MONEY MATTERS
Hyundai, KIA Launch Fuel Compensation Program
November 3, 2012
South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have agreed to compensate owners of certain types of vehicles who were given false fuel efficiency/mileage numbers. This follows findings by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that tested the fuel efficiencies of the automakers’ cars, after a number of complaints. On average, the mileage of a Hyundai was increased from 8.71 l/100 km to 9.05 … [Read More...]
American Express Blue Sky Credit Card: Worth?
June 5, 2012
I just got my American Express Blue Sky Credit Card. This is a replacement for the American Express Gold Rewards Card, which I got for free for a year (annual fee is $150.00). The Blue Sky is a free card, forever. Benefits/Notes: 10,000 points if I charge at least $ 500.00 during the first three months. It is equal to $100.00 1.25 miles for every $1.00 spent. No blackout or … [Read More...]
Canadian Savings Accounts – Some Tips
May 5, 2012
The Toronto Star recently ran a column on Canadian bank savings accounts. While the column is not complete in terms of defining which account offers the best return, it is a handy tool. Here is the summary of the article. It’s tough to find a good interest rate on your savings these days. The big banks pay next-to-nothing for their basic savings accounts – between 1.2 and 1.5 per cent … [Read More...]
CAREER/ EDUCATION
Resume Tips
May 13, 2012 Leave a Comment
Resume writing has become a science. Most managers, studies claim, spend less than a minute in going through a resume before deciding whether it is worth pursuing or not. So, you have to make your impression within that time. You have to be grammatically correct and the laws of the language are universal. What is not universal though is the prerequisites of the reader of the resume – in this … [Read More...]
MentoryCity — A New Tool Help Careers Blossom
March 4, 2012 Leave a Comment
A new on-line tool is available for those who seek mentors and, for those offering mentorships, in career. The MentorCity.com is a complete package bringing both together. Whether you have just entered the labour force, or will be entering shortly, or are already in the labour force, a good mentor can help you realize your career dreams. Alternatively, you can also make your own life fulfilling … [Read More...]
Loan Program to Help Foreign Professionals
February 26, 2012 Leave a Comment
The Canadian government has launched an 18-million dollar loan program to help immigrant professionals get their foreign credentials recognized in the country. The three-year program, called The Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot, will run in three provinces – British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. It will be run through selected community agencies, and will provide loans to help … [Read More...]
IMMIGRATION
“Conditional PR” for Some Married Spouses
October 29, 2012
Canada has implemented its new rule to give only a ‘conditional permanent residence’ to sponsored spouses who have been in a relationship with their sponsor for less than two years and have no children from the partnership. The new rules came into effect October 25, 2012. Under the new rules, spouses with less than a two-year old relationship who are sponsored to come to Canada under the … [Read More...]
New Language Requirements for Citizenship Applicants
October 9, 2012
Canada is changing the way citizenship applicants prove their ability in English or French, which are the country’s two official languages. Beginning November 1, 2012, they will need to submit proof of their language skills at the time of their citizenship application. Until now, applicants between the ages of 18-54 (check here for those below 18 and above 54) had to prove their language … [Read More...]
Canada Stops Accepting Applications Under Skilled Worker Program
July 5, 2012
As of July 1st, Canada will not be accepting fresh applications under its Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) and its Immigrant Investor Program (IIP). According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the decision will not affect those who have already applied, and those who have a job offer and are planning to apply under the FSW program. Those in the PhD Eligibility Stream will also … [Read More...]
POINTS & MORE
Direct Energy Offers 10,000 Aeroplan Miles
December 2, 2012 By smartcanadian Leave a Comment
Aeroplan Miles and Direct Energy are offering a special plan for those living in Ontario to earn up to 10,000 Aeroplan Miles. Under the plan those who sign up for Direct Energy's Heating Protection with Maintenance Plan in Ontario, you can earn the Aeroplan Miles. Some pointers: The offer ends December 31, 2012. The plan will cost $ 21.99 or $25.99 if you have a boiler plus … [Read More...]
American Express Blue Sky Credit Card: Worth?
June 5, 2012 By smartcanadian Leave a Comment
I just got my American Express Blue Sky Credit Card. This is a replacement for the American Express Gold Rewards Card, which I got for free for a year (annual fee is $150.00). The Blue Sky is a free card, forever. Benefits/Notes: 10,000 points if I charge at least $ 500.00 during the first three months. It is equal to $100.00 1.25 miles for every $1.00 spent. No blackout or … [Read More...]
RBC Rewards Points Conversion to Shoppers Optimum Points: An Analysis
April 30, 2012 By smartcanadian Leave a Comment
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is giving an opportunity to convert its RBC rewards Points to Shoppers/Pharmarprix Optimum Points. For the first conversion, you will get 8000 Optimum Points for a minimum 1,500 RBC Rewards Points. Thereafter for every 500 RP, you will receive 2,500 OP. I have an RBC Signature Rewards Visa Card, so I get one point for every dollar spent. Generally, you … [Read More...]
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