Give your child more choices in life As a parent, you want the best for your child—and that can be expensive. Food, clothes, books, toys, camp, sports, lessons; it all adds up. In fact, 36% of Canadian parents have borrowed or know someone who has borrowed to pay for a child’s extracurricular activities. With so…
Most of us have some kind of filing system for our important papers—but would someone else be able to find your documents quickly if something happens to you? If you’re injured or if you die, you’ll want your family or the executor of your will to find important papers including estate paperwork quickly by having…
With 52% of households comprised of single people, single is now a new normal in Canada. The cost of living is high for individuals who are solely accountable for their household income, budgeting and being financially prepared for the future. Tips for a single-person’s budget As a single person, it’s important for you to pay…
Set it and forget it. That’s an easy trap to fall into after opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Simply choose your investments, make regular contributions – being sure to trigger the maximum annual Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) – and watch your investments grow. The reality, however, is there are things to do….
You’ve set your personal fitness goals and have a great workout routine. But some days are tough – and it’s hard to make your workout a priority. Here are some tips on how you can stay motivated. By Paul Russell Having fitness goals and a workout routine are great steps to better health. But some…
Every day is a good day to think about maintaining your mental health. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps and thoughtful approaches to your lifestyle can make a big difference to your state of mind. By Lindsay Jolivet Keeping your mind healthy is a daily balance. We all have stress, be it from…
By Deanne Gage Think your mortgage will be part of your life for decades to come? It doesn’t have to be. Here are three strategies to shorten your route to mortgage freedom. Stretching out your mortgage over as long a period as possible may keep your payments down and help your short-term cash flow. But…
It’s never been easy discussing financial matters with family members, whether talking to your parents or adult children. But quite often, there’s one important reason to gather your courage and have the money talk. If you don’t address the issue when it’s on your mind, you may allow problems to develop down the road. Preventing…
Chad Fraser Whether you’re expecting your first child or have another on the way, nobody has to tell you that raising kids isn’t cheap. How much does it cost to raise a child in Canada? There’s no official Canadian government estimate. But the US Department of Agriculture once pegged a total of $233,610 (in U.S….
By Brenda Spiering If you’re selling your home, be sure to budget for the added costs involved. That way you’ll be ready when the time comes to close the deal. Is your starter home becoming a tight fit for your growing family? Are you longing for a bigger kitchen or more closet space? Is the…