a canadian in jeans with empty pockets, representing the debt issue

Ipsos Poll: Canadians Are Less Than $200 From Hardship, Implications For The Economy And Strategies To Tackle Debt, Explained

The recent Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of MNP Ltd. paints a worrisome picture of the financial health of Canadian households. With more than half of Canadians indicating that they are only $200 or less away from not being able to make ends meet, the implications for the economy are far-reaching. This article delves into…

ByJohn WilsonJuly 11, 2023

Budgeting Personal Finance

How Much Should You Be Spending on Rent in Canada?

When it comes to financial planning, one of the most significant expenses you will face is housing. Rent is a crucial aspect of your budget that you need to get right. However, determining the right amount to spend on rent can be a challenging task. In this blog, we will explore the various factors that…

ByJohn WilsonFebruary 3, 2023

Elderly BC person on welfare taking glasses out of her purse

Budgeting Personal Finance

How Much Is Welfare In BC?

Welfare, also known as social assistance, is a government-funded program that provides financial support to individuals and families in need. In British Columbia (BC), welfare is administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and is intended to provide a basic level of financial assistance to those who are unable to support themselves.…

ByJohn WilsonJanuary 30, 2023

Budgeting Personal Finance

How Much Is Welfare In Ontario?

Welfare, also known as social assistance, is a government-funded program that provides financial support to individuals and families in need. In Ontario, Canada, the welfare system is administered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) and is intended to help individuals and families who are unable to support themselves financially. The program is…

ByJohn WilsonJanuary 29, 2023

Budgeting Personal Finance

What Are The Total Costs Of Owning A Dog In Canada?

As a proud dog owner, I can attest to the fact that our furry friends bring endless joy and love into our lives. But let's be real - having a dog also comes with a cost. From initial expenses like purchasing a puppy or adopting an adult dog, to ongoing expenses like food, vet bills,…

ByJohn WilsonJanuary 13, 2023

toy house on a calculator on a table, representing the important of budgeting

Budgeting Personal Finance

Why Is It Important To Budget?

Budgeting. It's not the most exciting topic in the world, but it's definitely an important one. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or a retiree, budgeting is crucial for ensuring that you have the financial stability and security to live the life you want. But why do you need to budget, exactly? Here are…

ByJohn WilsonJanuary 4, 2023

silver Canadian coin on a maple leaf background

Budgeting Investing Personal Finance Saving Stocks

Why Is Dollar Cost Averaging A Good Strategy?

There are a few purposes of dollar cost averaging, but the most common is to smooth out the effects that sporadic investing can have on the overall value of a portfolio. By buying small amounts of an asset at fixed intervals, an investor can reduce the risk that they will over- or under-pay for an…

ByJohn WilsonDecember 27, 2022

Budgeting Personal Finance Saving

RRSP Withholding Tax Rates & RRIF Implications

Withholding taxes on RRSPs may come as a surprise to some. Let’s start by covering the basics of what an RRSP is. A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is an investment account to save for retirement. It allows Canadians to earn tax-deferred savings on income and investments, which can help reduce the amount of taxes…

ByJohn WilsonDecember 9, 2022

someone paying with klarna on their iphone

Banking Budgeting Credit Cards Personal Finance

Klarna Canada Review

Klarna is a Swedish company that offers financial services, specifically buy now pay later financing. Klarna is available in 14 countries, including Canada. Buy now pay later is a type of financing that allows consumers to purchase items and take up to 12 months to pay for them, with no interest or fees. There are…

ByJohn WilsonDecember 5, 2022

Budgeting Important Dates Personal Finance Resources Saving

The Climate Action Incentive Program

The Climate Action Incentive Program is a Canadian federal government program that provides funding to eligible households and businesses. It exists in provinces and territories that have adopted the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. The funding helps offset the increased costs of complying with the carbon pricing system. That system was implemented…

ByJohn WilsonNovember 27, 2022