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Item
Housing (rent or mortgage)
Home insurance
Utilities (electricity, gas, hydro, telephone, water, cable)
Food
Clothing
Household items (cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.)
Transportation (bus pass, car maintenance, gas, auto insurance)
Childcare
Incidentals (newspapers, gifts, haircuts, bank service charges)
Entertainment
Other expenses
It is very important to manage your money well. The amount of money you can afford to spend will depend on your income. It is a
good idea to plan your expenses each month by making a monthly budget. In the table below write down your monthly expenses
in the “Monthly Cost” column. Compare the total costs or expenses to your total income. If your expenses exceed your income,
you may need to change your budget. If you need financial advice, speak to your local immigrant-serving agency.
Prepare your monthly budget
Monthly Cost ($)
Total =
There are many ways to purchase goods and services in Ontario. Supermarkets sell food and often carry other
household necessities. “Big Box” and department stores sell a wide variety of new items such as clothing, furniture,
auto parts, sporting goods, electronics and cosmetics. Drug stores sell medications and a variety of household
supplies. Specialty stores focus on specific products, such as fruits and vegetables, ethnic foods, books, hardware
or shoes. Small convenience stores sell basic necessities, usually at higher prices. Many cities also have open-air
markets where you can buy fresh produce from local farmers.
There are several ways to save money when you shop. Used goods are often available at reasonable prices through
Internet buy and sell services. Thrift stores sell used clothing, furniture, toys and other items at low prices. Or you
can check flyers – printed advertisements distributed for free – to see what products are on sale. If necessary, you
can obtain free food at a food bank. For advice on how to save money on shopping in your area, speak to your local
immigrant-serving agency.
SHOPPING
DID YOU KNOW?
Ontario Day to Day
Workbook 2010
24
Canada’s Food Guide provides guidelines and tips
for making healthy food choices. Canada’s Food
Guide is available in more than 10 languages. Use
this website to get a copy of Canada’s Food Guide:
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/
index-eng.php
.
EXERCISE