Dealing with credit card debt usually requires a practical, multi-step approach. Below are several effective strategies for earning more, cutting spending and saving money—plus one option some Canadians might not realize is worth considering: switching to a balance transfer credit card that offers a low or even 0% introductory interest rate. These five proven tactics … Read more

When someone dies and still owes money on a mortgage, is their common-law spouse responsible for paying it off? The house was in the deceased’s name only—the common-law spouse was not a co-signer on the mortgage and her name is not on the deed.—Louine When a family member dies, who pays for the mortgage? Thanks … Read more

My spouse and I separated in September 2020. I hold sole title to our matrimonial home, and we jointly own two investment condos. He currently lives in one of the condos (Condo A) but plans to move into Condo B and use the equity from Condo A to buy me out. After that, we would … Read more

Kyle Prevost, editor of Million Dollar Journey and founder of the Canadian Financial Summit, summarizes key financial headlines and provides context for Canadian investors. Deflating expectations Valuations across global markets are increasingly sensitive to inflation readings and the expected path of interest rates, so investors were closely watching the latest U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) … Read more

Canadians spent a lot to make their homes more comfortable early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March and September 2020, nearly 45% of Canadians bought furniture, electronics or appliances, and about 37% completed meaningful renovations, according to an Ipsos survey. For renters, however, decorating often comes with limits: you can’t always paint walls or make … Read more

Can 50% of my LIRA be transferred to my RRSP if I do not have contribution room in Ontario Canada? Is it better to transfer to an RRSP or RRIF if funds are not needed and are used for investment purposes?—Katherine How much can you transfer from a LIRA to an RRSP? In Ontario, you … Read more

I sold half my principal residence to a family member, and now we all live in the house together. The property continues to be my principal residence. Do I have to pay any capital gains taxes on the sale?—Ellen Selling part of your home to a family member: tax implications If the property remains your … Read more

This week, Cut the Crap Investing founder Dale Roberts reviews the latest financial headlines and explains what they mean for Canadian investors. Does this earnings season matter much? The market has been behaving erratically, and this earnings season may be especially noisy and of limited long-term value. For investors, the single most important factor remains … Read more

Are you a first-time home buyer planning to purchase in Alberta? This guide outlines what you need to know about buying property in the province, including how mortgage rules and rates apply, provincial programs for first-time buyers, and current trends in Alberta’s real estate market. Mortgage rules and rates: What to know about buying real … Read more

If you bought a premium car, left your job, launched a business, or separated from your partner in the last two years, there’s a good chance the pandemic played a role. COVID-19 also nudged many of us toward new hobbies—TikTok, sourdough baking, and endless streaming binges. While those pastimes mainly cost time and pantry staples, … Read more