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needs to get ahead.

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Monthly · Adjustable · Real Ontario numbers

Will your money last
the whole semester?

Select your province
Showing real Ontario benchmarks. Peer medians and tips are specific to your province.
Monthly income
Spendable Ontario student aid (living allowance only)$400
Student aid pays tuition direct. This is just your living allowance.
Part-time / co-op income$800
After tax. ~$16/hr x 15hrs/wk ~$960/mo
Scholarships / bursaries$0
Merit scholarships, bursaries (separate from student aid)
Family support / other$200
Parental transfers, savings drawdown
Monthly expenses
Rent / residence
$900dn
Groceries & dining
$350dn
Transit / transport
$120dn
Phone
$50dn
Subscriptions
$30dn
Personal & hygiene
$60dn
Textbooks & suppliesabove peers
$80dn
Entertainment
$100dn
Emergency fund
$50dn
Over budget
-$340
per month
You are $340 short each month. See suggested cuts below.
Total income$1,400
Total expenses$1,740
Spending 100% of income
You are spending above Ontario peers on:
Textbooks & supplies+$20/mo vs median
Peer median based on Statistics Canada data. Your situation may differ.
Suggested cuts
~$100/mo potential
Rent / residenceSave ~$50/mo
You: $900 · Peer median: $850
-Adding one roommate can save $300–$500/mo
-Compare on-campus vs off-campus — sometimes residence is cheaper
Groceries & diningSave ~$30/mo
You: $350 · Peer median: $320
-Meal prep Sunday saves $80–$120/mo vs daily eating out
-PC Optimum + Flyer app = ~$30/mo in grocery savings
Transit / transportSave ~$20/mo
You: $120 · Peer median: $100
-Check if your university transit pass is already in your fees
-TTC student discount if under 19 or with valid student ID
Where your money goes
Rent / residence$900
Groceries & dining$350
Transit / transport$120
Entertainment$100
Textbooks & supplies$80
Personal & hygiene$60
Phone$50
Emergency fund$50
Subscriptions$30
8-month semester projection
Total income$11,200
Total expenses$13,920
Shortfall$2,720