50 things everyone should do before they’re 50

The first step to financial freedom is making a good budget and then sticking to it. You’d think the second part would be the hardest but for most people, just getting started making a budget is the biggest hurdle. Make the process as painless as possible by using a budget app to help you get on track and stay there.

Being able to cook up a meal using ingredients from the grocery store is a good skill to have. But it takes even more creativity and ingenuity to be able to whip up something delicious from whatever you have left in your refrigerator and pantry. Hint: Homemade soup is a great meal to make from sundry leftovers.

Fairs are a wonderful mix of community spirit, arts and crafts and childlike fun. Oh, and food! Attending a local fair or market is a great way to connect with your community while having a blast (and taking plenty of Facebook-worthy pictures). Take a child to up the wonderment factor.

Seeing a show – whether it be a musical, play or opera – doesn’t just support the arts, it gives you memories that last a lifetime.

Watching someone else perform is fun but nothing beats belting out a tune and kicking up your own heels on stage. Even if your audience is just a few friends and neighbours, you’ll sharpen your skills and have fun. Never thought of yourself as a performer? Try out a local improv, acting or singing class – you’ll be amazed at how often those skills come in handy.

Don’t forget your loved ones on the other end of the age spectrum. Now is the perfect time to “interview” an aging parent or grandparent about what their life was like, what world events they witnessed, and their favourite memories of other relatives. Just make sure you bring your phone and set it to record so you can keep their memories forever.

CPR, along with the Heimlich manoeuvre and your photographic memory of Pokemon cards, is one of those skills that you hope you’ll never have to use but are infinitely grateful you have if you do need them. If you’ve been putting off learning life-saving first-aid skills, or if you just need a refresher course, there’s no time like the present to fix that. Find a course near you.

Anyone can say “sorry,” but offering a heart-felt apology that makes both people feel better about a difficult situation is a talent. The best way to get better is to practice, so swallow your pride and make amends immediately after you’ve hurt someone. Next level is to apologise to someone you’ve hurt in the past.

Technology is amazing! You can find anything you’ve ever wanted to know on the Internet… if you know where to look. The problem with having all the world’s information at your fingertips is, well, you have to sift through all the world’s information to find what you’re looking for.

Napping isn’t just for toddlers and octogenarians. A quick 20-minute power nap during the day can help improve your creativity, alertness, energy, and even boost your immune system.