I spent Wednesday at home since my fortune informed me that "Rome was not built in a day. Be patient". So there was no need to cram everything into the first weeks. But I was mostly thinking about my expenses. For my sublet, I settled on a budget of $4K/month. This was more than double my usual outlay in Ottawa. In fact, it was more than many people in Toronto can afford; you would need to make about $70K and still only save $6K a year.
With rent at $2100 and another $800 to partially cover some my mom's expenses in Ottawa, almost 75% of my budget was gone. Some of my purchases last week were one-time costs, but on the other hand recurring expenses like Netflix, cell phone, and groceries added up: $30 a day didn't seem so generous anymore. So I decided on 2 strategies: spend less some days so that the available funds can accumulate, and to look for more free events.
Today that meant I spent $0.70 at Progress Bakery on a fresh bun. With some pesto sauce, tomatoes, and olives, it was a tasty lunch. Dinner was bok choy, ham, and fried tofu from Chinatown. I also decided to skip out on an improv show at The Comedy Bar even though it was only $10. I didn't really like improv anyway (it would have been just for the sake of going out) and there was snow in the forecast.
In the long-term, if I am considering moving back to Hogtown, I have to bring my rent down to at least $1700. The extra $400 a month would be welcomed; with inflation, even that wiggle room wouldn't last for long. This exercise is a bit self-indulgent since I do earn a good income. On the other hand, if I am contemplating early retirement, it is a realistic goal.
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