The recent decline in mortgage rates has brought a sigh of relief to borrowers, but concerns are mounting over whether this trend will last. With the Bank of England’s base rate expected to remain elevated throughout 2025, here’s what experts predict for the UK mortgage market as we step into January. Fixed-Rate Mortgages: Relief or Continue reading
Finance
Thousands of Pensioners at Risk of Missing Out on £300 Fuel Payment: What You Need to Know
The winter months are here, and as temperatures drop, many state pensioners rely on the Winter Fuel Allowance to keep their homes warm. However, thousands of eligible pensioners could face an unexpected financial gap this year due to significant changes in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) system. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s Continue reading
State Pensioners to Receive £150 Energy Boost in January 2025: Are You Eligible?
In January 2025, low-income state pensioners are set to benefit from a one-off £150 payment designed to ease the burden of rising winter energy costs. This support comes through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, which runs annually between October and March, targeting vulnerable households. Who Qualifies for the Payment? Eligibility for the £150 discount is Continue reading
HMRC Urges Young Adults to Claim £2,200 Christmas Cash Boost from Child Trust Funds
This Christmas, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is issuing an urgent reminder to young people aged 18-21: check if you have an unclaimed Child Trust Fund (CTF) account. With an average balance of £2,000 and some accounts holding up to £2,200, these funds could provide a welcome financial boost during the holiday season. What is Continue reading
How Much Money Does the Average Canadian Save?
With the rising cost of living significantly impacting Canadians’ disposable income, saving money can feel challenging. However, the right financial tools, such as a high-interest savings account (HISA) and tax-sheltered registered accounts, can help you stay on track to meet your financial goals and grow your wealth, regardless of your life stage. Understanding Average Savings Continue reading
Canadian Dollar Declines as Benchmark Yield Rises
The Canadian dollar faced pressure on Thursday, weakening against the U.S. dollar, while benchmark government bond yields climbed. Here’s a closer look at the market movements and key indicators. Loonie Slips Against the U.S. Dollar The Canadian dollar, commonly known as the loonie, traded 0.2% lower at C$1.4395 per U.S. dollar, equivalent to 69.47 U.S. Continue reading
10 Government Benefits and Credits Quebec Residents Can Receive in January 2025
The new year is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh wave of financial support from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and Revenu Québec. These payments aim to provide relief post-holidays and support everything from child benefits to pensions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the payments you can expect in January 2025, Continue reading
Canada Pension Plan Report Released — But Key Questions Remain Unanswered
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently provided an update on the province’s ongoing efforts to explore exiting the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The province has received feedback from Canada’s chief actuary but still awaits a definitive estimate of how much Alberta would be entitled to if it leaves the national retirement fund. No Firm Number Yet Continue reading
How Can You Avoid CPP and OAS Clawback in 2025?
If you’re receiving CPP Canada Pension Plan benefits, you may wonder whether you’ll eventually face the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback. The OAS clawback is a reduction of $0.15 for every dollar of income you earn above $90,977 (as of 2024). Once your income reaches $149,000, your OAS payments are fully clawed back, leaving you Continue reading
Canada New Mortgage Refinance Rules Under Secondary Suite Program 2025
The Canadian government is taking decisive steps to address the housing crisis by transforming underused spaces into homes and empowering homeowners to increase housing density. With a housing plan aimed at building 4 million homes by 2031, the federal government has announced significant measures to unlock vacant lands, retrofit underused federal properties, and support secondary Continue reading