Favorites

Just keep in mind that the items listed on this page have benefitted me personally but you may not gain the same value out of them.

💸 Personal Finance

WealthSimple

I use WealthSimple Trade to buy and sell stocks and low-cost ETFs. I would recommend starting out with WealthSimple Invest if you’re new to investing or don’t want to think about your investments. Going the robo-advisor route with WS Invest is definitely one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to invest your money.

EQ Bank

I use EQ Bank’s high-interest savings accounts since they offer some of the highest interest rates in Canada with zero fees.

Simplii Financial

I opened my zero-fee checking account with Simplii Financial once I graduated and needed to start paying fees. Simplii has excellent customer service although it is an online bank. I also like that I can create an unlimited number of savings accounts which is perfect for automatically saving money towards short to medium-term goals.

📦 Apps

How We Feel

Increase your emotional intelligence with this awesome free app built by Pinterest’s founder and a Yale psychologist.

Microsoft ToDo

I’ve been using Microsoft’s ToDo app for years now. I made this video to explain how I use the app and why it fits well with my approach to productivity.

OneNote

I started using OneNote when I was in teacher’s college when I bought my first Surface Pro. Teaching math and learning math with OneNote and the Surfan Pen was a game-changer. I created this playlist to explain how I use OneNote. The software is far from perfect but I’ve seen major improvements since I started using it.

Notion

I’ve been using Notion for over a year now. I decided to adopt this tool because of some of the limitations of OneNote (i.e. mainly syncing issues, shareability limitations, and restricted customization). It’s great because you get a free premium Notion account when you’re a student or an educator.

Readwise

Readwise allows me to better remember and integrate the wisdom of books and other content I consume. The app randomly selects a few things you highlighted in the past for you to review each day. It’s a good way to communicate with your future self. It’s too early to tell if reviewing your a few highlights daily significantly improves my life, but it’s definitely been enjoyable so far. It’s also a great way to share your favourite quotes and spark ideas for new content.

Goodreads

I use Goodreads to keep track of the books I read and want to read. Think of it as a comprehensive social media and management tool for books. Feel free to follow me to see what I’m reading.

Snipd

This app is a game changer if you’re serious about taking podcast notes. It integrates well with Notion and Readwise. I also love being able to share a video of my snips. You can follow my profile to see my snips.

💻 Tech

Surface Pro

I converted to the Surface cult when I started teacher’s college. Being able to take notes with a digital pen is a game-changer for math students and teachers. I created this playlist to show you how I use my Surface.

Kindle

I didn’t “believe” in e-readers until a few years ago when I bought my Kindle. There are many advantages to reading with a Kindle over reading physical books but the thing that converted me was how easy and streamlined it is to take notes with a Kindle. Most of the book notes of my blog were produced using a Kindle and Readwise. I’ll keep adding to this playlist to show you how I use my Kindle.

Natural Light – Alarm Clock

This alarm clock is 10X better than using your phone as an alarm clock. It uses light and sound to help fall asleep and rise gently in the morning. It’s the only alarm I’ve owned that I didn’t want to smash. We bought the Philips model off of Facebook Marketplace, but I’m sure other cheaper models will be a step up from your current setup.

📚 Books

The Happiness Hypothesis – Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt’s The Happiness Hypothesis is a brilliant exploration of the science behind living a fulfilling life. By blending ancient wisdom with modern research, Haidt offers a compelling guide to understanding happiness and its key components.

How Emotions Are Made – Lisa Feldman Barrett

Lisa Feldman Barrett’s How Emotions Are Made will revolutionize your understanding of the world, your relationships, and yourself. This paradigm-shifting book not only challenges conventional wisdom but also provides practical advice that you can apply in everyday life.

The Big Picture – Sean Carroll

In The Big Picture, renowned physicist Sean Carroll presents a comprehensive framework for thinking about the world scientifically, without losing sight of life’s meaning. Carroll masterfully weaves together science and philosophy to offer a cohesive and enlightening perspective.

Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl

Viktor E. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning is a profound work that delves into the human spirit. The first half recounts Frankl’s harrowing experiences in Nazi death camps, while the second half introduces the logotherapy framework he developed, offering insights into finding purpose in life.

Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari

Learn about our history as humans from the beginning of time to today. The book goes way beyond historical facts and covers topics such as money, myths, social interactions, and happiness. The author wrote other books and has many other interesting public appearances.

Tao Te Ching – Lao Tzu (Translated by Stephen Mitchell)

The Tao Te Ching is a timeless guide to Taoist philosophy, offering essential wisdom for those struggling to accept life as it is rather than as they wish it to be. Stephen Mitchell’s translation beautifully captures the essence of Lao Tzu’s teachings, providing profound insights for modern readers.

👚 Men’s Wear

Blundstone Boots

Versatile and durable boots that can endure Canadian winters and wet environments. I’ve had mine for years now and they still look new. Just make sure to treat them every now and then. I’ve been using this product to was them but there may be better alternatives.

Lululemon – Commission  Pants (Slim Fit)

I fell in love with them when I bought my first pair. They are comfortable, stylish, performant, and durable. They are quite expensive but most people who bought a pair do not regret it. If you’re tight on cash, you can wait for them to appear in the discount rack, you can ask for lulu gift cards for your birthday, or you can ask a lululemon employee or varsity athlete to buy them for you with their discount. I’ve built up my collection over the years where I now own 4 pairs in different colours. I wear them five or more days out of the week.

Oakley Backpacks

I’ve been using Oakley backpacks daily for over 5 years now. They are tough, sleek, and versatile. I got made fun of in the past because I always had my backpack wherever I went.

🎲 Board Games

Catan

This is currently my favourite board game ever. I love the strategy (probabilities) and trading aspect of the game. Catan is played with 3-4 players (more players if you buy the expansion packs) and the games usually last anywhere between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. This guide is a gold mine for beginner and advanced strategies.

CodeNames

This game is versatile. You can play it seriously or you can play this game during parties. The games last about 15 minutes. The basic strategy is relatively simple but mastery of the game is out of reach. I like the psychology aspect of the game where your hints have to match your teammate’s experience.

Monopoly Deal

Funner and quicker version of Monopoly. Fun to play with two people as well. Its compact size makes it a perfect travel companion.

Poker

I know this is not your typical board game but it is one of my favourite games to play. I love that the game lies at the intersection of mathematics and psychology. Poker has the potential to improve your decision-making and teach you lessons. It’s also a socially acceptable way to make friends as adults.

💧 Hygiene

Bidet

This was a game-changer. There was an adaptation period of about a week to get used to it. Using a non-bidet toilet will never be the same anymore. I bought a Tushy bidet based on recommendations and am very satisfied considering the price.

Electric Toothbrush

 An electric toothbrush reliably gives you the same clean feeling you get after the dentist. You can get very fancy but most electric toothbrushes will do the trick.

CeraVe Hydrating Facewash

This is the only face wash I’ve tried that doesn’t leave my face feeling like a desert. Many of my friends use the same one. I use it daily when I shower and use their moisturizer when needed.

Stainless Steel Shower Hair Catcher

Unclogging your shower drain is a real pain in the butt. We didn’t need to unclog the drain since we bought it over a year ago. It’s well worth the money in the long term.

🥅 Miscellaneous

Hockey Sticks & Gear

I buy my hockey sticks and gear online through hockey supremacy. They have stellar deals if you’re patient. Their customer service is great. We both get a 15$ discount coupon when you use my link.

Virgin Plus

I’ve been quite satisfied with Virgin’s service and prices for almost a decade.