We just got our OSAP estimate in after making the change that we’re living on our own. The amounts aren’t as high as we’d like but not as low as we feared either, considering that we both will be make at least $100/week during the school year and we both have about $3000 in other investments (GICs, RESPs).
Together we’ve got about $12k. Tuition and other school fees are about $2500 each and we need to put away about $3600 for rent up until April. With about $2500 for books, bus pass, and other school supplies, I’ve got a little bit of extra cash to stow away. Hopefully that can stay save for gifts, etc.
My concern is the monthly costs. Utilities are included in rent, and the only real needs are food and gas – with gas being about $35/week for going to work across town and getting large groceries, we’ll use the bus for other travel.
I have absolutely no idea how much groceries will cost. It’s just the two of us. We’re not too heavy eaters but we don’t like eating crappy cheap stuff all the time either, and we’ve gotta have lunch-packable items for school. I’ve thought no more than $75 a week (after the initial cupboard stocking, of course), but Laura seems to think that it’ll be closer to $100, if not more. I’m more inclined to believe her, as I don’t cook or do shopping whatsover.
So, this I’m calling for comments. Any ideas on what our weekly/monthly costs are gonna be (keeping in mind we’re in the Windsor area) are welcome, and just general living costs and issues and discussion.
I’ll have some geek stuff next post, I promise.