“I don’t think homeownership is something I can realize”: How a midwife lives on $65,000 a year

Who: Courtney Graham, 32

What she does: A midwife.

What she makes: She hasn’t yet worked a full year as a midwife, but expects to make between $65,000 and $75,000 before tax.

Some of how she spends it: Rent on a one-bedroom apartment at College and Lansdowne, with backyard access and parking: $1,200. (“I’ve had to adjust my expectations. I don’t think homeownership is something I can realize in Toronto at this time.”) Professional dues: $4,220 a year. ($1,900 for membership in the College of Midwives of Ontario, and another $2,320 to be part of the Association of Ontario Midwives, which provides liability insurance and other benefits.) Student debt payments: $675 a month. (“It’s impossible to work while in midwifery school, so I took out some student loans.”) Lease payments on a 2012 Honda Civic: $383 a month. Gas and other transportation costs: approximately $150 a month. Parking: $100 a month. (“I’m on call 50 per cent of my time, so if I’m going to a movie and I have to leave, I prefer to have my car.) Insurance: $297 a month. (“Because my car is used for work, I have to be appropriately insured.”)

What she bought in one week: Groceries: $120. Three restaurant meals: $76. (“I would say I typically eat out once a week.”) Coffee: $16. Fitness classes: $42. (“I find that being active helps me deal with the stress of what I do, but it’s also social to me. It’s become more of a priority.”) New clothes from Loft and Old Navy: $180. Canning supplies and key cutting at Canadian Tire: $92. Wine: $15.

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