There is always the motion sensor auto switch on/off can be bought from Home Depot (but expensive)

A Fridge is a huge electricity guzzler, its one of the worse energy efficient items. Consider putting a timer on the Fridge to cycle on/of in peak power hours or during the night, especially if you are out.

Inside house lights does not take up much cost, but if you want to be thrifty, then run lighting from the phone outlet using white Xmas LED's bought from the dollar store. All you need to do is count back the number of lights till it equals 40 Volts worth of bulbs in the daisy chain wire to an old unused phone cord

We don't pay a premium for certain time of day, it's the same rate regardless if it's at 3am or 3pm, you only pay the higher rate if you go over 1,300 kWh in a billing period and we don't, we average 250-300 per month.

Yes the fridge is on the top of electric use, when we left for a week, I unplugged everything in the place so only the fridge and water heater were operating, use was averaging about 5 kWh per day, so being home only adds 3-5 kWh per day with cooking, TV, and such added.

We live in an apartment so can't change anything with the appliances, although I am sure if they put in energy star appliances it may help.

The difference between renters insurance and owners insurance is massive, at least for a house. Likely less for a condo as condo fees cover building insurance, but typically not any improvements, so if the owner redid the kitchen, bathrooms etc. then you need your own insurance to cover replacements. Still, you are right, the quoted insurance costs are quite high.

$600/month seems reasonable enough. We pay a bit more than that for the vehicles, then $100 or so for the house.

JamesM mentions life, I pay $300/month for a policy to fund the alimony if I die before my ex, $400 or so for disability, $100 for a life policy to cover various debts. I looked at various medical and dental plans but they're a lot of money so I don't have one. Insurance can become a serious budgetary concern if you're self employed and want to have the sort of coverage the NHS offers.

I don't have medical insurance at the mo. I know for what I had at my old company that would be another $180 per month. Adds up.

I had a couple of emails today about jobs in London that pay more in pounds than I make here in dollars. Got me thinking how expensive life here is versus the old country.

It would be Toronto costs vs London though- no idea but isn't London more expensive?

I am beginning to feel quite lucky. Our house and vehicles were less than $400 per month before teenager started to drive, it's a lot more now but he is primary driver on one car so to be expected. Life insurance is $610 a year, covers both of us. Medical/dental etc. is in OHs benefits package. I didn't realize alimony would still be owing if you snuffed it, (not that I have given it much thought), it's amazing what you can learn on BE.

Only for rent or property.

Transit slightly more but exponentially more efficient.

Food and beverages cheaper except for proper high end restaurants.

I just realised that I seriously under quoted my monthly insurance costs; should read 150/month not 50, for 1 car & household goods. Sorry.

S

I must have one of the best deals on insurance

Combined House & car insurance with CAA $121.52/Mth

The vehicle is 2002 Ford Escape third party insurance ($1000 deductible) is $58.62/mth

House insurance $62.90

Your car insurance is like 2.4 times cheaper then what we pay, and that is with the 40% no claims discount....

Here is a run down of this weeks grocery bill, more accurate then my memory. Shopping was done at Save On Foods. (best selection and prices in town of the 3 grocery stores.)

Everything bought was on sale or buy one get one free. Nothing was full price.

Bannana's 1.23kg $2.12

Frozen Lasagna (provides 2 days of dinners.) $3.99

4lb Apples $4.99

Yogurt $4.98

Milk 4 liters $ 4.69

Stuffed Chicken Breasts 4 @ $10.00

Cereal $3.49

Eggs $2.79

Pasta Sauce 3 cans @ 2.45 each

Bread $4.89 for 2 loaves. Buy 1 get 1.

Bagels 12 for $3.99. Buy 1 get 1 offer

Pasta $2.00

Cream Cheese $2.49

Total $57.77

Savings over full price $30.77

This will combined with what we had left in the freezer last 2 weeks, next shop is November 15th.

Milk 4.4litre £1 ! We've been having a milk sale for the past six months !! Pasta 500g £1. Bagels 5 for £2.50 BOGOF. Cereal £2. Eggs £2.15 for six (good ones). Yogurt 500ml x2 £3.

I can't tell if that is a good deal or not.... I don't know whats considered good value or high value when its in pounds.

Multpl £ by 1.80. Milk is actually 2.3 litres for $1.80, slightly cheaper. Roughly same prices.