Am I getting royally ripped off or is this just Canadian realityÉ

[Wannabe Mustache]

So I was looking at MMMs spending in 2013 and I see insurance $300!  What! Mine is $300 a month for two cars and my house. 

Mu utilities are way higher. Internet is ridiculous here as are cell phones. 

How can we get these costs down?  AM I just being a complainypants?

I live in northern, Ontario and we only have 3 internet providers and few cell phone providers.  All their packages are similar.

Has anyone found a way to save?

[Troppo presto]

Your insurance costs are about the same as mine. Don't forget we live in Canada where we pay more for everything. Here's a great example,  I'm a runner and stocked up on running shoes in Oregon last year before the loonie dropped. The Nike runners I wear are $160.00 at the Running Room in my home town which is near Vancouver. I found them at the Nike outlet store in Oregon for $50.00, bought 8 pairs and of course no pst or gst.

Before the loonie plunged the huge price disparity between us and the USA for the same items, including by the way vet bills was a regular topic on the various radio talk shows. My friend in Kenya pays way less for his cell phone plan and he can call me for about 1 cent a minute. I've got my plan down to the bare bones and it's still $30.00 a month, plus, plus, plus.

The one thing we do save on is health insurance.

[forummm]

You have to shop around for insurance. And it helps if you've never made a claim before. MMM also has very high deductibles for homeowners ($10k) and does not carry comprehensive and collision coverage on his vehicles. He also doesn't use much electricity.

[Carless]

Even having never made any claim, my car insurance was $100 a month.  Even calling around couldn't improve it, and I was living in a small town too.  Toronto would have been more expensive.  Look at it this way though - there's all kinds of things we don't pay as much for, I've heard it costs to renew your driver's license in the states but it's free here.

[Self-employed-swami]

Our liability insurance only on our car is $53/month in Alberta.  It's still expensive and sucky.

[SF Semi-Mustache]

So I was looking at MMMs spending in 2013 and I see insurance $300!  What! Mine is $300 a month for two cars and my house. 

I spend $200/month on homeowners (high deductible) and car insurance (comprehensive but high deductible) on a fairly boring car.  I've never had a claim or an accident.  So maybe you're comparing Canada to cheap parts of the United States, not San Francisco. 

Look at it this way though - there's all kinds of things we don't pay as much for, I've heard it costs to renew your driver's license in the states but it's free here.

HEALTHCARE.  I also pay several hundred a month out of my paycheck (pretax, thankfully) for health insurance.  Let alone the 10%+ I'd have to pay for any procedure.  And it does cost $35ish to renew a driver's license in California for four years. 

[nobodyspecial]

You have to shop around for insurance.

Here in BC we are saved from all that tedious comparison shopping (and Geiko commercials)
Car insurance is a government monopoly and starts at about $2500/year

It is nice for the kids given Lamborghinis on their 17th birthday don't have to worry about  insurance
 

[RootofGood]

I just shopped our policies and found some here in North Carolina at just a bit over $300 for the two of us.  At GEICO.  And that was with me driving for pleasure 3000 miles or less and Mrs. RoG driving 9000 (still working part of the year). 

$300/yr seems doable if you comparison shop and keep the limits low.  At least in some states in the US.  Being 30-something and having a clean record and boring cars helps too (we're rocking 15 year old honda sedans).

[Singularity]

What cars are you driving with what deductibles?  Dropping comprehensive, collision, and full-tort coverage really help too.

For a 2000 honda civic my cost is $476/year for $500k/250K/100k coverage.  Minimum coverage is $312/year ($30k).

[Al1961]

You have to shop around for insurance.

Here in BC we are saved from all that tedious comparison shopping (and Geiko commercials)
Car insurance is a government monopoly and starts at about $2500/year

It is nice for the kids given Lamborghinis on their 17th birthday don't have to worry about  insurance

Wow, that seems excessive.

I'm planning on moving near Nanaimo within a few years. For a 2010 Subaru Legacy GT with collision and comprehensive, low deductibles, the ICBC quoted premium was only $484/yr. I guess being older and retired helps quite a bit with the insurance quote in BC. That's $3-400/year less than I'm paying now.

Al

[Hummer]

You have to shop around for insurance.

Here in BC we are saved from all that tedious comparison shopping (and Geiko commercials)
Car insurance is a government monopoly and starts at about $2500/year

It is nice for the kids given Lamborghinis on their 17th birthday don't have to worry about  insurance

Not sure if this in tongue in cheek or what but the car insurance is not quite correct for ICBC. I have 2 different cars and they each are around $1200 per year in insurance. I also pay $1200 per year in house insurance. This included a lot of shopping around. Most of the quotes were for $1500.

[Wannabe Mustache]

I am certainly grateful for our health care system.

I wonder why things are so much more expensive (although I get the point that some states and cities in the US are more expensive than others).

We have two Corolla's, a 2003 & a 2010.  No comprehensive on the 2003 but I do have it on the 2010 because I'm not in a position to buy a new car with savings if it gets wrecked and I need it here in northern Ontario. 

My renewals are coming up so I'll try shopping around, I was under the impression I had good rates (for here).

Wow, BC insurance is ridiculous!

[nobodyspecial]

Not sure if this in tongue in cheek or what but the car insurance is not quite correct for ICBC. I have 2 different cars and they each are around $1200 per year in insurance. I also pay $1200 per year in house insurance. This included a lot of shopping around. Most of the quotes were for $1500.

Try being a new arrival and they don't count your out-of-state driving history.
It's also about 50% more in the city than somewhere rural

[Troppo presto]

$75.00 to renew a driving license in B.C. We must be the most expensive Province for just about everything including gas.

[GuitarStv]

We get hosed on insurance in Ontario.  Just be happy you don't live in Toronto.

[RoadLessTravelled]

Looking at anything in isolation will tell you nothing.  You need to look at the bigger picture.  Rather than complaining about insurance, internet and phone service, try asking yourself the question, overall would you rather live in the USA or Canada?  That to me is a no-brainer.

By the way, my cellphone in Ontario costs me $120 per year.  That's because I use it as a phone and don't have my head bent down looking at it while walking along the street etc. 

[Redstone5]

You have to shop around for insurance.

Here in BC we are saved from all that tedious comparison shopping (and Geiko commercials)
Car insurance is a government monopoly and starts at about $2500/year

It is nice for the kids given Lamborghinis on their 17th birthday don't have to worry about  insurance

I was confused by your message. I also live in BC and my car insurance is $80/month or $960/year. My in-laws recently moved from Alberta and their car insurance dropped.

[fb132]

Even having never made any claim, my car insurance was $100 a month.  Even calling around couldn't improve it, and I was living in a small town too.  Toronto would have been more expensive.  Look at it this way though - there's all kinds of things we don't pay as much for, I've heard it costs to renew your driver's license in the states but it's free here.

Not in Quebec, every year you pay for the driver's licence.

[TrMama]

You have to shop around for insurance.

Here in BC we are saved from all that tedious comparison shopping (and Geiko commercials)
Car insurance is a government monopoly and starts at about $2500/year

It is nice for the kids given Lamborghinis on their 17th birthday don't have to worry about  insurance

That's not totally accurate. Only the liability portion must be bought through ICBC. Collision and comprehensive can be bought through any number of other insurance companies.

I pay about $680/yr to insur my car, or $56.60/mo. The trick is to drive a boring old car and not carry collision comprehensive. It also helps to have a safe driving record.

[RetiredAt63]

I just renewed my car registration and driver's license - there were fees for both (Ontario).

I get car and house insurance through a broker, they know which companies are reliable (re claims) and have good rates.  When I have phoned other companies to check out rates, I have never found a policy better than the one my broker found for me.

(Information tidbit for non-Canadians, we do pay for our health care, but as part of general taxation, so the basics are covered for everyone.  Most of us also have private insurance for things not covered by provincial health care.)

[GuitarStv]

Basics aren't covered by provincial health care.  You're SOL for optometrist and pharmaceutical coverage.

[RetiredAt63]

I suppose those are not considered basics.  Podiatrists are not covered either.  There is a reason most of us have supplemental insurance, and you have just pointed it out. ;-(

Basics aren't covered by provincial health care.  You're SOL for optometrist and pharmaceutical coverage.

[GuitarStv]

I can't work at my job, drive a car, or ride a bike without glasses.  Seems a pretty basic need from where I'm sitting.  I bet the asthmatic who would die without his puffer feels similar regarding pharmaceuticals.

[RetiredAt63]

Not arguing with you.  I don't decide what gets covered and what does not.  We can add dental care to the list of things that should be covered and are not.

On the other hand, for actual medical stuff it is not bad - I know people with kidney transplants, lung transplants, heart surgery, etc., who would not have been able to manage without OHIP.

I can't work at my job, drive a car, or ride a bike without glasses.  Seems a pretty basic need from where I'm sitting.  I bet the asthmatic who would die without his puffer feels similar regarding pharmaceuticals.

[nobodyspecial]

ICBC is a lot cheaper outside Metro Vancouver and a lot cheaper if you don't commute everyday.

But other than years of no claims (and they don't count some out-of-province/country history)  they don't weight by age/profession driver or type of car as much as most commercial insurance companies do.

So if you are young and drive a sportscar in Vancouver your liability insurance is the same as for a 50year old teacher driving a honda civic. If you are retired and live in a rural area then you pay less.

[sleepyguy]

"1st world problems to me" imho.

I think we still like in one of the best countries on earth, so no complaints.  Control what I can control.  And our health system isn't mess like the US, but isn't as good as some of the european countries.

FYI, we pay about $180/mth for car insurance.

[fb132]

"1st world problems to me" imho.

I think we still like in one of the best countries on earth, so no complaints.  Control what I can control.  And our health system isn't mess like the US, but isn't as good as some of the european countries.

FYI, we pay about $180/mth for car insurance.

Our health system is the pitts...on one hand, I am glad that we don't go bankrupt because of health issues, but on the other hand, the waiting time is horrible...Some hospitals you have to wait almost 2 days just to see a doctor. That is one reason why I try to stay in shape. But overall, I prefer living in Canada over any other country in the world. We have our issues, but when you look at all the crap going around the world, you realize our problems are not that bad. Despite high costs, we can make a decent living and have a comfortable life.

[Retire-Canada]

Not sure if this in tongue in cheek or what but the car insurance is not quite correct for ICBC. I have 2 different cars and they each are around $1200 per year in insurance. I also pay $1200 per year in house insurance. This included a lot of shopping around. Most of the quotes were for $1500.

Same boat.

ICBC:

- F150 $700 liability + $500 comprehensive [not getting this when I renew]
- 650cc motorcycle $700 liability

Melochmonex Home Ins ~$1000

[GuitarStv]

"1st world problems to me" imho.

I think we still like in one of the best countries on earth, so no complaints.  Control what I can control.  And our health system isn't mess like the US, but isn't as good as some of the european countries.

FYI, we pay about $180/mth for car insurance.

Our health system is the pitts...on one hand, I am glad that we don't go bankrupt because of health issues, but on the other hand, the waiting time is horrible...Some hospitals you have to wait almost 2 days just to see a doctor. That is one reason why I try to stay in shape. But overall, I prefer living in Canada over any other country in the world. We have our issues, but when you look at all the crap going around the world, you realize our problems are not that bad. Despite high costs, we can make a decent living and have a comfortable life.

What part of Canada do you live in?  What was your ailment?

Generally Canadian health care has been pretty good to me, no problems accessing it in a timely manner when it was critical.  You're prioritized based on need in a triage system when you go to an ER.  A couple years ago I got blood poisoning from a very deep cut, went to the ER and saw a doctor and was on an IV of antibiotics in under an hour.  A few years before that I was kicked in the head while sparring and had a concussion and broken jaw  . . . again, no issue getting in quickly and getting checked out.

I just wish we had more coverage for stuff that's not optional.

[fb132]

"1st world problems to me" imho.

I think we still like in one of the best countries on earth, so no complaints.  Control what I can control.  And our health system isn't mess like the US, but isn't as good as some of the european countries.

FYI, we pay about $180/mth for car insurance.

Our health system is the pitts...on one hand, I am glad that we don't go bankrupt because of health issues, but on the other hand, the waiting time is horrible...Some hospitals you have to wait almost 2 days just to see a doctor. That is one reason why I try to stay in shape. But overall, I prefer living in Canada over any other country in the world. We have our issues, but when you look at all the crap going around the world, you realize our problems are not that bad. Despite high costs, we can make a decent living and have a comfortable life.

What part of Canada do you live in?  What was your ailment?

Generally Canadian health care has been pretty good to me, no problems accessing it in a timely manner when it was critical.  You're prioritized based on need in a triage system when you go to an ER.  A couple years ago I got blood poisoning from a very deep cut, went to the ER and saw a doctor and was on an IV of antibiotics in under an hour.  A few years before that I was kicked in the head while sparring and had a concussion and broken jaw  . . . again, no issue getting in quickly and getting checked out.

I just wish we had more coverage for stuff that's not optional.

I live in the province of Quebec, some hospitals are at 125% capacity, some have to stay and sleep in the hallways because there is no room. Here is an example taken in 2013 where you had one hospital with a 200%  capcity (Montreal General Hospital) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-ers-overflowing-1.1388148 . By the way, I never get sick, I only said I work out so I can avoid being sick and it has worked so far, I haven't had anything, not even a cold in the last couple of years.

I also know a few people who had cancer and they had to wait a long time before getting operated because the doctors would always postpone the operation, thankfully nothing bad came of it, but it can be scary.

[Paul der Krake]

I just shopped our policies and found some here in North Carolina at just a bit over $300 for the two of us.  At GEICO.  And that was with me driving for pleasure 3000 miles or less and Mrs. RoG driving 9000 (still working part of the year). 

$300/yr seems doable if you comparison shop and keep the limits low.  At least in some states in the US.  Being 30-something and having a clean record and boring cars helps too (we're rocking 15 year old honda sedans).

Interestingly enough, prices vary widely within a relatively small area. Us Durhamites bring the average back up with our less than stellar driving habits.

[RootofGood]

I just shopped our policies and found some here in North Carolina at just a bit over $300 for the two of us.  At GEICO.  And that was with me driving for pleasure 3000 miles or less and Mrs. RoG driving 9000 (still working part of the year). 

$300/yr seems doable if you comparison shop and keep the limits low.  At least in some states in the US.  Being 30-something and having a clean record and boring cars helps too (we're rocking 15 year old honda sedans).

Interestingly enough, prices vary widely within a relatively small area. Us Durhamites bring the average back up with our less than stellar driving habits.

I think it varies by zip code.  Of course I also have 17 years of perfect driving history, and Mrs. RoG has a few more years, the most recent 3 of which are perfect.  And we also drive really boring cars.  Maybe it's telling the agent I'm retired and drive only for pleasure (not that driving is normally pleasurable in any sense). 

I surprisingly didn't get a lot of variation between the 4-5 insurers I asked for quotes.  All in the $200-300 range for both of us for 6 months. 

[sleepyguy]

I have no experience with Quebec, only have lived in Toronto all my life.  Some hospitals there can be quite a wait, surgeries can take awhile to see specialist but overall it's a good system imho.  My son is a high level ASD and there are also lots of programs available from the government, although the wait is long, but these specialist can cost over $200/hr... it's covered for us.

And both our kids were C-section due to complications... again fully covered... i've heard some HORROR stories in the US of cost for these.

I have zero complaints about taxes and such.

I would like housing to drop a bit though :)  Can't even get a cardboard box for under 500k around here, lol.

"1st world problems to me" imho.

I think we still like in one of the best countries on earth, so no complaints.  Control what I can control.  And our health system isn't mess like the US, but isn't as good as some of the european countries.

FYI, we pay about $180/mth for car insurance.

Our health system is the pitts...on one hand, I am glad that we don't go bankrupt because of health issues, but on the other hand, the waiting time is horrible...Some hospitals you have to wait almost 2 days just to see a doctor. That is one reason why I try to stay in shape. But overall, I prefer living in Canada over any other country in the world. We have our issues, but when you look at all the crap going around the world, you realize our problems are not that bad. Despite high costs, we can make a decent living and have a comfortable life.

What part of Canada do you live in?  What was your ailment?

Generally Canadian health care has been pretty good to me, no problems accessing it in a timely manner when it was critical.  You're prioritized based on need in a triage system when you go to an ER.  A couple years ago I got blood poisoning from a very deep cut, went to the ER and saw a doctor and was on an IV of antibiotics in under an hour.  A few years before that I was kicked in the head while sparring and had a concussion and broken jaw  . . . again, no issue getting in quickly and getting checked out.

I just wish we had more coverage for stuff that's not optional.

I live in the province of Quebec, some hospitals are at 125% capacity, some have to stay and sleep in the hallways because there is no room. Here is an example taken in 2013 where you had one hospital with a 200%  capcity (Montreal General Hospital) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-ers-overflowing-1.1388148 . By the way, I never get sick, I only said I work out so I can avoid being sick and it has worked so far, I haven't had anything, not even a cold in the last couple of years.

I also know a few people who had cancer and they had to wait a long time before getting operated because the doctors would always postpone the operation, thankfully nothing bad came of it, but it can be scary.

[TrMama]

I live in the province of Quebec, some hospitals are at 125% capacity, some have to stay and sleep in the hallways because there is no room. Here is an example taken in 2013 where you had one hospital with a 200%  capcity (Montreal General Hospital) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-ers-overflowing-1.1388148 . By the way, I never get sick, I only said I work out so I can avoid being sick and it has worked so far, I haven't had anything, not even a cold in the last couple of years.

I also know a few people who had cancer and they had to wait a long time before getting operated because the doctors would always postpone the operation, thankfully nothing bad came of it, but it can be scary.

I'm totally with you on the horrible health care in QC. I've had the pleasure of receiving health care in several provinces. QC is the only one that was truly terrible. In fact, it's the single reason I won't move back there. Disrespectful Drs that don't even attempt to follow an appointment schedule, standard of care 20 yrs behind the rest of the developed world, overcrowding (I stayed in the sitting area of a single room when my youngest was born because they were packing 2 women into each single room) and the admin staff have the audacity to act like their "free health care"  is the best thing since sliced bread.

[sleepyguy]

Wow, no idea Quebec is THAT bad.

We had both our kids in Oakville, Ontario and wow... exceptional hospital and nurses.  Too bad they are closing down the small hospital to build a 'mega' one soon to service more of the surrounding area.

I haven't had too many emergencies but my kids had a few already and so far I'm very pleased.

I live in the province of Quebec, some hospitals are at 125% capacity, some have to stay and sleep in the hallways because there is no room. Here is an example taken in 2013 where you had one hospital with a 200%  capcity (Montreal General Hospital) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-ers-overflowing-1.1388148 . By the way, I never get sick, I only said I work out so I can avoid being sick and it has worked so far, I haven't had anything, not even a cold in the last couple of years.

I also know a few people who had cancer and they had to wait a long time before getting operated because the doctors would always postpone the operation, thankfully nothing bad came of it, but it can be scary.

I'm totally with you on the horrible health care in QC. I've had the pleasure of receiving health care in several provinces. QC is the only one that was truly terrible. In fact, it's the single reason I won't move back there. Disrespectful Drs that don't even attempt to follow an appointment schedule, standard of care 20 yrs behind the rest of the developed world, overcrowding (I stayed in the sitting area of a single room when my youngest was born because they were packing 2 women into each single room) and the admin staff have the audacity to act like their "free health care"  is the best thing since sliced bread.

[nereo]

...my brain tells me i should just stay out of this but my spirit says 'just jump right in!"

For reference, I'm an expat living in Quebec. 
One of the things I find facinating is that the overwhelming majority of Canadians seem to think the US system is much worse than theirs, and the overwhelming majority of people from the United States think the same about the health-care system of their northern neighbors.  There's a great deal of mistrust and false information on both sides.

Glad to hear other people think Quebec's system has some serious flaw - I've only experienced Quebec provincial health care and I've been extremely frustrated by the long delays to get treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and the months-long waits to see a primary care physician, and very poor interactions once I finally met with the doctor.    I'm glad to hear this isn't a universal experience throughout Canada.  I've been frustrated that vision, oral care and prescriptions are not covered, which makes my out-of-pocket costs about what they would be in the US.

And since I hear the term "free healthcare" thrown about - no, our health care is not "free" in Canada by any stretch of the imagination.

Back to the OP:  The cell phone plans in Canada are some of the most expensive in the world*.  We've adapted by rethinking what we need and using data plans and VoIP whenever we are in an internet hotspot (which is always at home and at work) to get the bare minimum number of minutes and texts.  A workaround to be sure but we hardly notice it anymore.

Car insurance is handled by the provincial government here (and it's due on your birthday - "Happy Birthday - now give us money!")
One positive (at the moment) is that mortgage rates in Canada are even less than their US counterparts - something we've enjoyed over the last 3+ years.

Ultimately everything has to be considered together.  Every country in the world has their own share of major problems, but I think Canada is a fantastic place to live overall.

[The Fake Cheap]

Petro Canada mobility has been great for me for a cell phone provider.  They get their coverage through Rogers, so if Roger's covers you in Nothern Ont then so will PCM.  I bought my phone through PCM, I pay what works out to about $8 a month for my limited calling and unlimited incoming texts, also voice mail is included.

As for car insurance, mine is a bit high, but it's full coverage and has all the bells and whistles, such as and a reduced deductible for 20 years of clean driving, wife also has clean driving record.  For a 2010 Corolla and 07 SX4 total is $125/month, keep in mind I'm also on the east coast.

[aspiringnomad]

...my brain tells me i should just stay out of this but my spirit says 'just jump right in!"

For reference, I'm an expat living in Quebec. 
One of the things I find facinating is that the overwhelming majority of Canadians seem to think the US system is much worse than theirs, and the overwhelming majority of people from the United States think the same about the health-care system of their northern neighbors.  There's a great deal of mistrust and false information on both sides.

Glad to hear other people think Quebec's system has some serious flaw - I've only experienced Quebec provincial health care and I've been extremely frustrated by the long delays to get treatment for non-life threatening illnesses and the months-long waits to see a primary care physician, and very poor interactions once I finally met with the doctor.    I'm glad to hear this isn't a universal experience throughout Canada.  I've been frustrated that vision, oral care and prescriptions are not covered, which makes my out-of-pocket costs about what they would be in the US.

And since I hear the term "free healthcare" thrown about - no, our health care is not "free" in Canada by any stretch of the imagination.

Back to the OP:  The cell phone plans in Canada are some of the most expensive in the world*.  We've adapted by rethinking what we need and using data plans and VoIP whenever we are in an internet hotspot (which is always at home and at work) to get the bare minimum number of minutes and texts.  A workaround to be sure but we hardly notice it anymore.

Car insurance is handled by the provincial government here (and it's due on your birthday - "Happy Birthday - now give us money!")
One positive (at the moment) is that mortgage rates in Canada are even less than their US counterparts - something we've enjoyed over the last 3+ years.

Ultimately everything has to be considered together.  Every country in the world has their own share of major problems, but I think Canada is a fantastic place to live overall.

With HSA plans in the US that offer an employer pass through contribution, annual out-of-pocket costs for anything should be zero if you avoid major injury or health issues. In other words, the employer contribution often more than covers co-pays for dental visits, prescriptions, eye care visits, etc. Of course, any major injuries and you'll exceed that amount and still have to pay up to the annual deductible which can be quite high (pre-tax if you've socked enough of your own money into the HSA), but for those lucky enough to have such a plan and relatively good health (many of us mustachians I would think), out-of-pocket costs for routine medical care are effectively zilch in the US.

[SK Joyous]

You have to shop around for insurance.

Here in BC we are saved from all that tedious comparison shopping (and Geiko commercials)
Car insurance is a government monopoly and starts at about $2500/year

It is nice for the kids given Lamborghinis on their 17th birthday don't have to worry about  insurance

Not sure if this in tongue in cheek or what but the car insurance is not quite correct for ICBC. I have 2 different cars and they each are around $1200 per year in insurance. I also pay $1200 per year in house insurance. This included a lot of shopping around. Most of the quotes were for $1500.

Wow I was thinking that sounded crazy high too - we have the same system in Sask (SGI) and our fairly new fairly pricey vehicles are less than $100 per month to insure. I love our monopoly, it saves us a crap-ton of money compared to what they pay in ON or AB (family members there with similar vehicles)

[Financial Planner Dude]

So I was looking at MMMs spending in 2013 and I see insurance $300!  What! Mine is $300 a month for two cars and my house. 

Mu utilities are way higher. Internet is ridiculous here as are cell phones. 

Hey Wannabe

I sure hear you! This was my reaction when I first came across MMM. Like holy shit batman who the hell can save 70% of their income I mean my rent and taxes utilities take up half my pay cheque on a good month! Than just yesterday I was reading one of the many journals here and the guys total living expenses were less than what I pay in rent (ignoring exchange rate)!!!!! But you know something I’ll never be Pete and nor should I. The reality is most people’s lives are an Exploding Volcano of Wastefulness. Most of our friends can barely get by on two incomes while the wife and I live a wonderfully luxurious life full of toys and we do this on one income, and in a HCOL area to boot!

Take a car for instance when knee surgery forced me to move from a stick to an automatic and this being Germany it usually means a higher end SUV. So rather than simply walking into the local BMW dealer and borrowing my brains out I did a ton of research and shopping around. First choice was a RAV 4 but the insurance costs were insane. In the end I bought a 10 month old fully loaded Ford C-Max 1/3rd cheaper than new and half the insurance cost of a Rav 4.  Smart phones, another one most people I know I spend around 25€ a month, I get two iphones and an ipad for just a bit more.

A few months or so ago the National Post ran an interesting article on a single guy in Toronto who was on track to pay off his huge mortgage in less than 5 years. Reading the article and the comments no one could get past the idea that the guy re-used his sandwich baggies but not a single person noticed that he didn’t own a car!!!!

The point is you don’t need to emulate Pete to be successful but you do need to be creative and think outside the box. Do this and you’ll live and exploding life of luxury that will make all your friends jealous and do it all without the pressure and worry that a wasteful life brings.

Rob