‘I’m powerless’: New Jersey family left in the dark after $55,000 solar panel system breaks down and the company files for bankruptcy — what customers can do when a business goes belly-up

Kira Traore says she was paying exactly zero dollars in electricity bills for her home in New Jersey — until late last year when the self-sustaining solar power system broke down. The timing couldn’t have been worse — the company that the family purchased the system from had just filed for bankruptcy, according to CBS […]
What are the income tax brackets for the 2024 tax year?

Tax season is upon us. Gathering your T-slips and receipts to start crunching the numbers can be anxiety inducing. If you think you might owe money, getting an early start can help soften the blow. Regardless of your situation, knowing the tax brackets helps you prepare. Read More: Find the best tax software to help […]
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 […]