Colin Graves
Colin Graves
Freelance WriterColin Graves is a Winnipeg-based financial writer and editor whose work has been featured in publications such as Time, MoneySense, MapleMoney, Retire Happy, The College Investor, and more. Before becoming a full-time writer, Colin was a bank manager for over 15 years.
Colin Graves is a personal finance writer and editor with over two decades of experience in banking and financial services. His work has been featured in Time, MoneySense, MapleMoney, Retire Happy, The College Investor, and Money.ca, among others. Before transitioning into full-time financial writing, Colin spent 15 years as a bank manager at a top North American financial institution, overseeing portfolios exceeding $1 billion. With certifications including the Professional Financial Planning Course (PFPC®) and Canadian Securities Course (CSC®), Colin specializes in personal finance, investing, and retirement planning. As Managing Editor at MapleMoney, Retire Happy, and WalletHacks, he helps readers navigate money matters with clarity and confidence. Colin believes financial success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset. His insights empower Canadians to take control of their money and build lasting wealth.
Colin Graves's Expertise
Managing Money • Jul 17
Canadians owe $3.25 trillion! Use Ray Dalio’s simple test to sort good debt from bad
Credit Cards • Jun 09
Tim Hortons is killing its credit card — what happens to your rewards points?
More from Colin Graves
LATEST
Insurance • Jul 23
Ontario home insurance now averages $2,235 a year, up 6% from 2025. Here’s why
Home insurance premiums across Ontario climbed this year, with northern towns paying nearly 50% more than average — here's what's driving costs and how to manage your renewal
Insurance • Jul 23
Ontario home insurance now averages $2,235 a year, up 6% from 2025. Here’s why
Home insurance premiums across Ontario climbed this year, with northern towns paying nearly 50% more than average — here's what's driving costs and how to manage your renewal
Insurance • Jul 20
Canadians may be underestimating this $2,500 home insurance deductible trap
A rising tide of burst pipes, sewer backups, and storm damage means many Canadian homeowners could face a $2,500 deductible before their insurer pays a cent
Insurance • Jul 20
Canadians may be underestimating this $2,500 home insurance deductible trap
A rising tide of burst pipes, sewer backups, and storm damage means many Canadian homeowners could face a $2,500 deductible before their insurer pays a cent
Banking • Jul 18
Ray Dalio says savings equal freedom — here's the number many Canadians are missing
High income doesn't guarantee financial security. Here's how to calculate the savings threshold that protects you if your paycheque stops — and why CRA and CPP rules make it higher than you think
Banking • Jul 18
Ray Dalio says savings equal freedom — here's the number many Canadians are missing
High income doesn't guarantee financial security. Here's how to calculate the savings threshold that protects you if your paycheque stops — and why CRA and CPP rules make it higher than you think
Managing Money • Jul 17
Canadians owe $3.25 trillion! Use Ray Dalio’s simple test to sort good debt from bad
The billionaire investor's simple test for sorting good debt from bad debt matters more with Canada's household debt-to-income ratio at a record 179.6%
Managing Money • Jul 17
Canadians owe $3.25 trillion! Use Ray Dalio’s simple test to sort good debt from bad
The billionaire investor's simple test for sorting good debt from bad debt matters more with Canada's household debt-to-income ratio at a record 179.6%
Investing • Jul 14
Canada enacted the Stablecoin Act — here's what the new Bank of Canada oversight means for your crypto payments
Bill C-15 gave the Bank of Canada authority over stablecoin issuers. The rules aren't fully in force yet — but the platforms you use may already need to change.
Investing • Jul 14
Canada enacted the Stablecoin Act — here's what the new Bank of Canada oversight means for your crypto payments
Bill C-15 gave the Bank of Canada authority over stablecoin issuers. The rules aren't fully in force yet — but the platforms you use may already need to change.
Insurance • Jul 10
Nearly 1 in 3 Canadians couldn't survive 6 months financially after major illness — most lack critical illness insurance
Nearly 1 in 3 Canadians say their savings would run out in six months after a major diagnosis — and 91% have no critical illness insurance to fill the gap.
Insurance • Jul 10
Nearly 1 in 3 Canadians couldn't survive 6 months financially after major illness — most lack critical illness insurance
Nearly 1 in 3 Canadians say their savings would run out in six months after a major diagnosis — and 91% have no critical illness insurance to fill the gap.
Investing • Jul 10
A finfluencer’s penalty signals a crackdown — what Canadians need to know now about social media investing advice
The Alberta Securities Commission found Jayconomics guilty of promoting stocks without disclosing paid partnerships — the OSC warns this problem is much bigger than one person
Investing • Jul 10
A finfluencer’s penalty signals a crackdown — what Canadians need to know now about social media investing advice
The Alberta Securities Commission found Jayconomics guilty of promoting stocks without disclosing paid partnerships — the OSC warns this problem is much bigger than one person
Managing Money • Jul 07
This common newcomer TFSA mistake can cost you $670 a month in CRA penalties — here’s how to avoid it
TFSA contribution room only accumulates from the year you became a Canadian resident — not from 2009. Here’s how to confirm your real limit and what to do if you’ve already over-contributed
Managing Money • Jul 07
This common newcomer TFSA mistake can cost you $670 a month in CRA penalties — here’s how to avoid it
TFSA contribution room only accumulates from the year you became a Canadian resident — not from 2009. Here’s how to confirm your real limit and what to do if you’ve already over-contributed
News • Jul 01
2.5 million Canadians already use Koho. A $1.33B valuation and a new bank license could make it a Big Six rival
Koho Financial is one regulatory step away from becoming a chartered Canadian bank. Here's what a Schedule 1 license would actually mean for your money.
News • Jul 01
2.5 million Canadians already use Koho. A $1.33B valuation and a new bank license could make it a Big Six rival
Koho Financial is one regulatory step away from becoming a chartered Canadian bank. Here's what a Schedule 1 license would actually mean for your money.
Managing Money • Jun 27
Incorporated professionals may be missing a tax break worth thousands — the $50,000 passive income trap
Incorporated professionals who hold investments inside their operating corporation may be eroding the small business deduction — one of Canada's most valuable corporate tax breaks.
Managing Money • Jun 27
Incorporated professionals may be missing a tax break worth thousands — the $50,000 passive income trap
Incorporated professionals who hold investments inside their operating corporation may be eroding the small business deduction — one of Canada's most valuable corporate tax breaks.
News • Jun 26
3 million temporary residents face financial uncertainty as Canada reduces PR targets by 18%
Ottawa has cut immigration, reducing permanent resident targets to 395,000 in 2025 and 365,000 in 2026. Here's what it means for newcomers' eligibility for mortgages and registered accounts.
News • Jun 26
3 million temporary residents face financial uncertainty as Canada reduces PR targets by 18%
Ottawa has cut immigration, reducing permanent resident targets to 395,000 in 2025 and 365,000 in 2026. Here's what it means for newcomers' eligibility for mortgages and registered accounts.
News • Jun 25
Banks are withdrawing fraud settlements if customers escalate — OBSI says it must stop
Canada's banking ombudsman reported that banks are withdrawing fraud settlement offers when customers escalate complaints — here's what that means for you and how to protect yourself.
News • Jun 25
Banks are withdrawing fraud settlements if customers escalate — OBSI says it must stop
Canada's banking ombudsman reported that banks are withdrawing fraud settlement offers when customers escalate complaints — here's what that means for you and how to protect yourself.
Managing Money • Jun 24
Nearly half of Canadian nurses can’t cover a $1,000 emergency — even those earning $80,000 or more
A national survey of 4,736 Canadian nurses reveals persistent financial stress despite professional salaries. Here’s what’s driving the shortfall — and what to do about it.
Managing Money • Jun 24
Nearly half of Canadian nurses can’t cover a $1,000 emergency — even those earning $80,000 or more
A national survey of 4,736 Canadian nurses reveals persistent financial stress despite professional salaries. Here’s what’s driving the shortfall — and what to do about it.
Managing Money • Jun 22
The $1.25 million tax break business owners need to check before they sell
The lifetime capital gains exemption now shelters up to $1.275 million in gains on a qualifying business sale, but the qualification rules trip up many incorporated professionals.
Managing Money • Jun 22
The $1.25 million tax break business owners need to check before they sell
The lifetime capital gains exemption now shelters up to $1.275 million in gains on a qualifying business sale, but the qualification rules trip up many incorporated professionals.
Investing • Jun 16
Do gold and crypto belong in a Canadian RRSP or TFSA — or is more diversification too risky?
A small slice of gold and a sliver of bitcoin can smooth a Canadian portfolio’s ride. Pile in too much and the math turns against you — here’s where the line sits
Investing • Jun 16
Do gold and crypto belong in a Canadian RRSP or TFSA — or is more diversification too risky?
A small slice of gold and a sliver of bitcoin can smooth a Canadian portfolio’s ride. Pile in too much and the math turns against you — here’s where the line sits
Managing Money • Jun 14
Most Canadians save for retirement, but skip the withdrawal plan that makes the money last
Building a nest egg is the easy part. The harder, more valuable work is deciding when to draw from which account — the order can change how long the money lasts
Managing Money • Jun 14
Most Canadians save for retirement, but skip the withdrawal plan that makes the money last
Building a nest egg is the easy part. The harder, more valuable work is deciding when to draw from which account — the order can change how long the money lasts
Life • Jun 11
The luggage tag scam that could land Canadian travellers in deadly legal trouble abroad
An exclusive investigation reveals a luggage tag-switching scheme at Canadian airports that could expose innocent travellers to drug smuggling charges in countries where the penalty is death
Life • Jun 11
The luggage tag scam that could land Canadian travellers in deadly legal trouble abroad
An exclusive investigation reveals a luggage tag-switching scheme at Canadian airports that could expose innocent travellers to drug smuggling charges in countries where the penalty is death
Credit Cards • Jun 09
Tim Hortons is killing its credit card — what happens to your rewards points?
The Tim Hortons Mastercard is being discontinued. Here's what every Canadian cardholder needs to understand before the October deadline
Credit Cards • Jun 09
Tim Hortons is killing its credit card — what happens to your rewards points?
The Tim Hortons Mastercard is being discontinued. Here's what every Canadian cardholder needs to understand before the October deadline
Insurance • Jun 04
Why tariffs on auto parts could push your car insurance premium higher at renewal
Trade tariffs are raising the cost of parts and repairs — and insurers are watching closely. Here's how that could affect your premium and what to do about it
Insurance • Jun 04
Why tariffs on auto parts could push your car insurance premium higher at renewal
Trade tariffs are raising the cost of parts and repairs — and insurers are watching closely. Here's how that could affect your premium and what to do about it
News • Jun 03
Ontario's Billy Bishop takeover: who really benefits?
Ontario's plan to take over and expand Billy Bishop Airport would boost a J.P. Morgan-linked terminal operator — and raises questions Canadians deserve answers to.
News • Jun 03
Ontario's Billy Bishop takeover: who really benefits?
Ontario's plan to take over and expand Billy Bishop Airport would boost a J.P. Morgan-linked terminal operator — and raises questions Canadians deserve answers to.
Banking • Jun 02
Newcomers have a legal right to a basic bank account in Canada — and banks can't say no. Here's why
Federal regulations give newcomers the right to a bank account on day one in Canada — but many are still being turned away or pushed into costly products. Here's what the law says and how to use it
Banking • Jun 02
Newcomers have a legal right to a basic bank account in Canada — and banks can't say no. Here's why
Federal regulations give newcomers the right to a bank account on day one in Canada — but many are still being turned away or pushed into costly products. Here's what the law says and how to use it
Investing • May 30
3 ways Canadians can protect their savings from a weakening dollar
Rate cuts have eroded savings returns. Here's how gold, stocks and crypto can help Canadians shield their wealth when the Canadian dollar loses ground
Investing • May 30
3 ways Canadians can protect their savings from a weakening dollar
Rate cuts have eroded savings returns. Here's how gold, stocks and crypto can help Canadians shield their wealth when the Canadian dollar loses ground
Managing Money • May 29
Why newcomers to Canada carry more debt — and what to do about it
Canadian newcomers are carrying increasing amounts of debt after arriving in Canada. Here's what's driving it and how to build credit without digging a financial hole
Managing Money • May 29
Why newcomers to Canada carry more debt — and what to do about it
Canadian newcomers are carrying increasing amounts of debt after arriving in Canada. Here's what's driving it and how to build credit without digging a financial hole
Managing Money • May 14
Canadians 60 and older lose an average of $21,000 per fraud — here's why they're the top target
Federal data shows Canadians 60 and older account for nearly half of all fraud dollar losses — and fraudsters often target RRSP, RRIF, and pension savings specifically
Managing Money • May 14
Canadians 60 and older lose an average of $21,000 per fraud — here's why they're the top target
Federal data shows Canadians 60 and older account for nearly half of all fraud dollar losses — and fraudsters often target RRSP, RRIF, and pension savings specifically
News • May 13
CRA is warning Canadians about fake tax refund texts — what to know now
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a fresh warning about fake tax refund texts. Here's what the scam looks like, who's being targeted and how to avoid it
News • May 13
CRA is warning Canadians about fake tax refund texts — what to know now
The Canada Revenue Agency has issued a fresh warning about fake tax refund texts. Here's what the scam looks like, who's being targeted and how to avoid it
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