This shelter worker and part-time interpreter makes $65,000 a year. How does she spend it during the pandemic?
Who Nosipho Mabuza, 32
What she does A supervisor at a downtown homeless shelter and a part-time Siswati language interpreter for the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
What she makes $65,000 a year
Where she lives In a two-bed, two-bath condo at McCowan and the 401
Regular Expenses
Rent $2,000 a month.
Internet $85 a month, with Bell.
Groceries $400 a month, from Walmart in Bendale. “I like Walmart because it’s got everything, from fresh produce to household products, so I don’t need to visit several stores during Covid.”
Cellphone $110 a month, for unlimited data, with Freedom Mobile.
Takeout $200 a month. “I order at least once a week from Nando’s in Dorset Park. I like the lemon-herb chicken and peri-peri fries.”
Car-related expenses $485 a month, for insurance, gas and maintenance. “I drive downtown to my office, as well as out to the Scarborough Bluffs to take walks.”
Subscriptions $8 a month, for Amazon Prime. “I recently started watching The Underground Railroad.”
Savings $1,000 a month, split between an RRSP, a TFSA and a regular savings account. “I’m saving up to travel when the borders open—maybe an all-inclusive vacation in Jamaica.”
Recent Splurges
2020 Hyundai Tucson $37,000. “It’s my first new car. I bought it using a bank loan, which I’m paying off at $400 a month.”
Makeup $150, for lipstick, eyeshadow and lashes, from Luxe Beauty House.
Africa t-shirts $120, from Clothing by AIM. “I bought one shirt with a graphic
of the African continent, and another one that says ‘Africa’ on the front.”
