Skip to main content

Featured

BoC Held Again at 2.25% — But a Rate Hike Is Now More Likely Than Not Before Year-End

  Bond markets put the odds of an October 28 hike at 57%. Here's what the big banks are forecasting, what it means for your mortgage payment, and how to think about your next move. MoneySavings.ca · September 17, 2026 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh consecutive hold since the last cut in October 2025. On the surface, nothing changed. Below the surface, everything did. Governor Tiff Macklem's post-decision language was the most hawkish the Bank has sounded in over a year. He flagged that persistently high oil prices (Brent has since touched $107) and new U.S. tariffs — combined with Canada's own $27.6 billion retaliation list — are creating genuine upside risks to inflation. The BoC's August deliberations summary, released September 16, confirmed the Governing Council is now actively weighing a hike, not just a hold. The August CPI reading that came in on September 14 didn't settle anything: headline inflation held at ...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

How to Achieve Financial Wellness in 2024: Six Simple Steps

 

Financial wellness is more than just having enough money to pay the bills. It’s also about feeling confident, secure, and satisfied with your financial situation. Achieving financial wellness can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as your relationships and quality of life.

If you want to start 2024 on the right foot, here are six simple steps you can take to boost your financial wellness:

  • Set SMART goals: SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Having SMART goals can help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable. For example, instead of saying “I want to save more money”, say “I want to save $10,000 by December 2024 for a down payment on a house”.
  • Track your spending: Knowing where your money goes is essential for managing your finances effectively. You can use apps, spreadsheets, or journals to record your income and expenses. This will help you identify your spending patterns, habits, and areas for improvement.
  • Make a budget: A budget is a plan for how you will spend and save your money. It can help you align your spending with your goals and priorities. A budget can also help you avoid overspending, debt, and financial stress. You can use the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline: spend 50% of your income on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings and debt repayment.
  • Build an emergency fund: An emergency fund is a savings account that you can use for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, or job loss. Having an emergency fund can help you avoid using credit cards or loans, which can worsen your financial situation. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.
  • Pay off high-interest debt: High-interest debt, such as credit cards, can eat up a large portion of your income and prevent you from saving and investing. Paying off high-interest debt can help you save money on interest, improve your credit score, and free up cash flow. You can use strategies such as the debt snowball or the debt avalanche to pay off your debt faster and more efficiently.
  • Invest for the future: Investing is a way of making your money work for you. It can help you grow your wealth, achieve your long-term goals, and secure your retirement. You can invest in various assets, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. Before you invest, make sure you understand your risk tolerance, time horizon, and objectives. You can also consult a financial advisor or planner for guidance and advice.

By following these six steps, you can improve your financial wellness and enjoy a happier and healthier 2024. Remember, financial wellness is not a destination, but a journey. It requires consistent effort, discipline, and adaptation. Start today and reap the rewards tomorrow.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment