Should I name beneficiaries on my investment accounts or leave them to my estate?—Catherine Named beneficiaries vs the estate — which is better? Thanks for your question, Catherine. When we plan our estates, one of the practical choices is deciding how investment accounts should transfer after death. The right approach depends on your situation, the … Read more

If you plan to buy a property, you probably already know you’ll need a down payment. This is the portion of the purchase price you pay up front and is subtracted from the total amount you borrow to buy the home. Exactly how much you must save for a down payment depends on the price … Read more

I am a divorced, empty nester and a registered nurse trying to plan the next five to ten years before retirement. I am 55 years old and will receive a workplace pension. Due to life circumstances, I did not begin contributing to my company pension until I was about 40. Here is my financial profile: … Read more

If you’re shopping for a car, you probably already have an idea of the body style you want—sedan, hatchback, crossover, SUV or pickup—as well as possible makes, models and even trim levels. You may have compared features and fuel economy, and now face one of the biggest decisions: should you buy new or used? New … Read more

We all pay taxes, yet many of us rarely check which federal and provincial tax brackets apply to our income. Understanding those brackets matters: it helps you estimate how much tax you’ll owe for 2022, especially if you’re self-employed or have a side hustle and haven’t had tax withheld. Knowing the federal and provincial bracket … Read more

Ask MoneySense I have lived in Canada for 24 years and I’m 65 years old now. I am still working at a company making a $78,000 salary. Since my health condition is OK, I am going to continue to work for two to four years. My question is: In my situation, is it better for … Read more

This week, Cut the Crap Investing founder, Dale Roberts, reviews the week’s financial headlines and explains what they mean for Canadian investors. What a week—the wrap It felt like déjà vu on the rate-hike front. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signalled that the Fed may slow the pace of rate increases as policy approaches a … Read more

Money-wise, this past year has been tough for many Canadians. The start of a new year is an ideal time to rethink spending habits and adopt strategies that improve your financial health. Avoid these three common money mistakes to set yourself up for greater stability and progress in 2023. Money mistake #1: Not paying off … Read more

There’s no way around it: the most wonderful time of year may also be the most expensive—especially this holiday season. According to research from Dentsu, 75% of consumers are worried about inflation driving up the cost of holiday items. From the turkey on the table to the decorations on the tree, many familiar traditions will … Read more

Want to improve how you manage your money? Personal finance newsletters deliver timely guidance, practical tips and market context directly to your inbox. Whether you’re building basic money habits, expanding your investing knowledge, or tracking economic trends that affect your finances, these top personal finance newsletters are worth subscribing to. For additional tips and curated … Read more