I took a peek around the Money Mustache blog. There are some good points in there, most notably about being frugal and living within your means. I don't think retiring at 30 is realistic in Calgary, especially for someone starting in the current job market with the current cost of living in this city. However I do agree with others who say you can definitely get ahead in this climate if you do certain things right.
As an example, if you are purchasing your first condo, get one that you can afford to pay off yourself. Once you've established this, get a roommate and put all of the money they provide for rent towards the mortgage on top of your payments. It'll build up your equity much quicker than you would have otherwise. It will also shelter you a bit against an interest rate hike later as you'll be paying interest on a smaller amount.
Easier said than done, but I was able to afford my 2 bedroom condo on $42/K a year in 2010, so it can be done. That being said I was quite house poor.
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