The next two years will probably bring feeble increases in GDP, in line with 2019’s uninspiring performance. Job creation is likely to decelerate
As the clock winds down on 2019, it’s time to ponder what the coming year may have in store for the Canadian economy. To provide some context, 2019 hasn’t been a great year for the economy, with inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by around 1.6 per cent. This was less than growth in both…
Keep in mind that, despite new disclosure rules to increase transparency, the fee shown on your investment report may not be the total fee you paid your adviser
When comparing your investment returns to that of others or those you see published, selection and timing are two critical issues. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples: that you’re weighing similar investments. Each investor has their own risk tolerance and objectives. What’s right for your friend, neighbour or family member may not be right for…
It depends. As with all financial planning questions, no one answer fits every situation
“Did I need to take the insurance the bank sold me when I got my mortgage? Do I need mortgage insurance at all?” C.P. wrote and asked. I’m often asked this and the answer is usually the same: That depends. As with all financial planning questions, no one answer fits every situation. The simple answer in…
'There is a financial wellness crisis, and it's affecting Canadians of all demographics' -- Manulife
Household debt is growing so large, it may be cracking Canada's financial foundation. A Manulife Financial Corporation survey found that two-in-five Canadians do not expect to escape debt in their lifetime and the spending-to-income ratio is trending negatively in Canada. The Manulife Bank Debt Survey found: 94 per cent of Canadians say the average household…
Many people take a long time to launch on adult life because they've never been taught to spend less than they make
“The first responsibility of adulthood is paying your own bills,” according to Jamaica Finance Minister Peter Phillips. That country has worked hard to wean itself of dependency on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is in a position to stand on its own feet economically. Paying your bills is a definition of adulthood that applies…
When you arrive to Canada with the aim to settle there, you need to take care of many problems: housing, job, educational institutions for yourself or your children, and even language courses, if your English needs improving. Your finances should also be on the agenda. As a new comer to Canada, you need to choose…
Can you afford to hold off and increase your payments later? Will you need more CPP and OAS later in life? And how long do you expect to live?
Most people know they can start collecting their Canada Pension Plan (CPP) at age 60, even though they’ll get smaller monthly payments than if they waited until 65. Many people just want the money now and don’t care about any added benefits to delaying CPP and Old Age Security (OAS). The standard CPP and OAS…
When it comes to financial health, Quebec is the healthiest province and Alberta lags behind, said the report.
By Troy Media The TD Financial Health Index finds that four in 10 Canadians are financially struggling, with Albertans lagging when it comes to financial health. The index by the TD Bank Group is a national benchmarking survey providing a portrait of Canadians’ financial well-being and how they’re managing their personal finances. The study, released…
A report released on Monday by MNP Ltd., Canada’s biggest personal insolvency practice, says 58 per cent of Albertans say they are more concerned about their ability to repay their debts than they used to be. The report found: After paying all their current bills and debt obligations, Albertans say they are, on average, left…
HELOCs often used for home improvement and renovation spending has been on a steep climb for 18 years: Scotiabank report
Total chartered bank household credit growth in Canada accelerated in August, supported by an expansion in residential mortgage credit and non-mortgage credit that was the fastest in about two years, says a new report by Scotiabank. But the report also said that growth in home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) has slowed since its peak…