Skip to main content

Featured

How inflation actually affects you

Inflation isn't just a number on the news. Here's what rising prices actually do to your wallet, savings, and everyday life in Canada. Canadian Money Brief   ·  Updated April 2026  ·  5 min read You've probably noticed that your groceries cost more than they did a few years ago. So does rent, a tank of gas, and a restaurant meal. But when the Bank of Canada announces that "inflation is at 2.8%," what does that actually mean for the money in your pocket? Let's cut through the economics jargon and get to what matters: the real, tangible ways inflation reshapes your financial life — whether you notice it or not. What inflation actually is Inflation is the rate at which prices across the economy rise over time. Canada's central bank tracks this using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a basket of goods and services — think groceries, gas, rent, clothing, and internet plans — that a typical household buys. When that basket costs more than it did a year ago, we hav...

article

New home buyers in trouble as mortgage rates soar

Some buyers who purchased preconstruction homes are finding themselves unable to close on their properties due to rising mortgage rates and stricter lending rules. As a result, they are resorting to selling their contracts to other buyers at a discount, or even giving up their deposits and facing legal risks.

According to Robert McLister, an interest rate analyst and mortgage strategist, this trend is creating opportunities for bargain hunters who are looking for assignment deals. These are transactions where the original buyer transfers their rights and obligations to a new buyer before the home is completed.

However, assignment deals are not without challenges and costs. Both assignors and assignees need to get approval from the builder, pay fees and taxes, and secure financing. Moreover, they need to be aware of the market conditions and the potential risks of flipping or renting out the property.

McLister advises buyers to start evaluating their options early and seek professional help from a tax-savvy accountant, a mortgage broker, and a real estate lawyer. He also suggests that buyers should monitor the bond yields and the Bank of Canada’s rate decisions, as they may affect the future demand and prices of new homes.

Comments