When I first read the statement of monthly expenses, I too was surprised at their $500 monthly grocery bill.  My first thought was that they normally go out to eat, but at $50 a month, that would be not even two McDonald's outings for a family.  Things don't make sense here.  Do they keep pigs, chickens and a dairy cow in their back yard?

Another obvious waste is the  student loan and mortgage debt, which they could reduce at the expense of their capital for investment, but those reductions would bring about an immediate tax free and risk free reduction in outgo.  Whereas investment income of any type outside of a TFSA involves a tax burden either now or later.  That seems to be a no brainer.