The “Big Five” Canadian banks include Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Canada Trust), Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC). Are there other viable options?
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RESP vs. RRSP and TFSA: What’s the best option for education savings? Feb 12th
Welcome to Education Money, a new column that covers the questions and concerns parents and investors have about funding their child’s education. Andrew Lo, CEO of Embark, shares his thoughts and insights on how to make the most of RESPs. To kick off the column, he explains the different options C.... More »
Making sense of the markets this week: March 5, 2023 Mar 3rd
Kyle Prevost, editor of Million Dollar Journey and founder of the Canadian Financial Summit, shares financial headlines and offers context for Canadian investors.
Canadian banks take rising costs and recovery dividend in stride
There is no shortage of headwinds for Canadian banks at the moment.... More »
Achieva Financial Review: Digital Banking from the Heart of Canada Dec 18th
Canadians are fortunate to have so many choices regarding no-fee online banking and high-interest savings accounts. Names like Tangerine, EQ, and Simplii have become commonplace, to mention just a few. But if you’re shopping around for a digital bank to deal with, there’s another name you can ad.... More »
Applying for a credit card: What you need to know Oct 6th
There are many great reasons to carry a credit card. Beyond the convenience and purchase protection included with many credit card purchases, they’re also important financial tools for establishing your credit history and borrowing money—both of which you’ll need if you want to make a major pu.... More »
TD Cash Back Visa Card review Oct 28th
There isn’t much that rings sweeter than cash in your pocket, which is precisely the allure of the cash back credit card. Canada’s Big Five banks (and many smaller ones too) offer a wide range of credit cards that allow you to accumulate cash rewards simply by using them. And to maximize those r.... More »
Lower Rates Means Less Stress in the “Stress Test”
– ratesupermarket.ca
Starting now, Canadian mortgage seekers will find it easier to qualify for more money. That’s because the Bank of Canada has dropped its five year benchmark qualifying rate from 5.34 percent to 5.19 percent. This is the rate banks use to qualify would-be-homebuyers for a mortgage.
This is the first time the rate has dropped since September 2016. Since then the rate has only gone higher. The Bank of Canada posted rate is calculated by using the five year fixed rate at the big six commercial banks.
Why this is significant?
Since January 2018, all Canadians, insured and uninsured, shopping for a new mortgage have to pass the so called “stress test.” Previously only those with less than 20 percent down, or insured mortgages, were subjected to an affordability test. Now everyone has to prove they can pay. Formally called, guideline B-20, it was brought in as a tool to better assess if Canadians could afford rates for the long term, especially if rates were to rise.
Housing slowdown
Real estate sales have slowed and prices are lower since the stress test was implemented…
What Are The Most Prestigious Credit Cards in Canada and Do I Want One?
– ratesupermarket.ca
Have you heard of the American Express Centurion Card, aka the “Black Card” or “Titanium Card”? This American Express product is available in many countries around the world, but with a catch: it is invitation only. In Canada, the AMEX Centurion Card has an annual fee of $2,500 and a one-time initiation fee of $5,000. Considered the ultimate in prestige credit cards, the AMEX Centurion Card provides rewards similar to the American Express Platinum card. Perhaps the thrill of being invited to use this exclusive credit card designed for high net-worth, high-earning people is worth its cost.
If you’re interested in a prestigious credit card, it’s wise to review your reasons for wanting one. If you just want to flash the card while dining out, you may want a card that offers excellent dining rewards benefits. If you usually use contactless payment — who will know what type of credit card you have anyway?
What Are Prestigious Credit Cards in Canada Like?
Canadian prestige or high-end credit cards are relatively modest in their reward offerings in comparison to some other world regions…
Lower Rates Means Less Stress in the “Stress Test”
– ratesupermarket.ca
Starting now, Canadian mortgage seekers will find it easier to qualify for more money. That’s because the Bank of Canada has dropped its five year benchmark qualifying rate from 5.34 percent to 5.19 percent. This is the rate banks use to qualify would-be-homebuyers for a mortgage.
This is the first time the rate has dropped since September 2016. Since then the rate has only gone higher. The Bank of Canada posted rate is calculated by using the five year fixed rate at the big six commercial banks.
Why this is significant?
Since January 2018, all Canadians, insured and uninsured, shopping for a new mortgage have to pass the so called “stress test.” Previously only those with less than 20 percent down, or insured mortgages, were subjected to an affordability test. Now everyone has to prove they can pay. Formally called, guideline B-20, it was brought in as a tool to better assess if Canadians could afford rates for the long term, especially if rates were to rise.
Housing slowdown
Real estate sales have slowed and prices are lower since the stress test was implemented…