HSBC Rewards Guide | How to maximize your points
Although HSBC Rewards is a program that’s used all over the world, it’s not as popular in Canada since HSBC isn’t one of the big five banks. What you might not realize is that HSBC is the largest foreign-owned bank in Canada and is present coast to coast. Their credit card portfolio is impressive and…
Read MoreTuro Review: Airbnb for cars
Are you looking for a Turo review from someone who’s actually used the platform? Do you have a vehicle that spends more time sitting in your driveway than on the road and want to make some money? Or maybe you need access to a vehicle that’s more convenient than car rental agencies. Let me introduce…
Read MoreDIY Investing | How to choose and open a brokerage account
With so many online brokers, trying to choose one and buying stocks can seem intimidating. Here I’ll guide you through the discount brokerages available in Canada, how to open an account and make your first trade. What’s the best discount brokerage in Canada? There are 13 discount brokerages you can choose from. There are some…
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Hotel Cancellation Policy
When I book accommodations, I first look at the hotel cancellation policy. Although my travel plans are usually set, I want to ensure that the rooms I book are flexible if I change my mind. Fortunately, hotel cancellation policies are pretty generous, but if you’re not paying attention, you could be locked into paying the…
Read MoreWhat is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
If you are in the market to buy a new home, you’ll want to know what is a mortgage pre-approval. Essentially you can find out the what interest rate and how much you’ll be approved for before you begin your home search Mortgage pre-approval and mortgage pre-qualification are options that are offered by most lenders.…
Read MoreCIBC Costco Mastercard Review
The CIBC Costco Mastercard is beloved by many Costco members. It has no annual fee and the earn rate at Costco.ca is 2% cash back. That said, you still need to pay for a Costco membership to apply for this card and the earn rate at Costco warehouses is just 1%. Despite these drawbacks, this…
Read MoreTims Rewards Guide | Maximize your points
When it comes to Canada, several things come to mind. Snow, maple syrup, hockey, and of course, Tim Hortons. Tim Hortons is a Canadian staple and has been for decades, with some menu items such as a ‘double-double’ and ‘Timbits’ even becoming part of our everyday language. For many Canadians, it’s also a part of…
Read MoreIs The JR Pass Worth it?
**I’ve been bombarded with questions about the JR Pass, and I don’t have time to reply to everyone. As a result, I’ve disabled comments. If you read this entire post, I make it pretty clear how to know if a JR Pass is worth it. Just run your route through hyperdia.com since they have a…
Read MoreHow Much Does it Cost to go to Disneyland?
The cost to go to Disneyland can vary quite a bit, but if you’re planning a trip to one of the happiest places on earth, it’s a good idea to have a rough budget in mind. The nice thing about Disneyland is that it’s smaller than Disney World, so navigating the parks is much easier.…
Read MoreDIY Investing: How to create your stock market portfolio
To become a successful DIY investor, you’ll need to understand the accounts you can use and the financial products available to achieve your goals. In my opinion, this is the fun part of being a DIY investor! You’re in the driver’s seat and you have the freedom to choose what to invest in. It’s important…
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