Millennials are rejecting Dave Ramsey's advice
Dave Ramsey has fervently preached financial advice to North Americans for decades — but younger generations are now slamming the white-bearded radio host for offering counsel that doesn’t quite account for the current cost-of-living crisis. One frothy example is Ramsey’s repeated attacks on those who spend money to buy their daily cuppa Joe. In a 2021 blog post, Dave Ramsey claimed a daily coffee habit could cost someone US$766 a year (about C$1,044 at the time). As of 2024, with rising café prices, that cost is closer to US$950 annually (C$1,300), according to Statista and recent coffee price data. That's quite a bit of money, explains Ramsey — money that could be spent on paying down student debt, boosting savings or investments or even towards better consumable purchases, such as a newer vehicle. But the younger generation argues that they’d rather sustain their mental well-being and hold onto the small luxuries that bring them joy rather than save a little extra cash. “Self-care is extremely important,” Jarrod Benson, a 32-year-old comedian from Orlando, Florida told Business Insider. Benson considers his daily coffee purchase a self-care routine. He adds: “I’d rather be caffeinated than depressed with $6.” Does Benson have a point? Is it important to spend on the small luxuries? Or should more people heed the advice of Dave Ramsey (and other financial influencers) and cut back on the little luxuries in life?
Dave Ramsey has fervently preached financial advice to North Americans for decades — but younger generations are now slamming the white-bearded radio host for offering counsel that doesn’t quite account for the current cost-of-living crisis. One frothy example is Ramsey’s repeated attacks on those who spend money to buy their daily cuppa Joe. In a 2021 blog post, Dave Ramsey claimed a daily coffee habit could cost someone US$766 a year (about C$1,044 at the time). As of 2024, with rising café prices, that cost is closer to US$950 annually (C$1,300), according to Statista and recent coffee price data. That's quite a bit of money, explains Ramsey — money that could be spent on paying down student debt, boosting savings or investments or even towards better consumable purchases, such as a newer vehicle. But the younger generation argues that they’d rather sustain their mental well-being and hold onto the small luxuries that bring them joy rather than save a little extra cash. “Self-care is extremely important,” Jarrod Benson, a 32-year-old comedian from Orlando, Florida told Business Insider. Benson considers his daily coffee purchase a self-care routine. He adds: “I’d rather be caffeinated than depressed with $6.” Does Benson have a point? Is it important to spend on the small luxuries? Or should more people heed the advice of Dave Ramsey (and other financial influencers) and cut back on the little luxuries in life?
U.S. Senate passes ‘No Tax on Tips’ bill
As tipping practices come under renewed scrutiny across North America, the U.S. Senate has voted to exempt thousands of workers from paying income tax on their tips — a move that comes just weeks after Quebec introduced new laws to rein in aggressive tipping prompts on payment terminals. For Canadians, the moment offers a chance to reflect on how tipping culture has evolved, and how the lines between social courtesy, economic necessity and tax policy have increasingly blurred. From rising expectations to tip in fast food restaurants to pressure at checkout terminals, the shift in tipping norms is now a key part of how people budget, spend and earn in the service economy.
As tipping practices come under renewed scrutiny across North America, the U.S. Senate has voted to exempt thousands of workers from paying income tax on their tips — a move that comes just weeks after Quebec introduced new laws to rein in aggressive tipping prompts on payment terminals. For Canadians, the moment offers a chance to reflect on how tipping culture has evolved, and how the lines between social courtesy, economic necessity and tax policy have increasingly blurred. From rising expectations to tip in fast food restaurants to pressure at checkout terminals, the shift in tipping norms is now a key part of how people budget, spend and earn in the service economy.
Why $30K in loans makes Ramsey Show hosts 'dizzy'
Personal loans can be a tempting way to borrow money because the lenders typically charge lower interest rates than credit cards, but that doesn't mean these loans can't get you into trouble. In 2024, Canadians owed a collective CA$2.5 trillion as outstanding balances across all credit products, a historic high, with the average loan balance coming in at CA$21,93, according to TransUnion. Millions of North Americans took on personal loan debt in 2024, and getting out of that financial hole isn't always easy. Take Dylan, for example. The 40-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma recently called into The Ramsey Show for advice on how to deal with his personal loan debt, telling co-hosts Ken Coleman and George Kamel that he's "fallen into the personal loan trap." Now, Dylan needs a way out, but breaking the cycle of debt can sometimes go beyond paying down loan balances, as Coleman and Kamel explained.
Personal loans can be a tempting way to borrow money because the lenders typically charge lower interest rates than credit cards, but that doesn't mean these loans can't get you into trouble. In 2024, Canadians owed a collective CA$2.5 trillion as outstanding balances across all credit products, a historic high, with the average loan balance coming in at CA$21,93, according to TransUnion. Millions of North Americans took on personal loan debt in 2024, and getting out of that financial hole isn't always easy. Take Dylan, for example. The 40-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma recently called into The Ramsey Show for advice on how to deal with his personal loan debt, telling co-hosts Ken Coleman and George Kamel that he's "fallen into the personal loan trap." Now, Dylan needs a way out, but breaking the cycle of debt can sometimes go beyond paying down loan balances, as Coleman and Kamel explained.
What is 'Swedish death cleaning' and how it helps
Evelyn is turning 65 and about to retire — and now her kids are talking about something called "Swedish death cleaning." While it may sound morbid on the surface, the phrase has philosophical roots, based around the idea of practicality. In Swedish, it’s known as döstädning, which is essentially a decluttering exercise that helps you simplify your life while reducing the burden on loved ones once you pass. As you age, you start getting rid of ‘stuff’ you’ve accumulated throughout your lifetime that you no longer need — so no one has to do it for you later. You keep what’s useful or meaningful and let go of everything else. “Visit [your] storage areas and start pulling out what’s there,” writes Margareta Magnusson — who popularized the philosophy — in her 2017 book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. “Who do you think will take care of all that when you are no longer here?” This isn’t meant to be depressing; rather, she says it can be “a delight to go through things and remember their worth.” But Swedish death cleaning isn’t just an amped-up version of spring cleaning. It can also be part of your retirement and estate planning.
Evelyn is turning 65 and about to retire — and now her kids are talking about something called "Swedish death cleaning." While it may sound morbid on the surface, the phrase has philosophical roots, based around the idea of practicality. In Swedish, it’s known as döstädning, which is essentially a decluttering exercise that helps you simplify your life while reducing the burden on loved ones once you pass. As you age, you start getting rid of ‘stuff’ you’ve accumulated throughout your lifetime that you no longer need — so no one has to do it for you later. You keep what’s useful or meaningful and let go of everything else. “Visit [your] storage areas and start pulling out what’s there,” writes Margareta Magnusson — who popularized the philosophy — in her 2017 book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. “Who do you think will take care of all that when you are no longer here?” This isn’t meant to be depressing; rather, she says it can be “a delight to go through things and remember their worth.” But Swedish death cleaning isn’t just an amped-up version of spring cleaning. It can also be part of your retirement and estate planning.
Rate cuts aren't bringing relief
Despite interest rates trending downward and home prices slipping in some cities, the dream of homeownership in Canada remains elusive for many. For would-be buyers watching the Bank of Canada ease its key interest rate in recent months, bringing it to 3.25% in early 2025, there was hope that a long-awaited window of opportunity might finally be opening. But for most, the math still doesn’t add up.
Despite interest rates trending downward and home prices slipping in some cities, the dream of homeownership in Canada remains elusive for many. For would-be buyers watching the Bank of Canada ease its key interest rate in recent months, bringing it to 3.25% in early 2025, there was hope that a long-awaited window of opportunity might finally be opening. But for most, the math still doesn’t add up.
Auto theft reaches above historic levels in Canada
Auto theft is no longer just a city crime story — it's a nationwide insurance crisis. Despite efforts to curb auto theft, the impact of stolen vehicles and damage due to auto break-ins is pushing the value of auto theft claims into triple-digits — and the person who ends up paying the cost are everyday Canadian drivers. In 2023, the value of auto theft claims in Canada hit a staggering $1.5 billion, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) — the highest ever recorded. And while there’s a slight dip in thefts in 2024, the financial scars are still fresh, and every Canadian driver is footing the bill through rising insurance premiums. Over the last decade, auto theft claims have risen 138%, while the value of those claims has jumped a jaw-dropping 442%. Even though IBC data shows a 19% drop in theft claims in the first half of 2024 — with 17,647 claims valued at $544.7 million, compared to 21,907 claims worth $764.6 million in the first half of 2023 — the costs remain historically high. The reason? Modern car theft isn’t a smash-and-grab. Today, it's increasingly driven by organized crime networks, targeting high-end SUVs and exporting them to markets in the Middle East and West Africa. Even one successful theft of a luxury vehicle can cost insurers — and, in turn, drivers — tens of thousands of dollars.
Auto theft is no longer just a city crime story — it's a nationwide insurance crisis. Despite efforts to curb auto theft, the impact of stolen vehicles and damage due to auto break-ins is pushing the value of auto theft claims into triple-digits — and the person who ends up paying the cost are everyday Canadian drivers. In 2023, the value of auto theft claims in Canada hit a staggering $1.5 billion, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) — the highest ever recorded. And while there’s a slight dip in thefts in 2024, the financial scars are still fresh, and every Canadian driver is footing the bill through rising insurance premiums. Over the last decade, auto theft claims have risen 138%, while the value of those claims has jumped a jaw-dropping 442%. Even though IBC data shows a 19% drop in theft claims in the first half of 2024 — with 17,647 claims valued at $544.7 million, compared to 21,907 claims worth $764.6 million in the first half of 2023 — the costs remain historically high. The reason? Modern car theft isn’t a smash-and-grab. Today, it's increasingly driven by organized crime networks, targeting high-end SUVs and exporting them to markets in the Middle East and West Africa. Even one successful theft of a luxury vehicle can cost insurers — and, in turn, drivers — tens of thousands of dollars.
Montreal renters in bidding wars
Montreal’s rental market has long been tight, but now, a new and painful reality is hitting tenants hard: Bidding wars. With vacancy rates at historic lows and demand only climbing, many renters say it’s no longer enough to simply apply, you have to compete, and sometimes, plead. Take Thalita Costa de Moraes, for example. She and her husband spend hours online every day searching for a home that can accommodate their growing family. But unlike past rental searches, this one comes with emotional stakes and financial strain. “It goes far beyond just making an offer,” Costa de Moraes told CTV News. “Write a letter, explain why you want to live here, tell the landlord about your family.” Even that wasn’t enough. The couple has been turned down three times, once even after offering $550 above the asking rent. In that case, they were outbid by someone who offered $800 more than listed. “We didn’t know how much more we should offer because of course we wanted to get the house, but we’re not going to offer twice as much money,” she said.
Montreal’s rental market has long been tight, but now, a new and painful reality is hitting tenants hard: Bidding wars. With vacancy rates at historic lows and demand only climbing, many renters say it’s no longer enough to simply apply, you have to compete, and sometimes, plead. Take Thalita Costa de Moraes, for example. She and her husband spend hours online every day searching for a home that can accommodate their growing family. But unlike past rental searches, this one comes with emotional stakes and financial strain. “It goes far beyond just making an offer,” Costa de Moraes told CTV News. “Write a letter, explain why you want to live here, tell the landlord about your family.” Even that wasn’t enough. The couple has been turned down three times, once even after offering $550 above the asking rent. In that case, they were outbid by someone who offered $800 more than listed. “We didn’t know how much more we should offer because of course we wanted to get the house, but we’re not going to offer twice as much money,” she said.
Waterloo femtech startup gets funding boost
A groundbreaking startup founded by University of Waterloo grads is challenging decades of outdated gynecological tools with a pad. CELLECT Laboratories Inc., a women-led health-tech company based in Waterloo, has received $44,420 in national funding for its innovative cervical cancer screening product: A menstrual pad that doubles as a diagnostic tool. The grant, awarded through the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch competition in Vancouver, is another step forward in the team’s mission to make cervical and HPV screening easier, less painful and far more accessible.
A groundbreaking startup founded by University of Waterloo grads is challenging decades of outdated gynecological tools with a pad. CELLECT Laboratories Inc., a women-led health-tech company based in Waterloo, has received $44,420 in national funding for its innovative cervical cancer screening product: A menstrual pad that doubles as a diagnostic tool. The grant, awarded through the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch competition in Vancouver, is another step forward in the team’s mission to make cervical and HPV screening easier, less painful and far more accessible.
Calgary announces $30.7M housing boost
Calgary is taking a major step forward in addressing its housing crisis with a $30.7 million investment through its Housing Capital Initiative (HCI). The funding will support the creation of around 480 non-market homes, offering a range of unit sizes — from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes — spread across various communities in the city. “With an estimated investment of $30.7M in this round, the Housing Capital Initiative (HCI) will support the delivery of approximately 480 non-market homes for Calgarians comprising a range of project types,” the City of Calgary stated in a news release. These developments are designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, including seniors, families and Indigenous people. The initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to make housing more accessible to those most in need.
Calgary is taking a major step forward in addressing its housing crisis with a $30.7 million investment through its Housing Capital Initiative (HCI). The funding will support the creation of around 480 non-market homes, offering a range of unit sizes — from studio apartments to three-bedroom homes — spread across various communities in the city. “With an estimated investment of $30.7M in this round, the Housing Capital Initiative (HCI) will support the delivery of approximately 480 non-market homes for Calgarians comprising a range of project types,” the City of Calgary stated in a news release. These developments are designed to meet the needs of diverse populations, including seniors, families and Indigenous people. The initiative is part of the city's broader strategy to make housing more accessible to those most in need.
Loblaw warns of widespread price hikes
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has issued a stark warning to Canadian consumers: The price of everyday grocery items is set to rise sharply in the coming weeks. The retailer, which operates chains such as Loblaws, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, announced this week that the number of products marked with a "T" symbol — indicating tariff-related price increases — will soar from nearly 1,000 to over 6,000 by mid-July. CEO Per Bank explained in a LinkedIn post that while current inventories purchased before the tariffs remain unaffected, the impact will soon be felt across a wide range of categories, including pantry staples, natural foods and health and beauty products. "While the tariff situation might be improving between the U.S. and other countries, that’s not yet the case here in Canada. In fact, we’ll be facing a large wave of tariff-related increases in the weeks ahead,” he said. He noted that the "T" symbol will help customers identify which items are directly impacted by the U.S. tariffs. This surge in prices comes as Canada continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the trade dispute with the U.S., which has led to increased costs for Canadian businesses and concerns about potential job losses. While some relief has been offered to other countries, Canada has not seen significant reductions in tariffs.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. has issued a stark warning to Canadian consumers: The price of everyday grocery items is set to rise sharply in the coming weeks. The retailer, which operates chains such as Loblaws, No Frills and Real Canadian Superstore, announced this week that the number of products marked with a "T" symbol — indicating tariff-related price increases — will soar from nearly 1,000 to over 6,000 by mid-July. CEO Per Bank explained in a LinkedIn post that while current inventories purchased before the tariffs remain unaffected, the impact will soon be felt across a wide range of categories, including pantry staples, natural foods and health and beauty products. "While the tariff situation might be improving between the U.S. and other countries, that’s not yet the case here in Canada. In fact, we’ll be facing a large wave of tariff-related increases in the weeks ahead,” he said. He noted that the "T" symbol will help customers identify which items are directly impacted by the U.S. tariffs. This surge in prices comes as Canada continues to grapple with the economic fallout of the trade dispute with the U.S., which has led to increased costs for Canadian businesses and concerns about potential job losses. While some relief has been offered to other countries, Canada has not seen significant reductions in tariffs.
10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa
Canada’s capital city has a lot going for it. Ottawa is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis that showcases some of the country’s best museums, iconic landmarks, an exciting dining scene and acclaimed cultural events and festivals. Those looking to move to the city will find a bevy of incredible neighborhoods to choose from — each with its own unique personality, amenities and sense of community — where everyone can find a welcoming place to call home. Here are our picks for the 10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
Canada’s capital city has a lot going for it. Ottawa is a dynamic, multicultural metropolis that showcases some of the country’s best museums, iconic landmarks, an exciting dining scene and acclaimed cultural events and festivals. Those looking to move to the city will find a bevy of incredible neighborhoods to choose from — each with its own unique personality, amenities and sense of community — where everyone can find a welcoming place to call home. Here are our picks for the 10 best neighbourhoods in Ottawa.
Hudson’s Bay art auction: Impact on investors
As the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC ) — North America’s oldest retailer — undergoes an historic wind-down, its extensive collection of over 1,700 artworks and 2,700 artifacts is headed for the auction block. This liquidation includes irreplaceable pieces such as the 1670 Royal Charter from King Charles II, a cornerstone document in Canadian history, and a wide array of art chronicling the company's colonial legacy. The Ontario Superior Court greenlit the massive sell-off of Hudson’s Bay Company art, with the auction to be managed by Heffel Gallery, a Vancouver-based art auction house. However, there is a caveat: HBC must consult with governmental and Indigenous stakeholders before finalizing the sale plan of their extensive art collection.
As the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC ) — North America’s oldest retailer — undergoes an historic wind-down, its extensive collection of over 1,700 artworks and 2,700 artifacts is headed for the auction block. This liquidation includes irreplaceable pieces such as the 1670 Royal Charter from King Charles II, a cornerstone document in Canadian history, and a wide array of art chronicling the company's colonial legacy. The Ontario Superior Court greenlit the massive sell-off of Hudson’s Bay Company art, with the auction to be managed by Heffel Gallery, a Vancouver-based art auction house. However, there is a caveat: HBC must consult with governmental and Indigenous stakeholders before finalizing the sale plan of their extensive art collection.
Winnipeg micro-distillery wins global acclaim
Tucked away in Winnipeg’s storied Exchange District, a small-batch distillery is quietly turning heads on the world stage. With just one barrel of whisky crafted each week, compared to the industrial scale of global giants, Patent 5 Distillery has achieved what many in the craft spirits world only dream of: Striking gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Its Sixth Anniversary Whisky and Estate Grown Three Grain Whisky both earned scores above 90 at the prestigious event, catapulting the six-year-old micro-distillery into the international spotlight and affirming its place among Canada’s rising stars in the premium spirits market.
Tucked away in Winnipeg’s storied Exchange District, a small-batch distillery is quietly turning heads on the world stage. With just one barrel of whisky crafted each week, compared to the industrial scale of global giants, Patent 5 Distillery has achieved what many in the craft spirits world only dream of: Striking gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Its Sixth Anniversary Whisky and Estate Grown Three Grain Whisky both earned scores above 90 at the prestigious event, catapulting the six-year-old micro-distillery into the international spotlight and affirming its place among Canada’s rising stars in the premium spirits market.
Canadian Tire buys Hudson’s Bay stripes
Canadian Tire’s $30-million acquisition of the iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes and other brand assets isn’t just a business deal — it’s a cultural moment. In purchasing one of the country’s most enduring symbols, Canadian Tire is staking a claim on national identity and nostalgia — a move that appears to be in step with the current shift in consumer loyalty.
Canadian Tire’s $30-million acquisition of the iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes and other brand assets isn’t just a business deal — it’s a cultural moment. In purchasing one of the country’s most enduring symbols, Canadian Tire is staking a claim on national identity and nostalgia — a move that appears to be in step with the current shift in consumer loyalty.
Canada’s life sciences are also an economic engine
Canada’s life sciences aren’t just working to improve the lives of the country’s citizens, it turns out the industry is also an economic driver. According to new data from Statistics Canada, The industry contributed $18.4 billion in 2022 in total economic activity, marking a nearly 15% increase over 2021. "Canada's life sciences are an economic engine. In an increasingly complex and volatile global economy, that engine needs to be firing on all cylinders," Bettina Hamelin, president of Innovative Medicines Canada, said in a statement. "Canada's pharmaceutical innovators are helping deliver both life-changing treatments and the kind of growth that strengthens our economic resilience as a country."
Canada’s life sciences aren’t just working to improve the lives of the country’s citizens, it turns out the industry is also an economic driver. According to new data from Statistics Canada, The industry contributed $18.4 billion in 2022 in total economic activity, marking a nearly 15% increase over 2021. "Canada's life sciences are an economic engine. In an increasingly complex and volatile global economy, that engine needs to be firing on all cylinders," Bettina Hamelin, president of Innovative Medicines Canada, said in a statement. "Canada's pharmaceutical innovators are helping deliver both life-changing treatments and the kind of growth that strengthens our economic resilience as a country."
Why Warren Buffett loves stock downturns
The stock market’s ups and downs can rattle even the steadiest investor. While everyone hopes for gains, losses are inevitable. But legendary investor Warren Buffett once offered a refreshing perspective on how to handle those downturns. “I love it when the things we buy go down. I get euphoric — you know the stocks are down today and I'm buying more of something I was buying yesterday — I'm buying it cheaper,” he said during an October 2014 interview with Fortune Magazine. Buffett’s approach offers a different way to view those unsettling red numbers in your brokerage account. He likened it to grocery shopping, where finding items at a reduced price is seen as a win. Yet, when it comes to stocks, most investors don’t apply the same bargain-hunting mindset. “They think that the stock knows more than they do, so that when the stock goes down, they say the stock is telling them something … they take it as kind of a referendum on themselves, me versus the stock: ‘If it ever gets back to what I paid, I'm going to sell it,’” he observed. A drop in stock prices, for Buffett, signals the chance to get more for his money.
The stock market’s ups and downs can rattle even the steadiest investor. While everyone hopes for gains, losses are inevitable. But legendary investor Warren Buffett once offered a refreshing perspective on how to handle those downturns. “I love it when the things we buy go down. I get euphoric — you know the stocks are down today and I'm buying more of something I was buying yesterday — I'm buying it cheaper,” he said during an October 2014 interview with Fortune Magazine. Buffett’s approach offers a different way to view those unsettling red numbers in your brokerage account. He likened it to grocery shopping, where finding items at a reduced price is seen as a win. Yet, when it comes to stocks, most investors don’t apply the same bargain-hunting mindset. “They think that the stock knows more than they do, so that when the stock goes down, they say the stock is telling them something … they take it as kind of a referendum on themselves, me versus the stock: ‘If it ever gets back to what I paid, I'm going to sell it,’” he observed. A drop in stock prices, for Buffett, signals the chance to get more for his money.
Will Canadian Snowbird Act help U.S. tourism?
A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to extend the stay period for eligible Canadian snowbirds, potentially boosting cross-border tourism and local economies. The proposed legislation would affect Canadian citizens aged 50 and older. Known as the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, the bill would increase the maximum permitted stay from 182 days to 240 days annually, allowing Canadians to spend approximately eight months in the United States without requiring a visa.
A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to extend the stay period for eligible Canadian snowbirds, potentially boosting cross-border tourism and local economies. The proposed legislation would affect Canadian citizens aged 50 and older. Known as the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act, the bill would increase the maximum permitted stay from 182 days to 240 days annually, allowing Canadians to spend approximately eight months in the United States without requiring a visa.
My husband controls our money: Where is it going?
When you get married, it might feel like a relief to pass off all financial duties to your spouse. But choosing to offload your financial responsibility can come at a cost. Take, for example, the following scenario: A wife recently checked into her household finances and discovered that there was $31,000 in credit card debt. With her husband controlling every cent, she doesn’t have clear insight on where the money went. The debt is shocking to her, especially because she earns $120,000 per year. Now, she wants to learn how to protect herself financially, especially in the event the couple gets divorced. Although the average household with credit card debt carries a credit card balance of $4,562, the high interest rates typically associated with credit cards can make it difficult to climb out of this hole. But the real problem doesn’t lie only with credit card balances. After all, financial infidelity isn’t just about secret spending. This couple is likely also dealing with a lack of financial literacy. According to a 2022 study, nearly 30% of Canadians believe they are financially illiterate. Without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to get a household’s financial situation under control, even without the added complications of a controlling spouse.
When you get married, it might feel like a relief to pass off all financial duties to your spouse. But choosing to offload your financial responsibility can come at a cost. Take, for example, the following scenario: A wife recently checked into her household finances and discovered that there was $31,000 in credit card debt. With her husband controlling every cent, she doesn’t have clear insight on where the money went. The debt is shocking to her, especially because she earns $120,000 per year. Now, she wants to learn how to protect herself financially, especially in the event the couple gets divorced. Although the average household with credit card debt carries a credit card balance of $4,562, the high interest rates typically associated with credit cards can make it difficult to climb out of this hole. But the real problem doesn’t lie only with credit card balances. After all, financial infidelity isn’t just about secret spending. This couple is likely also dealing with a lack of financial literacy. According to a 2022 study, nearly 30% of Canadians believe they are financially illiterate. Without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to get a household’s financial situation under control, even without the added complications of a controlling spouse.
Where do you get the most bang for your buck?
For many Canadians, spending in a foreign currency can be extremely costly, especially with the unfavourable currency exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. There was a time when C$1 CAD was worth US$0.94, but today, that conversion is closer to US$0.70 (as of mid-May, one Canadian dollar converted to US$0.73). This makes travelling to nearby destinations, like in the U.S., even more expensive, with many Canadians holding out until the dollar strengthens. Luckily, there are many places where the Canadian dollar can go further, and these destinations can be equally fantastic!
For many Canadians, spending in a foreign currency can be extremely costly, especially with the unfavourable currency exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. There was a time when C$1 CAD was worth US$0.94, but today, that conversion is closer to US$0.70 (as of mid-May, one Canadian dollar converted to US$0.73). This makes travelling to nearby destinations, like in the U.S., even more expensive, with many Canadians holding out until the dollar strengthens. Luckily, there are many places where the Canadian dollar can go further, and these destinations can be equally fantastic!
Here's the net worth you need to join Canada's 1%
To be a top 1% earner in Canada, you need to make at least $586,900, according to data released in 2024 by Statistics Canada. The wealthiest households accounted for almost two-thirds (64.8%) of Canada’s total net worth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an average of $3.3 million in earnings per household. For contrast, the least wealthy earned an average of $84,600 per year, according to Statistics Canada. Whatever the size of your portfolio, there are potential benefits to following the wealth-building strategies of the rich. Here’s how you can work to grow your wealth like the top 1%.
To be a top 1% earner in Canada, you need to make at least $586,900, according to data released in 2024 by Statistics Canada. The wealthiest households accounted for almost two-thirds (64.8%) of Canada’s total net worth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an average of $3.3 million in earnings per household. For contrast, the least wealthy earned an average of $84,600 per year, according to Statistics Canada. Whatever the size of your portfolio, there are potential benefits to following the wealth-building strategies of the rich. Here’s how you can work to grow your wealth like the top 1%.
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