We often think of the new year as a fresh start – the ideal time to take a close look at your investments and financial situation. When it comes to investments, many pore over their portfolio – likely flat after crummy returns for almost everyone in 2018 – and ask the key question: “How can I do better this year?”

“Why rent when you can buy?” More than any other, this phrase captures the overwhelmingly unanimous promotion of home ownership to Canadians. Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, family, friends, and even the government promote ownership as a safe, attractive, and sure-fire path to personal wealth. This one-size-fits-all advice ignores the reality of Canada’s housing market. 

Canadians deserve better advice. Take a look at this nifty infographic to get you started.

It’s hard to think that your relationship with your love could be ripped apart by something as simple as money. Sadly, statistics continue to indicate that money matters are the leading cause of separation and divorce in North America.

Not surprisingly money matters comprise eight out of every ten arguments between couples and that’s because everything that you and your honey do with your money is a reflection of deeply rooted values that you both learned growing up.

In North America today, women are the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs and they create jobs at a significantly higher rate than large corporations. I suspect this trend will continue as more women seek flexibility in their employment, diversity in their sources of income and opportunities to make more money; ultimately bucking the trend in the persistent income gap between men and women.

If you’re looking to start or expand your small businesses, you have far greater, and more flexible, options to raise money today than even a decade ago.