Sibling relationships can be strained at the best of times—and a contested or poorly explained inheritance can make tensions much worse. Josh Sheluk, a portfolio manager at Verecan Capital Management, advises parents to keep estate plans simple, transparent and well-communicated. However, he notes, that ideal is not always met in practice. “Roughly half of adults … Read more

The federal government has confirmed that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will continue to implement the capital gains tax changes first proposed in last year’s federal budget, even though those measures have not yet received final approval in Parliament, which is currently prorogued until March 24. According to the Department of Finance, long-standing parliamentary convention … Read more

Justin Trudeau’s announcement that he will step down and that Parliament will be prorogued halts his government’s plan to implement the proposed capital gains tax changes for the time being. However, Canadians should not assume the tax measures are definitively off the table. The proposal would increase the taxable portion of capital gains from one-half … Read more

Ask MoneySense If the maximum I can have in my TFSA by 2024 is $95,000, and my late husband’s TFSA funds are added, how is the new amount regarded? —Roberta My condolences, Roberta. TFSA rules around inheritances and contribution room can be confusing, so here’s a clear explanation of the factors that determine how funds … Read more

On January 1, 2025, the federal government lowered Canada’s criminal interest rate to 35% annual percentage rate (APR) and capped payday loan fees at $14 per $100 borrowed. While these measures are designed to make short-term credit less expensive and more transparent, they carry potential unintended effects. For some borrowers, costs will drop and loans … Read more

Experts expect the Canadian equity market to build on the momentum it established in 2024, even as political uncertainty persists. While the outlook is broadly constructive, investors should brace for increased volatility and a somewhat slower pace of gains compared with last year. “The underlying fundamentals are strong,” said Angelo Kourkafas, senior investment strategist at … Read more

Several federal policy changes taking effect in the coming year could affect Canadians’ finances. Some are routine inflation adjustments, while others—like proposed capital gains rules—may require more planning. Brian Quinlan, a chartered professional accountant at Allay LLP, notes that many changes are standard annual updates, such as inflation-based adjustments to tax brackets and TFSA contribution … 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. Can we make sense of the 2025 markets? Predicting stock markets is notoriously difficult. There are far too many variables—monetary policy, geopolitics, consumer behaviour, and unexpected shocks—to make precise forecasts. Rather … Read more

Do you have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) online account? While it’s not required, a CRA account makes managing your tax and benefit information much easier and more convenient. The CRA is Canada’s federal tax authority, responsible for administering income taxes, benefit programs and related incentives on behalf of the Government of Canada and most … Read more

American Express credit cards deliver some of the most competitive earn rates and attractive travel perks available to Canadian cardholders. Below we highlight top Amex and Amex-affiliated cards for cash back, travel rewards, no annual fee and more, summarizing fees, welcome offers and what makes each option stand out. Best American Express credit cards in … Read more