Canadian money, one note at a time.
Practical, sourced, plain-English. Mortgage math, tax changes, investing decisions — written for Canadians.
RRSP vs TFSA in 2026: which to fill first?
It depends on three things. Your METR today vs your expected marginal rate in retirement, whether you need the flexibility, plus worked examples for the most common Canadian scenarios.
Why your RRSP is worth more than your tax bracket says: METR explained
Most RRSP calculators show 'contribution × marginal rate = refund.' That math is wrong for families with kids. Here's the Marginal Effective Tax Rate framework that shows your true return.
FHSA carry-forward in 2026: 5 scenarios that confuse most Canadians
The FHSA carry-forward rule is often misunderstood in Canadian tax-advantaged accounts. Here are five specific scenarios to consider.
5 reasons your mortgage stress test failed in 2026 (and how to fix each)
Got declined or pre-approved for less than you expected? Here are the five most common reasons Canadian mortgage stress tests fail in 2026, and the concrete fix for each.
7 best Canadian registered accounts every adult should know in 2026
Canada has seven major tax-advantaged accounts, and most adults use one or two when they could use four or five. Here's the 2026 guide to all of them.
Why your Canadian mortgage payment doesn't match online calculators
Most online mortgage calculators use American monthly compounding. Canadian mortgages compound semi-annually under the Interest Act. Same nominal rate, different monthly payment; here's the math.
Down payment stacking 2026: FHSA + RRSP HBP + TFSA combined
How a first-time buyer in 2026 can combine the FHSA, RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, and TFSA for up to $200,000 of tax-advantaged down payment — and the exact order to fill each account.
Canadian mortgage stress test 2026: how it actually works
The Canadian mortgage stress test in 2026: how the qualifying rate is set, what GDS and TDS limits really mean, and why your bank's pre-approval number is lower than what a U.S. calculator says.
FHSA 2026 explained: Canadian limits, carry-forward, and withdrawals
The 2026 First Home Savings Account rules in plain English — $8,000 annual room, $40,000 lifetime cap, the carry-forward rule most people get wrong, and how qualifying withdrawals actually work.