Dominic Abate

Summer's not over just yet, but it’s mid-August, which means one major thing for parents – back-to-school season is here! While your kids might be excited about new teachers, friends, and activities, you're probably looking at your wallet and wondering how you'll afford everything on those school supply lists that seemingly get longer and longer every year.You're not alone. According to recent surveys, Canadian families spend an average of $500 to $1,000 per child on back-to-school expenses. Tha...

Have you ever been turned down for a loan or credit card and wondered why? The answer might possibly be in your credit score. In Canada, your credit score is like a grade for how well you handle money. The score ranges from 300 to 900, and the higher your score, the better.The common misconception is that you can only check your credit score once a year for free. And while credit bureaus do indeed only offer one free report per year, there are other ways to check on your credit score and report...

It’s a dream many of us have, over and over again. The dream of retiring and spending our years doing whatever we want: maybe it's traveling the world, spending time with grandchildren, or pursuing hobbies you've always dreamed about. This dream can happen, but turning it into a reality starts with one major step - saving money early and creating a financial plan for yourself.It may seem obvious, but the earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow through compound interest, which is...

In Canada, everyone has a credit score that can range anywhere between 300 to 900. According to credit bureau Equifax, a good score is between 660 and 725, while a very good score is between 725 and 759. If your score is above 760, you’re generally considered to have excellent credit, and can likely enjoy the advantages of things like better mortgage rates, auto loans etc.Unfortunately, this means anyone below 660 is considered to have less than ideal credit. And if you fall below 560, you’re of...

The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities to take control of your financial future. While many Canadians set resolutions to save more money, pay down debt, or join a gym, one of the most impactful goals you can set is improving your credit health. Your credit score affects everything from loan approvals to rental applications, making it an important part of financial wellness.This January, we're challenging you to make 2026 the year you transform your credit profile. Whether you're rebu...

We’ve all experienced this before. That feeling when you open your banking app and your account balance makes you do a double-take. You realize payday is still five days away, but your stack of bills tells you things can’t wait that long. You're definitely not alone in this.Living paycheck to paycheck isn't just common; it's the reality for millions of Canadians. Whether you're dealing with rising costs, unexpected expenses, or simply trying to make ends meet, that final week before payday can f...