New year, new spending habits

Money mistake #1: Not paying off debt quickly

If you’re in the red, you’re not alone. In 2022, Canada’s mortgage load experienced the biggest year-to-year jump in more than a decade, and everyone is feeling the pinch as inflation raises the price of everything from groceries to holiday gifts. Budgets are tight, which makes paying off bills trickier.

Not all debt is created equal. Some debts, like a low-interest line of credit or a student loan with an interest-free grace period, might not be as pressing as those with higher interest rates. Overall, though, debt reduction is always a good strategy. That’s because, of course, over time the interest owing on a loan will really add up. In fact, an estimated 41% of Canadians carry a growing credit card balance every month. (Having a credit card that pays you back is key; read on for advice on finding the right one for your family.) Start off the new year with a clean slate—or, at least, a strategy to get you in the black as soon as possible.

Not sure where to start? There are three main methods for tackling debt. You could try the snowball strategy, where you pay off the smallest line of credit or credit card balance first, rolling payment amounts together for bigger impact as your debts are eliminated. Another option is the avalanche method, where you focus on wiping out the debt with the largest interest rate first, then snowball that payment onto the next-largest debt, until everything is paid off. Or, if you have a low-interest line of credit tied to your home equity, for example, you could consolidate several small debts into one easy-to-track payment.

Money mistake #2: Using the wrong credit card

Paying with plastic comes with some perks. In addition to being super-convenient, purchasing groceries and covering household bills with a credit card can also help you bump up your credit score. According to Equifax—one of the two credit bureaus that track Canadians’ credit histories—having two or three active credit cards, in addition to other types of credit, like a line of credit, looks good on a credit report. And a good card will pay you back in rewards that ultimately save you cash. In short, using the right card is a win-win. When comparing credit cards, consider the account terms, including the interest rate and the rewards, to choose one that meets your family’s specific needs. If, for example, you aren’t avid jetsetters, a travel rewards card might not be worthwhile.

Money mistake #3: Not talking about money

It’s still generally considered taboo to talk about your income, your investment portfolio or your retirement savings plan. Most people shy away from financial discussions with colleagues and friends. For those who grew up in a family with a no-money-talk mantra, it can be difficult to have open, meaningful conversations about finances, even with a partner.

Not sure where to start? Begin by introducing simple exchanges about household spending into dinnertime conversation—even with the kids. Let them hear about, and get involved in, discussions around saving up for a family trip, for example.

Similarly, it can be helpful to have conversations with your partner about things like registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) contributions, for example, in a more frequent and casual way, instead of saving it all up for one big, serious talk. The key to better financial communication for most people is to make money a regular, casual topic. And, if your family needs assistance with financial planning or solving a money issue, consider talking to a professional, like a financial advisor, for helpful advice.

Read more about budgeting:

• Back to basics: Finding balance in your budget
• Budgeting for a less stressful holiday season
• How to set financial goals that are realistic and achievable
• How to manage money as a student

About Karen Robock

Karen Robock is an award-winning journalist who writes about parenting, wellness and travel—and, occasionally, how you might pay for it all. Her work has appeared in Canadian Living, Reader’s Digest and Prevention magazines.