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The Fed Decides Wednesday — Here's What It Means for Your Mortgage, the Loonie, and Your RRSP

  Monday, July 27, 2026 The U.S. Federal Reserve hands down its rate decision at 2 p.m. ET on July 29. For most Canadians it will feel like background noise. It isn't — here's the plain-language version of why it touches your mortgage, your cross-border spending, and whatever's sitting in your RRSP. The short version: Markets are pricing roughly a two-in-three chance the Fed holds its rate at 3.50%–3.75% on Wednesday. That's not the story. The story is that this is one of the least certain "sure thing" holds in years — and Chair Kevin Warsh's press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET could matter more than the decision itself. Why this meeting is different The Fed has held its benchmark rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% through every meeting so far in 2026. On paper, Wednesday should be more of the same. Under the hood, it's messier. Persistent inflation, running well above the Fed's 2% target for a fifth straight year, has kept a rate hike on the table. The oil-...
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Keeping It in the Family: Renting Without Tax Trouble in Canada


Renting property to friends or relatives can feel straightforward—after all, you trust them, and the arrangement is personal. But the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats these situations with the same scrutiny as any other rental. Missteps can lead to tax headaches you don’t want.

Fair Market Rent Matters

If you charge less than the property’s fair market value, the CRA may consider it a non–arm’s length arrangement. This could limit the expenses you can deduct, or disqualify you from claiming a rental loss. To stay onside, research comparable rental rates in your area and document them.

Keep Detailed Records

Whether your tenant is a best friend or a sibling, maintain formal rental agreements, payment records, and receipts. If the CRA asks, you’ll need to show the relationship is managed like a business transaction.

Report Rental Income Accurately

All rental income must be reported on your tax return, even if you consider it more of a cost-sharing arrangement. Underreporting—or omitting it altogether—can trigger penalties.

Don’t Blur the Lines

Mixing personal favors with business can cause confusion. Be clear about terms from the start: rent amount, due dates, included utilities, and maintenance responsibilities.


Handled correctly, renting to someone you care about can benefit both parties—without sparking unwanted attention from the taxman. Treat it like any professional rental, and your relationship (and your paperwork) will stay in good standing.


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