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Air Miles Reward Miles Guide

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Air Miles is the leading loyalty marketing program in Canada. This article will explain how the program works, its history, how customers can benefit, and possible disadvantages of the program.

Overview

Air Miles is one of the most popular rewards programs in Canada. Very basically speaking, consumers can sign up for the program with participating credit cards and merchants. When the cardholder makes a purchase at a qualifying store, the rewards program adds points to the cardholder’s account. Later, these points can be redeemed as air miles with a participating airline. Clients can receive lucrative discounts and cheaper prices on plane tickets with the rewards program. Cash back options are also available.

The current Air Miles Reward Program operating in Canada is similar to other programs operating in Spain, Netherlands, Middle East, and formerly in the United Kingdom. It is currently overseen and managed by LoyaltyOne, Inc., a private entity owned by Alliance Data Systems Corporation, which is a loyalty marketing specialist in retail, travel, hospitality, and other similar sectors.

LOC53History

The Air Miles Reward Program first launched in Canada in 1992. The program was based on a concept developed by three young Canadian entrepreneurs named Craig Underwood, Sam Duboc, and Rob Gierkink. They came up with the basic idea for Air Miles in a Toronto hotel room.

The founders of the concept designed Air Miles as essentially a marketing venture that would reward opportunities for consumers to travel in return for brand loyalty. Loyalty programs were not a new concept at the time. However, it was unique because it brought together a coalition of sponsors, instead of being tied to just one company. Air Miles is also one of the earliest ventures that sought to gather data with regards to consumer buying habits in order to make advertising more effective.

Upon launch, the program had only 13 sponsors, including Canada Safeway and Bank of Montreal. The program attracted nearly two million customers in the first six months of operation alone. Soon, the original group of sponsors expanded to include giants in retail, pharmacy, grocery and fuel industries. They also partnered with credit cards offered by American Express and Bank of Montreal.

Air Miles enjoyed tremendous growth during the first six years of operation. In 1998, the business was acquired by Texas-based financial services provider Alliance Data. Subsequently, several other companies, such as COLLOQUY and Epsilon, were aligned with Air Miles.

Air Miles is recognized as one of the leading businesses in Canada, and a venture that helped shape loyalty marketing across North America. Today, millions of Canadians have signed up for the rewards program, and it remains as popular as ever.

How It Works

Customers are offered miles on a point-based system depending on how much they spend at a participating store. How many miles a customer can earn will depend on the participating merchant or credit card. For example, a customer can earn a single air mile for $50 spent at ADI, or for $15 spent at Primus. In general, 1 air mile is rewarded per $20 spent at a sponsor.

There are three ways a customer can earn it: shopping with a sponsor either in store or online, using a participating credit card, obtaining an Air Miles bonus card as a gift, or directly purchasing from the official website. Customers can also benefit from various offers and promotions provided by sponsors, especially during special times like Christmas holidays.

Air miles are not offered indefinitely. The miles do expire after some time, usually a year. Therefore, once customers have stacked up a considerable amount of points, these points should be redeemed. The easiest way to redeem points is to go to the official Air Miles website and type in the Collector Number. Customers can also redeem miles by calling the toll-free 1-888-AIR-MILES (1-888-247-6453) number. However, this option is less preferred as it is time consuming and inconvenient.

Customers can also transfer miles from one account to another. For example, a customer can gift air miles to a friend or a family member by transferring points from his or her own account.

LOC52Pros

Customers can earn points for a number of airlines with the Air Miles loyalty program. Traditionally, customers had to sign up for the program with a single airline. With the Air Miles Reward Program however, customers can redeem points they earn with a number of different carriers.

The Reward Program offers access to hundreds of sponsors. Customers can earn miles by using a certain credit card, buying a blender, filling up the gas tank, or subscribing to a service. The options are nearly unlimited. Because the Reward Program spans a number of industries, customers have a higher chance of stacking up points simply by making everyday purchases.

On average, customers can earn an air mile per 20 cents spent with a participating sponsor. The rate of return is higher with bonus points. For example, a customer who purchases a $10 product with 20 Air Mile bonus points can receive close to a 20 percent discount on the product.

Cons

The rate of return can vary because different sponsors offer varying air mile points for products. For example, a customer can earn the same number of points for $20 or $60 spent at different sponsors. In this situation, the customer who spent less gets a bargain, while the customer that spent more is not enjoying a positive rate of return.

Customers could spend more than they should on products in order to earn points. For example, a customer could end up spending $50 at a participating store for a $10 product just to earn Air Miles points.

Is Air Miles Better than Other Similar Rewards Programs?

Air Miles is the largest loyalty rewards program currently operating in Canada. No other program comes close to the number of sponsors and offers they have for its customers.

Most loyalty programs in Canada are still confined to a single company. For example, customers can sign up for a loyalty program with United Airlines and shop at a limited number of retail outlets. With Air Miles, customers are offered a wider range of options, which makes this particular program truly outstanding among its peers.

Official Website and Companies Involved in the Program

The official website of the Air Miles Rewards Program is www.airmiles.ca. The official site has the complete rewards catalogue for the program. Customers can also access a gift guide, payment services, a flight calculator, and the latest offers and promotions.

Here is a list of prominent companies involved with the Air Miles Rewards Program as sponsors:

  • American Express
  • Bank of Montreal
  • Safeway Canada
  • Uber
  • Ace
  • McDonald’s
  • Overstock.com
  • Adidas
  • Alamo
  • United
  • Budget
  • Hilton Inn
  • Amazon.ca
  • Ann Taylor
  • Apple Store Canada
  • Macy’s
  • Mark’s

Capital One Costco Platinum MasterCard Review

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Capital One® Costco Platinum is a credit card available to Costco members which offers money back and plenty of added incentives. Rewards credit cards that feature cash back save money and also offer travel and other rewards.

Quick Overview of the Card

Capital One® Costco allows holders to earn generous cash back on regular, restaurant, and gas purchases but the percentages vary. You will earn 1 percent on daily purchases, 2 percent on gas, and 3 percent on your restaurant purchases.

  • Interest rate (cash advances, transfers, purchases): 19.75 percent
  • Annual fee: none

Note that transferring balances is currently not an option. On the good side, the card comes with added perks such as platinum benefits, including extended warranty and price protection, as well as insurance and travel benefits such as travel assistance, baggage delay, and travel accident insurance.

It is a good idea to check for fees and rates that apply, including default rates, foreign currency conversion, minimum payment, etc. The current default rate is 25.9 percent if you miss your due date and are late on your payments. It also pays to check the foreign currency conversion rate if you frequently travel or shop in a foreign currency. With Costco MasterCard® Canada, the current foreign currency conversion rate on this card is 2.5 percent of the converted amount. There are other fees to watch for, including dishonored payment, balance transfer, over the limit, etc.

Who Is This Card for: Target Demographics

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This Costco MasterCard® is an excellent choice for customers who make frequent purchases and want to earn cash back. The more purchases you charge on the card, the more you earn based on the percentages above. Keep in mind that this card is the perfect choice only if you are a Costco member, allowing you to take full advantage of all benefits. And if you are not, you are free to apply for membership and then apply for the card. To do this, you will be asked to select a region to join Costco. You are also free to choose from gold star, business, and executive membership. Business membership, for example, is offered to ranchers, farmers, government agencies, non-for-profits, managers, and business owners.

How/Where to Apply?

There are different ways to apply with Capital One® Costco, and one is to verify that you are a Costco member and fill out an online application. All you need is to fill your names and membership number. If you need help, you can call Costco Card Capital One®, and they will be happy to assist you. The Costco MasterCard application is easy to fill, whether online or in-store, you are asked to provide your financial and personal information.

Pros of the Card

There are plenty of benefits for members, one being that cashback credit cards save money, and there is no threshold or limit on the amount you can earn. The Capital One® Costco Platinum MasterCard® offers money back in the form of rebate coupons that can be used in-store. Purchase assurance is an added benefit and so is car rental collision in case a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Zero liability is also an added benefit to protect members in case of unauthorized use. You can rest assured that your account will be monitored on a regular basis for fraudulent activity.

Cons of the Card

On the downside, customers only get 0.5 percent cash back on the first $3,000 spent on purchases. This is an incentive to spend more but it is a bad idea to go over the limit in an attempt to earn more. On the good side, members earn money back everywhere (at the pump, while dining, etc.) and not just at Costco locations.

How Does the Card Compare to Other Issuers and Major Canadian Competitors?

The Costco Canada credit card offers a good alternative to other cashback options but it pays to shop around and compare different rewards credit cards. Cashback cards are offered by major issuers such as the Scotiabank, MBNA, and other banks, unions, credit card companies, etc. Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite, for example, is offered by Scotiabank and features 1 percent cash back on regular purchases. However, in comparison to Capital One® Costco, customers earn 4 percent back on gas purchases. The SimplyCash Card is also a cashback option offered by American Express that features money back in the form of statement credit. Customers earn 2 percent back.

Any Better Alternatives to This Card?

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This depends on a number of factors such as whether you use one or multiple cards, whether you pay the minimum only, the annual fee and interest rate, etc. If cash back is your thing, then there are plenty of options. TD Canada Trust, for example, features a cashback card that allows you to earn 0.75 percent back. This looks like a less generous offer than Costco’s but customers benefit from perks such as free authorized users, automotive features, travel benefits, and a lot more. Optional coverage is also available.

Were There Any Customer Complaints/Scandals after the Launch?

While the launch was quite successful, the number of people who chose to become Costco members was larger than expected. Customers complain about problems such as confusing statements, slow resolution, frequent fraudulent activity, and relatively low credit limits. Other major issues are no automatic monthly payments, slow payment processing, and long hold times. Costco representatives announced that they were working hard to resolve these by allocating more resources.

How Does This Card Compare to the Old Costco Partner AMEX?

The major reason to choose an AMEX card was their long-time partnership with Costco. Costco assured existing and new customers that they would have the opportunity to earn generous rewards despite the split-up with AMEX.

In the end, how does the former AMEX card compare to the new Platinum MasterCard? It seems that the launch is a win for cardholders in that the old card has an annual $4,000 limit in purchases. The best part, of course, is that the transition has no effect on your credit score.

MBNA Platinum Plus Credit Card Review

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MBNA features a comprehensive selection of Canadian credit cards, including rewards, cashback, and balance transfer, along with convenient and safe online banking, identity protection, and other services.

Quick Overview

MBNA Platinum Plus® is a favorite with customers who wish to save on interest and consolidate unsecured debt. The card goes with a zero promotional interest rate over a 1-year period, saving you plenty.

• 24.99 percent for balance transfers
• 19.99 percent for purchases
• Default rate: standard rate + 5 percent
• No annual fee

This balance transfer credit card offers plenty of benefits such as fraud protection, superb round-the-clock customer service, long grace period of 21 days, and more. Keep in mind that there are fees that apply, including foreign transaction fees, RAC, account and cash advance fees. Customers are charged 24.99 percent on cash advances. A copy of sales draft or your account statement will cost you $2.50. You will be charged $20 per returned payment and $25 each time you go over the limit.

Who Is This Card for? Card Demographics?

Balance transfer credit cards such as MBNA Platinum target borrowers with multiple or high interest cards who are only able to pay the minimum due to hefty rates. Cardholders often end up with a lot of debt due to the high interest charges, and a balance transfer card is one way out of this. Basically, this card is a wise choice to deal away with debt quickly provided that you pay more than the minimum or even better – pay the balance in full.

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How and Where to Apply

There are two ways to apply with MBNA Canada, by phone and online. If you choose to apply online, you will be asked to provide basic information such as your monthly payment or income, housing status, years at your current address, mobile and phone home number, and so on. As part of their credit card application, customers are also asked about their employment status, i.e. self-employed, retired, permanently disabled, homemaker, student, employed, or unemployed. If you apply online, you will need to provide personal information such as date of birth, address, and whether you are a Canadian resident. You are also free to apply by phone. Just make sure you mention the priority code (CQOR01).

Customers who plan on transferring high interest credit card balances are also asked to provide information such as account number and payee name.

Pros of the Card

As a balance transfer credit card, there are a number of benefits for customers, one being the low interest rate on transfers. The lower the interest rate offered, the more you benefit and save in charges. Cards such as MBNA MasterCard® Canada offer zero rate which is a great offer to consider. The longer the promotional period, the better because you have more time to repay high interest debts. This is especially helpful if you have a heavy debt load and need more time for repayment.

Cons of the Card

There are several factors to take into account before applying, and fees and charges are a major consideration. Financial establishments that offer balance transfer credit cards often charge balance transfer, monthly, and annual fees. Transfer fees account for 3 – 5 percent upfront and are calculated on the balance to be transferred. If you transfer $5,000 with a 5 percent fee, then you will pay $250 in charges. MBNA Platinum goes with 1 percent in fees. However, the more you transfer in existing balances, the more you pay in fees. At the same time, if you pay a lot in interest, then this option is worth exploring.

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When it comes to interest rates, zero teaser rates attract new customers and so do long promotional periods of 12 – 18 months. It is a good idea to check the regular rate, which can be as high as 28 – 30 percent. The MBNA platinum card has a long promotional period of 12 months which is certainly a plus for customers. With a regular rate of 19.99 percent, however, this is definitely not a low interest card.

How Does the Card Compare to Other Major Canadian Credit Card Competitors?

The best thing to do if you have a hefty debt load is to shop around and compare. Small and major banks and other establishments in Canada offer cashback, low interest, and rewards credit cards with balance transfer options. Balance transfer cards with zero interest over a promo period are offered by issuers such as Best Western, American Express, Scotiabank, and others.

Scotiabank, for example, offers a balance transfer card with a promo rate of 0.99 percent on cash advances and balance transfers. Compared to MBNA, however, the card goes with a shorter promotional period of 6 months.

Capital One also offers balance transfer options that are worth exploring. The best part is that customers are free to transfer balances on loans, store cards, cashback credit cards, and other cards. Balance transfers are processed relatively quickly (within a period of 3 – 4 weeks). You still have to pay the minimum during this period. The only requirement is to transfer balances on existing Canadian accounts and not foreign accounts. The good thing about Capital One is that customers can choose from different types of accounts to move balances. All they have to do is offer details such as creditor names, account numbers, and amounts. Other establishments in Canada also offer balance transfer solutions with no annual fee, air miles, cash back, and other perks.

One option is the SimplyCash Preferred Card offered by American Express which goes with no annual fee on supplementary cards, 1.5 percent cash back during the promotional period, and other benefits. Similar to the MBNA Platinum Card, SimplyCash goes with zero percent but the promotional period is shorter (6 months). Note that there is a 1 percent balance transfer fee if you are a new member. On the good side, the card goes with a generous insurance coverage, including flight delay insurance, lost or stolen baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, etc.

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Any Better Alternatives to This Card?

This depends on many factors, including amounts owed, interest rates on existing balances, and perks and incentives such as money back, travel rewards, complimentary services and upgrades, bonus points, welcome bonuses, and so on.

Usually better alternatives also mean more requirements to meet, including high income level (household or personal), very good or stellar credit, low debt to income ratio, etc. The Sony Card MasterCard, for example, goes with a higher rate compared to MBNA Platinum Plus® (1.99 percent) but offers plenty of added benefits. Customers are offered the chance to earn rewards points on select purchases. Points can be redeemed for merchandise, including gaming and video products, audio, and so on. Holders also benefit from the fact that there is no annual fee. The first eligible transaction earns a generous welcome bonus of 10,000 bonus points.

Air Miles Platinum by MBNA is another option that allows you to earn rewards miles and redeem them for a large selection of rewards, from travel to electronics and other merchandise, movie tickets, and more. The best part is that the card goes with zero interest on balance transfers, cash advances, and purchases, which makes it a favorite with many customers. MBNA Platinum, in contrast, goes with a standard purchase rate and no rewards.

As you can see, there are different alternatives to look into, depending on your lifestyle and spending style, whether you are a frequent traveler, whether you pay the full balance or the minimum only, and a lot more. Whatever card you choose to use, ask for fees and penalty charges such as foreign currency conversion charges, dishonored payment, funds advance fees, etc. Eligibility criteria also apply.

Home Trust Credit Cards

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Home Trust is a major mortgage and loan provider that offers a selection of financial solutions, including retail credit, deposits, VISA credit cards, and other products. Customers are also offered retail credit and receivable purchase plans. The home improvement program offers fully open loans, instant approval, and flexible financing solutions for kitchens, room additions, patio construction, decks and patios, flooring, air conditioning, and other items.

Home Trust Credit Cards

Home Trust offers credit cards for bad credit by VISA to its customers, regardless of their credit profile. Secured versions are available to borrowers with tarnished scores who are unable to access other sources of funding.

Home Trust Equityline® Visa Card

This card is available to borrowers who have equity in their homes and offers the opportunity to earn cash back on eligible purchases. It is a good solution for home improvement projects and business financing. This card by Visa allows customers to earn 1 percent back on everyday purchases and comes with no annual fee and benefits such as guaranteed hotel reservations, legal assistance and health services, and emergency card replacement. Virtually everyone qualifies. Given the low interest rate, this is a good solution for high-interest balances and debt consolidation. Customers who repay the outstanding balance in full are free to cancel the card.

  • APR: as low as 9.99 percent
  • No annual fee
  • Up to $100,000 in credit

Home Trust Secured Visa Card

This is another product for customers with less than perfect and bad credit that goes with a maximum credit limit of $10,000 and minimum limit of $500. Holders are free to use the card to book vacations and to make purchases over the phone and online. The main benefit is that payments are reported to the major bureaus meaning that timely payments allow borrowers to establish credit.

1st Option

  • APR: 14.9 percent
  • Monthly fee: $5
  • Annual fee: $59

2nd Option

  • Purchase APR: 19.99 percent
  • Cash Advance rate: 19.99 percent
  • No annual fee
  • Interest-free period: at least 21 days

apply

About the Company

Home Trust is a Canadian trust company that is federally regulated and serves a large customer base, from borrowers with past credit problems to customers with no credit history or provable income and self-employed entrepreneurs. The company was founded in 1977 and was originally named the Home Savings and Loan Corporation. It is publicly traded under the ticker HCG on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Toronto, the company has branches across Canada and is a member of VISA Canada and the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation. Home Trust takes pride in offering flexible solutions and non-traditional financial products to help clients consolidate high-interest balances, save on interest, or purchase a home.

Top 5 Student Credit Cards for Young Canadians

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Young Canadians usually have a more limited exposure to credit, which makes it more difficult to get approved for unsecured loans and specialty credit cards. The good news is that issuers offer student cards that are specially designed for young people enrolled in college.

Options Available to Young People

Young Canadians have several options to look into, including department store, secured, prepaid, and student credit cards. Secured cards require that customers first make a deposit and then use the money to pay bills and make payments. This is one option if you want to build credit. A department store card is another option that gives you access to exclusive promos and deals but the rate is often higher compared to standard cards. A prepaid card is a third option that works much like a standard debit card and payments are not reported. A student credit card is also an alternative, and there are perks such as cash back incentives, no annual fee, and discounts on school-related items and purchases.

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What Are the Benefits of Student Credit Cards

Student credit cards offer a number of benefits, among which additional protection in the form of zero fraud liability, miles, cashback points and other incentives, and lower credit limits. Many issuers also offer convenient tools to save users valuable time, help them stay current on their payments, and avoid penalty interest and negative impact on their credit score. Such tools are, for example, automatic bill payment, spend analyzer, and others.

How to Apply

It is easy to apply for a student card if you meet the requirements. Many issuers offer online applications and ask customers to provide employment, personal, and financial details such as your social insurance number, mother’s maiden name, whether you are a landed immigrant or Canadian citizen, and whether you are a domestic or foreign student. You may be asked to provide information such as your expected graduation date, program start date, whether you apply on your own or together with a co-signer, etc.

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Fees to Watch for

Like other credit cards, student cards come with fees such as penalty interest, annual fee, cash advance fees, foreign currency conversion fees, and others. If you find good deals with no annual fee, this is a great way to save on charges. There are other fees to check for with your issuer, including late payment and over-the-limit fees, replacement, lost, or emergency issue card charges, and additional cardholder fees. The latter is usually $0 on no annual fee, low fee, and low rate credit cards. Fees and charges vary from one bank to another and can be different for business and individual cards. Some issuers charge fees for urgent card delivery as well as balance transfer fees, overdraft fees, surcharges, and so on. Make sure you check with your provider to ensure there are no hidden charges and penalties.

Top 5 Student Credit Cards

Many credit unions, banks, and online services offer student cards, including CIBC, Laurentian Bank, Desjardins, and others. If you are a regular customer and have a savings or checking account or an outstanding balance, it pays to check with your bank first.

#1. No-Fee Scotiabank Value® Visa Card SB

Scotiabank features a handy student card with card protection and introductory rate of only 3.99 percent. The introductory rate is for both cash advances and balance transfers, and makes it a good choice if you need to consolidate high-interest credit card balances. The card also offers car rental discounts, itemized transactions, and free supplementary cards. All in one this is a great student credit card choice.
• Annual fee: none
• Interest rate: 16.99 percent
• Credit limit: $500 (min)apply

#2. Tangerine Money-Back Credit CardMoney-Back Credit Card

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card is a great choice for students, as it doesn’t have annual fee, and is actually one of the top cashback credit cards in Canada. The card offers 2% money back in many categories, and 1% on everything else. However for a limited time you can get 4% cashback in the 2% categories for the first 3 months. The card has no limit on the amount of cashback rewards you can earn.
• Annual fee: none
• Interest rate: 19.95 percent
apply

#3. Desjardins VISA® FOR STUDENTS ONLY Credit Carddesjardins-students

Also a great choice to start building credit, VISA for Students Only comes with handy features such as free-of-charge access to credit reports, travel insurance covering the first 3 days of each trip, mobile device insurance, and more. Cardholders benefit from additional perks such as flexible financing, no annual fee on additional cards, payment reminders, and the option to manage their account from their tablet, mobile device, or computer. There are additional features such as generous Hertz discounts, mobile payments, and no transaction fees.
• Interest rate: 12.9 percent
• Annual fee: $30

• Interest rate: 19.9 percent
• No annual fee

#4. Laurentian Bank Student VISA® Black Cardvisa_laurentian

Laurentian Bank also features a student VISA card with perks such as exclusive discounts, free additional cards, and more. In addition to virtual mail statements, customers also benefit from convenient payments at bank branches, online, by phone, and by mail. This product is a great choice to build credit if you are studying aboard and are a full-time student. You can use it to make payments in emergency situations or pay daily and small expenses. If you usually maintain a balance, you may want to look into other options.
• Interest rate on purchases: 19.99 percent
• Monthly fee: none

#5. CIBC Aventura® Visa* Student Cardcibc-student

CIBC Aventura is another student card that offers the option to collect rewards points and features benefits such as accident coverage, travel medical insurance, mobile and online banking, authorized spending limits, and a lot more. Customers are free to use the online banking system to request additional cards, increase their limit, and make payments. The first purchase earns 5,000 rewards points. Cardholders also earn 2x bonus points on travel purchases at the CIBC Rewards Centre and 1 bonus point on regular purchases.
• Interest rate on purchases: 19. 99 percent
• Annual fee: $39
• Up to 3 free additional cards

#6. MBNA Rewards MasterCard® credit card for Studentsmbna-student

This student credit card is yet another option if you are new to credit and offers immediate cash access, online account access, and unlimited rewards. Each dollar spent brings 1 rewards point. You can redeem points for charitable donations, money back, gift cards, travel purchases, and brand-name merchandise. To apply online, college students are asked to provide information such as date of birth, SIN (optional), monthly payment and housing status, employment status (unemployed, self-employed, retired, homemaker, employed, etc), and other financial and personal information.
• Interest rate: 19.99 percent
• Grace period: 21 days
• No annual fee

Conclusion

As you can see, big banks and other major issuers offer plenty of choice to help you build a solid credit history and stay current on utility and other payments. A student credit card is a handy tool if you make payments by the end of the grace period. Just make sure you check for transaction fees such as cash equivalents, over-the-counter cash, and ATM fees, account fees, and other charges. Ask about the default rate in case you are late on your payments because penalty charges can be considerably higher. If you have a credit card with high interest charges, there are student cards with a balance transfer option to benefit from a lower interest rate. Ask about the promotional rate as well and the amount you can request if you choose to make a balance transfer.

How Not to Overspend and Set a Realistic Christmas Budget

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It is so easy to overspend during this time of the year now that everyone is excited about Christmas and spending quality time with family and loved ones. This said, you may want to create a realistic budget to meet your daily expenses, pay bills, buy presents, and have fun with your family and friends.

How to Make a Holiday Budget

The first thing to do is to set financial limits and make a list of your spending goals and categories. List your regular monthly expenses such as groceries, rent or mortgage, utilities, outstanding balances, and so on. Then list your income, including wages, salaries, and additional income you may have. This will help you to find out whether you have surplus income to spend on presents or you have to rely on cash in your savings account. If you don’t have enough cash for a rainy day and no surplus income left, there are low-cost borrowing solutions to look into. Back to spending categories, you can make a list of Christmas expenses such as post-Christmas sales, holiday clothing, travel, Christmas tree and décor, entertainment, and holiday meals.

Holiday Gifts

You may include expenses such as kitchen and baking gifts, service gifts and tips, and holiday photos. Other items you can list include Christmas cards, shipping and postage, gift wraps, stocking stuffers, and of course, gifts. Shop around and calculate how much you need in total. If you want to have a more detailed list and plan, think of everyone you will meet and give a gift – grandparents, siblings, cousins, spouse, kids, uncles and aunts, etc. Other people on your list may include coworkers, bosses, partners, church staff, neighbors, and service providers. List all names on a list and divide them into categories, for example, “no gift”, “gift made”, and “gift to make”. This will give you a good idea about the number of people you can afford to give a present. Focus on the “gift to make” category and assign the amounts you plan to spend. Then assign amounts for the “gift made” category (the amounts you have already spent). Calculate how much you have in total. If the total amount is less than your budget for holiday gifts, then you can move names from the “no gift” category to “gift to make”. This is a great way to ensure that you are able to give presents to more people. If you want to, you can also make a gift list and list each gift in addition to gift amount. Alternatively, you can use the envelope system for holiday-related spending.

Think of the types of gifts that are suitable for colleagues, neighbors, and friends. May be Christmas treats, cookies, or anything else? This depends on your budget. Once you do this, have a list of all expenses, and a good idea of how much you need, you may want to start tracking your ongoing expenditures. After you paid for gifts or anything else, make sure you record all expenses to keep track of your spending. This will give you a good idea of the cost of the holiday season.IMG_0100

Other Considerations

To make things run smooth, it pays to prioritize expenses, especially during the holiday season when you have additional expenses. Priority expenses include things like your rent or mortgage, outstanding balances, and utilities. It is important to pay these first, along with council tax, payroll and income tax, spousal and child support, etc. Other expenses to meet include student and personal loans, medical bills, and credit card debt. It all depends on your financial situation, whether you have debt and how much you owe, and other considerations. Finally, there is one golden rule to follow, whether during the holiday season or any other time – live within your means and don’t overspend.

On a Tight Budget

If you are on a tight budget, there are great ideas for free gifts – you have one valuable resource to use, and this is your creativity. If you have enough time, you can think of gifts such as personalized CDs, repurposed old frames, homemade cookies, etc. You can create a scrapbook, album, or photo collage or you can knit or crotchet a sweater, table cloth or anything else. There are plenty of gift ideas such as homemade bread, good reads and books on your shelf, an encouragement jar, and so on. Whatever comes to your mind, really, is best because you know your loved ones well. And if you are short of time and have a tight budget, look for Christmas sales and discounts, promos, and online sales. Online retailers save on rent, salaries, and other expenses and offer exclusive discounts and hot deals.

Debt Consolidation: An Interview with Jeffrey Schwartz

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Samantha, LifeOnCredit.ca
Credit is a way of life here in Canada. The Canadian Banker’s Association (CBA) says a whopping 89 per cent of adult Canadians have at least one credit card, and the majority (60 per cent) pays their entire balance every month.

But what about the Canadians who carry credit card debt? What if that balance continues to grow, and the interest charges get bigger and bigger? There are a lot of debt management tools out there if you are wondering how to get out of debt. One option for relief is debt consolidation, and to get more information on this, I interviewed Jeffrey Schwartz. Schwartz is the executive director of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, a non-profit charity that helps people get out of debt.

Samantha: What kinds of people seek credit counselling for help?
Jeffrey: We help Canadians of all ages and all income levels. Debt does not discriminate; everybody is financially vulnerable and can find themselves in trouble thanks to common issues like unemployment, illness, divorce, or simple overspending.

Samantha: What levels of debt do you typically deal with?
Jeffrey: Different levels of debt require different debt solutions. Typically if someone owes around $5,000 or less, we are often able to advise them on some changes they can make to their budget and lifestyle that can usually get them out of debt with a little hard work and determination. When you’re getting above $10,000 in debt, that’s when you may need a helping hand – often it can be too difficult to manage on your own, and we can provide some tools to get it under control. If you owe $40,000 or $50,000 or $60,000, chances are, the interest payments alone are crushing.LOC44

Samantha: I know people who have gotten into the trap of making minimum payments and trying to pay down huge debts on their own – just how hard is it?
Jeffrey: It’s a lot like being on a treadmill. You can exhaust yourself all you want, but you won’t get anywhere. Our website has a credit card interest calculator, and it’s a great tool to illustrate just how much interest you can expect to pay, and how long it will take, if you only make the minimum payments. For example, if you have a couple of credit cards with a total debt of $30,000, at 19% APR, it will take you nearly 40 years to pay that back. But that’s not the worst part. You’ll pay almost $47,000 in interest – more than your actual balance! Four decades and $77,000 dollars – it sounds like a punishment, not a repayment plan!

Samantha: Yikes. So it seems that it is the interest rates that really hurt people.
Jeffrey: Yes, when people are using high-interest credit cards and Payday loans, so much of their payments are going toward their creditors, and not enough is paying down the actual balance. That’s where we come in. Through our Debt Management Program (DMP), we are able to negotiate with your creditors to get your interest rates reduced to very low levels – often zero. You’ll still pay everything back, but without the heavy shackles of interest. Using the program in this way will allow you to pay back this debt, in full, within three to five years. To make it even easier, we consolidate all of your unsecured debts into one simple monthly payment.

Samantha: So what’s the difference between the DMP and say, a consumer proposal or bankruptcy?
Jeffrey: The big difference is with the DMP, you pay back the entire balance. With a consumer proposal and bankruptcy, you do not pay back your entire debt load, and your credit report will reflect that.

Samantha: Are there ever any cases in which a bankruptcy is the right move?
Jeffrey: It’s a worst-case scenario, but it’s helpful for people with massive debt loads and little means to pay it back. At that point, with too few assets and too little income, bankruptcy may be the best solution. The DMP is an excellent option for people who have experienced a hiccup in their financial lives but have the means to pay it back. They just need a helping hand. That’s where we come in – we can be that helping hand to lead you through your trouble. If you feel like you’re drowning in debt, we can throw you a life ring.

Canadian Dollar – Post-Election Strategies for Making Money Trading USD/CAD Currency Pair

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Experts warn that the Canadian dollar will remain weak over the coming months, with oil prices going down and revenues falling. Canada is one of the world’s largest oil producers, and lower oil prices certainly pressure the currency down. Another reason why the dollar is sinking further is the business unfriendly policies adopted by the liberal government. Truly, the government is committed to investing in waste water treatment, building bridges, repairing roads, and infrastructural improvements that will benefit engineering companies and the construction industry as a whole. At the same time, the government’s decision to run a deficit means a weak dollar, and experts warn that more debt also means larger interest payments and a weaker currency.trading

Making Money Trading USD/CAD

How to make money from Forex trading is a question that many investors ask post election and given the weakened external demand. The first thing to do is to learn more about Forex rates, current stock market trends, and how perceptions of government policies affect rates. If investors see the liberal party as spend-progressive, then they will be confident that the market is doing well. But this is just part of the puzzle. When it comes to currency trading, many believe that the loonie has further to weaken and fall due to falling gold prices and revenues of giants such as Kinross, Goldcorp, and Barrick. The economy of China, one of Canada’s trading partners, is also slowing down. As a commodity currency, the loonie has been affected by a combination of factors, among which risk sentiment, commodity prices going down, and China’s economy.

Investing in Assets and Currency Hedge Funds

Some Forex experts recommend buying into USD/CAD as long as most investors continue to sell. At the same time, a falling Canadian dollar, combined with low oil prices means that US assets increase in value if priced in CAD. The opposite is also true – US assets are worth less when the loonie is rising. Investors who are worried about the fact that the Canadian dollar will increase in value may want to look into currency hedge funds like iShares S&P 500 Index ETF CAD-Hedged. Others choose not to hedge and limit their US exposure to no more than 10 percent. Still others choose to invest in healthcare, technology, and consumer-oriented companies in the US and hedge their currency exposure. The goal is to reduce potential risk when investing abroad. Currency hedge funds promise significant payoffs and to this end, they follow market trends through computer algorithms. In some cases, currency hedge funds take bearish or bullish positions and report gains at a time when companies trading emerging-market assets report losses. In any case, the ultimate goal is to realize consistent returns. To this, currency hedge funds that focus on CAD to USD usually use advanced strategies and algorithms to follow the movements of currencies with significant trading volumes.

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USD/CAD Trading and Other Instruments to Make Profits

Crude oil is an important factor that affects the Canadian dollar. The reason is that oil prices are denominated in USD. The fact is that there is a strong USD – CAD negative correlation and the same goes about the price of oil. This means that when oil prices go down, USD/CAD goes down and USD weakens. The opposite is also true – USD/CAD rises when oil prices go down and USD strengthens. If you think that oil is going to rally more than USD/CAD will go down, then you may want to purchase both. By the same logic, sell both if you think that USD/CAD is going to decline compared to oil. Another idea is to invest in options on the futures and spot markets. This is a low-risk type of investment.

When there is no clear up or down trend, one option is to rely on hit and run trading in the hope of making small profits. In this case, you may want to pay close attention to trends and look for a small pull back and a bullish trend. When you spot a reversal pattern, then it is time to buy. Such strategies could be useful when the situation on the Forex market is unclear. When there is uncertainty about the direction in which the market will go, some experts recommend using Nadex spreads and the Iron Condor strategy to trade options. Nadex spreads can be used in a flat or downwards market while an upwards market requires credit spreads. Note that when you use Nadex spreads, there are time limits as well as a ceiling or floor level. Investors who use the Iron Condor technique buy the lower spread and sell the upper in the hope of making significant profits.

6 Steps to Reduce your Credit Card Debt by Thanksgiving

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There are many benefits to dealing away with debt within a short period, the most important being less stress and more money to spend on leisure, groceries, and home improvement.

1. Create a Budget

It is a good idea to create a budget to find out where your hard-earned money is going. The first thing to do is to list your combined income, including wages and salaries, bonuses, commissions, rent, and other sources of additional income you may have. Then make a list of your ongoing expenses such as mortgage payments or rent, groceries, cleaning detergents and cosmetics, daycare, clothing, and utilities (gas, phone, internet, water, etc.). Compare your expenses and income to find out if you spend more than you can afford.

2. Cut Back on Some of Your Expenses

Now that you have a budget, it is time to discuss different ways to cut on some expenses and use the money to repay any outstanding balances. If you spend too much on dining, for example, think of preparing homemade meals for your family. There are other ways to save on monthly or ongoing expenses, and one is to save money on transportation. You can do this in different ways – sell your vehicle, use public transportation (e.g. subway, bus, train), car pool to work, etc. In addition, you can save on debt in at least several ways by consolidating student or consumer loans, refinancing, and transferring high interest balances. There are automatic debt repayment plans as well.thanksgiving

3. Look for Additional Sources of Income

If you are unemployed or underemployed or have a seasonal job, then you may want to look for additional sources of income. One option is to look for part-time employment or a second job to increase your income. There are other ways to make money in the form of passive income. One is to open a high interest savings account to earn a higher yield. Another option is to invest in other low-risk products such as certificates of deposit or government securities. This is provided that you have some free cash on your hands.

4. Increase Your Payments

This is one way to save on interest charges and repay outstanding balances over a shorter period for a debt-free future. Always try to pay more than the minimum, especially on high-interest credit cards. If you have a low-interest card, you may want to use it to make payments. Note that if you only pay the minimum on a high-interest account, charges accumulate over time, and you are more likely to be late on your payments. Late and missed payments can have a negative impact on your score and future ability to borrow.

5. Reduce your interest rate

There are several ways to reduce the interest rate, and the most obvious one is to shop around for cards with low interest rates. In fact, some financial institutions actually offer such cards and advertise very low rates of about 6 – 8 percent. This is the standard rate provided that you make on-time payments. Penalty rates are usually significantly higher and apply to late and missed payments. Another option is to apply for a balance transfer card. If you have high-interest cards, then you pay a lot in charges, especially if you only pay the minimum each month. If you use a card with a high interest rate, then you should always try to cover the full amount. Otherwise it is better to use a low-interest product or transfer your existing balances to a card with a promotional period and a low rate. There are good balance transfer cards with long promo periods of 12 – 18 months and zero or a very low rate over the intro period. A third option is to contact your issuer and try to negotiate a lower rate. If you are a regular customer with a steady payment history and healthy credit score, they may actually agree to do this to keep you in.

6. Use Cash or Debit

This is a good idea, especially if you have multiple card accounts and a lot of debt to sort out. Either use your debit card to make payments online and in-store or carry cash with you. You may want to take small amounts with you to avoid the temptation to make frivolous purchases and overspend.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to reduce your debt load by Thanksgiving, from developing a budget and finding additional sources of income to trying to reduce the interest rate and using cash. If you have multiple debts, including consumer loans, mortgages, and credit cards, you may want to develop a repayment plan to get rid of debt faster.

Peoples Trust Credit Cards

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A FDIC-insured company, Peoples Trust serves large private and institutional investors and individual customers. Peoples Trust is a Vancouver-based trust company that offers a selection of financial solutions and services, including prepaid and secured cards, mortgage servicing and origination, high-interest accounts, and mortgage backed securities. The full array of financial solutions also includes residential, construction, commercial, and multi-family mortgages and deposit services – e-savings, TFSAs, RRSPs, GICs, etc. The company specializes in mortgage syndication and offers loan advances, construction loans, and mortgages with terms of 5 to 25 years. Fixed rate loans of $50 million or higher are offered as well as flexible underwriting solutions. Both floating rate and fixed rate loans are offered. The company also offers mortgage administration, including renewal and discharge processing, assumption, property tax collection, and payment processing. Customers also benefit from services such as legal instructions and mortgage initiation, default and arrears management, CMHC reporting, property inspections, and annual statement monitoring. Peoples Trust is also affiliated with Edmonton and Calgary Apartment Associations, B.C. Care Providers Association, Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and others.

Peoples Trust Credit Card

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This secured credit card allows customers with fair and tarnished scores to build or rebuild credit. The card can be used to pay for services and products and to make car rental and hotel reservations. Cash advances are also offered to help customers pay urgent expenses. This product is designed for newcomers to Canada, discharged bankrupts, and borrowers with no or limited credit history and bad credit issues. The deposit made is equal to the credit line offered. The minimum deposit is $500, and the good news is that cardholders earn interest. It is easy to apply online. Customers provide information such as occupation, years at current employment, yearly income, current employer, etc.

• Cash advance interest rate: 24.5 percent
• Purchase rate: 12.99 percent
• Penalty rate: 24.5 percent
• Annual fee: $69.60
• Supplementary cards: $35.40
• Grace period: 25 days
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About Peoples Trust Credit

Peoples Trust was founded in 1985, and is now part of the group of Triple Five companies. The company is headquartered in Vancouver and maintains offices in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Peoples Trust specializes in long- and short-term investment solutions and offers online banking facilities. It is also involved in different community initiatives to support organizations and volunteer programs. Employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, including dependent life insurance, employee assistance program, extended health care, provincial health benefits, and more. Staff is committed to offering superb quality client services and innovative financial solutions. A privately owned company, Peoples Trust offers professional, personalized services and administrative support and advice on CMHC insured and conventional mortgage loans.