What a Thrifted Wardrobe Taught me about Spending and Saving
It started with a belt. I was browsing a thrift store for a simple black belt and found one in my size for one dollar. Since the day I made…
How to make an offer on a home in a difficult market
Making an offer on a home during the current real estate market can feel overwhelming. If it’s not a multiple bid situation, it’s outlandish offers well over market value or…
How much does it cost to raise a child?
Raising a family is major life goal for many, but the potential costs can seem overwhelming to aspiring parents-to-be. But how much does it really cost to raise a child…
Reflecting on One Year in the Gig Economy
As the year comes to an end, we’re urged to reflect on the highs and lows of the past 365 days, and think about the future. Going forward, I can’t…
RRSP Loan: Does it makes sense to borrow to invest?
The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is one of the most powerful tax-sheltered investment accounts available to Canadians. The only way to make use of its power to lower your…
7 Aspects of Post Grad Life I wasn’t Prepared For
I graduated university in the spring of 2020. After four years studying and participating in extracurriculars, it was finally time to enter what many people call “the real world” of…
How do RRSP contributions impact CCB?
The RRSP is one of the best retirement investment accounts available to Canadians, but it can do more for you that secure your financial future. You can claim RRSP contributions…
The Unbudget: Giving Up Limits, Getting Back Your Life
In my ongoing effort to disrupt the overly-frugal and joyless personal finance community, I’ve come up with a new financial practice: unbudgeting. Unbudgeting is exactly what it sounds like: undoing…
Die With Zero: Your Retirement Savings Strategy is Wrong
If you’ve been following the advice of the personal finance community when it comes to saving for retirement, chances are you’ve gotten it all wrong. First, is the focus on…
The Tax Free First Home Savings Account
The Tax-Free First Home Savings Account is a tax-advantaged accounts for Canadians under the age of 40 to invest for a down payment on their first home. The account has…
Lump Sum Investing vs Dollar Cost Averaging
This is a question that plagues new investors everywhere: is it better to invest the cash you have all at once or spread it out over a few weeks or…
Sinking Funds Explained: How to Afford Everything
Sinking funds are my favorite way to save for specific large purchases or to ensure I always have money for big budget categories, like travel. They are the ultimate savings…
Who is Canada’s 1%?
The 1% or “one-percenters” are those whose individual income is higher than that of 99% of other people. The one-percent are rich. Very, very rich. How much do you need…
FabFitFun Fall 2021 Box Value Breakdown
The FabFitFun Fall 2021 Box is being shipped next month! I went through the value of each of the customizations so you can check out the value of this season’s…
How Your Investments Are Taxed in Canada
When it comes to building wealth, one of the most important factors to consider is your income tax burden. Income taxes take a bite out of all your investment returns,…
Using Your Money The Right Way During Pride Month
This summer’s Pride festivities have been changed drastically because of the circumstances the world is facing. I was, of course, disappointed (but not surprised) to hear that Toronto’s Pride Festival…
RBC InvestEase vs Wealthsimple
RBC InvestEase and Wealthsimple are two of the most popular roboadvisors in Canada. Both Wealthsimple and RBC InvestEase offer simple, automated investing experience at an extremely low cost. Investors pay…
How to Hack Your Credit Score
A good credit score is part of good financial health! You can hack your credit score to make it the highest number possible to ensure you get the best interest…
Your Guide to Investing in Cryptocurrency ETFs
One of the most exciting things to happen to the financial markets in 2021 is cryptocurrency ETFs made their debut in Canada. This is an exciting investment opportunity for Canadians…
How does a Defined Benefit Pension impact my savings?
A defined benefit pension is a type of pension plan sponsored by your employer. Benefits are calculated based on factors such as length of employment, salary history, and age rather…
The PC Money Account Makes Your Budget Go Further
Who says payday can’t have more payoff? The PC Money Account lets you stretch your dollar so you can afford all the essentials, as well as luxuries! You’re likely already…
FabFitFun Summer 2021 Box Value Breakdown
The FabFitFun Summer 2021 Box is being shipped next month! I went through the value of each of the customizations so you can check out the value of this season’s…
The Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Platforms in Canada
If you’re looking to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, you likely already know you need to open an account with a cryptocurrency exchange platform. But which one to choose?…
CDIC Protects Your Emergency Fund So It Can Protect You!
This post is sponsored by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). All views and opinions expressed represent my own. After the ordeal that was 2020, you may be more anxious than ever about…
NFT: Non Fungible Tokens Explained
Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs, are a tokens or digital representation of real-world assets on a blockchain. They are unique and valuable, and now extremely popular. If you felt like you…
The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) Explained
The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tool to help Canadians save for their child’s post-secondary education. The RESP is hands-down the best vehicle to set aside money for…
Why are mutual funds bad?
There was a time that mutual funds were one of the best ways for the average person to invest in the stock market, but those days are now long gone.…
Best Robo-Advisors in Canada 2021
We have more choices than ever about where to invest our money. Here are the best robo-advisors in Canada so you can get started in the stock market. Robo-advisors are…
When maxing out your RRSP contributions is the wrong choice
You’ll never regret saving and investing for the future, but you should always be doing so strategically. There are cases where maxing out your RRSP can actually be the wrong…
Should You Buy a Starter Home?
Looking for your first home can feel like a full-time job. From choosing the right neighbourhood to finding the best real estate agent, there is always something to do. Not…
The TFSA Explained
The Tax-Free Savings Account annual contribution limit is $6,000 for 2022. Here is the 2022 TFSA Explained, so you can make the most of your money in the New Year.…
Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?
Everyone is wondering is Bitcoin a good investment? Bitcoin has been around in 2009, but it didn’t really enter public conversation until 2017. At the time, a value of $20,000…
Coast FIRE vs Barista FIRE: Choose Your Own Early Retirement
Financial Independence and Early Retirement (FIRE) is an attractive financial goal. However, many feel daunted at the prospect of building a multi-million dollar investment portfolio in only a few short…
FabFitFun Spring 2021 Box Breakdown
The FabFitFun Spring 2021 Box is being shipped next month! I went through the value of each of the customizations so you can check out the value of this season’s…
How to Save a Down payment For a House
When it comes to buying your first home, the first thing many people focus on is saving their downpayment. While this is not the largest financial burden of ownership, it…
How Much Do Sex Workers Make?
Sex work, while encompassing many different facets, is simply what the term describes: you sell sex. Sex workers receive in exchange for consensual sexual services. These services can be anything…
How To Share Finances With Your Partner
Mixing love and money isn’t easy. Couples cite sharing finances is as one of the biggest stressors in a relationship — it even comes out ahead of addiction or emotional…
How Much Does It Cost To Be On The Bachelor?
How much does it cost to be on The Bachelor? Surprisingly a lot! The outfits and make-up in Bachelor Nation are next level, and have the price tag to prove…
The Best Posts of 2020
2020 was… a year. For many, it’s one marked by financial struggle due to income loss. Others saw major financial gains as the stock market soared. Regardless, I think we…
The New Tangerine Global ETF Portfolios Review
Tangerine Bank recently introduced a new way to invest: the Tangerine Global ETF Portfolios. These are three different investment funds that invest in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds), allowing you to…
What Your Star Sign Says About How You Manage Money
Is it true that your star sign affects your finances? Below is each astrological sign’s unique money quirks, and some strengths and weaknesses each face in the professional sphere! Table…
PayBright Review: Buy Everything Now for 0%
If you’ve been doing any online shopping lately (and let’s be real: is there any other kind of shopping now?), you probably noticed many of your favorite merchants offering a…
Your Scarcity Mindset is Ruining Your Finances
Last year, I read Choose Yourself by James Altucher. It’s a wonderful book. He’s a bit nutty, but most of what he said reinforced my own nutty ideas about self-employment,…
EQ Bank now offers TFSAs and RRSPs
Your favorite high-interest bank is now offering registered accounts! EQ Bank launched Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) just last week. You can now earn their…
Should You Rent or Buy?
Should you rent or buy? It’s not an easy question to answer. I do the math on buy vs. rent for myself every year when my lease is up. I…
Everything You Need To Know Before Investing In Cryptocurrency
If you’re thinking of investing in cryptocurrency, there are some essential things you need to know before you begin. Bitcoin has surpassed all previous highs and seems to be heading…
The New 2021 TFSA Limit is $6,000
It’s what we were expecting but now it’s been officially announced: the new 2021 annual contribution limit for the TFSA is $6,000. The $6,000 annual limit is the same as…
Saving Money is More Important Than Paying Off Debt
Young people in their 20s and 30s are at the very beginning of their money journey, and they get to decide what are the very first steps they take towards…
The Best Personal Finance Books of All Time
If you’re looking to improve your money, here are the books that will give you the best bang for your buck! (ha!) When it comes to improving your financial literacy,…
Dudebro Culture Ruined Personal Finance (and Everything Else)
One of the grossest facets of toxic masculinity is the Dudebro, and they are unfortunately pervasive in the world of personal finance. What’s a dudebro? A Dudebro is a cis,…
What is the RRSP Lifelong Learning Plan?
The RRSP Lifelong Learning Plan is a great way to pay for your post-secondary education if you want to avoid taking out student loans or liquidating other savings. If you…
The Secret To A Longer Life Is Money
I say secret, but this fact probably doesn’t surprise you at all. Every day I could give you a new list of things that would make my life better, and…
Setting Financial Goals With a Plan
When it comes to setting financial goals, the point is to achieve them so you can enjoy financial security. Having financial goals on your radar is important in ensuring you…
A Step-By-Step Guide to Building an Emergency Fund
An Emergency Fund is one of the cornerstones to long-term financial security. But building an Emergency Fund is a huge financial undertaking. One of the biggest struggles to building an…
FabFitFun Winter 2020 Box Value Breakdown
The FabFitFun Winter 2020 Box is being shipped next month! I went through the value of each of the customizations so you can check out the value of this season’s…
Save Thousands on Travel With These Rewards Programs
Many travel loyalty programs have different ways you can redeem your points. You can book travel through a travel portal. You could apply your points towards travel you’ve booked on…
Should I Get Pet Insurance?
Any fellow animal owners out there will understand that your furry friends are your family! So, caring for their health is a priority. Pet insurance is one way you can…
Should you work for free?
“We can’t offer you any money, but we can give you exposure on our platform.” — the most frustrating offer ever as a freelancer. Have you ever been offered to work…
YNAB Review: You Need A Budget App Like this!
You Need a Budget or YNAB has been one of the most popular budgeting apps for years. And it’s no wonder: YNAB is awesome! In this YNAB review we go…
Why Travel Credit Cards are The Best Way to Save on Travel
Ask anyone about tips for saving money on travel and they’ll tell you that travel credit cards are a must. It makes sense since you can usually get a generous…
9 Ways To Eat Healthy and Frugal When You Live Alone
We all know eating healthy can come at a very high cost. And living alone has increasingly taught me that. Not only do I have a the small budget of…
The 7 Best Budgeting Apps to Manage Your Money
One of the easiest ways to take control of your money is to use a budgeting apps. But there are so many out there, how do you know what’s the…
How To Save Money On Travel In Your 20’s
Travelling in your 20’s can be tough. You want to see the world, but quite often, you don’t have the budget to do so. To complicate things further, COVID-19 has…
How To Make $1,000 Fast
Most of us have all been in a financial bind before. And when those moments happen, you want to make money, and you want to do it fast. It may…
8 Ways I Cut My Spending
For me, there’s something about the fresh, fall air that makes me want to embrace new beginnings and improved habits. As a recent grad, I realized I don’t have any…
How Much Plastic Surgery Really Costs
If you’re thinking of getting some work done, you probably already have an idea of how much plastic surgery costs. Plastic surgery isn’t cheap! Depending on the work you’re getting…
The Funnel of Financial Privilege
Privilege is a loaded word, and a concept that is still complicated and misunderstood by many. I won’t do it great justice here, but it’s something worth discussing when it comes to…
21 Bad Spending Habits You Need To Break
None of us are perfect spenders! In fact, we probably all have a lot more in common than we’d think when it comes to our spending habits. Sometimes we need…
How To Maximize PC Optimum Points For More Free Stuff
Many establishments offer rewards programs for loyal customers. And if you don’t take advantage of these programs, you could really be missing out. The PC Optimum rewards program is an…
How to Withdraw From Your RRSP Without Paying Tax
The Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a tax-sheltered investment account for Canadians to save for retirement. However, there may be times in your life where you need to access…
23 Crazy Ways to Make Money Online
Many people are always on the look out for easy ways to make money online from home. Whether you need to replace your full-time income or you’re just looking to…
I’m a Financial Expert and I Fell For a CRA Scam
At this point, I’m used to getting 2-3 calls per day with an automated message saying I’m going to be arrested if I don’t pay my taxes. I usually hang…
Universal Basic Income would solve all our problems
Universal Basic Income or UBI is an attractive political and economic idea that’s gaining popularity. Guaranteed basic income would provide means for people to meet their basic needs regardless of…
Everything You Need to Know About The 50-30-20 Budget Rule
This post was written by Danielle Paradis. There are as many ways to budget as there are people in the world, but it’s best to err on the side of…
My PhD Helped Me Pay Off $60K Of Student Loan Debt
Many people will tell you the best way to avoid debt is to actively choose not to take any debt on. Student loan debt, in particular, is something that burdens…
3 Reasons Why My Partner Pays For Dinner
The topic of finances can be difficult to bring up with your partner. Depending on the stage of your relationship, the conversations you have about money will vary. Regardless, if…
How To Buy A House In Canada In 10 Steps
Buying a home can be an intimidating process. From hiring a real estate agent to seeking mortgage approval, there are many first-times and lessons learned along the way. Although it…
The Systemic and Personal Costs of Being Trans and Non-Binary
Existing as a marginalized identity always comes at a cost. And when it comes to being trans and non-binary, there are both systemic and personal costs that play in a…
It’s Important To Be A Financial Ally
As members of the personal finance community, we are committed to constantly improving the inclusivity of our work. It’s important to be a financial ally and use whatever means you…
What is a GIC?
A GIC is a useful financial tool that all Canadians should be aware of! GIC stands for Guaranteed Investment Certificate and it’s a type of investment that provides a higher…
How To Write A Check
Writing a check (or for Canadians, cheque) might seem pretty intuitive. But a lot of people (or maybe it’s mostly us millennials and Gen Z’s) haven’t had much reason to…
5 Ways I’m Upgrading My Finances For a New Chapter Of My Life
This April, I finished my undergraduate degree! I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of my post-grad life, but I knew changes were coming. The shift in my…
The Best ETFs in Canada for Young Investors
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are the easiest way for investors to diversify and protect their portfolio. We’ve compiled a shortlist of the best ETFs in Canada for young investors looking…
Being LGBTQ Is My Family’s Greatest Financial Asset
We are a lesbian family who reached financial independence in 2018 for our family of 3 at the ages of 32, 30, and 1. This means that we have saved…
Passiv Review: An Automated Solution for the DIY Investor
Passiv is a portfolio management tool for self-directed brokerage accounts. If you’re an individual investor looking for a simple solution to always ensure your portfolio is balanced and performing the…
How Much Does Freezing Eggs Cost?
More young women are opting to pay the cost to freeze their eggs in order to have more control over their fertility. But is it always a good investment? As…
What Is The Mortgage Stress Test?
A stress test asks you to envision a worst case scenario. When it comes to your mortgage, this means considering what you could afford if your circumstances changed in the…
6 Ways Cycling To Work Improved My Relationship With Money
This is a guest post by Derick Okech. You can read more of his work here. In my undergraduate course, I had a classmate who rode to campus each day…
Wealthsimple Crypto is here!
Wealthsimple has launched Wealthsimple Crypto, a trading platform for cryptocurrency, and now’s your chance to get on the platform! What is Wealthsimple Crypto? Wealthsimple Crypto is a new trading platform…
I Saved $171 Per Week By Staying Off Social Media
This past summer I decided to delete my Instagram account. I had been debating it for a while, feeling like all I used it for was to waste time and…
11 Essential Pieces of Cheap Home Decor to Brighten Any Space
You’re spending more time at home than ever and have probably noticed your environment has a major impact on your mood and productivity. Now that I’ve perfected my wardrobe, I’m…
EQ Bank Introduces Joint Accounts
Our favorite high-interest online bank is now offering joint accounts! EQ Bank joint accounts let you share the joy of EQ Bank’s incredible 1.25% everyday interest rate* on the EQ…
I Lost $12,000 Trading On A Margin During A Stock Market Crash
This is a guest post by Nirushan Sivagnanasuntharam The stock market can be a good place to invest your money. As long as you stick to blue chip stocks and…
How to Invest In Stocks
Investing in the stock market is the single surefire way to build lifetime financial security. You can invest in stocks and ETFs to grow your wealth and earn passive income.…
Exactly How Much Money You Need To Buy A House
Home buying is a daunting task to take on. It might seem impossible to get all your financial ducks in a row to embark on this journey, but really, all…
What Paying $15k Of Student Debt By Freelancing Taught Me About Managing Money
In July 2019, I became debt free after paying over $50,000 from private and federal loans that I took out for my undergraduate degree. A majority of this was paid…
Tangerine Bank Review: The Best Online Bank
Tangerine Bank is one of the best no-fee online banking options available to Canadians. They provide chequing & saving accounts, credit cards and more! If you’re looking for a no-fee…
How To Create A Budget
Budgeting is important for everyone’s finances! A lot of us shy away because we’re nervous to look that closely at our spending and saving habits. But when you know how…
Donating Is Part Of Personal Finance
Personal finance has many facets. The personal finance community is great at acknowledging the basics, but some things slip through the cracks. I think charity and giving should be a…
Wealthsimple’s Socially Responsible Investing Portfolios Just Got Better
Wealthsimple has improved their Socially Responsible Investing Portfolios with more stringent requirements for companies to qualify. They’ve lowered their carbon footprint, screened out weapons manufacturers, removed companies in violation of…
I’m Young, Will The CPP Even Be There For Me When I Retire?
The Canada Pension Plan or CPP is a national retirement pension plan provided by the Federal Government to Canadian citizens in old age. If you’re only in your 20’s or…
How to Pay Off Student Loans
For many people, their student loans will be the largest debt they ever carry, second only to a mortgage. In Canada, the average university graduate finishes school with $26,000 of…
The 5 Lies About Money You’re Still Telling Yourself
Are you being untruthful? Don’t worry, we can all relate. Here are the lies about money I’m sure you’re still telling yourself. 1. Planned spending is savings This is the…
Financial Goals Take More Than Money, They Take Time
Right now, I earn enough to comfortably pay my bills, save in my TFSA and RRSP, as well as enjoy little luxuries like dinners out and new clothes. But I’m…
The Impossible Price of the Motherhood Tax
Children are expensive. But what may surprise you is children are far and away more expensive for women than men. The “Motherhood Tax” is a term that describes the difference…
4 Ways Graduating During A Financial Crisis Changed Me Forever
I never imagined my final semester of my undergraduate degree to end in a global pandemic, endless assignments submitted by e-mail, and a cancelled convocation ceremony, but that’s what I…
Personal Finance Books By African American Authors
This post was originally published on The Master Playbook and is being shared here with permission from its author. In honor of Black History Month, I’ve compiled a list of…
How to Stop Giving Amazon Your Money
No corporation is more deserving of your rage than Amazon. With a long list of human rights violation and a soulless CEO, Amazon is the epitome of everything that is…
The CERB is Being Extended 8 Weeks
Justin Trudeau announced that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended an additional 8 weeks for Canadians still in need of income support in the wake of COVID-19.…
The 7 Unexpected Ways I Was Financially Prepared For The Pandemic
COVID19 has wreaked havoc on my finances, just like everyone else’s. My business revenue has been in freefall since mid-March, and a nascent start-up I was working on got eaten…
The Financial Impact of My Sexual Assault
This is a post by Nikki Tighe. You can find her on Instagram @nikkitighe. I was sexually assaulted when I was 18. It took me awhile to come to terms…
Fraudulent CERB claims can result in fines up to $5,000 and 6 months in jail
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was introduced by the Government of Canada in March 2020 to help Canadians facing reduced hours, lost income, and job loss due to the…
Your Money is Yours
What would you guys say if, after paying all my bills, putting money towards my debt and the some aside for long-term, I spent the rest on marshmallows. Yes, marshmallows.…
CMHC is tightening lending standards
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is planning to tighten lending rules beginning July 1, under the forecast of home prices across Canada declining 9% to 12% over the…
How To Save $10,000
Here is a straightforward plan to help you save $10,000. Use it to boost your own savings and meet your financial goals! $10,000 is a perfect savings goal. It’s a beautiful number.…
Where To Donate To #BlackLivesMatter
Money After Graduation is anti-racist, and if it fits in your budget, we encourage you to use your money to help the protesters and Black Lives Matter groups. Here is…
Is it more expensive to be single or in a relationship?
Having spent almost an equal amount of my 20’s in long-term relationships as out of them, I have a pretty balanced perspective of couples vs. singles finances. I can definitely…
Should you buy it? Use the 45 Minute Rule
I don’t think about my life as that of as minimalist very often. My guess as to why is because once I adopted a life of less stuff, I really…
How To Calculate Your Net Worth
Net worth is the simplest and most useful measure of your financial health. It’s a single number that reflects exactly where you stand. Over time, it tells you if you’re improving…
The Secret Life of the Payday Loan Borrower
Payday loans are the dirty little debt secret no one talks about, but as many as 2 million Canadians borrow these from these high-interest, short-term loans every year. What is…
COVIDiaries: 28-year-old pauses student loan payments to build emergency fund
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
Personal Finance Isn’t Just Personal
The following is a guest post by Moss Mint Teal, which explores the intersections of sustainability and personal finance while examining the impacts of systemic issues like discrimination on the…
Was my university education a waste?
I’m a highly educated individual. I hold both a Bachelor of Science and an MBA in Finance from two great schools in Canada. Tens of thousands of dollars of my…
The Truth About Millennial Debt
Paying off debt sucks. But being debt-free doesn’t. Student loan debt is what inspired the creation of Money After Graduation in the first place. I was drowning in over $20,000 of…
COVIDiaries: 28-year-old bride to be recognizes privilege and invests on during pandemic
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
Preparing My Finances To Adopt My First Pet
I’ve wanted to adopt a cat for so long. And this spring, I was finally able to do it! This is one of the first more adult purchases I’ve made,…
20 Things You Need To Know About Money in Your 20’s
I’ve been thinking lately about what I would tell my 20-year-old self about money if I could go back in time. Even better, I thought about the advice I would…
COVIDiaries: 37-year-old wonders how her income will be affected while working from home
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
What Your Enneagram Personality Type Says About How You Manage Money
The Enneagram personality test is one of my favourite self-indulgences. I’m a Virgo, an INFJ, and according to the Enneagram test, a type 9! Personally, I’ve found this particular personality…
The Debt Avalanche vs. The Debt Snowball
When it comes to paying off debt, there are two popular strategies that are typically encouraged: The Debt Avalanche method or the Debt Snowball method. Both of these winter-themed strategies…
FabFitFun Summer 2020 Box Value Breakdown
The FabFitFun Summer 2020 Box is being shipped next month! I went through the value of each of the customizations so you can check out the value of this season’s…
COVIDiaries: 29-year-old accountant faces unemployment and relies on savings
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
The Best Books to Gift a New Grad
It’s that time of year again! Someone close to you is finishing school. Whether wrapping up an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree (or even high school!), someone in your life…
How to Afford to Live in an Unaffordable City
One of the biggest challenges facing millennials today is enjoying any semblance of a comfortable lifestyle while underemployed (or unemployed) and saddled with student loan debt. For all the crap…
COVIDiaries: 35-year-old changes travel plans and appreciates service workers for all they do
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
It’s Ok to Fall Off The Wagon
I think one of the biggest lessons any human being has to learn is that it is important to forgive yourself. It is important to forgive yourself for failed attempts,…
Government of Canada Announces Financial Support For Students and New Grads Impacted by COVID-19
On April 22, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $9 billion in funding for students and new grads impacted by COVID-19. New grads are facing limited opportunities for job prospects…
What is the Difference Between a Bear and a Bull Market?
If you’ve had any exposure to the stock market, even just in the last month or so, I’m sure you’ve heard the terms bear or bull market. Both are unavoidable…
FabFitFun REVIEW: is it worth the money?
I promised myself I’d never write a FabFitFun review post and be a “FabFitFun girl” but here we are. I don’t want to be ashamed of the things I love,…
COVIDiaries: 33-year-old chemical engineer cuts spending and shares investing advice
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
The Best Ways to Help Those In Need During a Financial Crisis
A financial crisis can mean a lot of things to different people. While a global crisis is something that affects us all at different levels, there are also more individual…
Canadians Are Still Drowning In Debt
It seems that the high amount of debt Canadians carry is still not being paid off. And with economic downturns, stock market losses, and an ongoing health crisis, can you…
3 Things You Need To Know About Your Student Debt Before You Graduate
For many students, graduation is the happiness of getting their degree is mixed with the misery of having to deal with their student loans. After years of not really worrying…
COVIDiaries: 23-year-old delays student loan repayment and worries about her money’s unknown future
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
The Best (And Worst) Things My University Degree Gave Me
After 4 years of assignments, exams, stressful nights meeting deadlines, and a strike, I have finally completed all of my university classes! I feel relieved, proud, and reflective. Getting my…
Should You Use a Line of Credit to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?
It might seem contradictory to use debt to pay off debt, but taking out a line of credit to pay off credit card debt can be a great financial decision.…
COVIDiaries: 28-year-old looks for alternate income sources and re-thinks past spending habits
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
5 Productivity Hacks That Will Change The Way You Do Everything
Struggling to get things done is something we all go through. When your productivity is taking a hit, your finances inevitably do too.The more productive you are, the more money…
COVIDiaries: How a 22 year old grad student is coping with income loss and educational changes
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
How to Apply for Your Benefits of the Canada Economic Response Plan
The Canada Economic Response Plan provides financial support to individuals and businesses in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Trudeau announced Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan in March 2020.…
Maple Medical Review: 24-hour online doctors, virtual health, and prescriptions in Canada
Maple is a telemedicine platform that lets you speak to doctors 24/7 for common health treatment, prescriptions, lab referrals, and more. With Maple, you can skip the trip to the…
What Determines How Wealthy You Will Become in Your Lifetime?
The topics of economic mobility and wealth disparity make for some of my favorite conversations, because I want to understand all the facets of wealth. I am not fascinated merely…
How to Get Help Repaying Student Loans
Do you need help repaying student loans? There are plenty of options to help you tackle your debt, even when your income is limited or non-existent. Many of us are…
COVIDiaries: Self-employed 23-year-old faces financial and mental impacts amidst this crisis
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
COVIDiaries: 27-year-old substitute teacher cuts spending and grapples with becoming poorer
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
How Much Money You Should Save in your Mental Health Fund
Mental health and money are inextricably connected. Not only does your money contribute to mental and emotional stressors, but mental illness can lead to financial downfall, if you don’t take…
Bank of Canada Changed Their Interest Rate (Again)
In just over a week, Bank of Canada has changed their interest rate from 0.75% to 0.25%. This is the bank’s largest cut in rates since 2009 and its first…
What You Get From Justin Trudeau’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Earlier this morning, prime minister Justin Trudeau announced an $82 Billion dollar COVID-19 Economic Response Plan to help Canadian citizens and businesses cope with the Coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what it…
Financial Literacy Won’t Solve All Our Problems
The personal finance community is over-enthusiastic about financial literacy, and I get it. The more people know about money and financial services, the better equipped they are to manage their…
COVIDiaries: 32-year-old mom from Alberta hopes her single-income family can weather the storm
In the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic, many people find their personal finances in complete upheaval. We want to share real stories of how people are coping with the…
Why You Need An Emergency Fund of Stuff
Most financial gurus will suggest you build an Emergency Fund with enough cash to cover 3 to 6 months of essential expenses. I’m going to suggest you also start building…
7 Low Cost Ways to Revamp Your Space This Spring
I came back from my school’s winter break about a month ago. Amidst the lingering snow and frigid temperatures, I knew I needed to start preparing my mind for the…
Emergency Financial Measures You Can Take To Survive a Crisis
Many people are facing reductions in hours or pay, or even job loss during the COVID-19 global pandemic. This can be disastrous for personal finances, especially for low-income groups. If…
How is Credit Card Interest Calculated?
Since credit card debt has some of the highest interest rates out there, it’s important to know exactly what you owe. But before calculating your credit card interest, there are…
The Stock Market Crashed, Now What?
Last week, stocks tumbled a whopping 10% in a single day, bringing their total fall on Thursday to a terrifying 27% in the wake of Coronavirus. It rebounded slightly by…
10 Things I Wish I Knew About Money Before I Started University
I am finally nearing graduation from my undergraduate degree! It is my fourth and final year studying Professional Writing at York University and I am thrilled to be nearing the…
How to Keep Your Cool Investing in Volatile Stock Markets
Investing in volatile stock markets is a challenging and emotionally draining endeavor. It’s also often a great way to supercharge the returns on your portfolio by taking advantage of investment…
8 Ways The Coronavirus Will Impact Your Finances
The coronavirus outbreak is on a surefire path to severe economic consequences. The effects of this issue are damaging to the global economy, and consequently affecting the personal finances of…
EQ Bank Review: High Interest For The Savvy Saver
EQ Bank is an online bank offering highly competitive interest rates on saving accounts and GICs. The Savings Plus account currently boasts a 1.25%* everyday interest rate, plus no daily…
Don’t Give Up Until You Do The Math
In the time I’ve been doling out personal finance advice online, I’ve been called everything from privileged and out of touch, to colorful names I will not repeat. I know…
Everything You Need To Know About The RRSP Explained
The 2022 RRSP deduction limit (contribution room) has increased to $29,210. This is up from the 2021 limit of $27,830. That is the main change you need to know for…
My Eating Disorder Cost me $4,000 a Year
The beauty, wellness, and fashion industries are what I like to call a breeding ground for eating disorders and capitalistic takeover. Bear with my anger, I have strong feelings on…
Maximizing Your Income Tax Refund With RRSP Contributions
Tax season always brings up questions about one popular savings vehicle: the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). And it’s no wonder. The RRSP is one of the most useful and…
13 Awesome Bullet Journal Pages for Tracking Your Money
No matter your artistic skill, bullet journals can be the perfect tool for tracking your money. The most effective strategy can vary from person to person, but in any case,…
Have a Frugal Period
Having a period is an expense we often don’t think about, but can really add up! Granted, it’s not that expensive to menstruate, but it’s still a cost that men…
Are You and Your Partner Financially Compatible?
Managing finances with your partner is an important aspect of your relationship. While the status and longevity of your relationship will surely affect how you approach this, talking about money…
The Best High-Interest Savings Accounts in Canada
Now that there are so many different banks to choose from, it can be hard to find the best high-interest savings account in Canada. Thankfully, I’ve done the legwork for…
How to Pay Off $10,000 of Debt This Year
When it comes to getting to debt-free, your journey is a marathon, not a sprint. No matter who much you owe, there are ways to optimize your debt repayment strategy…
6 Ways Everyone is Screwing Up their TFSA
Using a Tax Free Savings Account can be one of the best choices for you financially. The TFSA allows you to earn tax-free investment income on the money you put…
How to Build A Balanced Stock Portfolio
Many people wonder how to build a balanced stock portfolio, but the process is easier than you think. Self-directed investing means managing your stock investment portfolio by yourself. You’re responsible…
6 Ways We Prepared Our Finances to Travel the World
A bit over a year ago we left our jobs behind, sold most of our belongings, gave up our house in Calgary, and set off on a once in a…
Introducing Wealthsimple Cash: Great rates on money you’re not investing
Wealthsimple Cash is a new spending and saving account replacing Wealthsimple Save. It’s offering 0.90% interest, a stunning metal card, and a host of extra features. Wealthsimple is one of…
4 Ways Your Toxic Relationship is Costing You
Relationships can be costly. Whether they’re familial or romantic relationships or friendships, they can be toxic/unhealthy. And consequently, these relationships can cost you. While they may be costing you in…
3 Questions to Ask Yourself before Accepting Your Dream Job
It was a little over one year ago when my wife and I were looking for jobs in Colorado. We had identified a few areas we wanted to move to…
5 Lessons Learned From Being Laid Off
I love being able to say I’ve never been fired. And I used to like saying I’ve never been laid off. Until now. I know layoffs are a reality for…
5 Shortcuts To Lifelong Wealth
When it comes to building lifelong wealth, slow and steady usually does. However, there are a few quick shortcuts you can take to amass your riches faster. One of the…
How to Maximize Your Starbucks Rewards
If you’re fuelling a Starbucks addiction like me, you’re probably looking for the best way to get the most bang for your buck. Or at least Stars for your caffeine…
7 Unexpected Ways Money Affects Your Sex Life
Sex and money are two of the most taboo topics of discussion. Despite the fact that these things affect all of our lives in one way or another, we tend…
Willful Review: Get a Legal Will Online for Less Than $100
Having a will is an essential component of having your personal financial house in order. However, it’s one aspect many people neglect! In this Willful review outline why you need…
Amway is a pyramid scheme
Amway is a pyramid scheme, and I have lost a friend to prove it. I’m betting it’s more likely than not that someone you know has also gotten involved with…
How to Make 2020 Your Richest Year Yet
2020 is your year. YOUR YEAR! This is the year you finally take control of your finances, pay off more debt than ever, and increase your net worth by a…
3 Tips to Help You Thrift
Thrift shopping has become the trendy activity of every social media star’s dreams. And rightfully so. I mean, why not buy more unique clothes at a much lower price? Seems…
The Year Compass: Close 2019, Plan 2020
Ready to tackle major personal and financial goals in 2020? I’ve been doing The Year Compass for five (5!!) years, and it’s been life-changing. If you haven’t heard of it…
Here Are Our Most-Read Posts of 2019!
Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas! If you’re on vacation and looking to cozy up with a cup of coffee or cocoa and get financially inspired for 2020, we’ve got a…
I Earned $20,000 with Side-Hustles to Pay for College
It goes without saying that getting through college or university without taking on any debt can be a challenge. After all, student loan debt has surpassed $1.5 trillion. Rising tuition…
Borrowell Review: Free Credit Scores & Reports, Low-Interest Loans
In this Borrowell Review, I explain how to get your free credit score and credit report every month! Borrowell is a Canadian financial company that provides credit scores and reports,…
How to Build a Personalized Bill Hierarchy (and why you need one!)
A personalized bill hierarchy is simply a way to prioritize your expenses based on essential to frivolous. It gives you a quick way to visualize which are the most important,…
6 Signs You’ve Saved The Wrong Amount in Your Emergency Fund
A fully funded Emergency Fund is a cornerstone of financial security. But what exactly counts as “enough” saved? Most financial gurus will suggest you have 3 to 6 months of…
5 Ways I Turned My Side Hustle Into My Primary Income
I started working when I was fourteen. I was just beginning high school and working part time in the food services industry. Seven years later and I’ve worked a total…
Check Your Financial Privilege
Advice in the personal finance community has always been catered toward at those who already have money to spare. Even with the audience broadening in recent years, many aspects of…
4 Strategies I Used To Save $100,000 by Age 25
Three years ago, I made a deal with myself: I wanted to have $100,000 saved when I’m 25. But I didn’t mind if it didn’t happen until the day before…
I’m Frugal, But I’m Still Buying a $50,000 Car
Those who know me know I am a frugal shopper. When I do shop, I like to spend money on good food, experiences, and on items for my home. So…
How I Paid Off Over $21,000 of Student Loan Debt in Under 22 Months
I graduated from my Bachelor of Science degree owing over $21,000. I managed to pay it off in less than 22 months. My journey out of student loan debt is…
Tangerine World MasterCard vs. Tangerine Money Back Card
If you’re already a Tangerine client, you may have gotten an email last month inviting you to upgrade your Tangerine Money-Back Card to the new Tangerine World MasterCard. If you…
How I Increased My Net Worth by Over $200K in 4 Years
I did not come from a privileged background My dad was the breadwinner in the family and when he moved to the Philippines when I was nine to chase his…
4 Reasons to Set Up an RRSP While You’re Young
You might think you’re too young to need an RRSP. But this is one savings plan that is a firm foundation for a lifetime of financial security. Despite its name,…
You Now Have a Lower Interest Rate on Your Canada Student Loan
You might notice something special when paying this month’s Canadian student loan bill: The variable and fixed interest rates on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans have been reduced.…
The Incredible Immorality of the Billionaire Class
There are over 2,000 billionaires in the world and every single one of them is richer than they deserve. Billionaires aren’t the super inspirational leaders of capitalism. They’re actually a…
4 Things To Consider When Saving For Your First Tattoo
Of the few non-essentials I choose to spend my money on, tattoos are probably my favourite! I’m a sucker for a long-lasting purchase, and changing up my looks is honestly…
What I Wish I Knew About Credit Scores Before Age 25
I don’t think I even know what a credit score was before I was 25. This is a good thing, because before then, I’m sure my credit score wasn’t any…
Therapy is For the Rich
Recently, I’ve been working through a list I made of things to do to better my mental health. I quit a job that was negatively affecting me, wrote letters to…
PolicyMe Review: Term Life Insurance Coverage in Minutes
In this PolicyMe review I share everything you need to know about this online term life insurance tool! PolicyMe will help assess how much coverage you require and then set…
The Important Work of Financial Feminism
Financial feminism is the advocacy and action for gender equality in personal finance. This includes, but is not limited to earned income, debt loads, taxes, and wealth accumulation. It has…
4 Life Lessons I Learned Moving Into My First Apartment
This fall, I moved into my first apartment. I’m twenty-one and have moved from my family home to university residence buildings to room rentals in my neighborhood. And now, finally,…
The Hidden Costs of Being LGBTQ+
There seems to be a rumor going around that being a same-sex couple means the both of you get to save a ton of money. However, the opposite is actually…
OK Boomer: Why You Shouldn’t Take Financial Advice From Your Parents
“Ok Boomer” is the only appropriate response to tone-deaf financial advice from a generation that enjoyed the easiest wealth accumulation in history. Boomers enjoyed unprecedented gains in residential real estate…
6 Ways to Budget on an Unpredictable Income
With the rise of the gig-economy, side-hustles, and part-time freelancers, there are more and more people living month-to-month on a wildly unpredictable income. Those of us who can’t predict how…
What is the stock market?
While the stock market might seem intimidating at first glance, it’s surprisingly easy once you get started. In fact, if you’re not a day-trader, investing in the stock market can…
4 Home Remedies to Heal Acne On A Budget
Skincare is no easy feat. Finding a routine that is right for you might take a while, and when doing so on a tight budget it might seem difficult. I…
Best No-Fee Banking Options in Canada
When it comes to banking, Canadians have more options than ever. Why then are so many of us still paying bank fees? Many of us choose our financial institutions based…
Exactly How Much You Have To Earn To Pay Off Your Debt
Even for small amounts of debt, you’ll need to earn over six-figures in income to pay it off. If that sounds preposterous, you only need to do the math. If…
How Does Maternity Leave Work in Canada?
Canada has one of the most generous maternity and parental leave programs in the developed world. But most people won’t ask “how does maternity leave work in Canada?” until they…
How Wealth Inequality Created The Culture of Helicopter Parenting
Parents spend more hours than ever interacting with children. Unfortunately, this is to their detriment. But the origin of helicopter parenting might surprise you: Over-parenting is the product of wealth…
I’m a Hopeless Romantic and I Can’t Afford It (Or So I Thought)
Daydreaming while looking out the bus window with my headphones in has been a part of my morning routine since I was thirteen. What can I say? I have the…
10 Strategies to Max Out Your TFSA Every Year
The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) has an annual maximum of $6,000 in 2021, and a lifetime maximum of as high as $75,500 depending on the year you were born. How…
How the New Democratic Party of Canada Campaign Promises will affect your finances
As we head into the Federal election, the parties are campaigning for your vote. A popular issue is always how much money they’ll put into your pocket. Government grants, benefits,…
How the Liberal Party of Canada Campaign Promises will affect your finances
As we head into the Federal election, the parties are campaigning for your vote. A popular issue is always how much money they’ll put into your pocket. Government grants, benefits,…
How the Conservative Party of Canada Campaign Promises Will Impact Your Finances
As we head into the Federal election, the parties are campaigning for your vote. A popular issue is always how much money they’ll put into your pocket. Government grants, benefits,…
What is a LIRA (Locked-In Retirement Account)?
LIRA stands for Locked-In Retirement Account and is an account you open to transfer an employer pension to after you leave a job. LIRAs are becoming increasingly popular as people…
Is Tinder or Bumble Worth Paying For?
They say you can’t put a price on love, but modern tech is trying. Virtually all dating apps are free to use, but they offer extra services if you opt-in…
The True Cost of Self-Care
Self-care drained my bank account. Well, what I thought was self-care did. The self-care industry has grown at a rapid pace in recent years. And witnessing its emergence has been…
The Best Cash Back Credit Cards in Canada
A cash-back credit card is a great addition to your wallet because it lets you earn a few dollars on your regular spending while offering convenience, security, and building your…
How I Became My City’s Cheapest Tour Guide
Recently, my best friend from Georgia booked a plane ticket to come visit me in Toronto this summer! She has never been to the city before, so when she booked…
The Income You Need to Purchase a Home in Canada’s 25 Largest Cities
What income and down-payment do you need in order to buy the average home in a major Canadian city? Buying a home is a major financial accomplishment, but the hurdle…
What 5 Unpaid Sick Days Taught Me About Mental Illness and Money
This past month, I called in sick 5 days in a row. The 9-5 work schedule is exhausting and draining. My mental health was declining, and consequently my physical health.…
Tangerine Bank Recipes: Save More Than Ever
The Tangerine Bank Recipes are “rules” that Tangerine will apply to increase the amount of money you save through everyday purchases. Whether you want to round up purchases or save…
Improving My Relationship with Food on a Budget
The food-self relationship is almost never an easy one to understand. Though most people don’t realize it, approximately 1 million Canadians suffer from an eating disorder or disordered eating habits.…
Credit Unions Meet You In Real Life
A credit union differs from a traditional bank in a few key ways that can really benefit you as a saver and borrower. If you want a more personalized banking…
The Canada Learning Bond Explained
Lower-income Canadian families using an RESP also have the option of maximizing their return through the Canada Learning Bond, or CLB. The CLB can provide up to $2,000 worth of…
Undebt.it Review: The Best Free App to Help You Get Out of Debt
Undebt.it is a free online tool that will help you repay your debt. This web-based app lets you compare repayment strategies, track progress and more! It is hands down the…
3 Ways I Plan my Timetable to Save Money
Balancing school and work is a treacherous task. I want to do my best in school, but also need to save money for rent, bills, and school supplies, among many…
5 Simple Ways to Beat Debt Fatigue
Tackling debt is an exhausting and painful process that more and more of us have to face. The debt problem in Canada is steadily on the rise, and our numbers…
It’s Easy Being Rich: Why The Wealthy Get Everything for Free
One of the biggest contributors to the ever-growing problem of wealth inequality is that once you’re rich, it’s very easy to become even richer. In fact, you won’t even have…
Why a Meal Delivery Service is Best For Your Grocery Budget
It might seem counterintuitive, but paying for a meal delivery service can actually reduce your grocery budget. Not only will you get to skip the grocery line, you’ll probably find…
How to Afford Louis Vuitton
Wondering how to afford Louis Vuitton? If you can save 1% to 3% of your income in less than a year, you might be able to fit a designer handbag…
What Your Myers-Briggs Personality Says About How You Manage Money
What’s the deal with your Myers-Briggs and money? Your MBTI personality type can have a bearing on how much you earn, save, and spend. Knowing which of the 16 personalities…
How to Ladder GICs
Laddering GICs is a great investment strategy to maximize your return and maintain the cash flow of your fixed-term investments. I was checking my EQ Bank accounts to update my…
Dividend Investing: The Ultimate Passive Income Source
Dividend investing is one of the best ways to create a completely passive income stream. With dividend stocks, you invest once and earn forever! Passive income, the type of income…
Rakuten Review: I Earned Over $1,500 in Free Money Shopping Online
In this Rakuten review, I share what’s to love about this free tool to earn cash-back on all your online spending, no matter what bank or credit card you use!…
The First Time Home Buyer Incentive Explained
The First Time Home Buyer Incentive (HBI) was announced in June 2019 to help middle-class Canadians purchase their first home. The program provides up to 10% of a home’s value…
What is the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)?
If you’ve been saving using an RESP, then your child is eligible for up to $7,200 worth of free money through the Canada Educations Savings Grant (CESG). This grant allows…
How To Financially Prepare For The Climate Crisis
Researchers have concluded that human civilization will crumble by 2050 thanks to climate change. From the looks of it, we’re doomed so all financial preparation is for naught. However, before…
3 Quick Tips to Save Big on Your Next Cell Phone and Plan
Canada boasts some of the highest mobile phone and plan costs in the world. Here’s how to score a deal on your next phone upgrade and data plan! If you…
CDIC Insurance: Keeping Your Savings Safe
The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) protects deposits at member financial institutions in the event of their failure. CDIC covers your money, protecting your hard-earned savings. Best of all, it…
How to Calculate Your TFSA Contribution Limit
The Tax-Free Savings Account is one of the best investment vehicles available to Canadians, but only if they put it to good use! Here’s how to calculate your TFSA contribution…
4 Ways to Fit Cannabis Into Your Budget
Now that cannabis is legal across Canada and in many states, more people than ever are buying. But how do you budget weed? Unlike alcohol which is purely a leisure…
How to Build a $1 Million Dollar TFSA
Retirement might not be a top-of-mind concern for a 20- or 30-something, but these are your best years to save for future you. Thankfully, it’s ridiculously easy to create a…
3 Tricks We Used To Save a $40,000 Down Payment
Owning a home in Canada is a desirable milestone in life. In fact, according to a 2018 CIBC poll, 94% of millennials want to buy a home one day. However,…
RBC InvestEase: Simplicity and Convenience in Automated Investing
This article about RBC InvestEase is sponsored by RBC, but all the opinions expressed herein are my own! The best way to achieve long-term financial security is by investing in…
Should You Lease or Finance a Car?
Should you buy or lease a car? If you have to ask, you should probably buy. Leasing can make sense in some circumstances for some people, but for most, actually…
2020 Wealthsimple Trade Review: Start investing for free
Wealthsimple Trade is a zero-commission, no-minimum brokerage account that lets you build a self-directed portfolio investing in the stock market. This is the perfect low-cost option for young investors or…
Is Microblading Worth It?
If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, you probably know I went through the ordeal that is microblading. This is an expensive semi-permanent cosmetic procedure. I wanted it for…
Questrade Review: Low-Cost DIY Investing
Questrade is an online discount brokerage where you can buy and sell financial securities on the stock market. They offer one of the most robust trading platforms at the lowest…
The Importance of a Car Emergency Fund
A Car Emergency Fund is savings set aside specifically for any unexpected event related to owning a vehicle. Since it’s more likely than not owning a car will come with…
34 Pieces of Personal Finance Advice I Would Give Absolutely Everyone
Personal finance is personal, but there is some personal finance advice I would give absolutely everyone. When it comes to managing your money, there are four primary areas you need…
How to Set Personal & Financial Goals You’ll Actually Accomplish
Everyone sets goals or New Year’s resolutions, but few actually achieve them. Old habits die hard, and it isn’t easy to change your ways. However, there is a method to…
How to pay off a 7 year car loan in less than 4 years
Most people like the allure of ultra-low car payments that come with long-term loans. However, staying in debt for nearly a decade just to drive your car is a poor…
Why This Stock Market Correction Is The Best Time To Start Investing
The stock market has plummeted more than 25% in a few weeks, and For new investors, or even seasoned investors who have lots of capital tied up in the market,…
Saving Money in a TFSA and RRSP On Any Budget
It’s easier than you think to fit saving into any budget — if only because any amount of saving is worth doing even on the tightest of budgets! Many people…
Choosing The Right Home & Auto Insurance
Choosing the right home & auto insurance doesn’t seem like something that would be easy, but now it is. In fact, you can even get your coverage online. Insurance is…
2020 Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card Review
I’ve had the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card for years and I love it! In this Tangerine credit card review, I’ll break down all the benefits of this card. The Tangerine…
How I Survive on Less Than $1,000 per month in Toronto
I’m a university student in Canada’s most expensive city: Toronto. The realities of student life and the costs of living in this city seem impossible to reconcile, but I actually…
Accelerate Your Debt Repayment Plan With This Simple Hack
Debt sucks! It’s like a dull, chronic pain that just lingers around. An irritating reminder that your cash flow is not as positive as it could be. However, there’s a…
The CIBC Aventura Card is The Ultimate Traveller’s Card
When it comes to traveling, the right credit card can make the difference between a good trip and a great one. Not all travel credit cards are created equal! From…
16 Essential Purchases for Baby’s First Year
Kids are expensive! While the most expensive part of having a baby is childcare costs, actual baby gear comes in a close second. How do you know what you really…
The Cheapest Way to Eat Vegan
There are a ton of reasons that people are beginning to switch over to a vegan lifestyle, many of which aren’t often talked about. The general assumption is that people…
A Perfectly Curated Closet (Without Breaking The Bank)
My closet is the summation of all my good intentions. There’s something about a perfectly curated closet that just feels grown-up. I’ve been meaning to get my wardrobe organized in a…
The Importance of Grit in Financial Success
What’s the difference between the fraction of people who end up wildly successful, and everyone else who falls short of their dreams? It’s not necessarily talent, skill, or luck. For…
How to Care for Mental Health On a Budget
Like many of us, I have struggled with mental health for most of my life. And unfortunately, it’s likely that this problem is bound to get worse. The Canadian Mental…
Wealthsimple Review: hassle-free investing
Wealthsimple is a robo-advisor that provides completely hands-off investing in the stock market. All you need to do is open an account, add some funds, and they’ll take care of…
How To Open a TFSA
The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is the best long-term savings vehicle available to Canadians, but less than 40% of eligible savers are making use of it. If you don’t have…
How I Saved Over $5,000 In My Baby’s College Fund By Her First Birthday
One of the first things I did after my daughter was born was start saving for her post-secondary education. Setting up my baby’s college fund was one of the best ways…
Self-Directed Investing vs. Robo-Advisor
When it comes to investing in the stock market, there are now more choices than ever. You do not have to go with the products are your primary bank, nor…
How to Build a Six-Figure Stock Portfolio From Scratch
A six-figure stock portfolio is a strong foundation for financial security, but most people see that many zeros and have no idea how to make it a reality. Truthfully, getting…
How to Manage Your Finances as a Single Parent
I am a single parent. When I found myself unexpectedly pregnant at 31, one of the first things I worried about was how to afford a baby. Children are very…
How to Stock a Home Bar on a Budget
In retrospect, I think I could have saved a lot of money in my 20’s if I’d been more deliberate about stocking my liquor cabinet at home. Instead, I scoffed…
Saving to Survive the Unthinkable
The following is a guest post by my friend Chris (@yegct) on the importance of having an Emergency Fund for something you never want to need an Emergency Fund for. …
The Canada Child (CCB) Benefit Explained
The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a monthly payment made by the Government of Canada to eligible families with children. Given the high costs of raising a child, this payment…
10 Essential Steps to Make Money Flipping Houses
Many people think real estate is a surefire way to get rich, and then are surprised when their home turns into a money pit. If you’re interested in flipping houses,…
How I Shed Nearly $50,000 of Debt in Less Than 2 Years!
The following is a guest post by Eric from Finances With Family.This is an awesome story of triumph over the worst possible kinds of debt — I’m talking payday loans…
Why Your Savings Strategy Needs GICs
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of EQ Bank. However, as always, all opinions are my own. Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) are an awesome way to save…
How to Use the Debt Snowflake Method
You’ve probably heard about the Debt Avalanche” or the “Debt Snowball”, but might be less familiar with the Debt Snowflake method. However, if you’re currently slugging away at paying down…
Frugal Finds to Make Breastfeeding Easier
Most people think breastfeeding is “free” or “frugal” . As a breastfeeding mother of an almost-9-month-old, I assure you, it’s not free. Not even close. What’s an even bigger shocker,…
The 5 Bank Accounts Everybody Needs
There are a minimum of 5 bank accounts everybody needs, but even more might be right for you. Between my business and personal accounts, I have financial relationships with seven…
5 Essential Saving Secrets & Money Hacks
When it comes to saving money, it’s easier said than done. Most people actually suck at saving, with most households only socking away a pitiful 4% of their income. We…
How to Hustle as a New Parent
I’ve been juggling motherhood and work for 4 months, and it’s only now that I feel I’m starting to get the hang of it. After finding myself unexpectedly pregnant in…
How I Ruined (& Fixed!) My Credit Score
As you may have already heard, I recently ruined my credit score. I was using Borrowell to monitor it for free, and after 3 months of it going down, I…
KOHO Review: Spend Less, Save More, Budget Better
KOHO is a prepaid Visa linked to a budgeting app that helps manage your spending, increase your savings, and earn cash back on all your purchases. In this KOHO review,…
The gift you really wanted, on your budget
If you’ve ever bought or sold second-hand clothing, electronics, furniture, video games, toys, or anything else, you’ve participated in the second-hand economy. And you’re not alone! 82% of Canadians traded…
5 Ways To Make The Most of Your TFSA
The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is the best long-term wealth-building vehicle available to Canadians, but most people don’t see it that way. The Tax-Free Savings Account is one of the…
How to See Through Your Financial Blind Spots
Managing money can be intimidating. From the list of financial to-dos to the endless array of acronyms for different accounts, it can easily feel like there’s too much to know,…
14 Books You Must Read To Get An MBA Education At Home
In 2015, I graduated with an MBA in Finance. My course program consisted of 20 classes in Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and more. With tuition and the cost of…
The Key to Overcoming Financial Hardship
More likely than not, you will experience some form of financial hardship in your lifetime. Some of these will be minor challenges like a layoff or a series of missed…
Daycare is an Investment, Not an Expense
When it comes to raising a family, childcare costs are a huge expense that can start to rival your mortgage payments. With daycare costs as high as $2,000 per month…
How to Set Your Money On FIRE
The title of this post might lead you to think it’s about wasting your hard-earned dollars, but it’s actually about the opposite. FIRE is about ultra-frugality and a commitment to…
How to Fund Your Own Maternity Leave
Maternity leaves in the developed world vary in length and pay from nothing to 14 months at no pay to 100% covered. Canada offers one of the most generous government-sponsored…
Building Consistent Wealth on an Inconsistent Income
If you’re a contractor, freelancer, entrepreneur, or seasonal worker, one of your biggest challenges is likely consistently growing your net worth on an inconsistent income. The first challenge of living…
Debt is an Income Depressant
Do you make good money but feel broke? Chances are your debt obligations are what’s cramping your style. We tend to think of debt as it’s own entity and not…
How To Pay Yourself When Self-Employed
One of the hardest things to do is to pay yourself when self-employed. When starting a business, entrepreneurs are often tempted to reinvest everything into the company they are building…
Should You Invest If You Have Debt?
Should you invest if you have debt? The answer might surprise you. Many people are eager to get started in the stock market, but other financial obligations are holding them…
CDIC Deposit Protection For Your Child’s RESP
One of my first tasks as a new mom is setting up an account to save and invest for my daughter’s post-secondary education. When I attended university, I couldn’t afford…
The $20 Emergency Fund
You might think this is too good to be true, but I promise: this is the easiest hack to building a real Emergency Fund on a tight budget. You can…
Never Pay More Than 5% Interest on Your Credit Card Debt
When it comes to paying off debt, focusing on ridding yourself of the highest interest balance first. This is often called the Debt Avalanche Method and will save you the…
What Exactly Is Ethical Investing?
Ethical investing, or socially responsible investing, means to put your money where you expect it to have both a positive financial and social or environmental impact. You can do this…
Why You Need to Put at Least 10% Down On Your First Home (and How to Save It!)
Homeownership is a major personal and financial goal for most young people. It’s also one of the biggest financial challenges. With real estate prices seemingly rising endlessly in the most…
How to Save For a Baby
Many millennials want to become parents, but their finances are holding them back. The combined burden of student loan debt and sky-high housing prices make having a family seem like…
Group RESPs Are The Worst Way to Save for Your Child’s Education
Group RESPs are a popular but terrible way to save for your child’s post-secondary education. Not all RESPs are created equal, and there are three you need to know about:…
Your Top 5 Investing Questions Answered
Most millennials are not investing. In fact, as many as 80% of millennials are staying out of the stock market, citing both lack of funds and lack of understanding about…
Why You Should Invest in Index Funds
One of the easiest ways to get started investing is to invest in index funds. For most investors, a portfolio of index funds is more than enough to meet their…
How To Use The RRSP First Time Home Buyer Plan
The RRSP First Time Home Buyer Plan is a great way to put a down payment on your first home. If you’ve been diligently saving in your RRSP, you can…
How To Financially Plan For An Unplanned Baby
I had a positive pregnancy test in hand only 4 days after I had moved into a new one-bedroom apartment. I hadn’t even bought living room furniture for my new…
Your Mental Health & Money
Money can be stressful, particularly if there’s not enough of it. Everything from debt to investment losses to not having enough saved for retirement can cause feelings of stress and…
How to Talk to Friends & Family Members That Are Bad With Money
We all have that friend or family member (or many) that are terrible with money. They spend more than they earn, use credit cards with abandon, think only in the…
4 Ways to Boost Your Savings by Spending Money
Oh, yeah, you read that right. There IS a way to put more money into your savings account even as you’re spending money. Most personal finance advice focuses on cutting…
How to Earn an Extra $5,000+ This Year
Believe it or not, you can earn an extra $5,000 (or more) with only a little bit of dedicated effort. All you need is a side hustle. I’ve always been…
Taking Charge of Your Investment Portfolio
I’m a huge fan of self-directed investing. Ever since I entered the stock market when I was 25, I’ve always managed my investment portfolio myself. Despite having no experience or…
How to Invest with ETFs
“ETF” is an often heard financial acronym that still isn’t well understood by many, but these are one of the best available investments to millennials to start building their long-term…
3 Easy Ways to Get Started Investing in the Stock Market
You need to invest in the stock market. I’m not saying you “really should” or you should “give it a try”, I really mean that you need to do it.…
Letting Go of Financial Regrets
Since separating from my husband and dealing with the financial consequences thereof, I’ve been grappling a number of financial regrets. I wish we had waited another year to get married.…
How To Transform Your Finances in 12 Months
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: financial strategies are better than financial plans. This is a mindset the focuses on developing good financial habits instead of worrying…
How to Protect Yourself From Fraud and Identity Theft
A few years ago, I tried to buy a coffee before a shift at my part-time retail store job, and my TD debit card was declined. A few minutes later,…
You Need To Do More Than Live Within Your Means
In our pro-debt culture, people are applauded for living within their means. Success stories appear every day that tell the same tale: “My money was all chaos, and then I created a…
Why We Need More Female Entrepreneurs
Next month marks 1 year since I left my full-time job as a consultant to early-stage start-ups to become self-employed. For the past 11 months I’ve worked full-time at Money…
The Rise of the Online Binary Options Scam
Spoiler alert: virtually all online binary options trading platforms are scams. As some of you already know, the design and content of Money After Graduation has recently been stolen and…
Overcoming Your Investing Fears
I’ve always been a self-directed investor. This means I’ve never relied on a someone else to manage my money, and instead took the initiative to learn the basics of the stock…
You Only Have To Do One Thing Right With Your Money At a Time
When you start becoming interested in managing your personal finances, the first thing you’ll probably feel is overwhelmed. There’s too many things to do. You have to track your spending,…
Should You Save Money or Pay Extra On Your Mortgage?
A reader recently asked me: What would have the biggest payoff, putting $5,000 annually into a savings account or using it towards your mortgage? It’s a good question, and one I…
Real Millennial Homeowners Perspectives
As the Money After Graduation community starts to number in the thousands, I feel so privileged to be able to hear your stories and share them with others. The past…
The TFSA vs The RRSP
When it comes to saving, many young Canadians are confused about whether to put money into a TFSA vs RRSP. They can easily become overwhelmed by the complexity of both,…
Why You Need Disability Insurance When You’re Young
If you have bills to pay, you need disability insurance. If you’re 25 years old, the likelihood that you’ll become disabled at some point in your working lifetime for 3 months…
Why Is Investing Important?
Why is investing important? It’s a good question. If you’re already trying to manage a budget and pay down debt, you might wonder why you have to add another financial…
My Credit Card Is My Single Most Powerful Budgeting Tool
Maybe the title of this post surprised you, as credit cards are often vilified in the personal finance community. However, if you’re out of debt and you can manage credit…
Cash-Value Life Insurance Is For Suckers, Buy Term Instead
Being properly insured is part of having your finances in order. Insurance will protect you and your family far better than an emergency fund in the event of a disability,…
One Simple Shortcut To Put More Money in Your Budget
I know I’ve shared before how dismal the economy is where I live. It’s now been nearly two years since the price of oil fell from over $100 per barrel, and…
What Should Your Net Worth Be By Age?
What should your net worth be by age XX? It’s a good question. What should your net worth be by age 20 or 30 or 40 and so on, is…
This Is Why You Have To Pay Your Debt Off Early
One of the hardest parts about paying off your debts ahead of schedule is, until the balances are actually gone, you will not realize any benefits. In fact, in the…
The Future You Are Saving For Does Not Exist
When I read personal finance blogs and news sites across the web, I often come across articles with titles like, “Why I will not pay for my children’s college” written…
Achieving Financial Stability Through Entrepreneurship
Windsor, Ontario boasts one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada. This city — which is located directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan — has always been heavily dependent…
5 Easy Steps To Build Good Credit
How to build good credit is one of the questions I get asked all the time. I’ve been paying attention to my credit since I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree.…
This is Exactly How Much You Will Earn and Spend In Your Lifetime
The amount of money you will earn and spend in your lifetime is fixed, you just don’t know what the number is yet. This might sound like a painfully deterministic…
8 Ways To Put More Money in Your Budget
My past few posts have been comprehensive socioeconomic personal finance essays, so I thought I’d give you guys a break with something more practical today! Hope you enjoy these 8…
The Problem With The Bootstrapping Millennial Martyrdom Complex
The world wide web has an excellent conversation surrounding privilege happening right now. Last week, I published The Funnel of Financial Privilege, and a few days later this article by a…
7 Reasons Why You Should Never Borrow Money For a Down-Payment
Last week, a friend tagged me in a Facebook post requesting my personal finance wizardry skills regarding borrowing to make a down-payment on a home, and I was happy to…
Why You Should Practice Poverty For One Week This Year
I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I first head about the idea of practicing poverty on the Tim Ferriss podcast. Tim says that, every so often,…
6 Things Alberta’s Recession Taught Me About Money
Until late 2013, Calgary was Canada’s economic powerhouse. High-paying work was everywhere, and very easy to get. The city was defined by high wages and exorbitant wealth. So high the top-fifth…
It Isn’t Cheaper To Live In The Suburbs
When it comes to first-time homebuyers, many millennials cite Canada’s overheated urban housing markets as the reason they’ve been forced to the suburbs. With the average house prices in virtually…
Ways to Maximize Spending with a Cash Back Card
If you are able to budget appropriately and live within your means, a credit card is a powerful tool that can help you track your spending, build credit, protect your…
How To Create a Wealth-Building Budget
Over the years (so many years) that I’ve been writing on Money After Graduation, I’ve left many posts about money basics back in the archives. Which is too bad, because I…
6 Ways I Set Up My Finances For Self-Employment
I know many of you are curious about how my finances will be impacted by my jump to self-employment next week — and no wonder, because it’s going to be…
How To Use Your Savings To Make a Difference
Ok, I know I’m super late to the game here but I just recently joined Kiva. A friend of mine recommended it, having been using it for years and having only…
A Financial Strategy Is Better Than A Financial Plan
*A shorter draft of this post originally appeared in my email newsletter on September 16, 2015. Missed it? Sign up on the homepage for weekly updates! It often surprises people…
Digging Up My Ugly Financial Past
If you follow me on Twitter, you may have caught me live-tweeting a Sunday night shred-fest of old documents. I’m pretty diligent at hanging on to things, particularly financial documents…
Your Gifting Circle is a Pyramid Scheme
A gifting circle is a pyramid scheme that is gaining a strong foothold in even the most anti-MLM circles. I was at a party last weekend where I learned about…
You Work Too Hard Not To Care
You work at least 40 hours per week, possibly more. You likely spend an additional 15 hours or more commuting. As a result, you probably work more than you do anything…
You Have A Debt Problem
If you have debt, you have a debt problem. Most people don’t believe this. They feel even if they have debt, so long as they are managing it appropriately, it’s…
Wake up, you need to make money
With my website tagline “get rich young” and my Twitter bio singing to the world that “I make millennials rich”, I probably look like I have a secret get-rich-quick scheme…
Why I’m Renting For Another Year
I have $75,000 in total savings and I want to invest it in a single stock. I feel so bullish about this stock, I’m going to take my money and use…
The Only Thing You Need To Invest In To Become Rich
I like to lurk on Quora and Reddit, because there are some amazing questions being asked, followed by amazing answers being given. One of the most popular questions people ask is,…
My Body Is The Most Expensive Thing I Own
I’ve recently been asked to write more about fitness, so here it is. At first glance, it might seem like this has little to with personal finance. Except for how…
Your Broke(n) Perspective From Advertising
One of the best things I ever did for my finances was give up fashion magazines. In my late teens and early 20’s, I regularly subscribed to or picked up…
Your Dark Financial Fears
What are people afraid of when it comes to money? That it will come between them and their partner. That the education it bought would lead to the income it…
3 Things That Don’t Matter When Negotiating Your Salary
I am a huge advocate of increasing your income. It’s far more effective in building long-term wealth than trying to trim your budget. There is a limit to what you…
Buying Into Our Personal Narrative
Why do you shop? What makes you purchase the things you do? Why do you like what you like or want what you want? Most of us make our purchases…
The Barstool Economics Parable is A Fairytale
I hate the Barstool Economics story. Hate. For those of you that aren’t familiar with it, it’s a metaphorical tale meant to illustrate the “risks” of over-taxing the rich in…
Save Your TFSA, Use Your RRSP To Buy A House
The TFSA the best retirement savings vehicle available to Canadians of all ages. The catch is, of course, that Canadians start using their TFSA for retirement rather than weddings, cars,…
Just Starting To Save In Your 30s? It’s Not Too Late
I’ve done the math and every dollar you save in your 20’s is worth $7 in retirement. That’s the magic of compounding. It’s also the magic of not buying dumb shit…
Why Decision Fatigue Is Leaving You Broke
With my final exams underway in the next few weeks and my MBA wrapping up for good, I’m in the mood to dig into big projects with gusto. One the…
Should You Invest or Pay Off Debt?
The question of whether or not to invest or pay of debt can always lead to heated discussion with good arguments for both. At the end of the day, it’s…
Pay Your F#$%ing Debt
I want to talk about the notion of debt repayment reluctance that seems to be plaguing twenty-somethings (and thirty-somethings, if you’ve let it get that bad). This is a tough…
Who I am & The Story Behind Money After Graduation
I recently backed up all of Money After Graduation’s posts… manually. I literally copied and pasted every word into word documents, and then saved them in the cloud. This was…
The 5 Secrets To Earning Six Figures
Imagine earning six figures (if you don’t already). What would that amount do for you? Would it help you meet your goals? Would it ensure a comfortable retirement? Would it…
Not Caring About Money Is Stupid, Not Spiritually Superior
We all know them: the people that op-out of financial responsibility under the guise of spirituality or holier-than-thou morality. They don’t care about stocks and bonds or budgets and spreadsheets,…
Are Millennials Being Talked Out Of Saving?
“It seems that an RRSP is basically the worst investment vehicle you can put your money into.” Those were my friend’s words as we were discussing the upcoming RRSP contribution…
Personalize Your Debt and Pay It Off Faster
Do you have a ridiculous amount of debt that doesn’t seem to be anything but a soul-crushing number you grudgingly throw a few hundred dollars at each month? I feel…
Weight Lifting Diet On A Budget
Being able to eat healthy on a budget is no small task, but being able to cobble together a weight lifting diet on a budget is another feat entirely. I’ve blogged…
25 things to do to improve your finances this weekend
It’s a long weekend so I know you have some extra time these days. Why not use it to improve your finances? Setting yourself up for financial success doesn’t have…
What is Good Money?
What is good money? It’s a question I wonder often. I’m abnormally interested in income and wealth distribution. Who has how much? Where do they live? How did they get…
Why You Need To Save Even If Your Spouse Is Doing It “For Both Of You”
I would say it’s more likely than not that couples are frequently made up of people that have different spending and saving habits, risk tolerances, and debts. Rarely are two…
Easy Index Fund Investing
This is your guide to easy index fund investing, a way of maximizing return and minimizing risk when investing in the stock market. FYI: In order to create an ETF…
Should You Contribute To An RRSP or TFSA?
It’s not always easy to know if you should contribute to an RRSP or a TFSA, but there are some clear rules of thumb to follow. Which account you should…
Could you and your partner live on one salary?
One of the things my fiancé and I are considering doing once we tie the knot is switching to live on one salary. It might seem a little extreme, but the financial…
You Can’t Afford To Be Poor
Few things are more expensive than poverty itself. You can’t afford to be poor. This is one of my main motivators for growing my bank account as fast as possible. One…
Never Go Into Debt For Something That Won’t Make You Money
If the concept of this post sounds simple, it’s because it is… but that doesn’t mean anyone adheres to it. In a world where credit is readily available and normalized,…
Does an MBA cost less than you think it does?
When I announced that I was going back to school for my MBA, once of my friends balked that it seemed to be contrary to my values of saving money…
This Is What It Looks Like When You Put Everything Into One Stock… And Lose
Special thanks to Kapitalust for sharing the link that brought me to one of the craziest stock mess stories I’ve read in awhile. Maybe you heard about this incident in the…
Chill out 20-somethings, your major wealth gains won’t come until your 50’s
I’ve felt an almost crippling sense of urgency to meet major financial milestones in my twenties. Whether I’m buying in to the “adulthood begins at 30” idea or just simply under…
Just get the first $10,000
When it comes to savings goals, getting the first $10,000 is key. It’s attainable but still large. Secure, but not quite comfortable. It shows progress, but not completeness. Saving your…
The #1 Reason I Will Never Join An MLM is Because I Am Good At Math
I’m a big advocate of developing multiple sources of income. I’ve never worked only one job or relied on one source to generate money for me to spend. Whether working…
Financial Black Swans: Why Your Money is Never Wholly in Your Control
Caution: Post contains Masterchef spoilers if you haven’t watched the season finale from this Monday yet! If you’ve read “The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable” by Nassim…
How To Manage A Joint Chequing Account
My boyfriend and I opened a joint chequing account the day we moved in together. It’s made managing our household finances a total breeze instead of a war zone, and…
How To Negotiate Your Salary
The ability to negotiate your salary is the most profitable career skill you can develop. It doesn’t actually matter how talented or educated you are if you can’t ask for…
The Price vs. Cost of Non-Necessities
I visit Starbucks almost daily during the work week, sometimes even twice per day. I almost always buy drip coffee and it comes to $2.47. I like everything about buying coffee.…
How to Close a Credit Card
I think many (most? all?) of us are probably a little over-exposed on credit. This means we have the opportunity to borrow more than we can afford and we’re targets…
Your 20s Are The Most Expensive Decade Of Your Life
The topic of this post occurred to me when I realized I was spending nearly six-figures to educate myself in my twenties. I did the math a few times just…
How many hours did it take you to buy that?
Now that I’m working full-time at an hourly rate, it’s almost too easy to quantify purchases in time. This habit of calculating my spending in terms of hours worked has…
Hustle Harder: How I made extra money to pay down my debts and save for the future
Hustle hard and then hustle harder. One of the reasons I was able to get out of debt quickly and save so aggressively is I had good incomes. Notice that’s…
Invisible Wealth Is More Important Than Visible Debt
Despite the painfully obvious reality that what you buy does not accurately reflect how much you may or may not have in the bank, what you own will more often…
The 5 Stocks Every Millennial Needs To Have In Their Portfolio
I’m a big advocate of investing in your 20’s. It is not nearly as scary or challenging as people make it out to be. How do I get started building…
Why You Shouldn’t Borrow To Invest In Your TFSA & RRSP
*Note: I’ve updated some of the wording in this post since it went live to replace the places where I said “borrowing on a margin” to say “borrowing to invest”.…
Stop making excuses for why you can’t save for retirement
My 30 Financial Milestones You Need To Hit By Age 30 post recently went viral. It was met with a tremendously positive response, but there were a few naysayers in…
30 Financial Milestones You Need To Hit By Age 30
Below are 30 financial milestones you should strive to achieve by age 30. They cover everything from debt repayment to saving to negotiating your salary. I know how you guys love…
The High Cost of Healthy Eating
Many people cite the high cost of healthy eating as a reason they cannot eat right, but you should think of the groceries you buy as an investment in your health.…
The 80/20 Principle of Personal Finance
I’d heard of the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, before I’d read the book. Actually, I was painfully familiar with the other side of it undergrad, where I frequently…
Do you make a lot of money or do you just think you do?
“A lot” is a relative term, and not to be confused with “Alot” which is both a grammatical error and a mythical beast. You know who drew this! http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.ca/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html What…
Creating a Time Budget Spreadsheet
Recently, I was questioning why I felt like I was running out of hours in the day even though I only have class 4 days per week, and mostly half…
Declining Fertility and Contracting Populations: Money, Markets, and Myths
This might seem an unusual topic to discuss on a personal finance website, but it’s something I’ve recently become fascinated with since reading What to Expect When No One’s Expecting:…
How to build an investment portfolio with ETFs
Many readers are curious about how I’m managing my money, since so much has changed since I went from indebted undergrad to finance-savvy (maybe?) almost-MBA. A quick recap of my…
Why You’ll Never Be Rich: The American Dream Is Dead
I’m starting to see some a lot of talk about wealth disparity on the web these days. I worry that it means we’ve hit our tipping point of sustaining the…
Finding a job with my MBA
The second term of my MBA ends in 3 months, at which point I will have crossed the halfway mark, completing 12 of the required 20 courses (with another mandatory…
Spending proportionately to your income or your net worth
In my recent post summarizing my discretionary spending of 2013, I shared the numbers as a percentage of my gross income for that year. Mostly I did it so my…
How To Save Up Six-Figures In Seven Years (with spreadsheets!)
You guys were so stoked about my spreadsheet post about how to save $10,000 that I decided to make an even better post for a goal that takes even less…
WTFMBA?!?
For those that don’t know, I’m currently enrolled full-time in an MBA program. The most attentive readers of Money After Graduation probably saw this coming for ages, but I kept…
The Logistics of ACTUALLY Increasing Your Net Worth by $25,000 per year on a $50,000 Annual Salary
I logged into my old employee portal and took a screenshot of a random paystub from last year. Here it is below: a screenshot of one of my biweekly twice-monthly…
5 Steps To Increase Your Net Worth
Want to increase your net worth? There’s a few different ways to get there. Below I outline the steps that, if followed, will help you increase your net worth by…
Is $20,000 Canadian A Lot Of Money?
The title of this post is a Google search term someone used to find my blog. I thought it was a good question. $20,000 of cash is a pretty solid…
If you don’t want to work in dead-end jobs, stop applying for them
As I gradually begin my descent from self-absorbed twenty-something into the depths of socially-conscious, what’s-wrong-with-kids-today adult, one of the things that bothers me the most is seeing people waste their…
Unfuck Your Finances
I’ve been a fan of Unfuck Your Habitat for years. It provides excellent suggestions and motivations to keep your house in order, including posting a to-do list every day as…
It’s Time To Quit Your Dream Job
Congratulations, college graduate, you made it to exactly where you wanted to get! Now it’s time to quit your dream job. Steady paycheques, prestige, a sense of fulfillment.. working your…
Frugal Fashion: just say no to Polyester
We’re in a fashion crisis: everything is made of polyester. And consequently, everything is awful. Polyester is a terrible fabric that has ruined fashion. Many designers and manufacturers have chosen…
How much should you have saved for retirement by age 30?
How much you should have saved for retirement by age 30 (or any age) is not an easy question to answer. How much you are able to save depends on a…
Branded: When to pay extra for a name and when to not
I’d like to introduce you to my favorite song of 2013. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve already heard it, but it never gets old and neither does…
How to make a budget you can live with
I’ve gotten a few emails these past few weeks about how to create a realistic budget. First I feel it necessary to point out that I’m not big on budgeting.…
Dear Women: Work Wherever You Want
When I read this entry on FabulouslyBroke.com, Should Women Work in Male-Dominated Jobs?, I tried not to get too hung up on the title. However, the rest of the post didn’t really…
Are concerts only for rich people?
Many of you probably don’t know this, but the front man of Maroon 5, Adam Levine, and I are soul mates. I understand he is presently dating his second or…
The Grad School Scam
Is grad school a scam? The cost of education continues to rise while wages and employment opportunities remain stagnant. Many twenty-somethings struggle to get a foothold in their career after completing…
A spouse is not an alternative income stream
I usually avoid voicing a strong opinion on controversial issues because I don’t want to offend anyone, but this one just gets under my skin so badly I can’t be…
How rich is Christian Grey from 50 Shades of Grey?
How rich is Christian Grey exactly? That’s a good question from a personal finance standpoint because his money appears to be both limitless and of suspicious origins. I’ve been wondering…
The American Express Centurion Card
The American Express Black Card, or The Centurion, is an ultra sexy credit card for an exclusive club of big spenders. The American Express Centurion Card, or “The Black Card”…
Giving as an integral part of personal finance
For most of my life, I haven’t been a charitable person. I’m trying to work on it but it’s a slow process. I’ve been reading Millionaire Women Next Door by…
What should your net worth be at 30?
The title of this blog post is a search engine term that led to my blog. It’s a good question! And one I feel I should attempt to answer in…
Preparing for job interviews
I’ve been handing out resumes like crazy, but so far my only job interview has been for a new position within the company I currently work for. I spent a…
I am paid $26/hr to take the bus
This isn’t a joke, I make roughly $26/hr taking public transit. I’m not paid by the city or ETS or any green organization — I’m paid by myself, with the…
