Money Dates | Canadian Money Brief What's Paid, Due or Changing This Week Week of Monday, November 16, 2026 Three dates matter this week: a big inflation report on Monday, then two benefit payments on Thursday and Friday. Here is the week, plus what is coming over the next five weeks. This Week: Nov 16 to 22 Date What What to know Mon, Nov 16 8:30 am ET October inflation report (CPI) Statistics Canada's CPI for October. September came in at 3.1%, up from 3.0% in August. The Bank of Canada watches this before its Dec 9 decision. Thu, Nov 19 Canada Disability Benefit Up to $204.20 a month. Paid on the third Thursday of each month. Fri, Nov 20 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Up to $679.75 a month for each child under 6 and $573.58 for each child aged 6 to 17, for families under the income threshold. Not this week: CPP and OAS (Nov 26). The Groceries and Essentials Benefit, formerly the GST/HST credit, is not paid again until Jan 5, 2027. The Ontario Trillium Benefit was paid Nov 10....
If you are looking for a safe and guaranteed way to grow your money, you might want to consider investing in a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC). A GIC is a type of deposit account that pays a fixed rate of interest for a specified term. You can choose from various terms, ranging from a few months to several years, and you can lock in your rate at the time of purchase.
GICs are ideal for conservative investors who want to preserve their capital and earn a predictable return. They are also suitable for short-term goals, such as saving for a vacation or a down payment on a house. GICs are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) up to $100,000 per depositor per institution, so you don't have to worry about losing your money if your bank fails.
But what if you could get a higher rate of interest than the average savings account or bond? That's where the 5 per cent GICs come in. These are special offers that some financial institutions are making to attract new customers or retain existing ones. They are usually available for a limited time and for a limited amount of money, so you have to act fast if you want to take advantage of them.
Even the big banks are jumping on the bandwagon and offering 5 per cent GICs to their customers. For example, RBC is offering a 5 per cent GIC for a 3-month term, TD is offering a 5 per cent GIC for a 9-month term, and BMO is offering a 5 per cent GIC for a 12-month term. These are some of the highest rates you can find in the market right now, and they are much higher than the inflation rate, which is around 2 per cent.
Of course, there are some catches to these deals. First, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a minimum balance in your account or opening a new account with the bank. Second, you have to invest a minimum amount of money, which can range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the bank. Third, you have to agree to keep your money in the GIC until maturity, otherwise you will lose the interest or pay a penalty. And fourth, you have to pay taxes on the interest income at your marginal tax rate.
So, before you jump on the 5 per cent GIC bandwagon, make sure you do your homework and compare different options. You might find that some online banks or credit unions offer better rates or more flexibility than the big banks. You might also want to diversify your portfolio and invest in other products, such as stocks or mutual funds, that can offer higher returns over the long term. And remember, always invest within your risk tolerance and financial goals.
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