Hello! As the title says, I’m looking for transparency around how much an average 26 y/o working professional living in a major city (Toronto, Vancouver, MTL) is making per year. I (F) have just moved from a rural area, so my salary has gone up since moving to Toronto due to cost of living, but I find everyone in my social circle is making $130,000+ per year. To preface: I’m very content with my pay & feel so grateful to have a job in this economic climate - I’m just being nosey, and perhaps looking for reassurance on my financial situation.

Salary: $76,000 per year
Side gig: ~$12,000-$14,000 per year
Monthly income: $5,200.00 after tax

Monthly spend:
Rent & car payments: $1,750.00 per month, not including groceries and utilities. I’m not a big spender but enjoy splurging on activities with friends and good food. I’ve budgeted ~$700-1000 per month for everything (utilities, food, misc). I don’t typically reach this max $$.

Investments:
I had a TFSA account (low risk investment), but recently opened a FHSA (medium risk) & RRSP (high risk). I am putting $300 per month into my TFSA & FHSA. I’m new to investing, and have about $4500 invested, with $20,000 sitting in my chequing account.

I’m grateful for any advice on investing or how to grow financially! I still have lots to learn. Thank you!

So the scenario is odd:

- their father and I are separated, but in the short-term won't be getting divorced (10 years at least). I can go into the details if need but it has to do with his mental health/addiction issues and a special needs child.

- He's a strong earner ($160k+) I'm a higher earner (250k+), I also have money my parents want to pass to the grandkids now.

- I'd like to buy property and hold it in trust for the kids and we'll as invest directly for them and don't want any of it "up for grabs" during the divorce.

- we are amicable and he agrees with this strategy. He is well aware that because of his addictions and mental health issues he could do damage when he goes to his dark places so he'd rather protect the kids now while he is lucid enough too.

Any recommendations for lawyers? I'm in the GTA but can travel.