Jessica (Jones) Martel

You’ve just rented your first apartment. Congratulations! The papers are signed, your boxes are packed, and you’re ready to move in. Then the landlord asks you for a cheque. While you’ve heard about cheques, you don’t have any, and you’re not really sure how to use one. Not to worry, we’ve got you.
Here we explain what a cheque is, how to write a cheque step-by-step, and common mistakes to avoid when writing a cheque.
What is a Cheque (and Why Are People Still Using Them?)
A cheque is a paper...

For this week’s No More Ls column, we’re revealing some hidden fees and service charges you may be missing.
If you feel like you’re always coming up short, like there’s a leak in your budget, you’re not alone. The drip we’re referring to: hidden fees.
“Many Canadians are struggling more than usual,” says Mark Marshall, a licensed insolvency trustee in Saint John, N.B., at Allan Marshall and Associates. “The basic cost of living continues to climb,” and even if you make a decent income, by the...

For this week’s Reality Cheque, we’re looking at the money myth about using a line of credit for emergencies.
You know you need an emergency fund. But when money’s tight, just keeping up with everyday bills can feel like a stretch. Some of your friends might recommend using a line of credit as an emergency fund, but is this a good idea?
Short answer: Yes (and no). Advice-only financial planner and podcaster Sandi Martin says, “If your line of credit is your only way to stay housed and fed, us...

Drivers in Nevada spend an average of $195 per month on car insurance. That’s compared to the U.S. national average of $137 per month. Nevada tends to have expensive car insurance rates due to its population density and high vehicle theft rate.[1]
That said, several car insurance companies in Nevada offer rates well below the state average, including COUNTRY Financial, State Farm, and USAA. Rates start as low as $56 per month.
Keep reading to learn about the cheapest car insurance companies i...

The average monthly cost of home insurance in Colorado is $226 for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, according to Insurify data. This is slightly higher than the national average of $212 per month for the same coverage.
Colorado homeowners pay higher premiums due to increased weather risks, including hail, wildfires, and winter storms.
Here’s what you need to know when purchasing home insurance in the Centennial State.
Quick Facts
Colorado homeowners pay a m...

Many Canadians wonder if transferring a credit card balance will hurt their credit score.
While applying for a balance transfer card can cause a small, temporary dip due to a hard inquiry, with responsible use, it can actually help improve your credit score over the long run.
In this article, we explain how balance transfers work, their short-term and long-term effects on credit, and provide tips to minimize any negative impact.
How Do Balance Transfers Work in Canada?
With a balance transfer...

Mortgage switching is when you transfer your existing mortgage to a new lender.
Switching your mortgage lets you change your interest rate, prepayment options and payment frequency.
Don't wait until the last minute if you want to switch your mortgage before your mortgage renews. You need time to do your research and get your documents in order and you need to factor in time for the lenders to process the switch.
You can simplify the switching process by working with a home financing advisor.
...

For better or worse, your credit score is involved in most important financial decisions. A good credit score can help you secure a lower interest rate and better credit terms on a mortgage, car loan or personal line of credit. It can also give you access to more top-tier financial products, so you can take advantage of rewards like cash back. By tracking your credit score with a Canadian credit score app, you can recognize if you need to make improvements to boost your score, and monitor for...

Are you trying to break into the Canadian housing market? Finding the best interest rates can help save you thousands of dollars over the term of your mortgage.
So, what should you do when you find a good rate? Should you instantly commit, or keep looking for a better deal?
With a rate hold mortgage, you get the best of both worlds. You can hold onto the offer while you keep searching. Even if rates go up while you’re looking, the rate you’re offered won’t go up.
Here’s everything you need to...

Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in Missouri
Recent Missouri car insurance prices for Subaru, Mercedes Benz, GMC , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from Missouri within the last 10 days. Last updated on September 24, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Drivers in the Show-Me State pay an overall average of $133 per month for car insurance, which is in line with the overall national U.S. average of $143 per month.
Missouri requires ...

If you use your credit card to make many of your everyday purchases, why not earn rewards at the same time? With a rewards credit card, you can earn rewards just for using your credit card and then redeem them for various perks and benefits. We've curated a list of the best rewards credit cards in Canada for 2025 to help you find your ideal rewards credit card. Check out the helpful information around what a rewards credit card is and the various types of rewards, then scroll down to learn mo...