Isabel Kanaan takes laughter seriously—so seriously that she has built a career around making people laugh. An award-winning Filipina-Canadian actor, Kanaan emigrated to Canada in 2008 and has used theatre and film to broaden perspectives and spark discussion through humour. She appears in the Simplii Financial Bags 2 Riches video series highlighting newcomers’ stories and … Read more

Rewards credit cards can deliver solid value, but many come with steep annual fees. A small group of no-fee rewards cards stands out, and SimplyCash from American Express is one of the most notable. With a straightforward earn structure—1.25% cash back on all purchases and 2% cash back on gas and groceries—this card makes it … Read more

If you want a straightforward cash-back credit card, the American Express SimplyCash Preferred is worth considering. It pays 4% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases (on the first $30,000 in qualifying purchases each year) and a flat 2% cash back on all other purchases. Along with solid insurance coverage, Amex perks and free … Read more

Credit cards offer convenience, purchase protection and important tools for building credit and accessing borrowing when you need it. A credit card can help establish your credit history, which matters when you want to make a major purchase, qualify for a loan or apply for a mortgage. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada explains that … Read more

Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) are an effective way to save for a child’s college or university costs while taking advantage of government grants that boost savings. With RESP grants available each year, it’s important to plan contributions so you capture the full benefit. One date to mark on your calendar is Dec. 31. That … Read more

Ask MoneySense I will be receiving CPP and OAS as of June 2024. I intend on working one more year until I reach 66. My question is: Should I put all my CPP money into an RRSP to shelter it from tax? Or should I pay the tax on it and invest in a tax-free … Read more

One side effect of working for a personal finance magazine is being asked for money advice all the time. I usually oblige, even though I’m still learning myself. Recently, over lunch with friends, the conversation turned to savings and investing. It went something like this: Friend: Ugh, I’m so lost when it comes to money. … Read more

Kyle Prevost, creator of 4 Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement, Canada’s DIY retirement planning course, shares financial headlines and offers context for Canadian investors. A look at 2024 After last year’s bold 2023 markets forecast, we’re offering our view for 2024. A quick reminder: forecasting markets is difficult. Countless variables — geopolitical events, elections, pandemics … Read more

Certified Financial Planner Jason Heath answers two reader questions about selling foreign real estate and the tax consequences in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. Below you’ll find clear guidance on reporting international property sales, calculating capital gains, claiming foreign tax credits and how tax treaties affect cross-border transactions. The tax implications of selling foreign … Read more

It’s been a turbulent year for Gen Z in Canada. Young adults have been squeezed by rising living costs, higher rents, and a volatile job market. While some of these pressures are likely to continue into 2024, there are practical steps you can take to reduce risk and build financial resilience. Below are five trends … Read more