Fintech companies are outpacing self-directed brokerages at traditional banks when it comes to investor satisfaction, according to a recent JD Power survey. The study shows that fintech platforms are not only winning on customer experience but are also viewed as more innovative while closing the trust gap that has long favored established banks. The survey … Read more

If you usually carry a credit card balance, you’re not alone. Vividata’s Study of the Canadian Consumer (Winter 2026) reports that 36% of Canadians who hold credit cards carry a balance from month to month. Even more concerning: 49% of card holders say they are living paycheque to paycheque. That financial fragility makes tax season … Read more

Stock markets encountered a widely anticipated correction in the first quarter of 2026. The S&P 500 declined 4.63% in U.S. dollar terms, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite posted a modest price gain of 3.3% and a total return of 3.94% when dividends are included. Early gains in January and February evaporated as volatility surged following the … Read more

I am in my 91st year and for my age, in reasonably good health. I drew down a significant extra sum in 2025 from my RRIF. Fortunately, due to some good earlier decisions, my RRIF remains with a very strong market value. I use this drawdown for two purposes: to reinvest in my non-registered accounts, … Read more

Welcome to the Canadian Crypto Observer. Financial journalist and author Aditya Nain provides concise analysis of market-moving headlines to help Canadian investors navigate the cryptocurrency landscape. At the moment, geopolitics dominates investor attention. Whether you hold stocks, real estate, bonds or cryptocurrencies, the global news feed is likely your first stop each morning. The escalation … Read more

Wealthsimple, Canada’s largest and most aggressive fintech challenger to the big banks, has steadily introduced new features over the past year designed to give individual investors access to tools once reserved for institutions or high-net-worth clients. In December 2025, I examined one of those launches — physical gold trading — and concluded that the answer … Read more

There’s a widespread assumption that owning a home guarantees financial stability, but a new study from the University of Calgary suggests that’s no longer certain for many older Canadians. The March 2025 Social Policy Trendsstudy surveyed 715 Albertan seniors—both homeowners and renters—about their finances and housing security. While the research looked at housing insecurity generally, … Read more

You may see a post on social media announcing the death of someone in your network, with a link to an obituary and a request for donations to a charity the deceased supported. Or you may receive a moving message asking for help for a family after a house fire or to cover a life‑threatening … Read more

It may not feel like it yet, but summer is only a few months away. With warmer weather comes a busy—and often costly—travel season for Canadians planning a getaway. Whether you’re headed overseas or exploring closer to home, travel experts say you can cut costs without sacrificing enjoyment. Below are practical tips to help you … Read more

If you feel your credit card rewards aren’t giving you the value you expected, you’re not alone. Many cards advertise big welcome bonuses and the promise of effortless cash back, travel points, or statement credits, yet the payoff can feel modest over time. The solution isn’t necessarily a bigger budget — it’s a smarter approach … Read more