About First Year Canada
What this is. A weekly newsletter for new Canadians navigating their first 1-5 years here — banking, taxes, credit, investing, remittances, first home. Tactical, not generic.
Why it exists. I moved to Canada, made every avoidable money mistake in my first year, and couldn't find a single resource that just told me the things I needed to know in plain English. This newsletter is the guide I wish I'd had on Day 1.
Who writes it. I'm Sushil Sharma — a senior data analyst based in Vancouver. I moved here a few years ago, made every avoidable mistake in my first year, and slowly figured out the things nobody had bothered to write down clearly. I've lived the OWP-spouse situation, the USD→CAD conversion trap, the "should I do FHSA or RRSP first" question, the RSU-taxation curveballs, and the first-Canadian-tax-return headache. I write from experience, not from a textbook.
What I won't do
- Sell you a "course"
- Recommend products I haven't personally used
- Hide affiliate disclosures
- Pretend to be a licensed financial advisor (I'm not — this is education, not advice)
Get in touch
The fastest way to reach me is email: [email protected]
I read every message but reply in batches — usually within 48 hours. If you have a topic you want me to write about, just send it. The best newsletter issues come directly from reader questions.
Disclosure
Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. They never affect what I recommend — if I link to a product, it's because I use it or have personally tested it. Recommendations stay the same whether or not the link pays.
Frequently asked questions
Is First Year Canada free?
Yes. First Year Canada is a free weekly email newsletter. There is no paywall, no premium tier, and no upsell. The site is supported by occasional affiliate links to products I personally use (clearly disclosed).
Is this financial advice?
No. I'm not a licensed financial advisor. Everything on First Year Canada is educational content based on my own lived experience as a newcomer. For personal advice on your specific situation, consult a CFP or CPA registered in your province.
Who is First Year Canada for?
New Canadians in their first 1–5 years here — PR holders, work-permit holders, study-permit-to-PR transitions, and their spouses. Especially useful for tech and professional workers earning $80K+ who arrived with savings in another currency.
How often do you publish?
One issue every Sunday. Each issue takes roughly 4–8 minutes to read and answers one tactical question about Canadian money — taxes, accounts, credit, banking, remittances, or first-home strategy.
Do you use affiliate links?
Yes, on some product recommendations (Wealthsimple, KOHO, Wise). Affiliate status never changes what I recommend. If I link to a product, it is because I personally use it. Every affiliate link is disclosed inline.
How do I send you a topic to write about?
Email [email protected]. Reader questions are the source of most issues. I reply in batches, usually within 48 hours.