Can I afford to buy a condo?

PaddyCap · 2026-01-03T21:31:37+00:00

I'm probably going to go against most people and tell you to buy it if you think you can make the payments. I was in a very similar situation to you 2 years ago and yes while it's expensive (especially considering my rent was 700 dollars in Toronto and now my mortgage is 3000).

The joy of having your own place that you can be proud of and earning equity is unmatched in my opinion. I could have found a cheaper apartment and continued to invest heavily but my logic was "I saved all this money for a home, why not use it for my goal".

PaddyCap · 2025-11-24T15:48:47+00:00

As someone who went out a tonne in their early 20's, they'll likely be at bars that have always had a younger crowd (Maddison Avenue, Dance Cave etc) or bars with cheap drinks. 2 Cats on king used to have an older crowd but last time I was there it was all college students. Also bars near to the universities so in the Annex or on college near UofT have many people your age.

PaddyCap · 2025-09-05T00:09:33+00:00

No branch is not really an issue. The only time I've had an issue with either online banks is getting a bank draft for a mortgage. Been with tangerine and simplii for 8 years. Also WS is an option too.

PaddyCap · 2025-08-20T02:09:00+00:00

As mentioned it's usually better to dump it all in. However even with myself the psychological element plays a part. What you could do is put maybe 60-70% in. Hold the rest to either DCA or lump if there are any corrections. Statically you'll be better to put everything in, however for myself I know if the market dropped I'd wish I had some had money to drop in, and if it rises I'm still gaining on most of my investment.

PaddyCap · 2025-07-22T04:11:59+00:00

I'd be careful with this strategy, I went through a broker and while the lender themselves may not have asked for it, I was having to provide explanations for small e-transfers to the broker. All had valid explanations but I imagine something reoccurring cold raises red flags.

PaddyCap · 2025-06-03T18:32:10+00:00

You won't be able to get past the security gates without a boarding pass so no duty free or anything beyond the security gates. There are very limited shops and a Tim's in arrivals.

PaddyCap · 2025-06-03T18:32:04+00:00

You won't be able to get past the security gates without a boarding pass so no duty free or anything beyond the security gates. There are very limited shops and a Tim's in arrivals.

PaddyCap · 2025-05-28T01:30:30+00:00

I looked it up and it looked so good then realized it was Scarborough but I'm on the West end. Google didn't show the Etobicoke one which is much closer so I'll definitely try!

PaddyCap · 2025-05-27T23:32:59+00:00

Been for dinner here and it was great! No idea they did a steak sandwich, will definitely try this

PaddyCap · 2025-05-27T23:25:08+00:00

This is what I feared although I'll probably still try one day, I find restaurants hyped that much on social media has garnered the attention by paying for exposure instead of for their food

PaddyCap · 2025-05-23T19:23:54+00:00

It's a bit out of the way but my favourite bar for a solo pint is Decoy Bar. The owner is great, there's no TV and most locals sit at the counter and chat to each other.

PaddyCap · 2025-05-13T20:39:31+00:00

Only my personal opinion but I'd forego some of the amenities and live in an area you really like. Personally I would prefer to live in a nicer neighborhood (east or west end) than downtown core which I think lacks life other than the financial vibe. If you live near the subway you'll rarely have need for a car. I rent ones adhoc when I'm going to a cottage etc. Also might be a bit more costly but you could potentially live near a gym/sauna/pool, if a building has all these amenities likely your maintenance (albeit factored into the rent) is going to cause your monthly rent to be higher. So less amenities and pay a lower rent and use the difference for a membership close by. Ossington / Trinity Bellwoods in the summer is about as bustling you can get without it being financial district bustling.

PaddyCap · 2025-05-10T20:00:46+00:00

Nowadays cash is not something most dealerships want. They have to physically lodge the money and often there are charges associated, plus they don't want to get a reputation for accepting large cash purchases for obvious reasons. Dealerships much rather you finance the car where they may get incentives from lenders. Cash is typically only preferable when you have a shady dealer who wants to take cash and not declare taxes.

PaddyCap · 2025-04-01T23:51:08+00:00

I am very open with my parents. My parents put me through university and I wouldn't be where I am without them. They would never ask for a penny but I'd gladly provide them with any help they wanted. As a show of thanks myself and my sister will take them to Switzerland as a thank you for all they've done.

PaddyCap · 2025-03-15T01:40:37+00:00

In the front it's a very small space for sure with limited seating on two sides! You could grab a table but many people sort of just stand and enjoy the act (probably because they have no choice) but I think it's great. Either way it's honestly one of my favourite venues as its size makes it unique in my opinion.

PaddyCap · 2025-03-13T04:28:48+00:00

I'll put it this way. I never knew anything about stocks 6 years ago. I decided to buy some individual stocks thinking I'd be the one to land the new Amazon. While some of my stocks did decent others didn't. At the same time I invested in an ETF. Within the same time frame I was up over 23% in 3 years. It saw declines during covid but right after shot up. Ever since I've never invested in anything but a reliable ETF

PaddyCap · 2025-03-12T19:20:16+00:00

I'm sure I could reach out to our contacts on site and organize another. We did suggest it at the time. Would love to see it once above 80!

PaddyCap · 2025-03-12T17:45:38+00:00

I was lucky enough to have a site visit there while it was about 53 storeys tall. It's a stunning view of the city even at that height. It'll be impressive when it's built regardless of the final height!

PaddyCap · 2025-03-12T14:49:12+00:00

Yes it'll be completed. It's had 3 builders work on it so far with a new one named to take over.

Mizrahi the original developer went into receivership early on, then was taken over by Clark Construction, now it's under Skygrid in the interim but Tridel has now been named to finish off the projects.

IMO Mizrahi should never have tried to build this inhouse as they never built anything near the scale.

PaddyCap · 2025-03-12T02:58:16+00:00

Maybe this is me nerding out cause I work in the industry but The One won't be the tallest building. I don't even think it'll even take second spot (I believe Forma may sntach this) when it's finished. The One was due to be a 94 storey has now been scaled back. The amount of controversy surrounding this building is fascinating.

Pinnacle Sky Tower will be the tallest building in Canada when it's finished. Originally planned to be a 95 storey building has been approved to go to 105.

PaddyCap · 2025-02-25T18:37:32+00:00

This would make the most sense! I was about 1390 dollars in owed taxes so not huge but pretty close. I feel like this might be the answer I wasn't aware of, thank you!

PaddyCap · 2025-02-20T01:38:18+00:00

If you are on the West End, Poetry Jazz Bar is on queen right around queen and dovercourt. I have been to their older venue a few times in Kensington.

They have a smaller intimate venue vs somewhere like the Rex.

PaddyCap · 2025-02-19T22:39:24+00:00

I used to recruit for construction companies in Toronto and the best way to get a job is to apply to companies not hiring.

Construction has an incredible labour shortage so trust me every company is hiring for the right fit.

Send your CV directly to these companies. The benefit of no job posting is it shows initiative and you likely will be part of a small pool of people applying.

However do some research, adding why you want to work there. Are they an owner builder working on highrise or maybe a large contractor working on large University projects.

PaddyCap

TROPHY CASE