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Fixed vs. Variable Mortgages in Canada: Which Should You Choose Right Now?

  Mortgages | Personal Finance | June 2026 Variable rates sit at 3.30% while fixed rates have climbed above 4%. The Bank of Canada is frozen between inflation and recession. Here's what that means for your mortgage decision today. By MoneySavings.ca Staff  |   June 26, 2026 📊 Today's Best Mortgage Rates — June 26, 2026 Type Term Lowest Rate (Broker) Big Bank Range Variable 5-Year ~3.30% ~3.50–4.00% Fixed (Insured) 5-Year ~4.04% ~4.50–5.20% Fixed (Conventional) 5-Year ~3.94% Higher Bank of Canada Policy Rate 2.25%  |  Prime Rate: 4.45% Sources: NerdWallet Canada, Ratehub.ca, WOWA.ca, bestrates.ca. Rates as of June 26, 2026. Broker rates require qualification; Big Bank rates are estimates. Your actual rate depends on your credit score, down payment, and mortgage type. If you're buying a home, renewing a mortgage, or simply trying to make sense of an unusually complex rate environment, you've arrived at the right question at a complicated moment. The Canadian...

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Year-End Tax Planning Tips for Canadian Investors

 

                                                          

As the end of the year approaches, it's a good time to review your investment portfolio and see if there are any tax-saving strategies you can implement. Here are some ideas to consider:

- Realize capital losses to offset capital gains. If you have realized capital gains in 2023, you can sell some of your losing investments to generate capital losses that can reduce or eliminate your taxable capital gains. You can also carry back capital losses up to three years or carry them forward indefinitely to offset future capital gains.

- Contribute to your RRSP or TFSA. If you have contribution room in your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or tax-free savings account (TFSA), you can make a contribution before the end of the year to boost your savings and reduce your taxes. RRSP contributions are deductible from your income, while TFSA contributions are not taxable and grow tax-free.

- Donate securities to charity. If you have appreciated securities in your portfolio, such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds, you can donate them directly to a registered charity and receive a tax receipt for their fair market value. This way, you can avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation and claim a charitable donation credit.

- Swap assets with your spouse. If you and your spouse have different marginal tax rates, you can swap assets that generate income, such as interest, dividends or rent, to lower your overall tax bill. For example, if you are in a higher tax bracket than your spouse, you can transfer some of your income-producing assets to them in exchange for assets that generate capital gains, which are taxed at a lower rate.

- Review your asset allocation and rebalance your portfolio. The end of the year is also a good opportunity to review your asset allocation and make sure it still matches your risk tolerance and investment goals. If some of your assets have performed better or worse than others, you may need to rebalance your portfolio by selling some of the overperforming assets and buying more of the underperforming ones. This can help you maintain a diversified portfolio and reduce your risk exposure.

These are just some of the tax planning ideas that Canadian investors should consider before the year-end. For more personalized advice, consult with a qualified tax professional who can help you optimize your investment strategy and minimize your tax liability.

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