I use my credit card like a debit card and earned $600 in rewards in 2024. I think this is ‘free money’ but my friends tell me it’s not. So what are the drawbacks?
Could using your credit card lead to free money? Possibly — if you treat credit cards the same way you would a debit card. For example, you sign up for a cashback credit card offering 5% on grocery store purchases and spend $12,000 on groceries in a year. By paying off your balance in full […]
Gift card fraud on the rise: What Canadians need to know to stay protected
Gift cards may be a convenient and popular gifting choice, but they’re also a hot target for scammers. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadians reported losing over $3.8 million to gift card fraud in 2021 alone, a number that experts believe underrepresents the full extent of the problem. In a recent Toronto Star feature, […]
‘It’s not taxed at all’: Warren Buffett shares the ‘best investment’ you can make when battling inflation — and it doesn’t have to cost you a dime
Warren Buffett is rich. According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Buffet’s net worth is an estimated US$133 billion making him the sixth richest person in the world. Buffett’s net worth ranks below the likes of Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, Larry Ellison and Larry Page; however, it’s the way […]
Indiana plumber returns to re-clog pipe at a restaurant after a dispute over the bill. What went down and how to avoid similar pay disputes
Running a small business isn’t easy, especially when it’s a restaurant. A number of things could go wrong on any day that could upend your entire operation. Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can […]
Is homeownership still a pipe dream? Home affordability slipped further in 12 of 13 major markets, report shows
While the Bank of Canada interest rate has dipped over the past few months, home affordability slipped further in January, as rising prices raised the income needed for a mortgage in 12 of 13 major markets, according to a report by Ratehub. This marks the second month in a row where affordability declined. Prior to […]
Are you willing to spend $20,000 or more on a dog? Here are 15 of the most expensive dog breeds in Canada
My dog lives like a king. And he’s grown accustomed to this lavish lifestyle. From the time I purchased him from a breeder ($1,000), to expected and unexpected vet bills, grooming costs and an extensive (and impressive) wardrobe, let’s just say that I’m glad that I started budgeting for him well before he came into […]
Is living paycheque to paycheque the new norm for many Canadians?
Sometimes, it’s not about keeping up with the Joneses, but about saving for a rainy day. But it seems that an increasing number of Canadians feel they aren’t able to do either these days. A new H&R Block Canada survey reveals only 7% of Canadians are putting a fifth of their paycheque into savings. "While […]
What to expect when you’re expecting: First year cost for pets
It’s easy to go overboard when you’re getting a new pet. Whether it’s supplies, toys or even clothes, some things are just too cute to pass up. But these things quickly add up, even if you try to stick to necessities. It’s possible to budget and plan for your new furry addition, and we’ve put […]
Hey gals, here are the worst mistakes you’re making with money
Ladies, we can be truly savvy with our dollars, especially when it comes to finding a great deal. Women are so good at managing money that 20% of Canadian spouses relied solely on their female partner to set and follow the household monthly budget, according to survey released in 2023 by Loans Canada, the nation’s […]
Borderline beautiful: Canadian getaways for Americans who need a breather — and Canadians who’d rather not cross south
As the political winds pick up again in the U.S., many Canadians are saying “nah, not this year” to cross-border travel. And on the flip side, many Americans are looking north, not just for cooler temps, but for a bit of calm, connection and maybe a touch of sanity. Whether you’re a Canadian who’d rather […]