Advisorsavvy Blog

Average Car Price in Canada

If you are interested in buying a new or used car, you may want to know the average car price in Canada. This will help you determine if the price you’re paying is reasonable for what you’re getting. According to the AutoTrader Price Index Report, the average new vehicle price in June 2023 was $66,288, 21.3% above the price in June 2022.As for used cars, the national average is currently $39,645, 4.1% higher than it was the prior year. Generally, purchasing a car is quite expensive. Prices may vary depending on the model of the car and it’s new or used status. In addition, the cost to maintain a car is not cheap, which also varies on the type of car. However, there are some average car prices in Canada you should know about. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect below. What is an average car price? When buying a car, one major element to consider is

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Sole Proprietorship vs Incorporation: Which is better?

As an entrepreneur, choosing a structure is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. Plus, the structure you desire might change depending on where you’re at in your business and where you plan to go. At some point, you will have to decide between sole proprietorship vs incorporation, the two most commonly used business structures in Canada. Whichever option you go with will have unique benefits for your business. That is, depending on your immediate and long-term goals. Our job is to ensure you understand your options and help you make the best choice. So, let’s start by explaining the differences between sole proprietorship and incorporation. Sole Proprietorship vs Incorporation: Know the Difference Sole proprietorship vs incorporation — these are two of the most common business structures for entrepreneurs worldwide. But what do they mean, and how are they different from each other? A sole proprietorship is an easy business structure to set up. On the other hand,

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How to Become a Digital Nomad

Passive income, endless travel, and financial freedom are some things that come to mind when you hear the words “digital nomad.” Who wouldn’t want to learn how to become a digital nomad, if it meant being able to live and work from anywhere in the world?After all, travel is something many people crave, but they’re often limited by their job’s two week vacation limit. Keep in mind, the life of a digital nomad isn’t as rosy as the YouTube vloggers make it out to be. You actually need to put in lots of time into finding the right kind of work and putting your nomad life in motion. Plus, many that dive into it end up returning back home to stability when it’s not all it’s cracked out to be. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side! But that’s not to say you can’t have a fabulous life as a digital nomad. You just need to get your

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How Long Does it Take to Receive a Tax Refund in Canada?

There is often a common question on every taxpayer’s mind. That is — how long does it take to receive a tax refund in Canada?Tax season is generally a stressful time, especially if you have to file your tax returns yourself. If you’re relying on your tax refund to clear up bills or add to savings or investments, you might be pressed to get it into your pocket. At Advisorsavvy, we understand how important it is to get your funds as quickly as possible. In this article, we’ll explore the general timelines surrounding tax refunds in Canada and other helpful details. Keep reading to learn more! What is a tax refund? Generally, getting a tax refund in Canada is exciting news. More money coming your way! However, when we refer to a tax refund, it simply means that you paid more tax during the year than you had to.A tax refund is a reimbursement taxpayers get for the excess taxes

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What is overdraft protection?

Ever set up automated payments or withdrawals? That’s a strong, financially savvy move to get your finances organized. But what happens when there’s not enough money in the account? Your heart might skip a beat when you see the notification: you’ve gone into overdraft.We get it; it never feels good to see your chequing account with a negative balance. Of course, you might just transfer some of your savings into it and make up for the hit — along with paying a hefty Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) fee, no fun.Our financial advisors here at Advisorsavvy cover this topic frequently with clients like yourselves. Budgeting properly and cash flow management can help you avoid overdraft, but there’s actually an even more bulletproof solution: overdraft protection. In this article, we’ll walk through the ins and outs of overdraft protection, how much it costs, what it offers, and how to know if it’s worth it for you.Keep reading to learn more! What is overdraft

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Dividend Tax Credit

The dividend tax credit, or DTC for short, is a tax provision that Canadians can apply on their dividend income to reduce their associated tax liability. It can be calculated as a percentage of the accumulated dividend income. Usually, the DTC grosses up your dividend income, then you receive an affiliated tax credit. This tax provision was designed to encourage Canadians and various companies to invest. When the government fosters investments, it provides a tax credit for eligible revenues that will promote the economy’s growth. In this article, we will discuss more on the dividend tax credit, the different tax credit rates, and its benefits. Continue reading to learn more! What is the dividend tax credit in Canada? The dividend tax credit is a type of non-refundable tax credit an investor can utilize to reduce the taxes they owe resulting from earning dividend income. It is available to both Canadian residents and non-residents. Further, the tax credit is available to

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Balance Transfer Credit Cards Canada

Are you carrying a credit card balance that you just can’t seem to pay off? With a 20% interest rate, it can be challenging to stay on top of growing debt. If you can’t make substantial credit card payments, interest will compound over time, thereby becoming a bigger problem. Fortunately, balance transfer credit cards in Canada can help you escape the burden of credit card debt when used correctly. In this guide, we will tell you all we know about balance transfer cards and the best outlets to get one. Keep reading to learn more! What are balance transfer credit cards in Canada? For Canadians, a balance transfer credit card allows you to move debts from one credit card to another. In other words, transferring your old credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate. This way, you can control your debts within one card and save money on high-interest payments. Before we keep going, consider

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ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Which is Better?

ETFs vs mutual funds?These are the two most popular options in the investment world. But investors can get overwhelmed when choosing which should go in their portfolio.To help new and seasoned investors, we will look at some differences between the two investment choices. Then, we will consider some advantages and disadvantages of each. By following this guide, you can make a choice that matches your investment goals and budget. Keep reading to learn more! What is a mutual fund vs ETF? To answer the question of ETFs vs mutual funds, let us consider an overview of each, one after the other. Let’s start with mutual funds.This type of investment vehicle pools money from different investors. The money is then invested into a diverse portfolio.This portfolio may contain stocks, bonds, and other securities. Each investor has shares representing a percentage of the mutual fund’s holdings. An ETF is short for Exchange-Traded Fund.It is an investment fund typically traded on the stock

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What are mutual funds?

There are so many investment options available in our complex financial landscape. It may be hard to choose how to invest your money. There are stocks, ETFs, real estate, bonds, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) and, of course, mutual funds, among many others. If you have ever found yourself asking, what are mutual funds? We will cover the basics here from the costs you can expect to the pros and cons of this investment. Continue reading to learn more about mutual funds! What is a mutual fund in simple terms? In simple terms, a mutual fund is an investment portfolio managed by a professional. Instead of buying specific assets, when you invest in a mutual fund you buy into a portion of the fund itself. The mutual fund then builds its portfolio based on a specific investment or diversification strategy. It can include stocks, bonds, and/or other investments. Investment strategies and portfolio composition depend on the goals of the fund. Possible

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How to Switch Financial Advisors

If you are wondering how to switch financial advisors, it is probably time to switch. It is not a decision that should be entered into hastily. However, if you have been questioning your financial advisors’ services, it may be time for a change. If they are hard to get a hold of, they give unclear information or have poor follow-through, that can also be a sign it’s time to make a switch. Switching financial advisors doesn’t have to be a difficult process. But there are some financial considerations to be aware of. The hardest part will be finding a new financial advisor that you trust. Once you find a new advisor, they should be able to help you with the transition and offer an improved quality of service. For many people, their financial advisor is the first person they speak to about personal finance issues. They approach their financial advisor about divorce, health issues, and all other life changes that

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How many hours can you work while on EI?

In Canada, the federal government offers the employment insurance program to unemployed workers. The program aims to temporarily support your income if you are out of work. May it be due to a lay off or shortage of work. However, if you are working while claiming employment insurance, you may be wondering, how many hours can you work while on EI? If you are eligible under the Canadian EI program, you can still work part-time while receiving partial EI benefits. But once you become a full-time worker, your EI benefits will most likely cease. In this article, we will discuss how EI works. Plus, the golden question, how many hours you can work while on EI in Canada. Continue reading to learn more! What is Employment Insurance? The employment insurance program, or just EI for short, is a government program that provides income support to unemployed workers looking for jobs or those out of work for certain reasons. It was

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Stocks vs Real Estate: Which is better to invest in?

Real estate and stocks are two different assets available to investors. They both offer a return on investment. Beyond their returns, they also have different risk factors to consider.The question becomes, stocks vs real estate, which one is the most preferred asset for investment? In this article, we will discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of investing in stocks vs real estate. However, you may need to consider hiring a professional financial advisor to help you choose which asset is most suitable for your investment goals and specific personal finances. But for now, we’ve compiled the basic information for you below. Keep reading to learn more! Stocks vs Real Estate: About Each Investment Before we get into the nitty gritty, let’s define stocks vs real estate and identify their similarities and differences: What is Stock? A stock is a form of asset or share that anyone can buy and sell on a stock investment platform, stock exchange, or privately. The

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Highest Paying Jobs in Canada

Amidst inflation, the housing crisis, and mass lay offs, many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. To combat rising costs, you can either cut expenses from your budget or earn more income. Some people choose to make extra money online or start a side hustle. Whereas others may choose to make a lateral move into one of the highest paying jobs in Canada. Ultimately, how you approach your personal finances during tough times is up to you. Some may find it easier to cut back on certain costs and others may prefer to earn more income. Cutting costs is usually more immediate, but it can be hard to sustain in the long run. On the hand, increasing your income can take time because you may need to acquire new skills or experience. But in the long run, increasing income tends to be more sustainable. If you’re ready to learn about the highest paying jobs in Canada and how to

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Grocery Rebate in Canada

The federal government of Canada issued a one-time grocery rebate. This rebate payment went out to qualifying Canadians on July 5, 2023. The motivation behind the rebate is to alleviate the highinflationthe country has been facing nationwide. An estimated 11 million Canadians qualified for this one-time grocery rebate. Did you find an unexpected deposit in your bank account near the beginning of July? If so, it might have been the grocery rebate. Learn more about what it is in this article. If you have been hit hard by inflation, readSurviving Inflation: Top 7 Tips. What is the grocery rebate in Canada for 2023? The grocery rebate is a one-time rebate managed and issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The payments dispersed on July 5, 2023. This happens to be the same day as quarterly GST/HST credit payments. The federal government has been talking about relief for the high costs of groceries. This conversation has been happening for quite some

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13 Summer Jobs for Teens

Are you a teenager and wondering what you can do over the summer to earn some money? Maybe you are the parents of teenagers and want to get them a head start in the workforce. Summer jobs are a great way to earn some spending money. Teens can use summer jobs to get savings started or prepare for higher education. Summer jobs allow teenagers to join the workforce and get valuable experience. Many organizations help to find summer jobs for teens. Ultimately, it is beneficial for teens to find summer jobs. It gives them something to do, gives them experience, and helps establish a work ethic.Continue reading to learn more about summer jobs for teens in Canada below! Can you get a job at 15 in Canada? The age someone can start working in Canada ranges by province. Most provinces allow 15-year-olds to begin working. Some provinces require parental permission to start working at 15 or younger. The type of

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What is work life balance?

It’s a Saturday morning, and you’re excitedly preparing for a day with your kids and family. But suddenly, your work responsibilities come crashing in and sabotage your plans.This all-too-familiar scenario makes you feel disappointed and frustrated. It might feel like you can never get the best of both worlds between your work and personal life. Sometimes it negatively affects your well being and mental health too. In a post-pandemic work setting where work-related stress has skyrocketed, imbibing work-life balance could help you stay sane. Ready to learn what is work life balance? Read on! What is work life balance? Work life balance refers to a state of equally prioritizing the demands of your personal life and those of your career. It goes beyond allocating equal time to professional and personal activities. Rather, a balanced work-life entails having a more realistic and flexible work schedule that reduces the risk of burnout.Some people see work-life balance as the ease of managing one’s

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Tips for Finding a Job During a Recession

Are you worried about what you’ll do in a recession? Recessions can be scary between job loss and changes in economic climate. Lay offs occur and there are fewer employment and hiring opportunities. It does not mean it will be impossible finding a job during a recession. It just means you’ll have to be a little more diligent and practical. If you are unemployed or in a job that you are not happy in, there is hope. Recessions are not the easiest employment climates to navigate. If you do navigate it successfully you build great skills that stick with you forever. You open up, push yourself, and access your best skills and experiences. During a recession, there will be more competition for fewer positions. Continue reading to learn how to make yourself an attractive candidate despite tough economic times. Who gets laid off in a recession? It is impossible to know for certain what form a recession will take place

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How to Ask for a Raise

A lot of people find it difficult or intimidating to ask their bosses for a pay raise. This is totally understandable given that you’re the one who’s in a vulnerable position! However, if your company doesn’t do regular, annual salary increases in line with inflation or performance, knowing how to ask for a raise is a big plus.If you’ve never done it before, it’s never too late to learn. According to Payscale reports, numerous workers have succeeded in asking their bosses for a raise, but only 70% of workers that asked received it. Asking for a raise that reflects your level of productivity is normal, but your approach determines the results you get. For this reason, it helps to approach the query with a well thought out strategy. Even though your boss has an idea of how productive you are at your job, you still need to present your case for getting a raise. Luckily, this article will guide you

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Average Cost of Living in Canada

Whether you’re a soon to be immigrant or resident, family or individual, it helps to understand the average cost of living in Canada. This nation is well known for being one of the best countries in the world to live in. However, there is a cost for this luxury, as you will see in this article. When it comes to affordability, Canada is moderately expensive. The average cost of living in Canada for a single person is $736 per month and for a family of four, $2,323. Luckily, this article will help you discover all you need to know about the overall cost of living in Canada. Continue reading to learn more! Note: All dollar amounts in this article are Canadian dollars, unless explicitly stated. What is the average living cost in Canada per year? A single person’s average living cost in Canada is approximately $45,000 per year while couples would need at least $50,000. It is generally assumed that

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How to Set Yourself Up for Financial Success

Have you been wondering how to set yourself up for financial success? Establishing good financial habits can set you up for a comfortable, stable life. However, it can take some time to figure everything out. Like any area you want to improve, you need to plan, implement, review, and re-plan. If you are curious about how to set yourself up for financial success, you are taking the first step. Becoming curious about your finances will allow you to find financial freedom. Continue reading to learn more! What is defined as financial success? Financial success can mean different things to different people. At its core, financial success is being able to have the relationship you want with money. Furthermore, it’s the ability to reach savings goals, spending goals, and investment goals. If you are wondering how to set yourself up for financial success, that is great. The first step is to figure out what financial success means to you. Remember, financial

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