Should I go massively into debt again?
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Should I go massively into debt again?
| Tue, 02-02-2010 - 9:17am |
I really need some advice, as I likely have a major life decision to make in the coming week and I honestly don’t know what to do.

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Hi Kate,
I have no advice for you. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Here are a few things to consider though.
If you relocate for new employment, your moving expenses can be written off. This won't help you at the moment, but when you do your 2010 taxes, it will be a big help.
Edmonton is a funny city. The cost of certain things are much higher (cheese and veggies) while others are lower. Alberta has no PST, so that alone is a big savings on certain items.
Where is the office? Is it on Jasper Ave? There are a lot of great apartments out there, and the LRT is pretty great! Is there room for you to advance in this job?
Something that I had a hard time with in Edmonton was the lack of light in the winter. Its REALLY far north and in the winter its dark A LOT (I ended up going to a tanning bed because I had a really, really hard time)
BUT, Alberta is BEAUTIFUL. You are only 4 hours from Banff (mountains) and Jasper (more mountains). There is so much to do outdoors and the river valley is pretty amazing. People are incredibly friendly and there is a lot of cheap or free activities to keep you busy.
All that so say I have no idea what you should do (sorry)
Bex -
Not sure how numbers work here but that estimate seems very high.
~Love the fine print at the end of your post lol~
I live in Edmonton (and grew up here)!
Prices really do vary based on where you live, and who you're renting from. Bigger management companies (i.e. Boardwalk) gouge you pretty good for rent.
It is possible to get smaller apartments downtown for less than $800. Mind you, they're not beautiful upscale condos but a 6-month lease may be a temporary fix. Feel free to ask me about areas to live/not live!
I think there's a difference between being in debt for a good reason & being in debt because of poor decisions. If you are worried about your job security & this answers that question, then it may be a good reason, kwim?
As for moving companies, shop around. You'd be surprised how much less some of the smaller, more independent companies charge. & you really want to be economic, you could always take the bus out rather than flying. There are always ways to save!
~ Mom to 5 ~
Thanks everyone, for the input!
It's so hard to envision life somehwer else, especially since I've never been to Edmonton (or out West anywhere!).
Kate
Hmmmm. Interesting situation.
Here is my take on it:
The amount your salary increases is just about the amount it would take to move. So in one year or a little more you can tackle the debt and the rest of the years are gravy. Room for advancement, no language barrier.
Daughter might actually get a job. New city, new confidence, no language barrier.
Moving companies generally go by weight. If you have something that is really heavy but replaceable, leave it. Get an estimate (they will come over and look at what you have) then add 10%. You always have more things than you think you do.)
Is this a good excuse to get a car and take the cat with you? Then you have options for where you live and how much you pay?
Downside is always leaving family. That is a tough one.
Good luck with your decision.
Oh, something else I wanted to add.
When would this take place? How much could my small change friend save and squirrel away to save for such a venture to go into debt less before this happened?
I personally like change and get board in one place - so take this with that in mind.
When we moved from Ohio to Michigan, we had an entire house of furniture (12 rooms) and it cost us $2600 for the movers.
Kate, I would just like to add a quick thing, not that I have much to be able to add about the debt part, but as you said, envisioning living anywhere else.
I sorry, but I don't have much advise.
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
~ Mom to 5 ~
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