Before discussing the pros and cons of renting versus buying a home, we have to consider which one is more economic at the end of the day. When looking at the bigger picture, there is a plethora of different rent vs. buy calculators out there, but most of them compare annual rents to asking prices ...
To start off, we have to ask the question – what is an ETF? An exchange traded fund (ETF) is a kind of security that involves a collection of securities (such as stocks), which often track an underlying index and can be used to invest in any number of industry sectors or use various strategies. ...
Education is an expensive investment that not everybody can easily afford. The struggling job market, coupled with the pandemic, makes meeting ends harder than ever. Here are some tips for students looking for ways to balance their ever-increasing expenses and tuition prices! Use Your Income Tax Refund Money There are some tax credits available for ...
An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is an account that allows any individual to save for retirement with tax-free growth or on a tax-deferred basis. Many financial experts advise that you need to invest approximately 85% of your pre-retirement income into retirement. An employer-sponsored savings plan, such as a 401(k), might not be sufficient to accumulate ...
Budgeting can be a tedious task when you have to manually input all your expenses and income using a spreadsheet on a computer or go traditional with a pen and paper. In today’s fast tracked world, even google sheets has been left behind. With virtually everyone using smartphones these days, keeping your finances on track ...
There is a plethora of credit card options to go with. You have to ensure that you are getting the best deal suited for your preferences and making the most of your money. Reward systems credit cards are all similar, but not equal. You have to learn how to choose a reward systems that will ...
New year, new you – stop shopping at big brands and opt for cheaper and more sustainable options, satisfying your wallet and the environment at the same time! Shopping second hand is a great idea, if you know how to do it well, which these tips will tell you how to! Be Prepared to Leave ...
First of all, congratulations. Paying a student loan is a daunting and herculean task that millions of people suffer with. Finally, the war has been won and you have emerged victorious! Now you may be wondering, what’s next? Here are some tips and advice on what you should do after you’re done paying off your ...
With another round of lockdowns, quarantine has allowed some of us to explore and pick up multiple hobbies. It has helped keep us sane and take a break from reality. One of the best parts about having a hobby, other than the solace it provides, is that we can sometimes make some extra pocket money ...
The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in different ways, and lost income is one common struggle many of us are dealing with. On the “bright side”, quarantine meant more ways to save money as well. Whether it was from cutting down gas consumption while working or studying from home, or because outdoor outings have ...
Most of us just pay our electricity bill without really looking at it, discarding it without a second glance. For those of us who are stringent about our bills, we probably think we already know how to read our bill. Because of this, it’s rare we think twice about it. But in reality, we may ...
Going to college is stressful. Add in the fact that those years are usually spent spending money and not making money, and your stress levels are through the roof. If you’ve ever been worried about how to make money while you’re in college, this is the blog for you. Sell used books Once you’ve purchased ...
Grocery shopping in the midst of a pandemic is a much different experience—even if your budget hasn’t changed. Whether you are now shopping on a reduced budget, or simply struggling with long-term meal planning it’s important to know which ingredients will go the extra mile in the kitchen (and pantry). Here are a few items ...
Whether you’re a student looking to get your own apartment for the first time or an adult looking to get a new place to move into – getting scammed has become a frequently occurring thing nowadays. Having some basic knowledge about the scammers and their techniques is essential for everyone who wants to rent ...
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and drastic changes in the world; people are doing their best to adapt and cope with the “new norm”. This basically means carrying out most of our life (including homeschooling) from home. With the closing of most institutions, including some schools and classes; parents are finding it difficult to keep ...
Are you the creative type that doesn’t last a week without crafting birthday cards, making tie-dye shirts, or renovating your kitchen countertops? Do you get carried on with your imagination that you end up spending way more than you should on tools and materials? Well, if this sounds like you, then you should reconsider the ...
There are many types of bank accounts out there, and you should know what your financial goals are and what services you might need in order for you to choose the right one for you or for one of your family members. Here, we’re going to go over a few commonly used types briefly, to ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented the challenge of the decade to all economic sectors, especially tourism. The precautions taken by world leaders meant travel restrictions on a national and international level until they have the knowledge and facilities to come up with a better solution. Because of that, the tourism industry is trying some new ...
You’ve graduated high school and you’re looking into pursuing your post-secondary studies. Universities are prohibitively expensive and there is no way you can afford all that much money. Although taking out a loan sounds daunting, it is inevitable for those who want that degree but can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars. Here are answers ...
Negotiating one’s salary could be intimidating for anyone. Whether you are just now entering the professional world as a new graduate or have already stepped into your career path and deserve a raise, many factors go into deciding a salary, experience, skills, potential, and many other important criteria. No matter the conditions or where you ...
Last time, we spoke about a few ways to invest in yourself! If you haven’t seen our first 4 ideas, check out our previous blog 9 Great Ways To Invest In Yourself – Part 1, and come back here to look at another 5 ways to invest in yourself. 5- “Schooling Doesn’t Assure employment but Skill ...
There is a limitless number of various projects to invest in, such as assets, stock market, mutual funds, rental housing. Even with a small sum of money, there’s always a spot for you in the field of investment. While all of this is important, the most important of all is to invest in is YOURSELF. ...
At work, everyone should learn to say “no”, but most of us find it easier to say yes to people, even when we don’t feel the willingness to do what they asked. We do this because we think that we have to or to be nice, or because we don’t have the heart to ...
We all have been putting off our long-awaited-for quarantine projects because laying on the couch all day just sounds like a better idea than refurbishing my grandmother’s pantry. Because we are all in the same boat, today, we share with you five simple habits that you should work on now during quarantine because, believe me, ...
Usually our caregivers take care of all the financial matters when we are younger. Therefore, we find no need to gather information or experience related to this subject until usually our early twenties. This leaves us with little to no financial knowledge on our finances until our late teens. Which is when we go to ...
Are you stuck with white walls that are slowly draining your energy and impacting your mentality making your life feel monotonous and empty? Or maybe your room isn’t very spacious, and it feels cluttered although you tidy it regularly. Here are a few simple changes you can do even if you’re no expert in interior ...
Personal finances can get complicated to a non-professional. It is also hard to keep up with all of the numbers on paper where they can be lost or on notes where they’ll easily be disorganized. So here we brought to you a list of useful apps which we think will help you in those processes: ...
There are many reasons new businesses might struggle during their first years. Especially, when the small business is managed by someone with no marketing background. New entrepreneurs tend to ignore a few simple yet crucial criteria effecting consumer behaviour. As there are many, we’re going to highlight a few which are easy to work on: ...
Due to this pandemic, many people around the world are under quarantine for longer periods of time, it’s getting more and more boring to just lie on the couch all day long and moving from bedroom to living room as Netflix plays in the background of this loop, it seems to be the only thing ...
You might’ve heard it a million times that everyone should keep a good credit score, but you may be still not fully clear on what does that means or why do you need it. A good credit score will facilitate so many things and influence many procedures. For example, it would come in hand in ...
If you want to keep your spending under control, there isn’t a more guaranteed way than to move around with a limited amount of money. This is what makes prepaid cards popular. It offers you the freedom of electronic paying without getting too free to overspend. Like any tool we use to conduct our works, ...
For many people, buying a new car can be the start of an adventure. However, most people who are just starting out can’t afford to buy a new car without an auto loan. A little planning is all it takes to find an affordable auto loan that meets your needs. With these tips, you’ll walk away with your ...
Leasing a car may seem like something only rich people do, but it’s often the most financially responsible choice you can make. Although buying a car will save you money in the long run, leasing can be a good option for people who live in big cities or need more flexibility. We’ll go over some ...
Short answer: Yes! A hobby is a joy, a way to express our individuality, a time spent in our own happy world, and they’re pretty much the cheapest antidepressant we can’t find in the market! In this digital era we’re living in, a hobby is no longer a leisure time we steal away from our ...
Shopping online has replaced the need to go into a physical store and buy something. No longer do you have to get off the couch, wait in traffic, and stand in line to buy that TV you’ve been eyeing. With just a click of a button you can have it sent directly to your front door. Online ...
Finding the best student loans can be an intimidating task, especially if you’re attending undergraduate school for the first time! Most kids don’t even know what they’re going to major in, let alone how they’re going to stagger their student loan payments. But student loans aren’t as complicated as they may look. Once you’ve got the ...
Your credit score is an important part of your financial profile. Understanding how credit scores work, why they’re important, and what you can do to improve yours is essential to your overall financial well-being. A credit score is a number ranging from 300 to 900 that represents how likely you are to pay your bills ...
Just like saving for retirement, when it comes to teaching your kids about finances, the earlier you start the better. A recent study from the University of Cambridge found that kids form their money habits by as early as 7 years old! And at that age, the number one way they are observing money transactions ...
“Always save for a rainy day.” There’s no doubt that we’ve all heard that one before, but how many of us actually followed through? Thanks to the coronavirus, our rainy day has come. The Canadian economy is slowly falling and it is beyond our control. Don’t look back at what you could have saved, instead ...
Does the question to rent or to buy ever cross your mind? Well, there is no real right or wrong answer since it truly depends on your financial situation, your long-term goals, and your preferences. Renting or buying property is a serious life decision— one that needs to be analyzed carefully, but there are some ...
Do you ever think about investing, but you don’t know where to start? You are definitely not alone! There are several factors to consider when investing. But before diving in, consider this: the finance sector depends on your personal financial situation and your personality. Unless you are filled with debts, you should start investing. So ...
Ready to buy a new phone or computer? Not the biggest fan of the price tag that comes with it? Here are 5 easy ways to save on your new technology. New Phone: Dying for a new phone? Don’t just sign a new phone plan contract! Often phone companies will try to give what looks ...
So you love to travel, but don’t have a lot to spend? Join the club. Luckily there are many ways to travel cheaply. Here are a few ways to travel on a budget. Choose a country with more bang for your buck: Don’t have a lot of dough? That’s okay! Find a country where your ...
Money management doesn’t come easy for everyone. Unless you are naturally inclined, or working in the field, managing finances can be a tough learning curve. It can often seem overwhelming and though it is an essential life skill, it is often lacking from our education. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be ...
It may not feel like it yet but spring is just around the corner which means it’s time for some spring cleaning. But, what about applying the spring-cleaning concept to more than just your home? It is likely that your finances could be in some need of a good clean up. Let’s call it a ...
Has this ever happened to you: Income tax time arrives; you file your taxes only to realize you owe a ton of money!!! As much as we know that income taxes come around once a year every single year, we often ignore it to save ourselves the shock. As we much rather only be shocked ...
Having to do renovations in your home can elicit different reactions. This depends often on whether it is an aesthetic choice, an obligation, or an emergency leading to renovations. Fun VS Not-so-fun renovations When doing renovations to your home for aesthetic purposes, it often means you’ve taken the time to think about it, to plan it, ...
Did you cringe the last time you saw your electricity bill? Looking for easy ways to bring the cost down, without making too many changes in your day to day routine? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few helpful changes you can make to help bring down your power bill! Change your light bulbs: ...
The question of saving money while paying off debt is a common one. Some people may think that you shouldn’t save at all while paying off debt.. The reason it is reasonable to think that you should be using all your available cash flow into paying off your dues as opposed to having some of ...
Promotions, rebates, flash sales and special offers are common. The stores market their products in such a way that appeals to us. They make us feel like we either want it, need it, deserve it, or in some cases, they present it as an offer that we just can’t refuse. Whatever the reason may be, ...
Debt can sometimes be overwhelming, and we tend to get discouraged when facing it. As it can be a daunting thought to decide to address the issue head on. Though it might be a very difficult task, once you decide to get out of debt, you will need to commit to a plan. Here are ...
Sometimes, life can end up catching up with you and before you know it, you’ve racked up a ton of debt. It might seem like a Herculean feat to get out from under debt, but it is possible. Like most things in life, it won’t be easy, but it is possible to pay off your ...
Having children brings many additional expenses of expected and unexpected sources. From the extra spending on activities, food, school supplies, clothes and regular day-to-day spending, it is undeniable that children generate expenses. You happily spend on your children because you want to invest in them. Beyond the short-term needs, have you considered the long-term needs? ...
Are you tired of wearing the same thing over and over? Looking in your stuffed closet, but feel like you’ve got nothing to wear? Wish you could go on a shopping spree to change your look or just freshen up your wardrobe, but just don’t have the cash? You’re not alone. Here are some ways ...
Why and how we use credit cards will greatly influence our capacity to save money and accumulate wealth over time. What I am proposing is that credit cards can be used as a tool that can help you augment your savings. This might be counter intuitive because I am talking about using a credit card ...
We know, you just finished the holiday vacation. Let’s be real though, you’re already thinking about your next vacay. The break is never long enough. So instead of just daydreaming about your next vacation getaway… we can help you make it happen! Even (especially!) if you’re on a tight budget. 1: Carryon If you’re taking ...
You want to save the planet, however, you just looked at the price of a Hydroflask and cringed. Wish you could switch, but it seems too difficult and expensive? Here are a couple of helpful ways to go green, and save yourself some of that hard earned cash! Transportation The first, and easiest way to ...
You’ve said yes to every slice of pie, delicious meal, and glass of wine during the holidays, and you’ve enjoyed every minute of it! Calories don’t count during the holidays, everyone knows that! However, there is no better time than the new year to get fit and healthy again. You’ve just made your New Year’s ...
Have you heard of tax-free savings accounts? You might not have. If you did know about tax-free savings accounts, do you really know what it is? If you are like most, you don’t truly comprehend what this is. That is why we are going to break it down for you and discuss how it can ...
There are lots of scams out there and ways that sellers are tricking you out of your hard- earned cash. But what if there was a way to use trickery to your advantage? I’ve found useful tips that will help trick yourself to save your money. For some, trickery might not be necessary in order ...
The holidays are here, and while this season should be a stress free, happy time of the year, many are stressing about how to stretch their dollars further. In a time when many are struggling to pay their monthly bills, gift giving can become a financial burden which brings more stress than joy. One way ...
Holiday season is fast approaching. Friends, family, food and gifts are all on the menu. Many will have gatherings, parties and various events to go to. To some, the holidays are synonymous with fun and celebration. For others, it is an added stress, especially if there is an existing financial strain. A budget under attack! ...
For some, camping involves pitching a tent by a lake. Others hit the road in the family motorhome, in search of inspiring vistas or perfect swimming holes. Whether you pack light or want the equivalent of a house on wheels, there are many things to consider. What sort of food will you take? If you’ll ...
Despite what pop culture may suggest, it is entirely possible to be your “best self” when it comes to your health. You don’t need fancy runners or a personal gym. Nor do you need to spend half of your last paycheque on the latest “super-food” craze. With a few basic changes to your lifestyle, you ...
For many, the arrival of summer brings the opportunity to attend or host a variety of social events. Whether it’s an informal gathering or a highly-anticipated milestone event, there are many aspects to event planning. What food will you serve? What will you hand out as party favours? Will you need to find live performers? ...
You don’t have to consider yourself a die-hard tree-hugger to do your part for the health of our planet. Despite what the latest marketing gimmick may have you believe, you really can go eco-friendly on the cheap. Leading an environmentally responsible lifestyle doesn’t require replacing your entire wardrobe or completely overhauling your eating habits. Keep ...
Are you looking for ways to give your garden a fresh look without drying up your savings account? There are plenty of ways to add some colour and style to your yard without mowing over your budget and staying economical. With summer in full swing, here are a few budget-friendly tips for making your green ...
From iPhones to tablets, from laptops to chargers, technology has become a ubiquitous component of our daily lives. Whether it’s your car’s GPS unit or your top-of-the-line headphones, our lives are becoming increasingly IT-dependent. However, our never-ending desire to be plugged in means we often tune out when it comes to saving on technology. Are ...
Picture yourself on a warm, sandy beach. Waves are calmly lapping the seashore and you’re basking under the sun. Does this sound like your retirement paradise? Once nearly guaranteed, a comfortable retirement has now started slipping out of the reach of many aspiring retirees. Keep reading for a few things to consider that will help ...
How do I know the real value of a car ? How can I tell if a car is in decent shape ? What should I look for during a test drive ? If you have ever considered buying a used vehicle, you have probably pondered all these questions and more. There are a seemingly ...
While some of your bills may be unavoidably high, electricity is one expense you do have some control over. With its ubiquitous role in our daily lives, it is easy to take this utility for granted. You may even forget that you pay according to your usage. Sure, we all have to shower, cook dinner ...
Are you one of the many millennials on the hunt for your first house? Don’t wait until you have found your dream home to find out about mortgages or down payments. Put your best foot forward by getting money matters settled well before you start searching for a house. It’s never too early to ...
Do you regularly rack up charges from exceeding your maximum monthly data allowance or number of minutes? Tired of accumulating long-distance charges to make international calls? Looking for a new phone or plan? Keep the following in mind to avoid paying for excessive charges or useless extras. Live together, save together If you have ...
Nothing says “welcome to adulthood” quite like getting your first credit card bill. Having a credit card gives you the chance to build a solid credit history. However, it also comes with the risk of ending up in the red. Whether you’re a first-time credit card shopper or an experienced cardholder, there are a few ...
We’ve all had wardrobe purchases that, sooner or later, we’ve lived to regret. Designer shoes we splurged on, hoping they would be more comfortable after getting worn in. A patterned scarf you couldn’t walk away from, even though it doesn’t match anything else you own. Or maybe it was a party dress that no longer ...
How to pay for your child’s education is an issue that undoubtedly crosses most parents’ minds as their children grow up. Although it may seem like a far-off event, before you know it, your kid will be graduating high school. This important milestone often involves considerable financial stress as your kid prepares to leave the ...
Does your idea of investing consist of putting spare change in a piggy bank? If so, then you might want to consider the following tips to help you get the most out of your finances and learn about investment. Assess your financial situation and your goals Your investment goals will depend on factors like your ...
There’s no question that owning a home is a major responsibility that comes with significant challenges and expenses. Do you have a mortgage on your home that you’re still paying off? You may be able to take advantage of your home equity to maximize your financial gain from your assets. Your equity can be used ...
Like any insurance policy, life insurance and other similar types of insurance depend on many variables. These may include your age, gender and medical history. Therefore, it pays to shop around and factor in your personal situation. This will help you figure out which type of insurance you need and which policy best fits your ...
With summer just weeks away, you’re probably already thinking about where to spend your precious free time. Not sure which corner of the globe you want to visit for your summer vacation? Regardless, you’ll want to get the most out of every hard-earned dollar. Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you of selecting a few ...
Renovating your home does involve some up-front expenses. However, you can easily recoup your costs through the resulting added value if you decide to sell. Here are a few starting points to inspire your next home renovation project. Upgrade appliances Household appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers are at the source of up to 14% of ...
As Canada’s largest city, there is undoubtedly no lack of things to do in this bustling metropolis during the month of May. A smorgasbord of Canadian culture, shopping, live performances, cuisine and more, it’s easy to empty your pockets fast in Toronto. However, try seeking out alternatives to the typical tourist attractions and sights. This ...
If you’re a nature enthusiast, Victoria is your ideal destination. A seaside paradise, Victoria has been nicknamed “The Garden City”. There are many opportunities to take in its abundance of urban greenery and to explore everything else it has to offer! Victoria’s Scenic Marine Drive Hit the road! If you’re into road trips, this is ...
When thinking of ways to save, downsizing your home or buying a used car instead of a new one may come to mind. These bigger-ticket items will undoubtedly help you keep your expenses in check and are likely sensible choices to make. However, there are also plenty of small, daily expenses that you can minimize ...
As the nation’s capital, Ottawa plays host to a number of important federal institutions and officials. However, as a visitor, you can still enjoy the best of this city without spending a pretty penny. Explore the capital buildings It goes without saying, a visit to Ottawa is not complete without taking in Parliament Hill. Take ...
The hub of the Maritimes, Halifax is small enough to almost forget you’re actually in a city. Nonetheless, it’s big enough to offer something for everyone seeking to discover this seaside jewel. Equal parts hip and cozy, you’re bound to find plenty to discover, no matter your interests or your budget. Head to the harbour ...
Looking for some quick money, but not ready to volunteer to work overtime at your day job? At one point or another, there’s a good chance you might need to look for some alternative sources of income. If you find yourself in a financial tight spot, consider some of the ideas below. Depending on what ...
Even if you live on a strict budget and do what you can to reduce expenses, extenuating circumstances may make it necessary for you to seek out financing to make it to your next payday without getting behind on bill payments or other immediate expenses. Do you have mounting medical bills due to a recent ...
Don’t let the excuse “I’m on a budget” prevent you from having fun. With a little creativity and some planning ahead, you can still enjoy many leisure activities without busting your budget. Keep reading for some suggestions from Eastern Loans on how to have fun while staying frugal. Go in a group, split the budget ...
We’ve all heard the saying that “it’s not about the money.” Everyone wants to enjoy their day-to-day life without having to track every cent in their bank account. However, if your wallet is weighing heavily on your mind, you’ll need to assess your financial situation and learn how to manage your money. This may involve ...
Eating healthy does not mean that you have to blow your budget, spend hours scouring grocery shelves for the perfect ingredient, or invest all of your free time (which, let’s be honest, everyone seems to have increasingly less of these days) in meal prep. Keeping the following tips in mind will allow you to enjoy ...
It’s February and by this time of year, you’re likely just beginning to see the light as you crawl out of the financial hole the holidays had dug. If you’re lucky enough to have that special someone however, the celebration of love might be a source of financial stress. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. ...
You already know what winter means for Canadians: Shovelling the driveway, scraping the ice off your vehicle in the morning, bundling up for 10 minutes before facing the outdoors and of course; the most expensive electricity bill you can expect to receive during the year. Winter’s about half way through (we hope!) but there’s still ...
Do you have any idea how much fees you pay each year to your bank? Most people do not pay attention to these fees and at the end of the year, the total amount is certainly higher than what people expected to pay. In Canada, the total amount of banking fees paid by an average ...
Is becoming a homeowner one of your dearest dreams? Be prepared, Canadian real estate is currently paved with obstacles making the way to homeownership difficult. For example, the housing costs never cease to increase. The challenges are so great that it forces some to postpone their plans to become owners or even to discourage other. ...
Are you currently in a precarious financial situation? Navigating through all the different loans offered by many financial institutions or private lenders can be confusing. It can feel stressful and hopeless. Do not panic! There is a type of loan for every situation and the most common possibilities are listed and explained below. There ...
Are you flat broke and swimming in a sea of debt? Is it difficult for you to pay off your bills on time? If one of these situations apply to you, you are probably stressed out by your financial instability. But do not panic! Debt counselling can help you regain your monetary security. The financial ...
As a recent graduate, you may be struggling between finding a new job and paying off your student loan. In an ideal world, everyone would have a good paying career after he or she finished her or his post-secondary education. However, in reality, students often have difficulty to find a job following graduation. Making ...
Sometimes the unexpected events of life put you in a little sensitive financial situation. For example, you need to do purchases related to the repair of the car or to hospital expenses. Or maybe, sometimes you simply need an extra money to do some home renovations but you are left with no alternative but to ...
If you intend to buy a house recently, you already know that shopping for a new home in a red-hot market is not an easy task. Properties located in much-appreciated neighborhoods are so valued and in great demand that buyers are often forced to buy hastily without even considering housing inspections or financing clauses. ...
