You’ve earned every dollar — make it count. Here are 6 strategies to help you keep more of your hard-earned money this tax season
There’s an old adage that goes something like, “What’s the difference between tax reduction and tax evasion? About five years in jail.” As a Canadian, you have the right to reduce the amount of income tax you pay, but what you can’t do is evade taxes. Even rich folks with accounts in Panama can get […]
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 […]
LA County is forming a new $1 billion homelessness department — despite warnings of a ‘massive disruption.’ Here’s why the move marks a ‘seismic change’ for the city’s homeless crisis
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously late on April 1 to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from the area’s homeless services agency. In an effort to banish homelessness, Los Angeles County has been funneling some of its tax revenue to one of its largest agencies, the Los Angeles Homeless […]
Tenant left chasing $2K deposit after move sparks warnings about hidden rental rights
Physicist Haoyu Qi and his wife moved from Moncton to Toronto over the winter for work. But before he could retrieve the $2,000 security deposit he had paid on their New Brunswick apartment, he was told his former landlord was making a $500 claim for cleaning and damage costs. Qi disputed the charge and filed […]
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 […]
Fixed rates are falling — but variable rates won’t budge. Don’t let confusion cost you thousands. Here’s what you need to know before locking in your next mortgage
In an unusual twist in Canada’s mortgage market, fixed mortgage rates are on a downward trajectory while variable-rate pricing is tightening. This divergence presents both opportunities and challenges for homeowners approaching mortgage renewal. If you’re shopping for a mortgage renewal, there’s some good news: Fixed rates are on the way down. Over the past few […]
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 […]
What you should know before you choose auto insurance in Canada
You’ve spent days researching and you think you’ve finally found the perfect car for you. You’re ready to drive it off the lot and into freedom. There’s just one slight snag: You can’t drive your dream car anywhere because you don’t have auto insurance. Auto insurance is one of those pesky financial necessities in life. […]
The 10 best neighbourhoods in Edmonton
With its affordable housing, outdoor recreation options and employment opportunities, over the last few years Edmonton, Alberta, has become one of Canada’s hottest (and still affordable) housing markets, with an average cost of a home (as of February 2025) sitting at $449,554. Though that price represents a 10% increase over homes for sale at the […]
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 […]