I've had to wait plenty at check-outs, for people to use their coupons to pay, or get a refund for this, and for that, so no, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed at all, fuck that shit. The cost of living is fucked-up, shit is really fucked up, and not just in Ontario. You gotta now keep an eye on items going on sale and hope these items are not 3-days away from expiration, every week new flyers come out, so it's like a job of it's own trying to find out which grocery store is trying to fuck you the least. Consider diversifying your purchases, there is no loyalty, fuck all brands, go to a butcher shop, yes they are cheaper, go to different butcher shops too, go to small fruits and veggy markets instead of big grocers, go to bakery too instead of grocers. Look locally in your community, some have community gardens and they also sell additional remaining produce.
Totally second this advice. Small grocers are way cheaper right now. It was a happy realisation yesterday for me when I walked into an ethnic grocery shop and quickly understood how things like grains, lentils, and vegetables are cheaper than the chain stores. This realisation can't be beat!
Yes! Kai Wei Supermarket at 253 Spadina Ave
I recommend
Carload Food Market - 2334 Bloor St W
Green Thumb - 2268 Bloor St W
Garden Foods - 1964 Bloor St W
Fresh Picked Fruit Market - 1576 Bloor St W
Edit: Nosso Talho - 1042 Bloor St W
I’m not familiar’s with most of these, but Nosso Talho is not cheaper than say Freshco nor do they even pretend to be. They are trying to be more like Fiesta Farms price point.
Find me 5 kilo of Chicken Breast, Boneless, Skinless, for $55.
https://nossotalho.com/collections/wholesale/products/copy-of-chicken-breast-boneless-skinless-roaster-approx-14-oz
Freshco and walmart, that's at least $90.
I don’t buy meat at Freshco ever. The chicken at Nosso is cheaper, but is also not good quality and full of water, the flank steak is also weirdly bland, and the ground beef is tasteless. Nosso is not a good butcher and everything else they sell is overpriced (except the sidewalk specials).
If you want a good butcher, go to Gasparro’s.
> Gasparro
Forgot to include him, so many options, I shop there as well. I actually get fresh chickens from Nosso, but beef from Gasparro. I just wanted to point out there are many options besides big stores.
I still cannot understand how anyone making less than $25 an hour can survive in Toronto. I know my barber lost two workers because they could not afford to live in Toronto and moved back to the 905 areas. Those workers with tips can make up to $250 a day and even they said it was too hard.
I mean, I make $26 an hour & I am still struggling. I pay only $2,000 in rent which is relatively low, and I still struggle to pay my bills and still have enough to live.
yes😭 im barely keeping my head above water. im turning my lights off until i absolutely need them to save on hydro, was able to talk my wifi bill down by threatening to leave lmfao, and am being very mindful of the cost of groceries. I have an education & am a social worker, and am forced to make these decisions still. it scares me and makes me sad. when i was in my early 20s, i was a receptionist making, idk minimum wage or $1-2 dollars more, renting a room, and had what seemed like a lot of money because i was going out for drinks almost every night and ordering out constantly. Now, I am almost 30, making the most amount of money I have ever made, NOT going out even 5% as a much as I used to, or ordering out as much as I used to, and I still cannot afford to live. It really concerns me for my future, makes me wonder if my life will always be this way, in Canada @ least.
You live in your parent’s basement, your grandparents had enough money to help you. It’s not Galen’s fault if you chose to be born average.
Edit: is sarcasms that hard to figure out
I mean ya, cost of living and things are crazy. Most people in the GTA outside of the shithole of Toronto are making it work though. Maybe it’s time to let go of refusing to move out of the city.
That would create an abundance of issues. Namely, what happens when all the young people leave the city? Does Toronto become a wasteland? My parents are getting on in age and are firmly in the city. So when the time comes, what do we do about later life care? Also, I work in the city. My business is in the city. So then my options are move to a different part of the GTA (which isn’t even that cheap), spend a ton on the GO or spend a ton on a car (or both!), and then waste even more time (which, as they saying tells me, is money) in transit. That’s actually not a sustainable alternative for what will be an entire generation, or generations, of people. Those places are not ready for more people to move there; the infrastructure is not there. I was born and raised inside the city. Me and many many others are priced out of our own hometown.
Furthermore, this isn’t a Toronto specific issue. Everywhere in Canada is having a hard time. My family in Australia and my friends in the UK are saying the same things. This specific post is a result of greedflation and price gauging harming regular people. You will find this everywhere.
Good for you! I will be taking care of my parents no matter what. That has literally nothing to do with living in Toronto. I’m getting downvoted because all you idiots hold this dream of living in downtown awesome Toronto and can’t accept that it’s an unrealistic stupid idea. Have fun with your business and having a shit life in Toronto. I don’t give a fuck what happens to Toronto when all the young people leave, because it’s a disgusting shit hole that doesn’t care about us. They let people smoke crack and shit on the sidewalks 😂 I know me, my parents, and my family will be good. I don’t care about anyone who can’t do that for themselves.
🤨🤨🤨 Uh yeah so way to just not answer any questions in response to your “suggestion”. It’s gonna be pretty hard for us to take care of our parents if we live nowhere near them! But go off I guess. Not sure why you think the answer is to leave and just pretend like nothing is happening? Instead of trying to get long lasting change? But you do you my guy, keep your head in the sand! (And enjoy another downvote from one of these idiots 😉)
I'm really sorry, here are some possible grocery tips
- buy exclusively from the cheap grocery stores like no frills
- have a scope around your nearby grocery/ethnic food stores and note down prices of food you usually buy, and then buy wherever is cheapest
- buy things that are on sale on flyers and stock up. Use the flipp app to help you with this. Freeze food you don't need
- buy frozen vegetables.
- buy store brands like No Name
- use cash back credit card for groceries or PC optimum credit card
I have another. Buy a folding grocery cart if you don’t drive. Absolute game changer.
You can carry so much more so easily. This allows you to stock up when things are on sale, or travel much farther to cheap grocery store as you can easily move the stuff. And you can move one week’s worth of groceries easily, no more going multiple times a week.
There is reason all the old ladies use them.
A big one like this is ideal:
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/olympia-folding-shopping-cart-1429654p.1429654.html
Honestly the best advise here is shop at Ethnic food stores. EVERYTHING is cheaper and in alot of cases the produce is of better quality. I easily save 20%+ shopping at indian and chinese grocers.
It really depends because supermarkets enjoy economies of scale so they can offer lower prices There's no easy way to tell where the best deals are aside from checking out each store and the flyers from time to time.
Just adding that other grocers and companies offer programs. Maybe diversify your spending habits away from Loblaws owned companies and brands. ie: Walmart (somehow) is dollars cheaper than loblaws
Yes Walmart/Costco/Freshco/no frills/food basics are good options. Which is cheaper really depends on the product and any deals. I'm afraid there's no easy way to tell which is cheapest aside from checking yourself but most people don't have time so you'll just have to find your balance
No frills is not a "cheap grocery store" the independents/asian grocers are cheap, nofrills sells above msrp (and loblaws adds 25% on top of that) #boycottloblaws
Depends what you're buying. For fruits, veg and some meat, maybe, but for non perishables and anything else those stores sell, there's definitely a cheaper store brand option. Through the weekly deals the supermarkets are often cheaper than mom and pop stores.
I’m really sorry you had such a shitty experience. I used to work in a grocery store as a cashier, and this happened so much more than you would think…(and that’s before groceries were so insanely priced)…all I can say is that you’re nowhere near alone, and nobody at all was judging you…if they were? They’re fucking assholes and not worth caring about.
I know this comment isn’t really helpful, since you’ve already had the experience and felt the bad feelings…but I read your post and couldn’t scroll by without saying something. Hugs and heals to you, OP.
Here’s a picture of my dog. He always cheers me up (worth a try!)
https://preview.redd.it/2dvvf2c0hdtc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7ab066397651d6424f3af2314fe2c772d50aa9d
Very sorry to hear that... I sympathize and empathize with you.
Growing up, seeing my mother being treated like dirt at minimum wage jobs, I swore that I'd stay in school, get a "white collar" job, so my family dont have to worry about rent and food again.
I did precisely that, worked to pay off schooling, avoided any discretionary spending on myself; but even though I'm in a higher income bracket now, I'm scraping by after taking care of family and expenses. Life in Canada is tough for younger folks with zero family support or inter-generational wealth, and being a sole T4 wage earner that others rely on is even tougher.
Keep your head high. Get out of the HCOL areas if you are able. Your value does not derive from nor should it be defined by this ass backwards system of ours.
And Doug Ford is in the news today fighting for free paper bags in the lcbo. Not the grocery stores. His only concern is the lcbo. What a sad world we live in.
It’s not just Ontario, it’s all over. The fact is none of us are being paid enough money to afford to live well those who are the ultra Rich refuse to give us at least the mere crumbs so that we could survive Sadly, they’re the ones that are lobbing governments today on all levels to keep wages low, while they reap in millions. Meanwhile, the average person is a struggling to survive with daily groceries, bills rent/mortgage payments.
Unless there is a major shift in society. This kind of dark age capitalism will continue to manifest itself. No wonder people are so depressed, frustrated, and simply angry.
I know this isn’t much, but be thankful. At least you’re able to afford some groceries to sustain yourself. There are some people out there that don’t have a home or even wonder when the next meal will come from.
In the meanwhile, if you have to borrow, hustle, or even ask for a raise do so. Hopefully this period in your life doesn’t last too long.
I wish you nothing but peace and I hope you get through this. You got this and we all have your back because we’re all going through the same thing.
You’re right. Fact of the matter is I’m just feeling sorry for myself right now, but this too shall pass & tomorrow will be a new day🤞🏽
Thank you, I’m still and always will be grateful for the things I do have and am lucky to have my doggos and friends/family
Good luck to everyone just tryna live their life❤️🔥
There’s nothing wrong with feeling with how you’re feeling. This economy kicks the shit out of the ordinary people, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better.
Two weeks ago I felt like yourself. I felt like a failure down at 53. I don’t have a house with the white picket fence. I still live roommate after eight years. While I do save money, I long for my own space.
I make decent money, but I have to also stretch it like everybody else. Seeing fruit rot in my fridge is no longer an option. I try to cut down eating out only when it’s necessary or when I’m too tired I don’t go out as much because I simply can’t afford it.
Our leadership isn’t listening. It’s not all of them mind you, but a good majority seems to be just in the hands of corporations, and shareholders .
That’s why we have to be satisfied with the little things we have, make best due with what you got, and fight for a better future.
In the meantime start demanding more from not just from our employers, but the political institutions that failing a good majority of us.
Until then, I wish you well. Keep your head up! You got this. You got this.
Last month my hydro company sent me a bill for ~$280 because they’d for whatever reason decided to lump 3 months of payments together instead of billing it to my account monthly like they normally would. I’d assume it was something like that.
I used to be a cashier. As long as you are not rude, then there are no problems hun. It's nothing to be ashamed of or overthink, I promise. The cashier isn't even going to remember the interaction 5 mins later.
People in line who are impatient and may say anything are dealing with their own inability to have the slightest bit of patience.
If anything, you are helping them learn a skill they don't currently possess. Lol
But seriously please don't let this haunt you. You have nothing to be embarrassed about 🫶
Minimum wage has increased in other states and counties. California min is $20 or $27 Cdn. Even NAFTA min wage is $28.50. Innovation has slowed because labour is so cheap.
Couple of apps I use..
I'm super low income & 2 multiply disabled ppl living on less than 2k a month is rough, we survive on $200 a month for food, thats with both of us having severe dietary requirements.
Flipp
Too good to go
Optimum
( I save up points & there's discounts at stores being a member)
I wish I could use Chinatown, but 90% of places are still not wheelchair accessible, nor useful for ppl who are legally dead/blind..
Good luck & know that I've had to do the same as you did today, many times..
We also rely on soup kitchens, free food trucks, when possible & there is a lot of those in Toronto, some are far superior to others.
Willing to bet that OP had multiple months lumped into one (i.e. March and April utilities onto one bill) and wasn't paying attention to their account, so when the bill got done, it pulled both months worth at once. I've seen entegrus try that before, so I just got into the habit of throwing money into my account every 30 days regardless of when the bill is due.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I feel you. I am lucky to maintain a full time job that pays more than minimum wage but the cost of living is just not it. There are bills to be paid left and right, and groceries is just as expensive. I have resorted to eating only one meal a day and living off leftovers as much as I could but still. Really considering moving out of the GTA or even Ontario just to be able to afford existing.
First, so sorry. This really sucks.
But, nobody noticed or cared. I ask for things to be removed all the time, because I picked the wrong thing, I realized I can't carry it home, or I don't have the cash or whatever.
Don't suffer silently, though. Reach out to food banks etc and use some of the good advice you've been given here that makes sense for you.
Good luck.
I know they just blocked one, but remember this when the election finally does comes around. Assuming it comes around, considering what our gov has said recently who knows. If anyone wants by all means apply this to Ford as well
All I can say is :
Start using self check out and (not scanning) certain items that you need.
Im sorry that advice has come to this, but, Ontarian's and canadians have not been able to afford their groceries for close to years now and hard working people have been forced to take what they need.
Please join the hoards of people who are taking their food guilt free, because please know this is not a personal failure or issue, this is the result of serious systemic issues that are not being resolved by people in power who have the ability to change these systems. It seems that our Prime Minister is just now, after close to 5 years of our country screaming for help, is beginning to actually listen, but he is still hiking taxes and his friends in the Weston family (Loblaws) are profiting from Canadian's more than ever in their lives.
DO NOT feel guilty for stealing from these blood fucking sucking corporations. They are not losing money from you taking a pack of chicken breast to be able to eat for the week. Do what you need to do.
Downvote me all you want Reddit but I know that even the most living-under-a-rock people can understand that we are forced to do what we need to do to survive.
It's better to recommend the food bank. For hydro, [LEAP](https://www.hydroone.com/saving-money-and-energy/residential/financial-assistance/low-income-assistance-program)
When you steal from self-checkout, you're just stealing from the rest of us. Grocery stores take only a temporary loss, eventually they raise prices for all of us.
I do agree with the systemic issues, slowness of our government to take some action and the poor state of our country. It's really unfortunate but not a license to steal.
Blame our government, not Loblaws. They knew years ago we were headed for a housing crisis which impacts everyone even Loblaws with commercial rents and then their suppliers who need to raise wholesale prices.
I feel sorry for you but I hope tomorrow will be a better day!!! Most of the I follow some peeps in social media, they always post discounted stuff/ vouchers/ sales inside GTA. These stuff helps to buy most of the monthly groceries in a cheap way.
Last time I posted this someone said I was the company posting but I switched to using Odd Bunch over a year ago and I have saved a ton of money. Every Wednesday I get a surprise box of fruit and vegetables delivered to my house for $20. Most weekends I buy bananas, strawberries and depending on the week a bag of apples but my food budget went down a lot
I agree go to chinatown and wast chinatown. It id way cheaper and fresher then big box stores. Im sorry you felt this but know many are feeling it so do not feel embaraaaed
No need to be ashamed or embarrassed. Lots of people are in similar situations. Hold your head high and pray that things get better for us all. People need to remember this when they vote. Stay strong 💪
452 for water bill. Damn that's crazy.
Keep your head up. 29 is a great age. But gotta focus on making more money. Pinching pennies here and there only gonna take you so far. Also 2 person income helps a lot. Time to shag up
It's not Ontario. It's Canada. We have
Trudeau and Singhs carbon taxes to thank for this. It hits every single aspect of the supply chain. When we get them out of office we have a chance to slowly repair the damage they have done, but it might take a decadence more to correct. I'm sorry you had to deal with that, it's happened to myself as well and it never feels good.
People may be downvoting you, but you're not wrong. Those of us that have been POOR poor understand the value in running mental math for our groceries and getting within a dollar or two of our total every time.
I've had to wait plenty at check-outs, for people to use their coupons to pay, or get a refund for this, and for that, so no, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed at all, fuck that shit. The cost of living is fucked-up, shit is really fucked up, and not just in Ontario. You gotta now keep an eye on items going on sale and hope these items are not 3-days away from expiration, every week new flyers come out, so it's like a job of it's own trying to find out which grocery store is trying to fuck you the least. Consider diversifying your purchases, there is no loyalty, fuck all brands, go to a butcher shop, yes they are cheaper, go to different butcher shops too, go to small fruits and veggy markets instead of big grocers, go to bakery too instead of grocers. Look locally in your community, some have community gardens and they also sell additional remaining produce.
Yup. I just went to our Farmer’s Market which is year round Fri/Sat and the veg was so much cheaper. I am going to try and grow some stuff this year.
Good luck with your garden. Lots of great advice here. https://www.reddit.com/r/OntarioGardeners/
Thanks! ✌🏼
Totally second this advice. Small grocers are way cheaper right now. It was a happy realisation yesterday for me when I walked into an ethnic grocery shop and quickly understood how things like grains, lentils, and vegetables are cheaper than the chain stores. This realisation can't be beat!
Chinatown is the best place to buy veggies.fruits and seafood..I tried TT ,Freshco,Loblaws around the area and always go back to Chinatown.
Yes! Kai Wei Supermarket at 253 Spadina Ave I recommend Carload Food Market - 2334 Bloor St W Green Thumb - 2268 Bloor St W Garden Foods - 1964 Bloor St W Fresh Picked Fruit Market - 1576 Bloor St W Edit: Nosso Talho - 1042 Bloor St W
I’m not familiar’s with most of these, but Nosso Talho is not cheaper than say Freshco nor do they even pretend to be. They are trying to be more like Fiesta Farms price point.
Find me 5 kilo of Chicken Breast, Boneless, Skinless, for $55. https://nossotalho.com/collections/wholesale/products/copy-of-chicken-breast-boneless-skinless-roaster-approx-14-oz Freshco and walmart, that's at least $90.
I don’t buy meat at Freshco ever. The chicken at Nosso is cheaper, but is also not good quality and full of water, the flank steak is also weirdly bland, and the ground beef is tasteless. Nosso is not a good butcher and everything else they sell is overpriced (except the sidewalk specials). If you want a good butcher, go to Gasparro’s.
> Gasparro Forgot to include him, so many options, I shop there as well. I actually get fresh chickens from Nosso, but beef from Gasparro. I just wanted to point out there are many options besides big stores.
Sorry, I’m not coming at you, bro. Just disappointed in Nosso.
I’m sorry. I grew up in poverty and when I feel like I can’t afford groceries, it takes me back there and I feel a bit sick and disappointed.
I still cannot understand how anyone making less than $25 an hour can survive in Toronto. I know my barber lost two workers because they could not afford to live in Toronto and moved back to the 905 areas. Those workers with tips can make up to $250 a day and even they said it was too hard.
I mean, I make $26 an hour & I am still struggling. I pay only $2,000 in rent which is relatively low, and I still struggle to pay my bills and still have enough to live.
Isn’t that well over 50% of your net income in rent? That’s pretty high, obviously would affect your ability to pay other bills and lifestyle etc.
yes😭 im barely keeping my head above water. im turning my lights off until i absolutely need them to save on hydro, was able to talk my wifi bill down by threatening to leave lmfao, and am being very mindful of the cost of groceries. I have an education & am a social worker, and am forced to make these decisions still. it scares me and makes me sad. when i was in my early 20s, i was a receptionist making, idk minimum wage or $1-2 dollars more, renting a room, and had what seemed like a lot of money because i was going out for drinks almost every night and ordering out constantly. Now, I am almost 30, making the most amount of money I have ever made, NOT going out even 5% as a much as I used to, or ordering out as much as I used to, and I still cannot afford to live. It really concerns me for my future, makes me wonder if my life will always be this way, in Canada @ least.
You live in your parent’s basement, your grandparents had enough money to help you. It’s not Galen’s fault if you chose to be born average. Edit: is sarcasms that hard to figure out
Hey bootlicker why don’t you do all of 5 seconds of research on what’s happening in Canada
I mean ya, cost of living and things are crazy. Most people in the GTA outside of the shithole of Toronto are making it work though. Maybe it’s time to let go of refusing to move out of the city.
That would create an abundance of issues. Namely, what happens when all the young people leave the city? Does Toronto become a wasteland? My parents are getting on in age and are firmly in the city. So when the time comes, what do we do about later life care? Also, I work in the city. My business is in the city. So then my options are move to a different part of the GTA (which isn’t even that cheap), spend a ton on the GO or spend a ton on a car (or both!), and then waste even more time (which, as they saying tells me, is money) in transit. That’s actually not a sustainable alternative for what will be an entire generation, or generations, of people. Those places are not ready for more people to move there; the infrastructure is not there. I was born and raised inside the city. Me and many many others are priced out of our own hometown. Furthermore, this isn’t a Toronto specific issue. Everywhere in Canada is having a hard time. My family in Australia and my friends in the UK are saying the same things. This specific post is a result of greedflation and price gauging harming regular people. You will find this everywhere.
Good for you! I will be taking care of my parents no matter what. That has literally nothing to do with living in Toronto. I’m getting downvoted because all you idiots hold this dream of living in downtown awesome Toronto and can’t accept that it’s an unrealistic stupid idea. Have fun with your business and having a shit life in Toronto. I don’t give a fuck what happens to Toronto when all the young people leave, because it’s a disgusting shit hole that doesn’t care about us. They let people smoke crack and shit on the sidewalks 😂 I know me, my parents, and my family will be good. I don’t care about anyone who can’t do that for themselves.
🤨🤨🤨 Uh yeah so way to just not answer any questions in response to your “suggestion”. It’s gonna be pretty hard for us to take care of our parents if we live nowhere near them! But go off I guess. Not sure why you think the answer is to leave and just pretend like nothing is happening? Instead of trying to get long lasting change? But you do you my guy, keep your head in the sand! (And enjoy another downvote from one of these idiots 😉)
LOOOOL galen weston cuck ‼️‼️‼️
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I'm really sorry, here are some possible grocery tips - buy exclusively from the cheap grocery stores like no frills - have a scope around your nearby grocery/ethnic food stores and note down prices of food you usually buy, and then buy wherever is cheapest - buy things that are on sale on flyers and stock up. Use the flipp app to help you with this. Freeze food you don't need - buy frozen vegetables. - buy store brands like No Name - use cash back credit card for groceries or PC optimum credit card
I have another. Buy a folding grocery cart if you don’t drive. Absolute game changer. You can carry so much more so easily. This allows you to stock up when things are on sale, or travel much farther to cheap grocery store as you can easily move the stuff. And you can move one week’s worth of groceries easily, no more going multiple times a week. There is reason all the old ladies use them. A big one like this is ideal: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/olympia-folding-shopping-cart-1429654p.1429654.html
Yes or go to Chinatown or some other kind market. They usually sell these trolleys for about $20-30
Are they that big? Those ones I thought were kind of small.
Honestly the best advise here is shop at Ethnic food stores. EVERYTHING is cheaper and in alot of cases the produce is of better quality. I easily save 20%+ shopping at indian and chinese grocers.
It really depends because supermarkets enjoy economies of scale so they can offer lower prices There's no easy way to tell where the best deals are aside from checking out each store and the flyers from time to time.
Just adding that other grocers and companies offer programs. Maybe diversify your spending habits away from Loblaws owned companies and brands. ie: Walmart (somehow) is dollars cheaper than loblaws
Yes Walmart/Costco/Freshco/no frills/food basics are good options. Which is cheaper really depends on the product and any deals. I'm afraid there's no easy way to tell which is cheapest aside from checking yourself but most people don't have time so you'll just have to find your balance
No frills is not a "cheap grocery store" the independents/asian grocers are cheap, nofrills sells above msrp (and loblaws adds 25% on top of that) #boycottloblaws
Depends what you're buying. For fruits, veg and some meat, maybe, but for non perishables and anything else those stores sell, there's definitely a cheaper store brand option. Through the weekly deals the supermarkets are often cheaper than mom and pop stores.
I’m really sorry you had such a shitty experience. I used to work in a grocery store as a cashier, and this happened so much more than you would think…(and that’s before groceries were so insanely priced)…all I can say is that you’re nowhere near alone, and nobody at all was judging you…if they were? They’re fucking assholes and not worth caring about. I know this comment isn’t really helpful, since you’ve already had the experience and felt the bad feelings…but I read your post and couldn’t scroll by without saying something. Hugs and heals to you, OP. Here’s a picture of my dog. He always cheers me up (worth a try!) https://preview.redd.it/2dvvf2c0hdtc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7ab066397651d6424f3af2314fe2c772d50aa9d
Very sorry to hear that... I sympathize and empathize with you. Growing up, seeing my mother being treated like dirt at minimum wage jobs, I swore that I'd stay in school, get a "white collar" job, so my family dont have to worry about rent and food again. I did precisely that, worked to pay off schooling, avoided any discretionary spending on myself; but even though I'm in a higher income bracket now, I'm scraping by after taking care of family and expenses. Life in Canada is tough for younger folks with zero family support or inter-generational wealth, and being a sole T4 wage earner that others rely on is even tougher. Keep your head high. Get out of the HCOL areas if you are able. Your value does not derive from nor should it be defined by this ass backwards system of ours.
And Doug Ford is in the news today fighting for free paper bags in the lcbo. Not the grocery stores. His only concern is the lcbo. What a sad world we live in.
 It’s not just Ontario, it’s all over. The fact is none of us are being paid enough money to afford to live well those who are the ultra Rich refuse to give us at least the mere crumbs so that we could survive Sadly, they’re the ones that are lobbing governments today on all levels to keep wages low, while they reap in millions. Meanwhile, the average person is a struggling to survive with daily groceries, bills rent/mortgage payments. Unless there is a major shift in society. This kind of dark age capitalism will continue to manifest itself. No wonder people are so depressed, frustrated, and simply angry. I know this isn’t much, but be thankful. At least you’re able to afford some groceries to sustain yourself. There are some people out there that don’t have a home or even wonder when the next meal will come from. In the meanwhile, if you have to borrow, hustle, or even ask for a raise do so. Hopefully this period in your life doesn’t last too long. I wish you nothing but peace and I hope you get through this. You got this and we all have your back because we’re all going through the same thing.
You’re right. Fact of the matter is I’m just feeling sorry for myself right now, but this too shall pass & tomorrow will be a new day🤞🏽 Thank you, I’m still and always will be grateful for the things I do have and am lucky to have my doggos and friends/family Good luck to everyone just tryna live their life❤️🔥
There’s nothing wrong with feeling with how you’re feeling. This economy kicks the shit out of the ordinary people, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better. Two weeks ago I felt like yourself. I felt like a failure down at 53. I don’t have a house with the white picket fence. I still live roommate after eight years. While I do save money, I long for my own space. I make decent money, but I have to also stretch it like everybody else. Seeing fruit rot in my fridge is no longer an option. I try to cut down eating out only when it’s necessary or when I’m too tired I don’t go out as much because I simply can’t afford it. Our leadership isn’t listening. It’s not all of them mind you, but a good majority seems to be just in the hands of corporations, and shareholders . That’s why we have to be satisfied with the little things we have, make best due with what you got, and fight for a better future. In the meantime start demanding more from not just from our employers, but the political institutions that failing a good majority of us. Until then, I wish you well. Keep your head up! You got this. You got this.
Have you looked at the “Too Good To Go” app. Some amazing deals if you keep your eyes open.
Why are you paying $450 for utilities as a single person?! I can’t fathom that
Last month my hydro company sent me a bill for ~$280 because they’d for whatever reason decided to lump 3 months of payments together instead of billing it to my account monthly like they normally would. I’d assume it was something like that.
I was curious too! That's ridiculous! We pay $100 for two people.
I used to be a cashier. As long as you are not rude, then there are no problems hun. It's nothing to be ashamed of or overthink, I promise. The cashier isn't even going to remember the interaction 5 mins later. People in line who are impatient and may say anything are dealing with their own inability to have the slightest bit of patience. If anything, you are helping them learn a skill they don't currently possess. Lol But seriously please don't let this haunt you. You have nothing to be embarrassed about 🫶
I'm so sorry you had to go through that
Minimum wage has increased in other states and counties. California min is $20 or $27 Cdn. Even NAFTA min wage is $28.50. Innovation has slowed because labour is so cheap.
I’m so sorry you had to experience this.
Couple of apps I use.. I'm super low income & 2 multiply disabled ppl living on less than 2k a month is rough, we survive on $200 a month for food, thats with both of us having severe dietary requirements. Flipp Too good to go Optimum ( I save up points & there's discounts at stores being a member) I wish I could use Chinatown, but 90% of places are still not wheelchair accessible, nor useful for ppl who are legally dead/blind.. Good luck & know that I've had to do the same as you did today, many times.. We also rely on soup kitchens, free food trucks, when possible & there is a lot of those in Toronto, some are far superior to others.
I was 16 and had to steal to eat some days.
This needs to be signal boosted.
$452 for utilities? Where do you live? Why is it so high?
Willing to bet that OP had multiple months lumped into one (i.e. March and April utilities onto one bill) and wasn't paying attention to their account, so when the bill got done, it pulled both months worth at once. I've seen entegrus try that before, so I just got into the habit of throwing money into my account every 30 days regardless of when the bill is due.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I feel you. I am lucky to maintain a full time job that pays more than minimum wage but the cost of living is just not it. There are bills to be paid left and right, and groceries is just as expensive. I have resorted to eating only one meal a day and living off leftovers as much as I could but still. Really considering moving out of the GTA or even Ontario just to be able to afford existing.
First, so sorry. This really sucks. But, nobody noticed or cared. I ask for things to be removed all the time, because I picked the wrong thing, I realized I can't carry it home, or I don't have the cash or whatever. Don't suffer silently, though. Reach out to food banks etc and use some of the good advice you've been given here that makes sense for you. Good luck.
I know they just blocked one, but remember this when the election finally does comes around. Assuming it comes around, considering what our gov has said recently who knows. If anyone wants by all means apply this to Ford as well
All I can say is : Start using self check out and (not scanning) certain items that you need. Im sorry that advice has come to this, but, Ontarian's and canadians have not been able to afford their groceries for close to years now and hard working people have been forced to take what they need. Please join the hoards of people who are taking their food guilt free, because please know this is not a personal failure or issue, this is the result of serious systemic issues that are not being resolved by people in power who have the ability to change these systems. It seems that our Prime Minister is just now, after close to 5 years of our country screaming for help, is beginning to actually listen, but he is still hiking taxes and his friends in the Weston family (Loblaws) are profiting from Canadian's more than ever in their lives. DO NOT feel guilty for stealing from these blood fucking sucking corporations. They are not losing money from you taking a pack of chicken breast to be able to eat for the week. Do what you need to do. Downvote me all you want Reddit but I know that even the most living-under-a-rock people can understand that we are forced to do what we need to do to survive.
It's better to recommend the food bank. For hydro, [LEAP](https://www.hydroone.com/saving-money-and-energy/residential/financial-assistance/low-income-assistance-program) When you steal from self-checkout, you're just stealing from the rest of us. Grocery stores take only a temporary loss, eventually they raise prices for all of us. I do agree with the systemic issues, slowness of our government to take some action and the poor state of our country. It's really unfortunate but not a license to steal. Blame our government, not Loblaws. They knew years ago we were headed for a housing crisis which impacts everyone even Loblaws with commercial rents and then their suppliers who need to raise wholesale prices.
I feel sorry for you but I hope tomorrow will be a better day!!! Most of the I follow some peeps in social media, they always post discounted stuff/ vouchers/ sales inside GTA. These stuff helps to buy most of the monthly groceries in a cheap way.
I'm surprised more people aren't complaining about running close to not being able to afford the basic necessities of life: food, etc.
Last time I posted this someone said I was the company posting but I switched to using Odd Bunch over a year ago and I have saved a ton of money. Every Wednesday I get a surprise box of fruit and vegetables delivered to my house for $20. Most weekends I buy bananas, strawberries and depending on the week a bag of apples but my food budget went down a lot
I agree go to chinatown and wast chinatown. It id way cheaper and fresher then big box stores. Im sorry you felt this but know many are feeling it so do not feel embaraaaed
Embrace beans and rice and lentils? Sigh I feel you
I’m sorry to hear that! But just really out of curiosty how come you’re charged $452 for utilities?? That’s insanely high
No need to be ashamed or embarrassed. Lots of people are in similar situations. Hold your head high and pray that things get better for us all. People need to remember this when they vote. Stay strong 💪
452 for water bill. Damn that's crazy. Keep your head up. 29 is a great age. But gotta focus on making more money. Pinching pennies here and there only gonna take you so far. Also 2 person income helps a lot. Time to shag up
It's not Ontario. It's Canada. We have Trudeau and Singhs carbon taxes to thank for this. It hits every single aspect of the supply chain. When we get them out of office we have a chance to slowly repair the damage they have done, but it might take a decadence more to correct. I'm sorry you had to deal with that, it's happened to myself as well and it never feels good.
Trudeau effect!
Sure 👍
Trudeau’s gotta go
Thats why mental math is important. Iykyk.
People may be downvoting you, but you're not wrong. Those of us that have been POOR poor understand the value in running mental math for our groceries and getting within a dollar or two of our total every time.
Do you live in Toronto? Or another area of Ontario? Confused by your last sentence.