Archive | December, 2012

TFSA – What is it?

27 Dec
I remember when I was 19 years old, and walking into my local CIBC branch to buy my first RRSP.  Feels like ages ago.
 
 I had absolutely no idea what “it” was but I had heard if I wanted to retire it was important to buy one.  Being frugal with my money I did not want to buy without a full explanation, obviously, but unfortunately the branch contact did not want, or did not know, how to correctly explain RRSP’s.  She only wanted to push me to buy, without actually helping me understand RRSP’s.  After 30 minutes of asking questions I left CIBC without buying.   I ended up going to BMO where they sat with me in front of a computer and we watched a short ‘educational movie’.  I can’t say it explained everything, but I was more inclined to give them my money – although I put it into an uber-conservative MM fund. 
 
Fast forward 15 years, and many investments on my part, and the government has decided to launch a new investment vehicle – the TFSA.  I want you to understand that the TFSA is as good, and in some cases better than your RRSP, and I will try to give your a better explanation than my CIBC experience. 

Early boxing day shopping

22 Dec

Are you thinking about going shopping on Boxing Day? Do you have your eye on a particular store or item? But do you really want to wake up early after your Christmas dinner hangover and trudge out to the mall to wait in line for the 7am opening? Well you may not have to.
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All-In Ticket Prices

19 Dec

The federal government has declared that  advertised airfares, for flights originating in Canada, must include all taxes and fees so the travelling public can easily understand the total cost.  The new all-in ticket prices will be a welcome change from some of the current advertisements which show you an ultra low price, but when you go to book they tack on fee’s and taxes that double the advertised price. (more…)

Canada Post 2012 Christmas Suggested Mailing Deadline

3 Dec

Are you thinking of sending out Christmas cards or presents via Canada Post this year?  If so, Canada Post has posted their 2012 holiday season suggested mailing deadline on their website.  They provide these dates as the suggested latest cut off date to mail the card/package to ensure it arrives at the destination on time.

Canada

Holiday Cards Send as late as
Local Delivery December 19
Within Province December 18
Outside Province December 17
Holiday Packages Send as late as
Priority™ (Rush) December 20
Xpresspost™ (Fast) December 19
Regular Parcel™ (Most Economical) December 10