Considering becoming a snowbird

I've just thought of another plan: Buying a modest home around Toronto and one down South - you can find some starting at $5000. See the link below.

I work for 6 months in Toronto, save up money, and spend 6 months in Florida. I come back 6 months later, and work for another 6 months.

http://www.riderhomes.com/florida_mobile_homes_1.html

I'm not sure you will be able to save enough working as a customer service in Toronto.

Be sure to check the rules regarding residency for tax purposes; health care; OAS; motor vehicle & drivers licensing; auto insurance. Generally speaking you want to maintain CDN residency for just over 6 months for most purposes (health care, taxes). OAS is payable outside the country, provided you have been a long=term resident. Immigrants need to check the rules on number of years residency to make sure their eligibility is not affected. Out of country health care insurance gets increasingly expensive with age; auto insurance rates & policies are based on geographic location, so if you are spending 6 months out of your normal area of residence your insurance coverage may be affected.

You might want to consider joining an association like the Canadian Snowbird Association to keep in touch with news and articles on these issues.

Anyone heard the radio ad by some developer that offers both a Canadian new home plus one in Florida?