June 25 Update: Langham Hotels now partnered with Aeroplan, Delta & Virgin Atlantic partnership, Bonus Points for booking with BW Mobile App + MORE Jun 25th

Like many other Canadians, you’re likely pulling out your maps (or Google Maps) and planning where to hit the road this summer – but have you considered how you’ll pay for your travels? If a cash diet is out of the question on your vacation and you’ll be relying on credit, it’s important to know which credit cards will lead to savings and rewards, rather than racked-up debt.
Offset Expenses With Rewards
First, identify your largest travel expense: will it be gas, lodging, food or entertainment? Consider using an applicable rewards credit card to get maximum savings from those purchases. For example, if you’re planning to drive far, try a gas rewards card such as the Shell CashBack World MasterCard, which offers 3 per cent cash back on gas purchases (but look ahead to be sure the gas retailer to sign up with has outlets where you’re headed!).
Other options include hotel-related cards such as The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. Or, if next year’s trip is by plane, just put all your purchases on an airline points card such as the ScotiaGold Passport VISA, which gives new signups 5,000 bonus points, offers 5 per cent cash back on travel purchases, and also includes comprehensive travel insurance coverage…

Finally back at it today! The past few days here in YYC have been pretty crazy to say none the least. I want to thank everyone who took the time to make bookings via RC yesterday. Once all reports are in a few days I will let you know how much we raised for the Canadian Red Cross’ Alberta Flood Relief efforts. News, Tips & Tricks  Aeroplan has added the Langham Hospitality Group as its newest hotel partner. The Langham Hospitality Group is a family of distinctive luxury hotels under The Langham, Langham Place, Eaton and 88 Xintiandi brands that are located on four continents. This agreement will enable Aeroplan Members to earn Aeroplan Miles for each of their stays at 19 participating hotels and resorts around the globe. As a special launch promotion, Aeroplan Members who book and stay at a participating The Langham, Langham Place, Eaton and 88 Xintiandi properties, can earn 2X the miles, until October 31, 2013, and until December 31, 2013 at Eaton Chelsea, Toronto…

Mandatory contribution increases to the Canada Pension Plan would likely result in reductions to RRSP contributions, according a new study from the Fraser Institute. The think-tank studied CPP and RRSP contributions over the last two decades and found that the percentage of tax-filers contributing and the amount they contributed to their RRSPs in each age and income group decreased as the CPP contribution rate increased.
Navigating the banking sector can be tough for anyone let alone new Canadians.  According to a poll from TD Canada Trust, most newcomers said they did not know how to open a bank account (47%), apply for a credit card (58%) or mortgage (87%) or send money to family overseas (72%) in their first three months in Canada. The biggest surprise new Canadians encountered setting up their finances was the credit rating system (24%) and not having access to credit right away (23%). The bank suggests immigrants apply for a secured credit card at their local branch and get into the habit of paying all their bills on time in order to quickly establish a favourable credit score…

A deliberate curb on lending suggests reform is coming.

A clerical error on a visa for Russia ended up costing thousands more for a holiday and wasn’t covered by travel insurance.