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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...

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Six Smart Financial Decisions to Make in 2024

 

The year 2024 is a great time to start making smart financial decisions. Here are six tips to help you get started:

  1. Track your money: Write down all your expenses in one place so you can see exactly how much money goes in and out of your current account each month. This will help you identify areas where you can cut back on spending and save more money.

  2. Set a budget: Once you have a view of the money you earn and the money you spend, you can start to set a budget. Make sure you are covering all your essentials and then set monthly amounts for non-essential items. Making small, frequent changes can make a big difference.

  3. Create an emergency fund: You never know when you might need some extra cash, so it’s best to have some money saved up for emergencies. Generally, it’s recommended that you have enough savings to cover six months’ worth of expenses, but having any sort of savings is a good start.

  4. Manage debt: If you have any outstanding debts, make sure you are paying them off as quickly as possible. High-interest debts like credit card balances can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t keep them in check.

  5. Invest in your future: Consider investing in stocks, bonds, or other assets that can help you build wealth over time. If you’re not sure where to start, consider speaking with a financial advisor.

  6. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest financial news and trends. This will help you make informed decisions about your money and stay ahead of the curve.

Remember, making smart financial decisions is a journey, not a destination. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a financially secure future.


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