Power to the renter: Here’s how to score a deal in a renter’s market

Open this photo in gallery: More than 80 per cent of Toronto’s condo investors are not collecting enough in rent to pay their mortgages.SHANNON STAPLETON/Reuters Renting a home, especially in a big city like Toronto or Vancouver, is expensive. Historically tight housing supply and the popularity of living in such cities means landlords can typically […]

How to know when it’s time to break up with a friend, and do it kindly

Open this photo in gallery: salim hanzaz/Getty Images Last year, I began to feel uncomfortable in one of my longest-held friendships. Political and value-based differences that had always been present seemed to get more apparent, especially as the world became a more polarized place, and I found myself feeling more and more confined by the […]

Retirees, here’s how to tweak the 4% rule to protect your nest egg

New retirees might enter a different environment than their predecessors—the economy or market might have changed slightly or dramatically. Morningstar researchers have investigated and identified their latest starting safe withdrawal rate. Hint: it’s slightly lower than last year. Here to discuss this research is Amy Arnott, a portfolio strategist with Morningstar. The interview has been […]

How to win the housing density debate

Open this photo in gallery: Toronto city council voted this week against a plan for a citywide authorization of multiplexes of six units.Cole Burston/The Globe and Mail When making the argument for more housing in cities, advocates and politicians should consider why the federal carbon fuel charge failed. Climate change is a real and pressing […]

Here’s how to negotiate a raise – in the form of lower rent

Open this photo in gallery: Lower rent isn’t just going to drop into your lap, you need to make it happen and timing is everything.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press When it comes to asking for a raise, timing is everything. If you ask your boss for one right now, when the economy is uncertain, you’d be […]