All Questions
38,367
questions
7
votes
8
answers
574
views
Can slowing down your lifestyle save you money? [closed]
If you simplify your life, and slow things down.. can you save money?
I'm looking for opinions and experiences here.
- 371
6
votes
5
answers
472
views
What are good tips for someone starting out to establish good credit history?
When you started out on your own, whether it was moving out of home for the first time or getting that first job what things did you do that helped your credit rating/history?
- 6,220
15
votes
4
answers
22k
views
How do currency markets work? What factors are behind why currencies go up or down?
How do currency markets work? What factors are behind why currencies go up or down?
What roles do governments, central banks, institutions, and traders have in the process?
- 31.7k
6
votes
5
answers
3k
views
Do I have to pay taxes on income from my website or profits?
I've started to generate a small amount of revenue on my website, I'm obviously tracking my income and expenses, but I'm not certain whether I need to declare this income to Inland Revenue.
Is there ...
- 3,883
6
votes
1
answer
200
views
How much money/time should be re-invested in your own business, as a contractor?
As a contractor, you realize how valuable your time is - but undoubtedly, an investment back into skills update training or in marketing your business is worth the time you would otherwise spend ...
- 8,683
13
votes
6
answers
3k
views
What size "nest egg" should my husband and I have, and by what age?
Of course I know I should have a substantial sum of money that generates its own income, off which my spouse and I will live, when we retire. But what is the right amount to have, or even a range? I'...
- 8,683
10
votes
3
answers
664
views
Should I buy individual bonds for my retirement portfolio, or stick to funds/ETFs?
To avoid the fees on bond mutual funds or exchange traded funds I have been thinking of buying actual bonds inside of my retirement portfolio. Does that make sense or are there drawbacks to consider?
anonymous
6
votes
2
answers
430
views
Why Are Credit Card Rates Increasing / Credit Limits Falling?
I thought that there was recent legislation passed that forbid banks for jacking up rates as they had been doing from late 2008 into the first half of 2009. All of my credit cards have seen increases ...
- 191
16
votes
13
answers
988
views
What are some good ways to control costs for groceries?
I find groceries to be one area where I have a hard time controlling costs. We want to eat well, buy healthy foods, good cuts of meat, etc. and limit eating out. I find it hard to know what is a ...
4
votes
2
answers
655
views
What is covered by CDIC savings deposit insurance?
In the unlikely event that a financial institution fails in Canada, what is covered by the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation? What is the limit of coverage?
- 6,220
4
votes
1
answer
197
views
What kind of traditional IRA should I use to hold funds from old employer 401K plans?
Further to another question I asked , if I am going to open a traditional IRA to hold funds consolidated from old 401K plans, what should I be looking at for the most flexibility? There are lots of ...
mgnorton
20
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Is selling your house without an agent worth the hassle?
There have been numerous "for sale by owner" signs appearing recently. This seems like a convenient way to reduce the commission charged by Real Estate agents but I have heard that this is still a "...
- 6,220
8
votes
3
answers
418
views
What's the best way to manage all the 401K accounts I've accumulated from my past jobs?
I should be managing my retirement money better and one problem is the number of accounts I have (4). Would it be better for me to consolidate and what's involved in doing so?
mgnorton
4
votes
2
answers
634
views
Is it financially-beneficial (tax-wise) for couples to be married, or to remain common-law, in Canada?
Which is more beneficial to your bottom-line (disregarding the cost associated with actually getting married, and assuming no children are involved).
- 8,683
3
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Does there exist a website that lists manufacturer of generic, store-brand items? Are private label brands worth it?
For instance, I'm certain that Shopper's Drugmart in Ontario, Canada does not manufacture its own shampoo, conditioner, diapers, tissue, kitchen spray, room deodorizer, etc. for its "Life Brand" ...
- 8,683
15
votes
6
answers
565
views
How can I reduce the cost of having a cell phone?
In terms of cell phone plans the U.S. is the worst followed by Spain and then Canada. Besides the obvious get rid of the phone option what other strategies can be employed to keep the costs down?
- 6,220
6
votes
2
answers
545
views
I'm building a family budget. What is a realistic and reasonable amount to set aside each week for "entertainment/misc."?
(Finally) building a budget. I know it would be unreasonable to say that I won't spend anything on frivolities, but I have to be honest with myself and build a budget that is realistic and attainable....
- 8,683
6
votes
4
answers
192
views
How can I save on banking charges?
What tips and tricks do people use to keep the cost of banking down?
- 6,220
3
votes
3
answers
513
views
What is my % return on investment for various home renovations upon resale of my house?
For instance, I've heard that there is a minimum 75% return-on-investment ("ROI") on bathroom and kitchen renovations - is that an accurate figure?
What about the other rooms in my home? Are there ...
- 8,683
19
votes
7
answers
3k
views
Is Real Estate ever a BAD investment? If so, when?
Even in a bad market, over 30 years won't the value of Real Estate always go up? Is it always a sure bet? If not, what should an investor or buyer consider?
- 8,683
2
votes
2
answers
61
views
Are there any services/sites/organizations/clubs at which video games can be traded?
My family plays a lot of video games (PS3 and Nintendo DSi) - are there cheaper alternatives to buying the games new? Library service of sorts? Wishful thinking?
- 8,683
4
votes
5
answers
310
views
How can I reduce my home's monthly electricity and water expenses?
Are there gadgets I can buy which can help me measure consumption and reduce use? What are some good habits I can get my family into starting to help reduce our costs?
- 8,683
10
votes
11
answers
920
views
What is a good way to save money on car expenses?
What are good ways to save on maintenance/fuel and prolong the life of a car?
- 6,220
45
votes
7
answers
3k
views
How can one get their FICO/credit scores for free? (really free)
TV and the web are filled with ads promising to give you a free copy of your credit report. Unfortunately, instead of being wholly free, they are actually free trials, which means:
You only get them ...
- 2,209
18
votes
2
answers
3k
views
What does Chapter 11 Bankruptcy mean to an investor holding shares of a Chapter 11 Company?
If I currently have shares in a company that has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection what impact does this have on me? Does this mean the shares stop trading? If the company successfully ...
- 6,220
7
votes
4
answers
583
views
How do you save money on clothes and shoes for your family?
I feel like I'm constantly buying clothes, shoes, boots, jackets, hats, etc. for my kids, because they grow so fast! I try to re-use via hand-me-downs, but are there other ways I could be saving ...
- 8,683
9
votes
2
answers
408
views
How do you make sure your child's birthday party doesn't break the bank?
I've been to childrens' birthday parties that clearly cost in excess of $500 when the price of the venue, activity, food, cake and loot bags are factored in. I don't want to spend a lot in order to ...
- 8,683
10
votes
6
answers
1k
views
What are good games to play to teach young children about saving money?
I've heard that giving allowance is one approach to develop an understanding of money management. What other ways are available to teach kids about the benefits of savings?
- 6,220
8
votes
6
answers
824
views
What's the best way to get cash for an old car? [closed]
If I am not going to trade in my car what are other good options to convert it into cash?
- 6,220
7
votes
2
answers
534
views
What are futures and how are they different from options?
As a form of investment there are contracts to buy commodities at a specific time in the future or at a specific price. How is this different from an option to buy a share?
- 6,220
23
votes
5
answers
9k
views
Should you co-sign a personal loan for a friend/family member? Why/why not?
I know someone who was recently asked to co-sign a hefty loan by a family member. I don't know what I'd do if I was put in the same position as the one asked. What are the risks? What are things to ...
- 8,683
5
votes
2
answers
232
views
Thinking of doing an MBA: Is an $80K top MBA school better than a $24K online MBA school?
Would I be better off with Rotman, Richard Ivey, Queens, etc. or an online MBA school such as Fredericton?
- 429
10
votes
9
answers
674
views
How can I avoid going deep into debt during the holiday season?
The holiday season is just around the corner. The shopping malls are especially eager – Christmas trees, lights, and decorations have been up for weeks, all to get us in the mood to spend, ...
- 31.7k
10
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How exactly do dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) work?
And where can I find out what companies offer them? Are there good resources for information on these plans?
wdd70
16
votes
8
answers
3k
views
When buying expensive electronics is it worth getting the extended warranty?
When shopping for big budget items like TV's and appliances, the resellers (e.g. Best Buy, FutureShop) will often sell an extended warranty that covers the product well beyond the manufacturer's ...
- 6,220
4
votes
2
answers
77
views
I've heard that it's never a good idea to go with payment protection plans offered by credit card companies. Is this true?
I'd like to think my bank isn't trying to swindle me when they call and try to sell me one.
- 8,683
100
votes
14
answers
11k
views
Should I finance a new home theater at 0% even though I have the cash for it?
My wife and I are considering buying a home theater - plasma TV & new stereo - on Black Friday this year.
We do have the cash for it, but Best Buy is offering 0% financing for up to 3 years on ...
- 1,161
19
votes
16
answers
1k
views
What are some tips to help avoid impulse-buying?
My husband and I are both impulse buyers - not a good pair now that our combined income has been reduced! How do you stop yourself from making an impulse purchase? I need some help to improve our ...
- 8,683
14
votes
1
answer
257
views
What is the best way to go about cleaning up a poor credit rating?
Is it true that poor decisions you make now can affect you for up to seven years? Can they negatively-affect one beyond then? What are some steps one could take to repair the damage?
- 8,683
7
votes
1
answer
756
views
How can we use up our Flex Spending Account (FSA) before the end of the year?
My husband and I signed up for a Flex Spending Account for the first time this past year. We've got about $100 left over now, in mid-November, and I've been told that money will disappear if we don't ...
- 2,286
8
votes
2
answers
390
views
How much is college / university projected to cost in the U.S. in 18 years?
[Moderator note: A similar question was recently asked with respect to Canada. This is an important enough question warranting treatment for the U.S. as well.]
How much is college / university ...
- 31.7k
6
votes
2
answers
371
views
When negotiating a compensation package with a prospective new employer, how can I determine what element is worth more?
i.e. is there a way to "normalize" value and future-value of compensation components such as: annual bonus, commission, pension contribution, health benefits, vacation days, company car, etc. so that ...
- 8,683
9
votes
1
answer
382
views
If I have a pension with my employer and then leave, is the pension mine to take with me?
Is the answer to this different if I choose to leave, versus if my employment is terminated? Are the funds my employer contributes towards my pension fund treated differently than the ones I ...
- 8,683
4
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Should I have an RRSP on top of a pension?
I am a teacher and automatically contribute into the Teacher's Pension Plan every paycheque. This pension plan is considered to be one of the best in the country. Do I need to have an RRSP as well? ...
- 347
9
votes
4
answers
3k
views
How much is university projected to cost in Canada in 18 years?
I don't know how much I should put into an RESP for my son. I have $1000 to start and plan to put $100 / month into it. Will this be enough to pay for university when he turns 18?
- 347
3
votes
1
answer
780
views
Is an RESP the best investment option for my young child?
I recently had a baby and am thinking about opening an RESP to save for his education. Is this the best way to invest my money? Is there a chance of losing money this way?
- 347
6
votes
2
answers
650
views
What type of investments should be in a TFSA, given its tax-free growth and withdrawal benefits?
What does an optimal TFSA portfolio look like? What type of investments should be in it given its tax-free growth and withdrawal benefits?
- 429
4
votes
2
answers
1k
views
If I buy a property in an underage dependent's name am I exempt from capital gains (losses) on my income tax?
If I purchase a property in an underage dependent's name (son or daughter), and then sell it before they reach the age of majority, do I need to claim the capital gains (losses) on income tax if I ...
- 6,220
7
votes
3
answers
2k
views
What are the advantages and disadvantages of leasing out a property or part of a property (such as a basement apartment)?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of leasing out a property or part of a property (such as a basement apartment)?
- 6,220
8
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Are TD e-Series Funds worthwhile, or am I better off with ETFs? Why or why not?
I'm looking at e-Series funds offered by TD. They have low MERs and seem to offer a good low cost alternative to traditional mutual funds. What do you guys think? Am I better off with ETFs? Why ...
- 429