Issue #1: Welcome to The Budgette!

Because sometimes it feels like one income is never going to be enough.

How often have you looked for financial advice and it’s always about a couple or a family? How often have you thought, “that’s awesome but it’s just me and my bank account. Where’s the financial advice for solo income earners?” 

Do you know:

• How much you have to save for life?

• If you get any tax breaks?

• If we’re really living in a society made for couples? Evidence says yes and I’m going to explore that in the next issue. Look for the Elizabeth Warren mention.

I’m a solo earner and I know I’m not alone. A report by Statistics Canada found that the number of Canadians living alone has ‘more than doubled in the past 35 years’ making single-person households the most common type. 

Then there’s the pandemic. (I know we’re all tired of hearing about it but let’s be real, we’ve been affected financially and it really sucks.) A survey from SunLife Financial found that 45% of us feel less financially secure. (Duh.)

I can’t promise to fix that but I want to give us the tools to make an educated decision about money, investments, savings, sex, death, EVERYTHING. 

I want to create a resource for people like us whether you live alone, live with your parents, have kids, pets or have a roommate. I want you to have conversations with your financial advisor.

What can you expect from The Budgette? 

• An aggregation of the best money advice out there for lone earners.

• Original content where I interview financial experts on all the questions I’ve always wanted to know. I’ll also try to answer your questions.

The Budgette will publish every other Tuesday. There might be special issues for say, the Federal Budget, elections, if we play the ‘what would I do if I won the lottery?’ or ‘goddammit, more tax breaks for couples?’ (You know I love you all.)

And because I believe in transparency, yes, there will be content behind a paywall, possibly a Patreon. It will be original content that I hope brings value to you or helps you start a conversation with your financial advisor. 

Because there are a lot of us single people out there. 

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This week’s readings: 

How the pandemic will change the way we manage money forever (Newsweek) How has your behaviour changed? I know I agonize over non-necessary purchases these days and hoard my money.

CERB ends this month so here’s what you can do (MoneySense)

How to save for a recession (MoneySense)

Four Questions to Help Demystify Your Relationship with Money (New York Times) I rolled my eyes when I first read this article because once again, it’s a rich person giving advice but there’s something here I want to explore in a future issue.

Why Nobody Feels Rich (Hidden Brain from NPR) This is a podcast repeat from 2019 but worth a listen (or another). It takes a look at the psychology of income equality and why we all get frustrated.

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Who am I? And here’s some of my work.

Questions? Email singlebudgette@gmail.com

Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor so please consult one as needed.