Financial Guides

Educational guides for Canadians & Americans

Data-driven, neutral financial articles covering mortgages, investing, FIRE, and retirement — with a calculator for every topic.

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Mortgage

How to Use a Mortgage Calculator: A Complete Guide

Understand every input and output — amortization, P&I, total interest — and why small rate changes have enormous long-term costs.

House keys on mortgage documents
Mortgage

CMHC Mortgage Insurance in Canada: Rates, Rules & How to Avoid It

Who needs it, how much it costs, and the exact down payment thresholds that determine your premium rate.

Young couple reviewing home purchase
Mortgage

First-Time Home Buyer in Canada 2026: FHSA, RRSP HBP & CMHC Guide

Three government programs can save you tens of thousands. How to stack the FHSA, the Home Buyers' Plan, and CMHC rules correctly.

Investor analyzing growth charts
Investing

Compound Interest: Why $200/Month at 25 Beats $600/Month at 40

The mathematics of exponential growth — and the exact dollar cost of every year you delay investing.

Financial advisor reviewing portfolio
Investing

ETF Investing in Canada: Asset Allocation, MER, and the One-Fund Solution

How to build a diversified portfolio with a single ticker — and what a 0.5% MER difference costs over 30 years.

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Investing

Asset Allocation by Age: The 60/40 Rule and What's Changed

The traditional stock/bond split has evolved. Here's how to set your allocation based on timeline, risk tolerance, and CPP as a "bond."

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FIRE & Retirement

How to Calculate Your FIRE Number in Canada (CPP, OAS & the 4% Rule)

The 4% rule was designed for American portfolios. CPP, OAS, and Canadian tax rules change your target significantly.

Relaxing on sailboat representing FIRE freedom
FIRE & Retirement

Coast FIRE Explained: How Much You Need Saved by 35 to Never Invest Again

Coast FIRE is one of the most achievable retirement strategies. Here's the formula, the math, and the Canadian numbers.

Senior couple reviewing retirement income
FIRE & Retirement

CPP & OAS in 2026: How Much Will You Receive and When to Start?

The decision to take CPP at 60 vs 65 vs 70 can mean over $100,000 difference in lifetime income. Here's the breakeven analysis.

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