How often should you check in on your finances? + MORE Jan 3rd

Cashback credit cards let you earn a small percentage of money back every time you use the card. Depending on the type of card, you’ll either earn a flare rate on all purchases, or higher rates in certain categories like groceries, gas, or dining. Some cards even reward differently for where you shop.

The cash back you earn accumulates in your account and can be redeemed as statement credit, direct deposit, or sometimes as gift cards, merchandise, or money towards a future purchase. The key is to pay off your balance in full every month, since carrying a balance can wipe out any rewards you earn due to interest. Let’s get into it.

Featured cashback credit cards

featured

Best instant approval cash back card

SimplyCash Card from American Express

Earn a minimum of 1…

New year, new financial goals. That’s how many of us begin each January, only to see progress falter as the weeks go on. One way to combat that problem is to create regular check-ins for yourself to stay on track. The Canadian Press spoke to experts to help build out a list of financial tasks on a monthly, quarterly and annual schedule to make sure you are sticking with your plan.

What to check monthly

Budgeting should happen consistently and frequently, said Jason Heath, an advice-only financial planner at Objective Financial Partners. “If you really want to get into the weeds on what you’re spending money on, trying to find ways to spend less, that should be a very frequent exercise,” he said, suggesting people do it monthly—or, if they’re new to budgeting, weekly.

Heath said budgeting is especially important for those who have difficulty paying off their credit card on time or hitting their financial goals. Keeping a frequent check could help you see spending patterns and allow for changes to stay on course…