Delivering you the very best money tips, news, and how-to's in Canada every single week. Wondering how to break up with your bank, how to save thousands on your mortgage, or how the latest economic news affects you? You're in the right place.
By now you should have completed your taxes and are most likely eagerly awaiting your return. While some will get just a couple hundred dollars back, some of you could be in for a fairly sizable cheque. It’s easy to get excited about unexpected money, and hard not to want to spend it all at once. Before it arrives, though, take some time to think about how you can best use that money. Here are 8 suggestions for ways you can spend your tax refund wisely.
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According to the Canadian Bankers Association, Canadians collectively held 74.5 million Visa and MasterCard credit cards in 2011. That works out to nearly three cards per adult. And that’s just Visa and MasterCard cards. With millions of retail cards issued by stores like the Hudson’s Bay Company and The Brick and it’s no wonder our wallets are bulging, even if there’s no cash in them. But how does this compare to others countries? And what are the implications of our addiction to credit?
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When I’m at the checkout, I often open my wallet and pause for a moment, pondering how to pay. Cash? Nope, I’m saving it unless I’m buying a pack of gum. So it’s often the debate between debit and credit card. The final tally, in many ways, is the same. I buy something, I have to pay for it, either now (debit) or later (credit). But the decision is much more complex if you look at the bigger picture.
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All reward cards aren’t created equal. Depending on the card you choose, you’ll be offered rewards points, miles, or cash-back. But how do you know what you’re really getting? Which card offers the best deal? And why are more users choosing cash back cards?
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You’ve seen the credit card offers before: 0% interest on balance transfers, or transfer your outstanding credit card balance and get this great (insert gift incentive here). So what’s the deal? Why would those offers appeal to already cash strapped consumers? Here are the top 2 reasons why you’d want a credit card with a low balance transfer rate.
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Want to know what the outlook is on mortgage rates for the next 30 to 40 days? Our panel of mortgage experts share their views on Canadian Mortgage Rate Trends.
Panel Consensus
May 2012
