I’m thinking about paying off a 2.5% loan of $5,000 so I can be debt-free — and wonder if that’s a horrible idea. How to weigh the financial pros and cons of paying off small debt fast
You want to get to debt-free status as soon as possible, and all that’s standing in your way is a $5,000 loan with a 2.5% interest rate. Paying it off and freeing up those monthly interest payments for other purposes is naturally appealing. What should you do? Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have…
Feed your fur-baby the best! Here’s a comprehensive guide to Canadian-owned/made pet foods
Trump’s tariff trade wars are all over the news, and you’re determined to shop Canadian. Well, you’ll be happy to hear that your furry family members can do their part. We’ve put together a comprehensive list of Canadian pet food brands that make it easier to make the switch. To be considered for this list,…
Anti-aging pill for dogs one step closer to reality as it’s certified ‘effective’ by FDA. What does this mean for your budget?
There’s a famous quote that goes "the only thing ‘wrong’ with dogs is that they can’t live forever." A dog’s lifespan can range anywhere from nine to 15 years on average, and when you consider a dog as part of the family, that’s just not enough time. But what if there was a pill that…
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…
I’ve officially handed in notice to my boss that I’m retiring this year, which has made retirement feel a lot more real. How do I prepare for the rest of my life financially?
If you’ve handed in notice to your boss that you’ll be officially retiring in a few months, you’re likely both nervous and excited. That’s understandable, retirement is a big life transition. However, it helps to have a solid financial plan, as well as the resources to support it, to feel comfortable as you wave goodbye…
This NYC building offers $250 per month rent for homeless, disabled patients — here’s how to find affordable housing options when you’re living on a scant income
There’s relief for some NYC residents who are struggling to find budget-friendly housing. Low income and homeless New Yorkers can now live in an affordable housing building located in Bed-Stuy, offering a sense of security to those who live there. Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should…
I barely drive my Volvo SUV — but I can’t decide if I should downsize to save money or hold on to it for a few more years. Will trading it in sooner save me much more money?
Thinking of downsizing your vehicle to save money? Not so fast. Downsizing a vehicle could save you money if, for example, the new car offers better fuel efficiency and it’s a model that generally costs less to maintain. But your overall out-of-pocket costs will also depend on factors like how long you’ve owned your current…
Smart car shopping in retirement: What to consider before buying a vehicle on a fixed income — from budget tips to choosing the right features for your lifestyle
You’re enjoying your retirement years, taking the occasional road trip to spend time with friends and family. But your car has seen better days — nearing the end of its life at 200,000 miles. Since you haven’t purchased a car in a long time, you may be surprised at how much vehicles have changed —…
Dave Ramsey ranted about 3 ‘illogical’ money mistakes North Americans make that ‘baffle’ him — here’s how you can avoid these common financial errors
Across 32 years of giving people financial advice on the airwaves, Dave Ramsey has probably seen it all. But on an episode of The Ramsey Show earlier this year, he called out financial mistakes callers frequently make as being “Dumb! Really dumb!” He added: “These things baffle me, that’s why I’m hitting them,” he said.…
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…
