(NC) With Canada’s housing market hotter than ever, saving up a down payment can feel impossible. But wise spending and saving decisions can add up over time. Here, Vanessa Bowen, money expert and accountant, offers simple yet effective ways to save for the home you’ve had your eye on.

Ensure you have a good credit score
A better credit score means that you can qualify for lower interest rates and loans that you may require when investing in a future property. Working to improve your overall credit score, such as by avoiding late bill payments, will help make your savings go further as you look towards purchasing the house or condo of your dreams.

Contribute lump-sum payments to your savings
Large annual payments such as a work bonus or your tax return can be added as lump-sum contributions to your savings. Contributing larger sums helps you reach your end-goal more quickly, so remember to save these payments. It’s money you don’t count on in your day to day anyway, so it’ll be easier to set aside and watch your savings steadily grow.

Switch to a no-fee bank account
A small step that you can take that will add up to big savings in the long run is switching to a no-fee bank account. The PC Money Account is the bank account reimagined with no monthly fees and opportunities to earn PC Optimum Points on every dollar spent everywhere you shop. Now, instead of having to pay monthly banking fees, you can put your hard-earned money towards saving up for a house or condo.

Cut down on unnecessary spending
Try cutting back on expenses such as takeout food and shopping for things you may not actually need, like subscription services. Instead, put this money, which could potentially add up to thousands each year, towards a significant investment opportunity, such as a future home.

(NC) Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.

Upgrade your kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcoming environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.   

Finish your basement
A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort. But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do.

Elevate your exteriors
Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend your living space – which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all year-round.

(NC) Understanding how to manage your money and budget better is important for financial health, especially during uncertain economic conditions. Each person’s situation is unique and requires a personalized approach, but with education and confidence, financial planning can become a less arduous task.

According to the TD Financial Health Index, a national benchmarking survey providing a portrait of Canadians' financial well-being, women tend to have lower “financial health” than men – particularly among younger groups. Women received an average financial health score of 64 – lower than the average score for all Canadians. 

Regardless of financial management experience, taking small, thoughtful and actionable steps towards building your wealth management skills can help improve your financial profile in any circumstance.

Here are some resources to consider:

1. Read, review and reevaluate. Empowering yourself with the right resources can better equip you to make stronger decisions for your financial future. Online tools, like the TD Direct Investing Learning Centre, can walk you through the different types of investments, account types, risks and investment plans, and teach you how the market works before you get started.
2. Build your financial confidence. Ensure you are actively participating in the financial planning process. When learning how to build or elevate your investments, also take time to learn the language and increase your financial awareness. Knowing the basics can enable a better understanding of your investment options and strengthen your self-assurance in direct investing.
3. Create a virtual community. Learning from other personal and professional experiences can generate investment ideas, give you inspiration for your portfolio, and keep your investment goals on track. Participating in webinars, interactive sessions and master classes through the TD Direct Investing Learning Centre is a great way to build your skills and knowledge.

(NC) Want to make a difference in your community but not sure where to begin? Here are some easy ways to get involved:

1. Find your representative. It’s important to know who represents you in government decisions. Find out the contact info of your Member of Parliament and your local municipal councilor and don’t be afraid to reach out to them with your concerns—whether you think more money should be spent on mental health care, or if you think your neighbourhood needs a new stop sign.
   
   
2. Get out and vote. This is an easy one. Whenever there’s an election, make sure you vote for representatives who are aligned with your interests and concerns. And don’t just vote in major federal or provincial elections—local governments often have a big impact on your day-to-day life.
    
3. Participate in the census. Taken every five years, the census is an important part of our heritage—it helps us learn more about the makeup of communities across Canada while taking an active role in the civic process. This longstanding part of our identity has been around since 1666, when Jean Talon conducted the first Canadian census. Today, the census is the primary source of sociodemographic data for key population groups and it supports economic, educational and cultural outcomes.
   
   Important decisions and policies are based on the data collected, such as where to build schools or invest in support workers for the elderly. An easy way to make sure you and your family’s needs are prioritized is to participate in the next census, scheduled for May 2021. You can even complete the questionnaire online.
   
   
4. Volunteer in your community. You can learn a lot and make a big difference in the lives of others by volunteering for an organization that supports a cause you care about. Whether it’s a local shelter or your child’s school, becoming more engaged in your neighbourhood is a good first step to being more engaged in your community.

Even if you try just one or two of these ideas for getting involved, you will see how rewarding it can be for yourself and those around you.