”Two Women Interacting While Working” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ border_radii=”off|200px|20px|200px|20px” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_margin_tablet=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”45px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Making a plan, bringing a list, and sticking to your budget are crucial, whether you\u2019re grocery shopping or updating your workplace wardrobe. If working from home has left your closet short on office-appropriate attire, take a pause before going on a budget-busting shopping spree and consider a few things first.<\/p>\n While some of your outfits might be worn out or a little out of date, it\u2019s unlikely that you need to start from scratch when it comes to work clothes. Sort through what you already have, decide what is still usable and build it up from there. As a bonus, if you do have things that are gently used but that you just don\u2019t wear anymore, there are many organizations that collect office attire for individuals in need who are entering or re-entering the workforce.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4px||49px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Clothing prices, like everything else have increased substantially and trying to buy everything brand new will put a serious dent in your budget. Consider going \u201cthrifting\u201d for some of your workplace clothing. Not only will you save a significant amount of money, you\u2019ll also be shopping sustainably and will be more likely to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.<\/p>\n Try to avoid buying things that are overly \u201ctrendy\u201d and will likely be out of style in a few months. If you keep your choices simple and classic, it will be easier to mix and match the pieces and you\u2019ll get more use out of them. You can easily brighten things up with some fun accessories that will keep you looking fresh without breaking your budget.<\/p>\n Tips for Saving Money on Clothes<\/a><\/p>\n After so much time spent apart from friends and co-workers, it can be tempting to plan lunch dates and coffee meetings to catch up. This is a surefire way to put a hefty dent in your budget. Be sure to include your work lunches in your overall meal planning, and whenever possible, bring a lunch with you to work. It\u2019s cheaper and healthier than going out to eat. To save time, simply make a little extra for dinner and pack the leftovers for lunch the night before.<\/p>\n 6 Ways Meal Planning Will Save You Money<\/a><\/p>\n Instead of heading to a restaurant with your colleagues, go for a walk to catch up, bring your lunch, and enjoy eating outside in the fresh air. As for buying beverages, while many of us would consider coffee a \u201cnecessity\u201d (especially as we adjust to working in an office again), it\u2019s really more of a luxury. Whenever you\u2019re tempted to buy one, consider how much you\u2019re paying for something you can make at home or in the office for a fraction of the price. If you really can\u2019t live without your morning latte, incorporate the cost of buying it , say once a week or once every pay cheque, into your budget. Then enjoy your treat guilt-free.<\/p>\n 13 Hidden Ways to Save Money on Groceries<\/a><\/p>\n The cost of gas is enough to convince anyone to quit driving to work. If you have no choice, consider carpooling with your colleagues and splitting the fuel costs. Not only will you save money, but it will give you some social time with your co-workers before getting to the office.<\/p>\n Another option is to take transit to work. Even if you can\u2019t commit to doing it for the whole week, leaving the car at home for a day or two each week will still add up to big savings. As weather permits, consider walking or biking to work, especially during the Summer and early Fall. Even if you need to go back to driving in the colder months, you will still save a significant amount of money leaving the car at home as often as you can. As a bonus, you\u2019ll get healthier and help the environment, too.<\/p>\n Change Your Driving Habits to Save Money<\/a><\/p>\n If you\u2019re transitioning back into the office, take the time to review and adjust your budget<\/a> ahead of time. Making a solid plan and following through on it will go a long way to helping you make the most of your money and minimize your financial stress. If you\u2019re having trouble or you need some help getting started, reach out to us for help<\/a>. Our accredited financial counsellors will help you build a budget best suited for your lifestyle.<\/p>\n Last Updated on June 13, 2025 <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Heading back to the office\u2014even part-time\u2014can bring surprise expenses, so it\u2019s worth giving your budget a quick refresh.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":44075,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[116],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44081","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-budgeting-saving"],"yoast_head":"\nPlan and Budget for Your Return-to-Work Wardrobe<\/h2>\n
Can You Shop Your Closet?<\/h3>\n
<\/h2>\n
Can You Find It At a Thrift Store?<\/h3>\n
What Will You Get the Most Use Out Of?<\/h3>\n
Plan Your Meals to Save Time and Money<\/h2>\n
Drive Less to Save More Money<\/h2>\n
Focus on Planning and Updating Your Budget for Your Return to Work<\/h3>\n