The word “new” appears a lot at the beginning of the new year. There are new resolutions, new habits, new jobs, new haircuts and more. Among those new resolutions, more and more Canadians are thinking about their own future, and that of their loved ones, which is why creating a last will and testament is the number one financial resolution of 2024.
If you’ve been to the grocery store recently, you may have noticed a considerable rise in prices. All of a sudden, the cost of bread, milk, eggs, meat and your overall weekly food bill has gone up. And it’s not just food; prices have increased across the board. Filling up at the gas station, buying holiday presents, eating at a restaurant, even your car insurance — everything costs a little bit more nowadays. It’s called inflation and it’s currently at the highest level it’s been in two decades.
Many of us understand the basics of managing our finances. But life gets busy. Between hectic work or school schedules, family and our social lives, there isn’t always a lot of time to think things through and you may start to wonder if you’re making the right choices. That’s why financial advisors exist. They’re here to guide you so you can balance your financial needs today with your goals for tomorrow.
Public service announcement: With tax season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about topping off your registered accounts to maximize your tax benefits. Hopefully you’ve squirreled away some savings because you have until March 1 to make your contributions. But where should you park your money – in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)?
When you’ve got to rush your kids to soccer practice, shop for dinner, help with homework and juggle the many different duties involved in being a good parent - all on top of your regular job - it can be hard to carve out a little time to think through your finances. But it’s definitely worth it. And the earlier you start to plan, the less overwhelmed you’ll feel.
Saving was a tricky proposition before the pandemic, and now it’s even tougher. There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a real impact on our economy and our pocketbooks. But we Northerner’s aren’t afraid of a challenge.
We all dream of kicking back one day, relaxing, traveling and spending a little extra time in the ol’ hammock. But a comfortable retirement isn’t something that just happens; it’s something that you need to work, plan and save for your whole life. The trick is to start early and be consistent.
You'll inevitably encounter a few rainy days in your life. Make sure you're ready for them with an emergency 'rainy day' fund.
It’s begins with your first savings account and—if all goes according to plan—ends with a comfortable retirement. Along the way, you’ll have different priorities and your investment strategies should reflect that. But one thing’s for sure: the earlier you start saving and investing, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
Looking to invest in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs)? If so, there are some fundamental differences between the two that you should know before you start. With benefits and risks to both, here’s what you need to know about mutual funds and ETFs.
Children grow up quickly. It just sneaks up on you—one moment they’re taking their first steps, the next they’re asking to borrow the car. And before you know it, they’re leaving home for university. When that time comes, will you be ready?
Thoughts of retirement can be daunting. Many look at it as an opportunity to accomplish lifelong goals, pursue a new passion, or embark on new adventures. Your life-after-work should be a beacon of excitement. But for some reason, uncertainty about financial security shrouds the path many people have mapped out.
There’s an old proverb: give a child some fish sticks and he or she will eat for a day. But teach them to invest in a seafood company, and, well, they might just earn enough money to buy their own fishing boat one day…and they might not.
You have a dream for your future. Maybe it’s exciting; maybe it’s relaxing; maybe it’s a combination, but it’s definitely not a cliché filled with “taking it easy” and quiet hobbies. This is your chance to do something you’ve dreamt about for years: an opportunity to throw hard-earned life experience at a blank canvas.
There are no easy answers when it comes to planning for retirement. Everyone is different, and will have unique needs and plans for their retirement. It’s never to late to start developing a solid strategy for your retirement.
If you suddenly had $10,000 cash, what would you do with it? Would you jet off on an exotic adventure? Buy that motorcycle you’ve always dreamed of? Upgrade your home entertainment system with cutting-edge technology?
From trending techniques and positive spending habits, to automatic transfers and everyday ideas, find out some creative ways to save your money. No matter what you are saving for, we’ve got some helpful tips that’ll get you to your goal.
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