Bank bundles: Yay or nay, and why?
I love to bundle up. And I’m not talking about adding extra layers of clothing when it’s cold outside. I mean that I enjoy saving money when companies offer bundling bonuses or discounts to customers who get more than one product from the same merchant. It’s an especially popular marketing strategy with telecommunications, software and…
The Canadian food and beverage industry is facing an uncertain year
Amid economic challenges, trade disruptions and shifting consumer habits, Canadian food and beverage manufacturers are facing a year of uncertainty. According to the latest FCC Food and Beverage Report, forecasts predict a modest 0.6% increase in food and beverage sales to $168.8 billion in 2025, but a 1.5% decline in sales volume. "The food and…
‘No good’: Florida couple who lost their home in Hurricane Helene raise concerns, questions after $30,000 FEMA flood insurance check failed to clear — twice. What to know if it happens to you
When Hurricane Helene tore through Ruskin, Florida, in 2024, Robert Paul and his wife lost nearly everything. Their home was destroyed, and like many Americans, they turned to their insurance provider for relief — and were relieved when their $30,000 claim was quickly approved. But that relief quickly turned to frustration. The settlement check from…
Fixed mortgage rates rise as variable-rate discounts tighten: Here’s what it means for your next loan or renewal
For a while, it looked like mortgage rates in Canada were finally settling into a more affordable pattern. Fixed rates had been drifting downward, and variable rates were looking more attractive — especially as rate cuts seemed like a matter of “when,” not “if.” But the tide has turned. As of early May, both fixed…
Tech giant Nvidia’s market shake-up: What investors should know — and do — after the $277 billion drop
Nvidia Corporation, a titan in the semiconductor industry, has recently experienced significant fluctuations in its market valuation, underscoring the volatile nature of the technology sector. In January 2025, the company faced an unprecedented single-day market capitalization loss of approximately $600 billion, primarily due to emerging competition from Chinese startup DeepSeek. Despite this setback, Nvidia’s strategic…
Quebec’s new tipping and pricing rules: What consumers and businesses need to know
The next time you dine out or shop for groceries in Quebec, you might notice things look, and cost, a little different. New consumer protection rules came into effect across the province late last week, targeting how businesses calculate tips and display prices. It’s a move the Quebec government says is about fairness and clarity…
Pucks, pints and profits: Canadian playoff runs give local businesses a shot in the arm
Canadian NHL teams skating into the playoffs doesn’t just lift national spirits, it boosts bottom lines. Across the country, the ripple effects of playoff hockey are being felt in restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues as fans gather to cheer, groan and occasionally throw their jerseys in frustration. Playoff hockey means packed pubs Back in the…
Texas lawmakers pass so-called ‘frat house’ bill, stripping cities of power to dictate how many unrelated people can live in one place — but here’s why not everyone is celebrating
On April 14, the Texas Senate passed a new bill that prevents cities from placing limits on how many unrelated people can live in a home. The bill passed by a vote of 30 to 1 and has moved onto the Texas House of Representatives. Senate Bill 1567, written by Republican State Senator Paul Bettencourt,…
‘Going to be working until I’m 85’: Nevada residents are facing a whooping $1.3M HOA bill to fix their community’s failing water system. What happens if they can’t afford to pay?
A homeowner can expect to pay expenses to maintain their home and the occasional surprise repair bill. Sure, you can expect that your roof and even landscaping is your responsibility. But what about your community water system? On top of that, you’re being asked to shell out $16,000? That’s the exact situation homeowners in a…
Edmonton property developer owes $75M to former retirement residents but one thing is holding the company back from paying: How to avoid a similar nightmare
An Edmonton property developer, Christenson Group of Companies, is facing mounting financial troubles, leaving more than 200 former residents in financial limbo. The company owes approximately $75 million to individuals who had invested in life-lease contracts at nine retirement homes, according to a CBC News story. “Hope has certainly been waning,” Jim Carey, president of…
