Senior Discounts Vanishing From Our Banks
When my husband turned 60, being the cheapskate that I am, I was eager to check out what senior discounts we could expect from our TD Bank. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot – and that’s exactly what was offered, not a whole lot. Related: Free Chequing Account Comparison When I worked for the bank…
Read MoreAeroplan, Avion, Avios, Adios
This is a guest post by reader Charles Newell, who has recently done some extensive research on redeeming travel rewards. Much has been written on these pages about rewards cards but little with regard to what you can do with the rewards once you’ve got them. In October of 2009 we switched from two CIBC…
Read MoreHow To Deal With Technology Outsourcing
You may have already heard or read about the controversy surrounding RBC’s decision to outsource technology jobs to an Indian firm. I must admit that when I read the article I thought to myself, why are they only speaking of these 45 jobs? As a technologist I have seen may “organizational redevelopments” as they are…
Read MoreHave You Made Your Retirement Plans?
When you start your career your financial priorities revolve around the present – paying off student loans, buying a house, your next vacation. You completed the company pension forms because they were part of your new employee documents package. You opened an RRSP account because someone told you it was a good idea – and…
Read MoreShould You Get A Fixed Or Variable Rate Mortgage?
Whether you’re buying a home or looking to renew your mortgage, you’ll need to choose between a fixed or variable rate mortgage. That choice has become more difficult lately as the spread narrows between fixed and variable rates. Ever since prime rate bottomed out at 2.25% back in April 2009 most of us predicted interest…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Switch And Save Edition
I’ve written a lot about using a cash back credit card to earn some money back on your everyday spending. But it isn’t very smart to use a rewards credit card when you’re struggling with credit card debt. Think about the 1 or 2 percent you’ll earn on your spending versus the 19 or 20…
Read MoreHow I Saved Over $300 On My House Insurance
When I recently received my homeowners insurance renewal documents, included was a letter explaining why the rate was increased. It stated how “severe catastrophic events worldwide continues to be a leading cause of loss for insurance companies,” blah, blah, blah. “So what” I thought, “I don’t live in a hurricane/earthquake/tsunami prone area. What does this…
Read MoreGadgets And Travel Are Modern Day Status Symbols?
Maybe it’s because I work in technology but I’ve never thought of tablet computers and 3D TV’s as status symbols in today’s world. According to this article from the UK’s Dailymail these symbols have changed significantly from 20 years ago. It might have been enough to own a house with a 2 car garage…
Read MoreAre Bonds A Safe Investment?
Q. With the financial mess that a lot of countries are in (or about to be in) these days I wonder how the experts feel about bonds being a safe investment. Johnson & Johnson, for example, has a better credit rating than the U.S. government. Are bonds still safer than stocks? Gary D. To retirees,…
Read MoreHow To Bank When You’re Living Paycheque To Paycheque
Nearly half of Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque. A recent survey by the Canadian Payroll Association found 47% saying they would face financial hardship if their pay was delayed as little as one week. Living Paycheque To Paycheque One of the easiest ways to save money is on your bank fees, but it can…
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