Not sure how to make a savings plan? Read on…
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2020 Income Tax: What you can’t—and can—claim for your work-from-home office during the COVID-19 pandemic Dec 5th
You furnished a functional home office, you’ve got face masks ready by the door for when you need to run an errand, and you bought sanitizer (so many bottles of sanitizer). You’ve done your part to stay home and help flatten the coronavirus curve. The question now is: Can you write off working f.... More »
Canada has new rules for high-interest loans—here they are + MORE Jan 7th
As of January 1, 2025, Canada’s criminal interest rate officially reduced to 35% annual percentage rate (APR), and payday loan costs are now capped at $14 per $100 borrowed. On the surface, these changes are meant to make borrowing more affordable. However, they could have unintended consequences..... More »
How to manage your tax withholding in retirement + MORE Jun 18th
Every spring, I tend to have a lot of conversations with retirees who are disappointed that they owe tax on their tax return, that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has asked them to pay income tax in installments, or that their Old Age Security (OAS) pension has been clawed back.
If it makes you f.... More »
’Tis the season for tax-loss selling in Canada + MORE Dec 11th
With 2023’s year-end fast approaching, late December is a critical period for Canadian investors and their money managers. Now that we’re in the fourth quarter, this is the time to take inventory of your investments—and specifically taxable non-registered investment accounts—with an eye to m.... More »
How much income do you need to buy a home in Canada? A look at home affordability in March 2025 + MORE Apr 30th
Canada’s spring housing market is missing in action. That’s what the latest March data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reveals. Home sales plunged to a low not seen for the month since 2009, with transactions down 9.3% year over year.
The sideline approach taken by buyers isn.... More »
Lacey Hamilton hopes to attend the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea to cheer on the Canadian athletes. To save for the trip, the 22-year-old Mississauga resident drops spare change and $5 bills into a 0.9-litre mason jar that she empties into a savings account when it becomes full.
How to Improve Your Credit Score – Post-Holiday Edition
– ratesupermarket.ca
This monthly series by personal finance specialist Amanda Reaume focuses on how to improve something that many people overlook: your credit score. These posts will give you tips and tricks to improve your chances of getting approved for better rates when you apply for credit – leading to better student loans, car loans and even mortgages.
In January, people tend to cut back on certain expenses as they rehabilitate their credit and make up for overspending during the holidays. Less shopping, less restaurant visits, less entertaining… The effects that overspending have on lifestyle are usually pretty apparent.
But what many may not realize is how a bad credit choice can have a huge, long-term impact on your credit score. Some of these choices may seem harmless upfront, but they’ll ultimately make it harder to qualify for a low interest rate when you borrow money, whether it be for a car, your tuition or even a house.
If your credit cards are getting a workout this month, here are some common credit mistakes you may have made and some suggestions on how to fix them…
Can I afford a vacation?
– moneysense.ca
Although travel doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s definitely worth asking yourself; can I afford a vacation? Sometimes it’s a pretty straightforward answer, but in many situations, it’s not that simple since we all have individual priorities. Maybe money is tight, or perhaps saving for retirement might be a better idea; then again we shouldn’t ignore the emotional benefits of taking a vacation.
I totally recommend that people take vacations. The experience alone is worth it, but I also think it’s worth travelling whenever you can since we’ll never know what will happen in the future. That being said, travel does cost money so you definitely need to consider a few things before you book that trip.
The only things that matter
Outstanding consumer debt – Can I afford a vacation? Not if you have any outstanding consumer debt. The interest rate on credit cards averages 20%, while unsecured and auto loans can approach double digits too. These kinds of debts are absolutely crippling…
