Archive for November 2016
Should Rewards Points Be Allowed To Expire?
Nearly a decade ago every province in Canada passed some form of legislation that banned expiry dates and most fees on gift cards and prepaid cards. Canadians spend nearly $6 billion annually on gift cards and these regulations ensure that consumers get the full value of their gift card no matter when they decide to…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Fake News Edition
One of the biggest post-election stories has been how the proliferation of ‘fake news’, particularly on Facebook, may have influenced voter behaviour. The Washington Post interviewed a fake news writer who actually believed Donald Trump is in the White House because of his online hoaxes. Gullibility of the masses meant this writer was earning upwards…
Read MoreFrom The Boomer & Echo Mailbag: My Mortgage Is Almost Paid Off. Now What?
Q. I will be making my final mortgage payment in a couple of months. What happens next? Congratulations for achieving this big financial milestone. You’re about to own your home free and clear of any debt and, with the increase in your cash flow, you will improve your financial condition. Once that final mortgage payment…
Read MoreWhy Are Canadians So Loyal To Their Bank?
I have been dealing with my bank for decades and most of my financial products are held there. Yes, I know that I could get a higher interest rate on my savings account, or a lower trading fee on my discount brokerage if I switched. I think about it for a minute or two, and…
Read MoreHaving The Best Weekend Of The Fall Exploring Calgary
Having been born and raised in Calgary I always enjoy getting back to the city to explore old favourites and find new things to do. That’s why it was a special treat to bring my family up highway #2 from Lethbridge, AB to spend last weekend in Calgary. Not only that, I was thrilled to have my…
Read MoreIntroducing The Tangerine Dividend Portfolio
Retirees and those nearing retirement are looking for ways to get income from their portfolios and today’s low interest rate environment doesn’t offer up many attractive options. Better yields can be found in the stock market, but that comes with some risk and many would rather play it safe. Can we find a happy medium…
Read MoreAre You Wasting Time To Save Money?
A lot of people think frugality is all about saving money, and saving money on things you already buy or want to buy is a smart idea. But, are you spending too much of your time trying to save a couple of dollars? Your time is just as precious. Being frugal is making the best…
Read MoreWeekend Reading: Trump Edition
Trump pulled it off. Unbelievable. I guess the media and pollsters completely underestimated just how pissed-off rural and rust-belt America is with the way the country is moving. Talk about flipping the script. Here’s to four years of uncertainty, not to mention unorthodox politics like we’ve never seen before. It’s human nature to want to act…
Read MoreEstate Planning For Blended Families
My husband’s mother and step-father were each in their third marriage when I met them. My mother- in-law had two children from her second marriage (my husband and his brother), and my father-in-law had two children from each of his first two marriages. When my father-in-law passed away, his estate avoided probate because his assets…
Read More10 Tips For Negotiating A Raise
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has worked several years for a company, got good annual reviews and a 1% pay increase, only to see a new hire for the exact same position starting at a salary $5,000 higher than you’re earning now. You can focus on the non-monetary benefits of your job – the…
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