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1 in 4 Canadians Can Only Afford the Minimum Payment on Their Credit Card

  Published August 24, 2026 · Canadian Money Brief A new survey from Equifax Canada puts a hard number on something a lot of us have felt creeping up all year: credit cards are doing more of the heavy lifting in Canadian budgets, and fewer people are paying them off. Of more than 1,500 Canadians surveyed, a quarter said they expect to make only the minimum monthly payment on their credit card, and another 7% think they'll fall behind entirely. That leaves just over half — 56% — who expect to pay their balance in full each month. The survey also found that 40% of respondents are spending more overall than they were a year ago, more than double the 18% who say they're spending less. Nearly 3 in 10 said they're leaning more heavily on credit cards to cover essentials like groceries and utilities, and close to a quarter are dipping into savings to keep up with everyday costs. More than a third have cut back on contributions to savings, investments, or education funds to make ro...

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Canadian Real Estate Association Forecasts Surge in Home Demand for 2025, Condo Market Remains Flat


The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has released its housing market forecast for 2025, predicting a significant increase in demand for homes across the country. According to CREA, the combination of over two years of pent-up demand and lower borrowing costs is expected to drive a rebound in home sales. The national average home price is projected to rise by 4.7% to $722,221 this year.

However, the forecast for the condo market tells a different story. While demand for single-family homes is expected to surge, the condo market is anticipated to remain relatively flat. This divergence is attributed to changing buyer preferences and the lingering effects of the pandemic on urban living trends.

The forecast also highlights regional variations, with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan expected to see higher price gains due to already high sales levels and low inventories. Conversely, Ontario and British Columbia are expected to experience more modest price increases due to their already high housing costs.

Overall, CREA's outlook for 2025 suggests a dynamic and evolving real estate market, with single-family homes leading the charge while condos take a backseat.



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