u/Disastrous_Corgi_883

Hey everyone,

I’m 21, currently working a full-time office job (~50k) and finishing my BA Honours in Law with a minor in Sociology, graduating next summer.

Lately I’ve been thinking about possibly switching into policing (specifically OPP). I’ve always liked the idea of something more hands-on and community-based. My current job is fine and the pay is decent for my age, but I’m at a desk most of the day and I’m starting to realize I want something more active and people-focused long term.

I know it’s a pretty big career change, especially leaving a stable salary and office job, so I’m trying to be realistic about it and not rush into anything.

Just wondering if this kind of switch is common, and whether my degree actually helps at all or if experience matters more. Also curious how people think about leaving a stable job for policing in terms of long-term career choice. I plan on working on my application and apply for around the time I graduate, prioritizing my fitness, health, volunteering and of course, my degree.

Any honest advice would be appreciated

Hey everyone,

I’m 21(F), currently working a full-time office job (~50k) and finishing my BA Honours in Law with a minor in Sociology, graduating next summer.

Lately I’ve been thinking about possibly switching into policing (specifically OPP). I’ve always liked the idea of something more hands-on and community-based. My current job is fine and the pay is decent for my age, but I’m at a desk most of the day and I’m starting to realize I want something more active and people-focused long term.

I know it’s a pretty big career change, especially leaving a stable salary and office job, so I’m trying to be realistic about it and not rush into anything.

Just wondering if this kind of switch is common, and whether my degree actually helps at all or if experience matters more (other than volunteering). Also curious how people think about leaving a stable job for policing in terms of long-term career choice.

Any honest advice would be appreciated:)

I recently opened a TFSA on Wealthsimple and started investing for the first time. I put in about $50 to start and bought 1 share of XEQT since it seemed like a simple all-in-one ETF a lot of beginners recommend.

My plan right now is to keep it simple:

- Buy about 1 share a month (~$43 right now) to start simple
- If I have extra money in a month, I’ll buy more (like 2–4 shares instead of 1)
- Just keep everything inside my TFSA and let it grow long term

I’m not trying to trade or time the market, just slowly build a position over time.

Does this sound like a reasonable approach? Any mistakes I should watch out for early on?

Also curious if people usually stick with XEQT long term or eventually add other ETFs.

What I’m also wondering is what happens if I just keep doing this for years, like buying 1–4 shares every month consistently. Is that basically the right idea for long-term investing or am I missing something? Appreciate all insight!

I recently opened a TFSA on Wealthsimple and started investing for the first time. I put in about $50 to start and bought 1 share of XEQT since it seemed like a simple all-in-one ETF a lot of beginners recommend.

My plan right now is to keep it simple:

- Buy about 1 share a month (~$43 right now) to start simple
- If I have extra money in a month, I’ll buy more (like 2–4 shares instead of 1)
- Just keep everything inside my TFSA and let it grow long term

I’m not trying to trade or time the market, just slowly build a position over time.

Does this sound like a reasonable approach? Any mistakes I should watch out for early on?

Also curious if people usually stick with XEQT long term or eventually add other ETFs.

What I’m also wondering is what happens if I just keep doing this for years, like buying 1–4 shares every month consistently. Is that basically the right idea for long-term investing or am I missing something? Appreciate all insight!

Hey everyone,

Looking for some honest input on my situation because I tend to overthink financial decisions and want to hear different perspectives.

I’m 21, a full-time student, but also working full-time. I make about $780/week (paid weekly). I’ve put down a $500 deposit on a 2026 Toyota RAV4, but my plan is to save aggressively over the summer to build up around a $20,000 downpayment before fully committing.

Current rough breakdown:

Income: ~$780/week
Rent: $250/month (super fortunate)
Insurance estimate: $300–$350/month
Car payment estimate: ~~$191–$200 biweekly (~~$380–$400/month)
Other basic living expenses (phone, internet, food, etc.)

I’m trying to make sure this is still a comfortable and responsible decision long-term, especially while I’m still in school. (online in university - time management skills are on top)

My main questions:
Does this seem reasonable for my income level?
Is ~$20K down payment enough to make this financially comfortable?
Am I overthinking this or missing something important?

And just to be upfront… I’m not really looking for “if you’re unsure, don’t buy it” type answers. I know everyone has different risk tolerance, and I’m specifically trying to understand how this looks from a practical financial standpoint for someone in my situation.

Because I didn't include it, rate will be around 4.65% and the car will cost around $25000 after my down payment. (aiming for 60-72 month loan length) I am also graduating next summer. At this point buying a used car is the same as a new. I want something to last me as long as possible and I'm young and don't have many other financial responsibilities...regardless I am not quitting my current job and will be working while in school regardless.

Edit: Thank you guys for the tough advice! It’s probably not the best decision to make. If you guys find any good deals on cars let me know! I’ve spent the past 2 months looking and can’t find anything that is under 25k with decent mileage and hasn’t been in an accident.

Appreciate any advice.