OMG! I can't believe these "costs of living" charts he has posted.
When did HE live in Canada? 1980's????
When did HE live in Canada? 1980's????
My expriences so far ... first two days in Toronto!!!
- Thread starter CharlotteJ
- Start date
or trying "Kraftfood" is another way to save on money.
I rather focus on my own "thread", living in Toronto and not "Kitchener" or other smaller cities with significantly less expensive costs of living.
Most new immigrants do enter Toronto and seek shelter and a new home here in Toronto and so we have to be able to provide them with specific information.
I 've Rogers TV/Home Phone/Wirless (express)/Wireless(500MB, unlimited messaging and local calls) and I pay roughly $180,- a month. I hardly watch TV, (basic), I hardly call anybody, but use text messaging most often and now I work I don't have time to even use my internet except when I am having a day off.
So please let's stay within "Toronto" and do not derail this "thread" as there are plenty of other threads here that discuss such.
What I like to see and am sure everybody else too does, is to hear about your personal findings and experiences in certain area's or things you might find interesting and certainly worth sharing with all of us, me included when living in Toronto using this thread too.
But all the other spots, Vancouver, Halifax, Brampton, Burlington, Ottawa, Edmonton, Kitchener, London ON, Windsor, etc are not considered Toronto and they vary hugely in costs of living and expenses.
I rather focus on my own "thread", living in Toronto and not "Kitchener" or other smaller cities with significantly less expensive costs of living.
Most new immigrants do enter Toronto and seek shelter and a new home here in Toronto and so we have to be able to provide them with specific information.
I 've Rogers TV/Home Phone/Wirless (express)/Wireless(500MB, unlimited messaging and local calls) and I pay roughly $180,- a month. I hardly watch TV, (basic), I hardly call anybody, but use text messaging most often and now I work I don't have time to even use my internet except when I am having a day off.
So please let's stay within "Toronto" and do not derail this "thread" as there are plenty of other threads here that discuss such.
What I like to see and am sure everybody else too does, is to hear about your personal findings and experiences in certain area's or things you might find interesting and certainly worth sharing with all of us, me included when living in Toronto using this thread too.
But all the other spots, Vancouver, Halifax, Brampton, Burlington, Ottawa, Edmonton, Kitchener, London ON, Windsor, etc are not considered Toronto and they vary hugely in costs of living and expenses.
Hi Charlotte,
Great posts as always.
Glad to see you ARE settling in, kinks and bumps excluded ;D
btw how is Hydro and Electricity different?!
I realize 'Hydro' stands for electric power in Canada - but some apartments advertise utilities as "water, heat and hydro" as (either included/excluded)
Great posts as always.
Glad to see you ARE settling in, kinks and bumps excluded ;D
btw how is Hydro and Electricity different?!
I realize 'Hydro' stands for electric power in Canada - but some apartments advertise utilities as "water, heat and hydro" as (either included/excluded)
Oh yes.... good question, generally speaking, They refer to "Hydro" as " Electricity".
In my condo, all utilities are included except "hydro" & " Cable" which again refers to TV/Internet and home phone.
Heat is powered by gas and is included. I 've my heating set on "automatic" as the hot warm water/gas whatever it is, is circulating through the lines anyway and whenever the room temperature falls below 22C, it turns on automatically and runs for a short while which is sufficient and costing me nothing.
Besides that, living in a condo, has the positive side of being generally warmer than a townhouse or a detached home. Neighbours downstairs, upstairs and left and right of me, are also using power and all that heat makes my/our condo's feel cozily warm anyway.
But sadly again, my condo is a so called " luxuary" and all kitchen appliances are electric as well as the fact there is in-suite laundry facility and using washing machine, dryer, stove and dish washer is really energy consuming joke!
So, all I do is to use the washing machine, but avoid using dryer when possible, no "Stove" for me, not even a pizza or what so ever that should be prepared in an oven/stove. Only macrowave but the macrowave is a basic one and can't help to cook whole meals, so I only defreeze if necessary (just leave meat or other stuff out in the fridge or in the room temp for a few hours and you ll be ok), as well as the fact that when I cook and use my electric stove, I cook one or two big meals at the time to save on power and make stews that need lower heating.
I 've curly frizzy hair that needs to be flat ironed and both flat iron and a blowdryer are energy consuming appliances, so I did pay a large amount of money on a "barber" (wonder if there are still people out there who to go a barber shop!", so, let's say mine calls himself a "hairdresser and stylist" and had a treatment that made my hair smooth and silky keeping its natural body (No Japanese styling bla bla bla) and now, can only blow dry for a few minutes and go to work/out.
Using a computer or a laptop is also energy consuming, so I try not to switch it on all the time and luckily right now, being at work does help to save on power and I try to use as little as possible energy and less appliances that use energy/electricity by being on stand-by!
No Stand-by at any cost for me. They immediately and easily add up to your high energy bill and I am fanatic in that. But sadly, some devices has to be on stand by such as my cable and/or internet router but then that will be only one or two devices and not ten around the house.
When you make a move to a new country, then be resiliant and also creative. Go Green because you can save on energy too.
...
p.s. Just spoke to my bf and his employer has jobs for him in Wellington, New Zeeland! He asked me what to do, since there is no position right now for him in Toronto, Canada?
My answer: My only concern right now is if I 'd be able to pay the rent next month and have food on table and can sleep well at night and have a job that is really good for me, right now, all of these are possible but using the savings and a little bit of the pay I receive from my seasonal job as Sales Associate. So, yes is the answer. Tell your employer you will and we move to New Zeeland. 2 to 3 year job assignment there in Wellington, then so be it. Who cares, ...
We live in "interesting times" as Chinese wisely express. It should be all about "money" and the ability to save and spend when you can and be good, not about going for your dreams and moving around because you "feel like it" or " are bored".
I am honest in that, if you want to Canada, think twice. Want to find a job "immediately" like a respected member just two days ago asked me if it will be possible? I shall answer: Tough luck! ... good luck to all of us!
It is NOT easy you know....
In my condo, all utilities are included except "hydro" & " Cable" which again refers to TV/Internet and home phone.
Heat is powered by gas and is included. I 've my heating set on "automatic" as the hot warm water/gas whatever it is, is circulating through the lines anyway and whenever the room temperature falls below 22C, it turns on automatically and runs for a short while which is sufficient and costing me nothing.
Besides that, living in a condo, has the positive side of being generally warmer than a townhouse or a detached home. Neighbours downstairs, upstairs and left and right of me, are also using power and all that heat makes my/our condo's feel cozily warm anyway.
But sadly again, my condo is a so called " luxuary" and all kitchen appliances are electric as well as the fact there is in-suite laundry facility and using washing machine, dryer, stove and dish washer is really energy consuming joke!
So, all I do is to use the washing machine, but avoid using dryer when possible, no "Stove" for me, not even a pizza or what so ever that should be prepared in an oven/stove. Only macrowave but the macrowave is a basic one and can't help to cook whole meals, so I only defreeze if necessary (just leave meat or other stuff out in the fridge or in the room temp for a few hours and you ll be ok), as well as the fact that when I cook and use my electric stove, I cook one or two big meals at the time to save on power and make stews that need lower heating.
I 've curly frizzy hair that needs to be flat ironed and both flat iron and a blowdryer are energy consuming appliances, so I did pay a large amount of money on a "barber"
(wonder if there are still people out there who to go a barber shop!", so, let's say mine calls himself a "hairdresser and stylist" and had a treatment that made my hair smooth and silky keeping its natural body (No Japanese styling bla bla bla) and now, can only blow dry for a few minutes and go to work/out. Using a computer or a laptop is also energy consuming, so I try not to switch it on all the time and luckily right now, being at work does help to save on power and I try to use as little as possible energy and less appliances that use energy/electricity by being on stand-by!
No Stand-by at any cost for me. They immediately and easily add up to your high energy bill and I am fanatic in that. But sadly, some devices has to be on stand by such as my cable and/or internet router but then that will be only one or two devices and not ten around the house.
When you make a move to a new country, then be resiliant and also creative. Go Green because you can save on energy too.
...
p.s. Just spoke to my bf and his employer has jobs for him in Wellington, New Zeeland! He asked me what to do, since there is no position right now for him in Toronto, Canada?
My answer: My only concern right now is if I 'd be able to pay the rent next month and have food on table and can sleep well at night and have a job that is really good for me, right now, all of these are possible but using the savings and a little bit of the pay I receive from my seasonal job as Sales Associate. So, yes is the answer. Tell your employer you will and we move to New Zeeland. 2 to 3 year job assignment there in Wellington, then so be it. Who cares, ...
We live in "interesting times" as Chinese wisely express. It should be all about "money" and the ability to save and spend when you can and be good, not about going for your dreams and moving around because you "feel like it" or " are bored".
I am honest in that, if you want to Canada, think twice. Want to find a job "immediately" like a respected member just two days ago asked me if it will be possible? I shall answer: Tough luck! ... good luck to all of us!
It is NOT easy you know....
Need to buy some basic stuff but good quality for your home at reasonable prices?
Here you are, I know this shop and the owners and have bought some high quality stuff myself, wish I made my move to Toronto now instead of September or I 'd be saving some more money. :'(
http://www.deboers.com/
Here you are, I know this shop and the owners and have bought some high quality stuff myself, wish I made my move to Toronto now instead of September or I 'd be saving some more money. :'(
http://www.deboers.com/
to make it even worse and/or confusing???
my boyfriend's employer has offered him a job in New Zeeland instead of Toronto!!!! :-X
Now I feel like " got stuck" on this side of the Ocean!
my boyfriend's employer has offered him a job in New Zeeland instead of Toronto!!!! :-X
Now I feel like " got stuck" on this side of the Ocean!
I did a big mistake when I moved here I left my gf of 3 years in USA and then we eventually broke up as we were seperated by my moving
Now I regret that alot
as this relationship loss is a significant loss to me - I cant seem to find happiness or even a decent gf here - lol
I have a brother and parents here n that motivated my move here to be with them
But I feel suffocated n scape goat in this country as every one in general has a taking things away from people type of mentality - well excuse my language
i left india because of this mentality there n went to US - where I found good, understanding, caring people
But in canada its similar mentality of jealousy, selfishness, greediness, that I experienced in India
anyways I hope people dont make mistake of loosing their loves that I did by leaving there near n dear ones away to come to Canada as immigrants
Now I regret that alot
as this relationship loss is a significant loss to me - I cant seem to find happiness or even a decent gf here - lol
I have a brother and parents here n that motivated my move here to be with them
But I feel suffocated n scape goat in this country as every one in general has a taking things away from people type of mentality - well excuse my language
i left india because of this mentality there n went to US - where I found good, understanding, caring people
But in canada its similar mentality of jealousy, selfishness, greediness, that I experienced in India
anyways I hope people dont make mistake of loosing their loves that I did by leaving there near n dear ones away to come to Canada as immigrants
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Are you saying you notice a difference between people in Canada and in the US? That's interesting, cause I know some people think of the two as kind of the same, culturally. But from what you're saying it's not?jckdry said:
Canadians are VERY different from the Americans indeed.
The in Canada born and bred and mostly " older generation" Canadians, from any race or colour, are really like Americans, open, friendly, receptive and fun.
But I too notice that here, ... people are full of their own "..." which they bring in moving mostly from a country that isn't familiar with the values here.
I 've been living in Europe and am used to the values there for decades and as an in Iran born Iranian/Dutch I can say that there is also such a big difference between my mentality here and that of my own "sort" as to say.
Iranians here come here as immigrant directly from Iran, most of them as to speak and believe me in this matter, they are full of all that our friend here does state. They don't know that having this or that, having more money, tens of degree's bla bla bla, isn't that important to people like me, as I am taught to value people and love them for "who" they are and regardless of their degree of education, appearance or if they might be of any threat to my success at work or in life.
They all come here, especially in Toronto, get together in their own "Ghetto's" and keep living the same kind of life they were used to and thinking the same way while they should go and work "everywhere". This has resulted in a certain way of distantive, secretive, prejudiced mindset that is hidden underneath of the entire picture and that is why in order to experience the real Canadian culture and mentality, one should move to small towns and outside of the big picture or the big Canadian apple.
I luckily keep continue being myself and loving and accepting them for who they are and treating them like friends and do not expect anything from them and that way teach them how to be and how to accept our or "my values" that is universal and should be universally set, unconditionally and unconventionally and with an uncanny perception of things and people.
Only "if" we all do the same and set aside the prejudices and fight hard to help these newbe's adapt themselves, we can make this country and help it be a much better place to live.
But yes, Americans, are far ahead of all of us here in Canada and in Europe too, all that despite of their own "policy", "mindset" and lifestyle and regardless, they USA will be a great nation and I wish them all and all of us here and everywhere else to be happy, prosperous and succesful in life on a day as such.
Merry Christmas to you all ...
God Bless you
Charlotte
The in Canada born and bred and mostly " older generation" Canadians, from any race or colour, are really like Americans, open, friendly, receptive and fun.
But I too notice that here, ... people are full of their own "..." which they bring in moving mostly from a country that isn't familiar with the values here.
I 've been living in Europe and am used to the values there for decades and as an in Iran born Iranian/Dutch I can say that there is also such a big difference between my mentality here and that of my own "sort" as to say.
Iranians here come here as immigrant directly from Iran, most of them as to speak and believe me in this matter, they are full of all that our friend here does state. They don't know that having this or that, having more money, tens of degree's bla bla bla, isn't that important to people like me, as I am taught to value people and love them for "who" they are and regardless of their degree of education, appearance or if they might be of any threat to my success at work or in life.
They all come here, especially in Toronto, get together in their own "Ghetto's" and keep living the same kind of life they were used to and thinking the same way while they should go and work "everywhere". This has resulted in a certain way of distantive, secretive, prejudiced mindset that is hidden underneath of the entire picture and that is why in order to experience the real Canadian culture and mentality, one should move to small towns and outside of the big picture or the big Canadian apple.
I luckily keep continue being myself and loving and accepting them for who they are and treating them like friends and do not expect anything from them and that way teach them how to be and how to accept our or "my values" that is universal and should be universally set, unconditionally and unconventionally and with an uncanny perception of things and people.
Only "if" we all do the same and set aside the prejudices and fight hard to help these newbe's adapt themselves, we can make this country and help it be a much better place to live.
But yes, Americans, are far ahead of all of us here in Canada and in Europe too, all that despite of their own "policy", "mindset" and lifestyle and regardless, they USA will be a great nation and I wish them all and all of us here and everywhere else to be happy, prosperous and succesful in life on a day as such.
Merry Christmas to you all ...
God Bless you
Charlotte
I have been staying in US for last 2.5 years, was born and brought up in delhi, india.
I thought i was coming to a better country where people would be more tolerant than they were in India.
But what a shock i was in for. I have some relatives who came here like 40 years back, and trust me I have never seen any indian in india, as compared to these people.
They prefer people on the basis of their money, educational degrees and all.
So I think its not about US or Canada, you can find all types of people in different countries.
I thought i was coming to a better country where people would be more tolerant than they were in India.
But what a shock i was in for. I have some relatives who came here like 40 years back, and trust me I have never seen any indian in india, as compared to these people.
They prefer people on the basis of their money, educational degrees and all.
So I think its not about US or Canada, you can find all types of people in different countries.
Jckdry, Shinygirl, CharlotteJ,
First of all, Merry Christmas!!!
I find Canada and the United States have some differences but it´s always difficult for any immigrant. No matter where you are from.
Please share some of your goals or tasks for 2011; Prosperity, Peace, Harmony and all the good things?
Warmest Regards
SFD
First of all, Merry Christmas!!!
I find Canada and the United States have some differences but it´s always difficult for any immigrant. No matter where you are from.
Please share some of your goals or tasks for 2011; Prosperity, Peace, Harmony and all the good things?
Warmest Regards
SFD
Merry Christmas and Happy new year for you all,
Charlotte,
I started following your thread when I was looking for a living experience in Toronto, the place I intend to let my family settle in. Then I found that it would be a prejudice to relate your experience to geography only. As long as your inner world is positive, you can do miracles. So we don't have to blame others for our failures.
The question that started humming in my head now; Why we are not able to do the same in our home countries? I started looking down to myself recently as I read many different stories about living in Canada.
The question might be silly :'(, but silly things pay us a visit from time to time, or I might be talking about myself only.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Charlotte,
I started following your thread when I was looking for a living experience in Toronto, the place I intend to let my family settle in. Then I found that it would be a prejudice to relate your experience to geography only. As long as your inner world is positive, you can do miracles. So we don't have to blame others for our failures.
The question that started humming in my head now; Why we are not able to do the same in our home countries? I started looking down to myself recently as I read many different stories about living in Canada.
The question might be silly :'(, but silly things pay us a visit from time to time, or I might be talking about myself only
.Merry Christmas to you all.
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you will find these type of people all over the world, (Materialists ) Just avoid these people you will feel happy otherwise ll b misguided ....
Shinygirl said: