Being A Smart Canadian
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
SOURCE: THE GLOBE AND MAIL It’s better to have some cash in your jeans than to wait for the trip of your dreams. Call it the show-me-the-money approach to credit card rewards. A growing number of people are using cards that generate cash rewards paid every year instead of trying to accumulate travel points [...]
MBNA is replacing its MBNA WorldPoints TravelRewards MasterCard with mbna rewards travel MasterCard as of April 20, 2012. According to a letter sent to customers by MBNA, nothing else changes – the same redemption options and same points system. Reward Options You can ask for cash-back, at a rate of $100.00 per 10,000 points. [...]
Canada’s tax law allows you to claim tuition and some other expenses as refundable tax credits if you had paid to follow educational programs outside of the country as well. To be eligible for the Canada Tuition Tax Refunds, this educational institution outside of Canada has to be recognized as an institution of higher education [...]
Canada is changing rules related to financial institutions like banks releasing funds for deposited chques. Under new guidelines, if a cheque has a value of less than $ 1,500.00, the hold on it for personal and small businesses will be reduced to a maximum of four business days, starting from the day after it was [...]
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is warning about email scams intended to get your personal information. The scam comes in the form of an email, purportedly from the CRA and asking you for your personal information, or to click on a link to get your refund. The CRA says it does not ask for personal [...]
SOURCE: THE STAR My 78-year-old mother is incredibly organized, particularly when it comes to her finances. She keeps all of her income tax receipts in one folder, along with information about her investments, property taxes, and her medical expenses. That’s a huge help when it comes to income tax time. If you’re caring for an [...]
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