Where to start from here?

[futballa]

I'm sure you've already thought about this, but when making your new budget after including your new car payment, don't forget to include daycare expenses. I know in some areas of the country they can be $1000+ a month for an infant.

Child care expenses are part and parcel the reason why we would relocate closer to where our families live.
But of course, things balance out with higher cost of living, commuting, urbanization etc... But the key thing is that the baby would be in trusted hands.

After milking the mat leave benefits, so until basically next fall, we are OK in terms of not having child care expenses. But once both the wife and I are working again, something will have to be done, and that is not yet figured out!

[snafu]

futballa, Americans cope with medical issues/costs that don't affect Cnds, do not enjoy similar maternity/paternity benefits and have more concerns resulting in a more conservative view. I've lived in TO and now in the Rockies assure you a FWD Accord is adequate. There is little practical benefit to AWD unless you're off-road in the mud in Estevan. As mentioned, a SUVs with keyless slider door entry have easier access but it's a gas guzzler. Depending on how long you retain vehicles, their warranties ameliorate risk for 2-3 y/o vans. I suggest looking at the latest Lemon-Aid recommendations and results.

Mother-in-law visit: The most practical [also surprisingly comfortable] air-bed-in-a-bag comes in a roller suitcase-like bag complete with boxspring-like unit and attached air mattress. It inflates and deflates electronically in moments and with a pretty blanket/quilt cover looks fine shoved against a wall in Lv Rm or hall.. If you can find one on KIJJIJI - Saskatoon, at the end of camping season, it is sanitized and safer than any foam or upholstered pieces. Best of all it stores along with your suitcases.

Have you looked at anticipated earnings after one year in a laddered CD? I'm confused about your plan for USD. You can operate a USD designated a/c as well as USD Visa card and use it for visits to USA. Why would you go to Minot. ND when you can order whatever you want from ebay?

[snafu]

I hope your family was not affected by flooding in TO. The research suggests that moving to a new, distant, community without family support takes a minimum of 3 yrs to aclimate. Moving from TO to Saskatoon is such a change of culture and attitude you might feel you're in a different country! Be sure to give it a fair shake. Your post suggests you have a window that extends to September 2014 before making the final decision to return to family and TO.

Have you initiated an aggressive job search? Perhaps register with the larger 'headhunters.' I'd advocate remaining in current apt. while walking to work is feasible since moving is both expensive and stressful. Does your employer offer any matching sum and a retirement plan? It's critical to not leave free money on the table even if you expect to move on. Accumulated sums are easily transferred/portable. If you truly desire to retire before you are eligible to withdraw RRSP sums [severe penalties], you need to increase TSFAs to limits with holdings that are as aggressive as you can tolerate. Look at holdings in VUS-T or XDV-T for example. I'm woefully ignorant about Horizon products. You will need a regular portfolio added to provide income age 50-65.

It's easy and inexpensive to add a block heater; check with the wreckers as there is no reason to buy new for an old vehicle. Better auto deals in TO, can DW be convinced to wait for her desired babymobile?