For the first time in years, car shoppers are finding it easier to get a good deal as the auto industry recovers from supply-chain disruptions. Experts say conditions are improving and could continue to do so, offering better opportunities for buyers. Resource highlight LoanFinder is moments away from showing your personalized loan matches In under … Read more

There’s nothing quite like walking into the grocery store intending to buy just enough milk, lettuce and bread for one person and coming out with family-sized packages. As a 30-something woman living alone, my fridge used to be stuffed with portions I never finished and my trash regularly held spoiled food. For a long time … Read more

Ask MoneySense I enjoy reading all the articles you write and the advice you provide for so many people. I’ve decided to send you a question to see if you would provide an answer to a small dilemma I have with my RRSP. A little background about the situation. My wife and I are retired … Read more

Signing a 30-year mortgage in Canada can be an appealing option for some buyers as housing prices remain high and interest rates sit above recent historic lows. This is especially true for first-time buyers and homeowners approaching mortgage renewal. While prices in Toronto have eased slightly—averaging $1.16 million in May 2024, according to the Toronto … Read more

Ask MoneySense I’m 58 years old and expect to retire in five to seven years. My financial assets include a defined benefit pension, RRSP, TFSA and my house. I want to leave some money to my two adult children, but I also want to preserve my financial independence and dignity. How should I approach this? … Read more

Ask MoneySense I am looking to use my RRSP to buy a vacation property in Portugal. How much can I take out tax free?—Andy Using the Home Buyers’ Plan to buy property in another country If you are asking about a tax-free RRSP withdrawal, Andy, you are likely referring to the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). … Read more

Air Miles has launched a refreshed brand platform and a new aspirational tagline aimed at Canadians ready to travel again: “Collect more moments.” As a reminder, BMO Financial Group acquired Air Miles in March 2023 after Loyalty Ventures Inc. filed for bankruptcy. At the time, BMO described the purchase as a “made-in-Canada opportunity” to reinvigorate … Read more

It’s a question many freelancers ask: should I register for a GST or HST number, or can I just skip it? Short answer: if you’re self-employed, you should seriously consider registering. Here’s a clear, practical explanation of why it matters and how to do it. First, a quick overview of the taxes involved. In Canada, … Read more

Office chatter around the water cooler introduced Sarah Prince to her first budgeting app. A decade later, she still sees value in these tools, even though her favourite app shut down earlier this year. “It was interesting to track my spending over time,” Prince said. For her, budgeting apps were more than a monthly ledger … Read more

Kyle Prevost, creator of 4 Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement, Canada’s DIY retirement planning course, reviews mid-year financial headlines and offers context for Canadian investors. Checking in on our 2024 market predictions With the first half of 2024 now behind us, it’s a good moment to revisit the market forecasts we published at the start … Read more