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Mortgages

Buying a home in Canada, demystified.

Down payments, stress tests, fixed vs. variable, CMHC insurance — what newcomers and first-time buyers need to understand.

Mortgages

8 min read

Bank of Canada Holds Rates Again: Here's What It Actually Means For Your Wallet

The Bank of Canada just held its key interest rate at 2.25% for the seventh time in a row. If your first reaction is "okay, so nothing happened" — that's exactly the trap. Here's what it actually means for your mortgage, HELOC, and borrowing costs.

September 2, 2026

Mortgages

12 min read

Rent or Buy in Canada in 2026? The Real Math Behind the Decision

Is renting really throwing money away? Compare the full cost of renting and buying a home in Canada in 2026, including mortgage interest, property tax, maintenance, equity and investment returns.

August 14, 2026

Mortgages

9 min read

Renting vs. Buying in 2025: The Math, Not the Vibes

The 'rent is throwing money away' line ignores roughly half the cost of owning. Here's the honest comparison for today's rates and prices.

March 20, 2025

Straight Talk Money

with Michael

Research-based, plain-English money guidance for newcomers and Canadian families. No sales pitch.

Topics

  • Newcomer Essentials
  • Budgeting
  • Credit Building
  • Mortgages
  • Insurance
  • Cost of Living

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