Dazed and delinquent: 1 in 5 borrowers are late on their student loans during a confusing repayment rollout — and the cost of a mistake can be severe
Federal student loan borrowers have endured five years of chaotic changes as various relief programs started, stopped and shifted. But the return to “normal” may be the messiest change of all. Payments formally resumed in October 2023, though former President Joe Biden and his administration paused repayment for certain types of loans for most of…
My friend said a 3% advisor fee was nothing — but it could cost them hundreds of thousands. Here’s how to get it back
Last Thursday, standing in line for a coffee, a co-worker walked in behind me. With the recent stock market plummet, a quick discussion began around investments and returns. Half way through our conversation, he nonchalantly tells me that he pays 3% fees to his financial advisor. I honestly could not believe it, and my face…
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…
Dollar-cost averaging with Nvidia: A long-term strategy for Canadian investors
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been one of the best-performing stocks of the last decade, benefiting from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and gaming. However, its high price and volatility make it a challenging stock for Canadian investors to buy. One way to manage risk and build a long-term position in Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)…
With rates on pause and 1.2 million mortgages up for renewal, now’s the time to act — here are 10 critical moves to protect your home and your financial future in 2025
As Canada enters a critical period of mortgage renewals in 2025 and 2026, homeowners and financial experts are closely monitoring interest rate movements for signs of relief — and it appears the Bank of Canada (BoC) offered a glimmer of hope for variable-rate mortgage holders and first-time buyers with a rate drop of 0.25%. The…
I just found out my mom, 79, lost $400K to scammers over Facebook — and she’s still sending them gift cards. How do I protect my loved ones from falling victim to online fraud?
Matthew just discovered his 79-year-old mother, Barbara, has found herself deep in an online gift card scam. The retired teacher had received a friend request from an unfamiliar, but friendly fellow named Robert a few months back and quickly struck up a fast friendship. But one day, Barbara’s new friend promised to teach her how…
Tariff turbulence: How Canadians can navigate market volatility amid U.S. trade policy shifts
The recent volatility in tariff implementations and threats has sent shockwaves through global markets, leaving Canadian investors grappling with heightened uncertainty. The fluctuating trade policies, particularly from the United States, have not only influenced stock market performance but also raised concerns about economic stability and personal investment strategies. On April 10, 2025, U.S. President Donald…
You worked hard for your tax refund — don’t waste it. Here are 5 strategies, from experts, to turn your tax refund into real security, freedom and maybe a bit of joy
Were you quick to submit your taxes the minute the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) started accepting T1 returns on Feb. 19, 2025? Or were you planning to wait until the last minute and file by the April 30 deadline? Either way, it’s time to consider the best strategy if you anticipate a tax refund. According…
BoC holding rates in April 2025: Who wins and who loses with latest Bank of Canada rate announcement?
After seven consecutive rate cuts, the Bank of Canada (BoC) hit pause — holding its key policy rate at 2.75% on April 16, 2025 — as growing uncertainty around U.S. tariffs clouds the country’s economic outlook. Canada’s central bank chose not to issue its usual economic forecast, citing an inability to predict how trade tensions…
We trusted TurboTax — now we owe $14K: Ontario families blindsided by CRA bills after alleged tax software glitch
A number of everyday folks across Ontario — hardworking, tax-paying, kid-raising families — are suddenly getting slapped with jaw-dropping reassessments from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). We’re talking about surprise bills in the $10,000 to $14,000 range. Yikes. At the centre of the storm is Jessica Medrano, a mom from Toronto who’s been faithfully using…
