Personal Savings getting you down? There are always smart ways to increase your savings.
Latest News
Planning to cash in on your home to help fund retirement? Here’s how to do it right + MORE Dec 19th
Elizabeth and Charles have a home worth about $1.3 million. They’re considering selling and downsizing to a smaller unit to bulk up retirement savings. We ask experts for advice on the right move..... More »
Tax refunds 2026: How to make every dollar count + MORE Apr 22nd
For many Canadians, a tax refund feels like a bonus—a bit of extra cash that shows up each spring. In reality, it’s your own money being returned after a year of overpaying taxes, and how you think about it often determines how far that money goes.
The difference comes down to mindset. When a.... More »
10 simple ways to save money Aug 21st
As the cost of living increases for Canadians, having a savings strategy has never been more important to ensure you can live comfortably in the future. But many are unsure where to start. Not having a thought-through plan or having one that is too rigid and demanding can easily push you off track. .... More »
Should you use RRSPs to pay down the mortgage? + MORE Jul 6th
Q: My husband and I will have good pensions.
He is thinking that we should cash out our RRSPs to pay down our mortgage.
He thinks that we will be taxed the same amount either way. Your thoughts?
—Linda
A: Some people struggle with whether they should invest or pay down debt. I think there are g.... More »
Eight solid alternatives to the Capital One Costco Mastercard for Canadians + MORE Jun 6th
Costco wasn’t the world’s first retail warehouse club, but in the nearly 35 years since opening in Canada, it’s become a staple shopping destination for families and groups who want deep discounts on bulk buys. The way that Costco works is that it relies on membership—you can’t walk into a.... More »
Behind In Your Taxes? What You Need to Know
– ratesupermarket.ca
If filing your taxes over the next few weeks isn’t on your calendar, it certainly should be. Tempting as it may be, this is one area where procrastinating can only make things worse.
Unlike sales tax, which is a pay-at-the-pump proposition, Canada’s income tax system is based on self-assessment. Make your money, plan your affairs as best you can and then, pay up.
Not everybody does though. So before the April 30 deadline sneaks up and passes you, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Better to file late than never
Simply forgot to file last year?
Some people may neglect to file one year and then freeze when it comes to the next year’s tax return because of the old unfiled return.
This type of procrastination hurts since the Canada Revenue Agency will monitor your financial behaviour over time, using identifiers like your SIN and your date of birth to access data from your bank accounts or credit card transactions.
At this point, it’s best to contact the CRA to find out any penalties you may have incurred, as well as the best way to file and pay off your outstanding balance immediately…
Maximize income splitting—years before you retire
– moneysense.ca
Q: I am 38 years old with $98,000 in my RRSP and I will have a defined benefit pension when I retire from my current employment. My current annual income is approximately $90,000.
My wife is 33 years old with $20,000 in her RRSP and is self-employed, therefore she has no pension plan other than her own savings. Her current annual income is approximately $35,000.
We are currently both contributing $100 monthly to our respective RRSP but I am thinking to move both contributions to a spousal RRSP in my wife’s name in order to maximize income splitting when we retire.
Does this look like a good strategy and how would this affect required Home Buyer’s Plan repayments? I have a minimum repayment of $686 and my wife’s is $310.
—Simon
A: Retirement planning is an important exercise, whether you’re in your 70s or your 30s. There are different strategies to employ depending on your age and at your age, Simon, the keys are how much to save and where to save it. Setting targets early can help you determine how much you can spend on other things like a home, travel and double-doubles…
