Skip to main content

Featured

Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...

article

Travel Insurance: A Must-Have When Travelling Outside Canada




Yes, you should buy travel health insurance before you leave Canada even for a day in the United States. Your Canadian health insurance may not pay your medical bills while you’re outside Canada. Your provincial or territorial health plan may cover none, or only a small part, of the costs of your medical care abroad. It will never pay your bills up front. Foreign hospitals can be very expensive and may require immediate cash payment. In some countries hospitals and clinics will not treat you if you do not have enough insurance or money to pay your bills. The Government of Canada will not pay your medical bills.

You can buy travel insurance through your travel agent, insurance broker, employer’s insurance provider or credit card company. Your travel health insurance policy should always cover the following 3 things: Medical evacuation, Pre-existing medical conditions and Repatriation in case of death.



Comments