Category: Moneywise

As the spring homebuyer’s market kicks into gear, the average American buyer might not be feeling so optimistic about their prospects.

Most of the country is in a neutral market according to Zillow, the real-estate marketplace company. While this gives buyers more time to make decisions, the relatively cool market may also make it hard to find a home that checks all the boxes.

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Zillow forecasts 4.1 million in existing home sales for 2025, just above the 4 million sold in 2024.

There are some bright spots for buyers in certain cities. Below, we dive into the top 10 markets where you can expect to see lots of choice and hopefully find the home of your dreams with ease.

Top 10 markets with high housing inventory

Higher inventory, economic uncertainty and yo-yo-ing interest rates are suppressing price growth. Zillow anticipates a small increase in home value in 2025 — just 0.6%.

That’s good news for buyers. What else is good? Some of America’s most exciting cities top the list of markets with plentiful housing inventory, and most are in sunny climes.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

10. Atlanta

This city’s homes were ranked the second-most overpriced in the U.S. in 2024, according to a report by Axios Atlanta. Now, inventory is up 31.40% and home prices are down 10.6%, with a median selling price of $380,000. Homes are sitting longer, too — 84 days versus 55 days on average last year.

9. San Francisco

San Francisco real estate is a famously hot commodity, with an average home price of $1,150,195, the second-highest on this top 10 list. If you’re shopping for views of the Golden Gate Bridge or Coit Tower, you’ll be glad to know housing inventory has grown 32.50% since last year. Realtor.com reports that the median number of days on the market is holding at 51, so you’ll have plenty of time for viewings and making an offer.

8. Riverside, CA

Prospective homebuyers in Greater LA should check out Riverside, with housing inventory up 33.50% over year. This bustling hub boasts a typical home value of $585,739 (compared to just under a million in LA proper), and homes are sitting longer on the market, clocking in at 49 days this year according to Redfin. The typical seller sees only three offers on their home, so there’s a good chance you can close a deal.

7. Sacramento

At $578,290, Sacramento’s home prices are similar to Riverside’s, but availability is even better, with a 34.60% growth in inventory over 2024. But homes only stay on the market 36 days, so buyers may want to move fast to buy a piece of the capital city.

6. Phoenix

If you prefer your hot spots in a dry climate, Phoenix is calling. The supply of new homes is up 35.5% this year, and with an average price of $450,492, it’s one of the most affordable locales on this list. The buying is easy, too. Redfin reports that most sellers receive only two offers on their homes, which stay on the market an average of 59 days.

5. Los Angeles

Following the wildfires in Los Angeles, housing supply is up 35.5%. Homes receive an average of three offers, and stay on the market for 67 days. If you can afford the average $964,556 price, you may have an easier time buying a home in LA this spring than at any other point in recent years.

4. San Jose

The priciest spot on this list, the average home in San Jose sells for $1,648,729. This city is home to Silicon Valley, and demand for homes in the area has inflated prices for years. But in 2025, housing inventory has soared, with 36.2% more homes on the market compared to last year. You still need to move fast as most sellers receive five offers, and sell in just 11 days.

3. San Diego

The supply of homes in this California city has shot up 39% over last year. Experts believe the market is due for a correction, as high prices ($946,075 on average) continue to freeze out first-time home buyers. But buying is still competitive. Sellers receive an average of four offers, and homes stay on the market a mere 27 days.

2. Las Vegas

With a whopping 40.5% growth in supply and homes sitting on the market 61 days, Las Vegas is the second most affordable market on this list. Homes are valued at an average $430,277. Yet this relatively low number is a record high for Vegas. As of January 2025, prices jumped 9% for single-family homes and sales are trending upwards. Real estate experts note that many buyers in the area are displaced Californians looking for safer real estate options after January’s wildfires, so prices may continue to rise.

1. Denver

With a massive 40.9% increase in inventory over last year, buyers have plenty of choice in Denver — but there’s a catch. The average is valued at $581,411, a massive price tag in this region. The Colorado Association of Realtors reports that “economic conditions, affordability challenges, and tumultuous political turmoil” are making the market difficult for homebuyers. In spite of these local challenges, outside buyers will have plenty of opportunity to check out this mountainous city, with a median 59 days on the market for each listing.

How to buy this spring

Forbes reports despite the recent uptick in supply of new homes, supply may dwindle and prices rise as builders face tariffs on building materials.

Buyers still face competition in the market. Here are some tips to be prepared.

Read up on your target housing market(s), and familiarize yourself with real estate and legal jargon. It’s also an opportunity to get a realistic sense of home prices in a specific area.

Seek out guides that break down the homebuying process into stages so you know what to expect.

Ensure your credit score is in the best possible shape. That way your financing will go smoothly and you can get a great mortgage rate.

Get a mortgage pre-approval from your lender. That will help you set a budget for what kind of home you can afford.

Talk to a number of real estate agents so you can pick one you trust and will enjoy working with.

Most of all, try to enjoy the process of finding your dream home, wherever you choose to buy.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

If you owe the taxman money this year, paying on time is the best way to avoid penalties and interest.

As Canada’s tax law administrator, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) makes it easy to pay your taxes in a number of different ways — including by swiping your credit card.

If you’re thinking about using your card to make a tax payment, here’s a rundown of what to consider before you do.

How to pay your taxes in Canada with a credit card

Can you pay taxes with a credit card?

The CRA still doesn’t accept direct credit card payments. Instead, you can use services like PaySimply or Plastiq, which accept your credit card and forward the payment to the CRA — usually for a fee.

If you choose to use a payment service provider, you should be prepared to:

• Pay a service fee
• Share information (such as your Social Insurance Number) to ensure your payment goes to the right tax account
• Use ‘My Account’ to confirm your payment has been received by the CRA

You are ultimately responsible for getting your taxes to the CRA on time. So double-check your service provider’s delivery timeframe and pay well in advance.

Benefits of paying taxes with a credit card

There can be advantages to paying your taxes with a credit card.

Here are some key ways you may benefit:

• Using an online service provider lets you pay your taxes from anywhere
• Depending on your card, you could earn sizeable rewards or cash-back
• Timeframe between your card’s statement and payment dates can give you several extra weeks to make a payment on your taxes before credit card interest kicks in

Drawbacks of paying the CRA with a credit card

There are also situations when using a credit card to pay your taxes may not make sense.

Here are some drawbacks to consider:

• Your payment provider’s service fee might cost more than the credit card rewards you’re hoping to earn
• If you can’t pay the tax amount you’ve charged to your card when it’s due, you could pay more in credit card interest than the CRA currently charges — given that most credit cards charge between 20% to 23% interest versus the CRA 10% interest for overdue taxes

Read More: Find the best tax software to help you file by the CRA deadline of April 30, 2025

How to pay your taxes with a credit card using PaySimply

If you do decide to swipe for the taxman, you’ll be happy to know PaySimply has partnered with the CRA to make paying by credit card fast and secure.

All you need to do is:

• Choose your payment type (Individual (T1) 2023 tax return, for example)
• Enter your email, SIN, full name and payment amount
• Enter your payment information
• Review, submit and receive an email confirmation

Fees for using PaySimply

The fee for using your Visa, Mastercard or American Express to make a CRA payment through PaySimply is 2.5% of your payment amount.

Keep in mind, it takes about three business days for your payment to reach the CRA when paying by credit card.

How to pay your taxes with a credit card using Plastiq

Plastiq is a U.S.-based platform where you can pay organizations (including paying taxes to the CRA) that don’t accept credit cards directly.

All you need to do is:

• Set up an account and select Pay
• Add Canada Revenue Agency as a vendor and select paper check delivery
• Start a new payment and enter your full name, SIN, tax type and tax year
• Choose a delivery date and submit

Fees for using Plastiq

The fee for using your Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Diners Club to make a CRA payment through Plastiq is 2.9% of your payment amount, plus $1.49 for delivery.

Keep in mind it takes between 7 to 10 business days for your payment to reach the CRA.

How many people pay taxes with credit cards?

While the CRA doesn’t track credit card payments directly, third-party services like PaySimply reported double-digit growth in usage in recent years due to convenience and rewards.

According to PaySimply’s 2023 press release, over 50,000 Canadians used the service during the 2023 tax season.

How to pay your taxes in Canada in 2024: Other ways to pay

If you don’t want to pay the CRA with a credit card, don’t worry. There are many other ways to make a tax payment, including online, in person and by mail.

How to pay your taxes online

To pay taxes online, you can:

• Transfer funds from your bank account by adding the CRA as a payee
• Use ‘My Account’ to schedule pre-authorized debit withdrawals from your chequing account
• Pay by debit card using the CRA’s My Payment service
• Use a third-party service (like PaySimply) to pay by debit card, PayPal or Interac e-transfer

How to pay your taxes in-person

To pay taxes in person, you can:

• Visit your bank and use a remittance voucher to pay from your account or by debit card, cheque or money order
• Visit a Canada Post retail location and use a QR code to pay by cash or debit card (you’ll be charged a service fee)
• Drop off your cheque, remittance voucher and payment details at a CRA drop-box location

How to pay your taxes by mail

To pay taxes by mail, you can:

• Write a cheque to the Receiver General for Canada
• Include your remittance voucher or payment details
• Mail your envelope to the CRA

What if you can’t afford to pay?

If you owe more than you can afford, don’t rush to a high-interest credit card. The CRA offers payment arrangements.

You can set up a monthly installment plan through your CRA ‘My Account’ portal or by calling them directly.

Read More: Find the best credit card for your needs

Final thoughts

The deadline for paying your 2024 taxes is April 30, 2025. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to pay what you owe, including paying the CRA with a credit card. File your return on time, even if you can’t pay right away. Filing late adds extra penalties. Paying late only triggers interest.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

An Eastpointe, Michigan, woman is sharing her story of being defrauded for thousands of dollars, hoping to help others avoid the same devastating experience.

Destiny Smith, a single mother in desperate need of a home, thought she had found the perfect place on Facebook. But it turns out the property was already occupied, and she had lost her deposit money in a scam.

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"I really wanted to pass out," she told Local 4 Detroit News in a story published March 21. "I was just, like, ‘No way I’ve just been scammed.’"

Here are the details behind Smith’s story, plus a few tips to avoid rental scams.

Scammers use fake listing

Smith’s ordeal started when she saw what seemed like the ideal rental property. The ad featured a video showcasing what appeared to be an updated interior, and it seemed too good to pass up.

Rental scammers often prey on people who are looking for immediate housing, especially those who are vulnerable, including single parents like Smith and seniors. They promote fake listings on platforms like Facebook and Craigslist and ask for immediate cash deposits to lock in a deal.

Smith agreed to hand over a $2,500 security deposit, according to the local broadcaster, and she was handed a set of keys. Things took a strange turn when she arrived at the property.

“[There] was a white truck in the driveway, so I was, like, OK, maybe this is the guy that was coming to fix the stuff I requested,” Smith explained.

But when she asked the man what he was doing there, she was shocked to find out he was there to change the locks. That’s when Smith realized she had been the victim of a scam.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Tips to avoid rental fraud

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from rental and housing scams:

• When looking for listings, stick to well-known platforms that have verification processes and user reviews.
• Beware of listings with lower-than-normal prices. If it looks too good to be true, it may very well be.
• Always check out a property in person before making any commitments. Don’t settle for a video tour. It’s a red flag if the landlord won’t allow you to visit.
• Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay through unconventional methods, such as wire transfers or prepaid gift cards.
• Do your research on listings and look up the address to spot potential duplicate listings or inconsistencies.
• You may also be able to verify property ownership by checking local records to ensure a landlord’s legitimacy.

Most of all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s best not to ignore it. Performing due diligence is always a good thing when it comes to finding a new home.

If you think you’ve been the victim of a rental scam, authorities urge you to file a police report and provide as much evidence as possible to help with any investigation.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

St. Louis’ Blake and Sarah Anyan’s story begins as a fairy tale. The high-school sweethearts were expecting their first baby.

The couple chose Mercy Hospital — dubbed ‘The Baby Palace on Ballas’ — for prenatal care, labor and delivery. They chose the hospital not only because it is known for its obstetrics care, but because Sarah was employed there as a cardiac nurse and Blake worked there as a respiratory therapist.

Sarah’s pregnancy was a typical one, with her active baby kicking her often on her nursing shifts. When she went into labor, she headed to the hospital to welcome her baby boy Remi. That’s where everything went wrong.

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What happened next would change the couple’s lives forever and lead to a record-setting $48.1 million verdict against the hospital for its failures.

Baby suffered severe harm in labor, delivery

Sarah was given an epidural at 10:42 p.m. At 3:50 a.m., she began pushing. Pushing for more than three hours is dangerous. She pushed for 12 hours.

The couple, who trusted their health team, weren’t offered a C-section or told of the risks of prolonged pushing.

“Speaking as a nurse, I was really, really disappointed that they didn’t share that with me," Sarah told News Alert 4 in St. Louis.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Another thing the health team didn’t reveal? That their baby boy Remi was in distress during the prolonged labor.

To their shock, when Remi was delivered, he was floppy, didn’t cry, had poor tone and began having seizures.

“We were pretty much blindsided,” Sarah said.

Sadly, their son suffered severe and permanent harm. Now 5 years old, Remi has full cognition but can’t walk or communicate. He has cerebral palsy.

“It’s just a major travesty,” Blake said. “It hurts us as parents, but it also hurts us as care providers. That’s so far away from what we’ve been taught to do, and what I teach my students to do. It’s just heartbreaking.”

The Anyans filed a malpractice lawsuit against Mercy Hospital, its nurses and their obstetrician Dr. Daniel McNeive for medical negligence.

Medical malpractice laws hold providers accountable if the care they provide falls below a professional standard. Birth injuries are a top reason for malpractice claims.

Expert witnesses said expecting a mother in labor to push for 12 hours was inexcusable, adding that the hospital failed to respond properly after Remi was born. One possible intervention — therapeutic hypothermia — could have reduced his injuries by up to 30%.

The couple won their malpractice suit. The jury awarded them $48.1 million in the verdict, of which $20 million was for punitive damages.

"So grateful that they took what happened seriously and didn’t give up faith in Remi, and that they would try and help him move forward," Blake said.

Mercy is appealing the ruling. In a statement, they wrote:

"We stand by the care provided by our team … No evidence was ever introduced suggesting dangerous patterns or practices of behavior by Mercy or Dr. McNeive, nor did the jury make this finding. The case remains pending with the court, and Mercy will continue to seek appropriate resolution for the benefit of the Anyan family.”

What can malpractice victims do?

The Anyans aren’t the only ones harmed by a medical error. A Johns Hopkins study found that medical errors are the third-leading cause of death in the U.S.

Top reasons for malpractice suits include:

• failure to diagnose/delayed diagnosis
• radiology errors, such as misreading X-rays
• failure to obtain informed consent
• surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside patients
• anesthesia errors
• medication errors

Victims of malpractice must demonstrate they were damaged by medical negligence and deserve compensation for losses. If successful, they are owed payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

However, many states cap non-economic damages (for pain and distress) at $500,000 or less.

If you or someone you love has experienced medical negligence, it’s important to take legal action quickly. There are time limits for pursuing a claim — usually within one to four years of discovering your injuries — so don’t wait.

If legal costs concern you, you can work with a personal injury lawyer on a contingency-fee basis. Such lawyers offer free case evaluations and don’t charge legal fees upfront. They subtract legal fees from any compensation they recover on your behalf.

To support your case, gather and maintain all the documentation you can — medical records, names of your care team, and records of any followup care you have received as a result of your injuries.

The Anyans took action not only to advocate for themselves, but to inspire others — as Sarah tells her son Remi.

“You’ve got two choices in life. You can be angry and bitter and hang on to that anger your whole life. Or you can choose to inspire people," Sarah said. "And I tell him that all the time — he’s going to inspire people."

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Insurance companies are cautiously optimistic about the Trump administration’s policies for their industry: insurers saw their stocks soar in early April when the federal government announced a record 5.06% benchmark increase to Medicare Advantage plans.

That is more than double the rate (2.23%) proposed by the [Biden administration] (https://www.barrons.com/articles/humana-cvs-unitedhealth-stock-medicare-advantage-7dee3cc7) in January 2025, which was seen as a budget cut by the insurance industry. The Trump administration increase will amount to $25 billion for insurers like Humana and UnitedHealthcare, which participate in the revitalized Medicare Advantage program.

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• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

Advocates highlighted that program costs have seen margins fall sharply in the insurance sector. Enrolled older adults have used more care than anticipated since the pandemic, and many insurers have already cut benefits, exiting some markets to remain profitable. The increased funding is expected to make health insurance companies a haven on the stock market during an unpredictable and volatile time.

Lo and behold, both Humana and UnitedHealthcare’s first quarter earnings caused the companies’ stocks to drop precipitously on April 16.

Adding to the pinch, the Trump administration also enacted changes that will make it harder for insurers to inflate their profits. These changes are expected to dull the shine of the increased funding and may make companies even more reluctant to pass on savings to customers.

Criticism of the plan

The Medicare Advantage program has not been without its critics since its inception in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

The program uses taxpayer dollars to pay private insurers for coverage for older adults and those with disabilities. Medicare Advantage was introduced by Republican Representative John Kasich in the omnibus, and the Democrats have been critical of using public funds to pay private companies through the program.

How much the federal government spends on Medicare Advantage influences its monthly premiums and plan benefits. There is no baseline of coverage across the different private insurers who participate in the program.

Pundits have said the Biden administration was skeptical of the program, and the low rate of increase proposed for 2026 by Biden was seen as a cut to funding, given the rate of inflation.

Despite stricter rules enacted by the Trump administration on billing practices, the Department of Justice has launched a civil fraud investigation into UnitedHealthcare’s practices. Critics have looked askance at Trump for continuing to pour taxpayer money into an industry mired in legal woes.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Trump’s policies and their impact on older adults

There is little evidence, however, that Trump’s policies will be a big win for the average American. While a boost in funding might mean savings will be passed on to clients, it seems more likely that the cash injection will be used to rally the insurers’ market performance.

“Though required by law, this excessive increase in payments to Big Insurance — when evidence demonstrates they are already being overpaid — demonstrates the crucial need for Congress to fix the way payment rates for MA insurers are calculated,” pundit Rachel Madley wrote on her Substack Health Care Un-covered. “Sadly, analysts expect the extra payments Big Insurance will get in 2026 will go to increasing profit margins, not increasing benefits or availability of care.”

With Medicare Advantage enrollment already on the rise, other analysts predict that, following this announcement, even more Medicare-eligible seniors may elect to join the program in 2025 and 2026. Only time will tell if the $25 billion is used to improve profits or to increase benefits for a growing number of seniors.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Four generations under one roof might sound chaotic, but for this family, it’s become the key to saving money and staying connected in a time of rising costs.

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Lowe family is proving that living together isn’t just about togetherness, it’s also a smart financial move.

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 catch up (and fast)
• Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don’t have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here’s how
• Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund — even if you’re not a millionaire. Here’s how to get started with as little as $10

It’s a full house — and a growing trend. According to Pew Research, 18% of Americans now live in multigenerational households, a number that’s been climbing as rent and mortgage prices soar.

For the Lowes, this setup isn’t just practical, it’s necessary. With U.S. rent averaging over $1,700 a month and the median mortgage payments Americans are applying for reaching $2,205, sharing housing is helping them all stretch their dollars.

The pros outweigh the cons

Gema Lowe shares her home with her 84-year-old mother, her daughter Jade and Jade’s three kids.

"I’m blessed to be able to have my mom with me, my daughters with me and my grandbabies with me," Lowe told Good Morning America.

Jade, 29, pays her mom a portion of the rent instead of footing an entire mortgage on her own. The rest of the family chips in to split utilities, groceries and other expenses.

"It allowed me to still live my best life in my 20s,” Jade told GMA. “It allowed me to honestly just be happy and not have to worry about those extra expenses. I get to keep it, and I get to put it in my savings. It means everything, honestly."

The benefits go beyond just financial advantages. Gema helps with school pickups and childcare, giving Jade the kind of backup most working parents dream of.

Of course, sharing a home with six people of different ages can come with challenges.

"There’s a lot going on in the household. And sometimes, you know, I want things my way," Lowe said. "And then… I have to think about, ‘Oh, but maybe it’s not what they would like.’”

But according to the Lowes, the pros outweigh the cons. Family dinners are the norm, the kids grow up surrounded by love and wisdom from every generation and everyone saves on rent, childcare, food and even emotional labor.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

It’s not just about saving

As housing costs soar and inflation stretches budgets, more Americans are turning to shared living across generations as a smart financial move.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 6 million households in the U.S. included three or more generations living under one roof in 2020, up from 5.1 million 10 years prior.

Why? The answer’s simple: money.

In a 2021 Pew Research survey, half of lower-income adults said they chose this setup to ease at least a little bit of financial pressure. Even for middle- and upper-income families, multigenerational living can offer savings on everything from rent and mortgage payments to groceries and utilities.

Americans in these households are slightly less likely to live in poverty, with only 10% still considered poor versus 12% for the general population.

But it’s not just about pinching pennies. Shared living can often include other big perks. Think built-in child care, elder care and emotional support. Grandparents help with school pickups, parents share bills, kids grow up surrounded by extended family and everyone benefits from a little extra help.

Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. Space can get tight and disagreements happen. If you’re considering sharing living space with your extended family, set clear expectations, communicate often and remember the bigger picture.

As Jade Lowe told GMA, “It’s a blessing to be able to still live at home with my mom, to be able to see my grandma on a day to day [basis], to be able to put my kids and my grandma under one roof where they have such a great relationship."

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Ladies, we can be truly savvy with our dollars, especially when it comes to finding a great deal. Women are so good at managing money that 20% of Canadian spouses relied solely on their female partner to set and follow the household monthly budget, according to survey released in 2023 by Loans Canada, the nation’s first loan comparison platform.

However, even those of us accustomed to pinching pennies on a regular basis, can make a few key mistakes. To help, here are the five biggest mistakes women make with their money — ranked from not-such-a-big-deal to stop it right now!

Buying poor quality clothes

When most women are shopping on a budget, they end up with clothing that falls apart or shrinks after a few washes. Instead of buying throwaway fashion — trendy clothes at low prices — consider investing in a few pieces of high-quality closet ‘staples.’

Stores like Club Monaco, which was founded with the concept of offering "better basics," is a quality step-up from fast fasion, and one good option if you want a closet full of useful, wear-anywhere fashion staples.

Another option is second-hand clothing. Even when clothing is used, it still lasts longer than poorly made “fast fashion.” For those open to the idea of shopping and wearing second-hand clothing, can find great options either online or through brick-and-mortar stores that specialize in good quality second-hand clothing. For instance, websites like Poshmark offer high quality name brands at more accessible prices.

Change where you buy your clothes — and what you buy — and you could save hundreds of dollars in a year or two.

Not investing

The stock market is dominated by male investors. Hollywood portrays investing as a boy’s club fueled by adrenaline and testosterone, especially in movies like The Wolf of Wall Street.

But studies show that women who opt to invest in stocks and other equities tend to outperform men. The theory is that women are less reactive to market fluctuations, according to report from Fidelity Clearing Canada — and more apt to sticking with their financial plan and investing strategy. Another theory is that women are less prone to chasing market returns and more invested in stable, long-term strategies — an investment strategy often promoted by finance experts like Warren Buffett.

The good news is that you don’t need thousands of dollars and a broker to begin investing. Women can start trading using an online brokerage account. There are bank-offered brokerage accounts, such as CIBC Investor’s Edge, as well as fintech trading platforms, such as Wealthsimple and Questrade. The key is to find an online brokerage account that suits your needs.

If your aim is to launch a buy-and-hold investment strategy — and avoid the stress and fees of active trading — you’ll want an online trading platform with no- or low-cost trading fees.

Not maintaining a good credit score

Women tend to have worse credit scores than men, according to MSNBC. Men tend to have an average credit score of 630, while women average around 621. Credit scores range from low 500s to 900.

One easily-accessible option for building and maintaining a good credit score is to use a credit card. Used correctly, credit cards are great for building your credit history. However, when credit cards are maxed out, these short-term loan options hurt your budget and your credit score.

If you need to start building your credit history, consider applying for a credit card that caters to people with no- or low-credit scores.

If you need to rebuild your credit score — and part of the problem is a high credit card balance — consider finding a way to reduce the interest paid on this debt. For instance, using a low-interest credit card can help you reduce the interest charged on the outstanding balance. This reduces the amount of money you spend on interest and frees up cash that can be used to pay down the debt. Do this consistently — always making minimum monthly payments on all outstanding debts — and you’ll get out of debt faster and rebuild a robust credit score.

Falling for pyramid schemes

So many mothers are under pressure to ‘have it all.’ Work-at-home pyramid schemes — with people on the bottom making very little money — specifically target women who want to earn an income while raising their kids. The desire to do it all isn’t new and the schemes that prey on this desire are also not new, according to 2021 article published by the Huffington Post.

These companies know how to prey on women’s insecurities — including the idea that you must be popular to be valued and you must earn to have a say in household monetary matters. Don’t fall into this trap. Take the time to educate yourself about pyramid schemes. There’s nothing wrong with wanting it all but you will need to prioritize what’s important, right here, right now.

Undervaluing your skills

Women are still paid 9.2% less than men, on average, even if they have the same education and work experience, according to data released by Statistics Canada.

If you’ve been working for your company for a while, don’t be afraid to ask for a raise or to inquire if a promotion might be available.

Speaking up can be tough, especially if you sense that your boss doesn’t recognize your true value. If you find yourself stuck in a pay situation that probably won’t get any better, it may be time for you to look for new opportunities elsewhere.

— with files from Shannon Quinn and Leslie Kennedy

Sources

1.Loans Canada: Women are better at finances than men; men know it, too: New survey results (Mar 8, 2023)

2.Fidelity Clearing Canada: Why women are a major force in investment circles (Mar 2024)

3. MSNBC: Being a woman hurts your credit score — Here’s what you can do about it (Dec 17, 2018)

4. Huffington Post: MLMs are a nightmare for women and everyone they know (Jan 29, 2021)

5. Competition Bureau Canada: Pyramid schemes

6. Statistics Canada: Intersectional perspective on the Canadian gender wage gap (Sept 21, 2023)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Thousands of Americans experience identity theft each year — and when a bad actor starts using your information, there’s no telling what they’ll do with it.

Identity thieves put victims’ names on all sorts of fraudulent accounts, such as credit cards and loans.

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The fraud can also involve cellphone service, as one Florida man, who’s nearing his birthday, discovered earlier this year.

Mike Battista of Tarpon Springs, northwest of Tampa, was sent a cellphone bill from Verizon after someone used his information to open a new account. Even though he immediately reported the issue to the company, Verizon denied his fraud claim and still expected him to pay the bill left by the fraudster.

That’s when he reached out to a local news station for help resolving this issue.

Verizon denies Florida man’s fraud claim

Battista, a retired law enforcement officer with 28 years of experience, found an unexpected phone bill in his mailbox.

The bill, which contained his name, address and personal information, was for $198.30. It reflected the purchase of a new phone and a new phone line through Verizon.

Not only did Battista not approve this new phone line; he isn’t even a Verizon customer.

He went to the local Verizon store in Tarpon Springs to sort things out.

“They said they couldn’t do anything,” Battista said. “I had to go to a corporate store.”

At a second Verizon store, he was told no when he tried to close the account. From there, he immediately filed a fraud claim with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. After submitting his police report and fraud details to Verizon, he was shocked when they denied his claim.

In a letter to Battista, Verizon said, “We are unable to substantiate your claim that this account was opened without your knowledge or consent.”

Running out of options, Battista contacted a local news channel, ABC Action News. A consumer investigative reporter, Susan El Khoury, contacted Verizon about the issue. On the next day, Battista received an email resolving the claim.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to protect yourself from identity theft

Identity theft can wreak havoc on your financial life. Unfortunately, reporting identity theft to a company doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have the issue resolved. Companies don’t have a financial obligation to victims of identity theft.

But if you are impacted by identity theft, seeking recourse with the company is a valid option. In the best-case scenario, the company will not expect you to pay for purchases made by a fraudster.

However, if the company doesn’t waive your responsibility to pay for the purchases, consider reaching out to a consumer protection group, like the Federal Communications Commission (FTC) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to file a complaint about the situation. If you want more help, even your local police station may offer guidance.

Battista’s recommendation for anyone going through a similar situation: “If something doesn’t seem right, mention it to somebody, never surrender.”

But, of course, preventing identity theft before it happens is ideal.

One way to stop fraudsters is to freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

“It just takes a few minutes to request to freeze your credit report, and then if you decide that you need to open new credit yourself, you can unfreeze it,” said Anna Marie Fiallos, an investigator and outreach coordinator with Pinellas County Office of Consumer Protection, to ABC Action News.

Additionally, take measures to protect your personal information. Never share details about your finances with anyone over the phone, online, or via email. If possible, shred documents with sensitive information before throwing them away.

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in great wealth. How to get in now

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Whether you’re filing your taxes for the first time or looking for a better, cheaper way to do it, this short guide will show you how easy it is to file your taxes online in Canada.

In truth, you can file your tax return online or by mail. But the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — Canada’s tax law administrator — considers filing online the fastest and easiest way to do your taxes. Quite often you can do it for free.

The deadline to file your personal return for the 2024 tax year is April 30, 2025. So let’s dive into the why’s and how’s behind five simple steps that will make filing your tax online easier than you think.

Can I file taxes online by myself in Canada?

The short answer is usually yes. Tax preparation software makes it easy to file your taxes by yourself — even if you’ve never done it before. Not only will you get free built-in guidance, but many programs offer paid expert help along the way if you need it.

By asking simple questions about things like your income and deductible expenses, tax software guides you through how to fill out your tax return step-by-step and how to file your taxes online when you’re done.

In most cases, online tax software will even send your completed return to the CRA when you’re done.

Why it’s worth knowing how to do taxes online in Canada

In their tax FAQs, the CRA highlights five great reasons for filing your personal tax return online:

1. It only takes two weeks to process most digital tax submissions (versus up to eight weeks for paper returns)
2. You could get your tax refund faster (in as little as eight business days with direct deposit)
3. You don’t have to mail anything (your return gets submitted electronically)
4. You don’t have to send in your receipts (though you do have to keep them for six years after you file)
5. You can use the CRA’s ReFILE service to change your return after filing (good to know if you make a mistake or leave something out)

Another great reason to do your taxes online is that you can probably do it for free (more about this in a minute).

Can I file a tax return by myself if I’m self-employed?

If you’re self-employed, run a business or work in the gig economy — or if you have rental income or investments outside an RRSP or TFSA — you can still do your taxes yourself. But you might need to use paid software to get the forms and information you need.

If your tax situation is complicated, getting help from an accountant or tax preparation service could also make more sense. (You can always start a free tax return with H&R Block and, if you run into issues, pay for professional help).

No matter the company you use, be confident in the knowledge that registered tax preparers in Canada must use CRA-certified software and a secure EFILE login to prepare and file your return.

Is it free to file my taxes online in Canada?

If your situation is straightforward, there’s a good chance you can do your online tax return for free. All you need is software certified by the CRA and a reliable internet connection.

There are plenty of free tax software options available. And to make it easy, the CRA lists all the certified software links on their website.

You can (and should) explore various free offerings from providers like:

• TurboTax
• H&R Block
• Wealthsimple
• UFile
• CloudTax
• StudioTax

No matter which software you choose, it’s good to know your tax return will be sent directly to the CRA through their secure NETFILE portal.

Unlike an EFILE login, NETFILE is an electronic service for individuals filing their own returns online. It’s free to use and even provides immediate confirmation that your tax return has been received.

Read more: How to choose the best Canadian tax return software for you

Is free software (like TurboTax) really free?

Free tax software and pay-what-you-want models really are free to use. But since free offerings from paid software providers are based on individual tax situations or income levels, it’s important to check what’s included.

Here are a few examples of how to file taxes online in Canada at no cost:

• TurboTax Free is 100% free to use so long as you’re completing a ‘simple tax return’ (visit their website to see what is and isn’t included when filing for free)
• H&R Block Online is free if you’re 25 or younger
• UFile Online is free if you’re a student
• Wealthsimple Tax lets you pay what you want to file with their basic plan (including $0)

All CRA-certified software includes the auto-fill my return service. This secure, super-convenient feature lets you automatically fill in parts of your return from information the CRA has on file — including the information on most tax slips (like your T4).

How to do taxes online in Canada in 5 simple steps

Once you’ve chosen your software, the rest of the filing process is equally straightforward. Just follow these five steps and you’ll be doing your taxes online in no time.

1. Update your personal information

If you’ve filed in the past, you won’t be able to change certain personal information when completing a tax return online. So it’s important to update the CRA in advance if things like your name, address or marital status have changed.

The easiest way to update your information is to register for the CRA’s My Account and make the changes there. My Account is great because it also lets you do things like use ‘Auto-fill my return’ and ReFILE, get tax refunds directly deposited into the account of your choice, and you can view your tax return, notice of assessment, refund, and payment information.

2. Gather your tax documents

Gathering your documents before you start will make it easier to complete your tax return and be ready to file in just one go.

Here are some common tax slips you might need to collect from places like your job, your bank or the My Account platform:

• T4s and T5s for employment, EI and investment income
• T2202 receipt for tuition
• RC62 statement for childcare benefits
• RC210 statement for working income tax benefit advance payments
• Official receipts for student loan interest, childcare, RRSP contributions, donations and medical expenses

You should receive most tax slips by the end of February; however, you won’t get a T5 for investment income (like bank interest) if the sum earned is less than $50. Keep in mind, though, you still have to report this amount on your return.

3. Enter your information

As you enter your information into your tax software, you’ll notice it follows a pretty logical path:

• First, you’ll be asked to enter personal details like your home address, SIN number, marital status and which province you live in
• Then you’ll be asked questions about your tax year, like whether you worked, went to school, had kids or got married
• Next, you’ll walk through entering tax slips (like your T4) for any income you earned
• Finally, you’ll enter slips for expenses (like donations you made) that you can claim as a tax credit or deduction (tax credits and deductions basically reduce the amount of tax you need to pay)

You can use your software’s search function along the way to help understand what information you need to enter and where it goes. In most cases, you’ll mostly be matching the numbered boxes on your tax slips to the numbered boxes in the corresponding sections of your online return.

And remember: If you signed up for My Account, you can use ‘Auto-fill my return’ to automatically fill in certain information for you.

4. Review and file your return

Once your information is entered, you should definitely review it to make sure it’s correct and complete. Your software will help you with this by pointing out possible errors for you to fix and suggesting tax credits or deductions you might have missed. This optimizes your return so you can pay less tax (or even get a refund).

You’ll also see a summary of your finished return when you’re done (your return is officially called a T1) so you can save or download a copy before sending it off to the CRA.

5. Pay your tax or enjoy your refund

If you owe tax after filing your return, the CRA offers several ways to pay. You can use your bank account, debit card, credit card, or cheque to make a payment online, in person, or by mail. The deadline to pay your taxes for 2024 is April 30, 2025.

On the other hand, if you’re expecting a tax refund and you’ve signed up for direct deposit, then the money will show up in your account in eight to 14 business days from the day you submit your tax return.

And that’s pretty much all there is to it.

Read more: How to file taxes and best ways to find deductions and rebates

Bottom line

For uncomplicated returns, filing your taxes online in Canada isn’t nearly as hard as it looks. Tax software is designed to help you file the DIY way. Just be sure to only use CRA-certified software and to check out different features before choosing the best online tax filing site for you.

File your taxes online FAQs

• The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2024 tax year is March 3, 2025.
• The RRSP contribution limit for 2025 is $32,490.
• The federal Basic Personal Amount for 2025 is $16,129.
• The TFSA contribution limit for 2025 is $7,000.’

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.