(NC) Almost every brand now has its own unique rewards program filled with great opportunities to earn and cash in great rewards. But how can you make your points go the extra mile? Here are some tips that give you the most bang for your buck.
Choose the right one. Everyone has different lifestyle priorities and expenses — maybe you have a big family and high grocery bill, maybe you travel a lot for work or pleasure, or maybe you enjoy watching all the latest movies in theatres. To get the most benefits out of your rewards program, choose one that either gives you points for every purchase or one that's tailored to what you spend on or value most. Link your accounts. Many rewards programs include several brands or partner with other programs, allowing you to earn more frequently or even exchange your points. Other programs add brands and earning opportunities as they expand and merge with other companies. For example, since Marriott acquired Starwood last year, members of both hotel chains' rewards programs have been able to link their accounts and transfer points, giving them access to 6,200 properties in 125 countries. Go mobile. Rewards programs love connecting with their members and look for opportunities to engage with them whenever possible. Often, there are extra bonuses and perks for downloading mobile apps, like special discounts and the ability to track your rewards status. Marriott's app unlocks a Mobile Key that lets you skip the front desk and go straight to your room; get priority room upgrade notifications; and request services like robes, amenities, room service or luggage assistance at any time. www.newscanada.com The era of mortgage rates trending lower is coming to an end and some homeowners will struggle to afford payments.
The warning comes in a report from ratings firm DBRS which says that owners will find renewal rates edging higher and will experience a “payment shock” having become used to lower rates when renewing. The biggest wake up call will be for those that last renewed their mortgage in the last five years while rates were trending lower. They will realize the impact of two BoC interest rate hikes this year and the likelihood of more in 2018. DBRS calculates that a 1% rise in mortgage rates would mean a 9% increase in monthly payments for a loan with 20 years left. A 3% rise in rates would add 29% to the monthly payment. The firm’s Sohail Ahmer told the HuffPost Canada that households should be ready to absorb mortgage payment increases of 15-20%. News Release
Action Plan Released To Streamline Development Approvals November 13, 2017 10:00 A.M.Ministry of Municipal Affairs Ontario is taking immediate steps to streamline the approvals process for new housing developments, which will help bring more housing to market sooner. Streamlining housing approvals will help more people find affordable homes. The province recently released a 14-point action plan that includes recommendations for better aligning infrastructure and land use planning, supporting forward-looking zoning, providing additional guidance for municipalities implementing provincial land use policies, and creating a task force to determine how best to advance electronic permitting (e-approvals) in Ontario. The plan represents the work of the Development Approvals Roundtable, comprising representatives from the development, construction and real estate sectors and provincial and municipal officials, which met over the summer and fall to identify opportunities to streamline the development approval process in order to bring more housing to market, especially for low- and middle-income people and families in Ontario. Ensuring that everyone in Ontario has a safe and affordable place to call home is part of Ontario's plan to create fairness and opportunity during this period of rapid economic change. The plan includes a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25 through the biggest expansion of medicare in a generation. Quick Facts
Additional Resources As of November 1, 2017, the Condominium Authority of Ontario has launched a new dispute resolution service for condo owners and residents.Details
The Condominium Authority Tribunal (CAT) dispute resolution process has five main steps:
The cost of home ownership and rent is impeding young professionals' ability to save and pay down debt.
Lack of ‘missing middle’ housing making GTA’s real estate market increasingly unaffordable11/5/2017
The GTA is in danger of becoming the next London, Hong Kong or New York City — highly desirable cities, but unaffordable for most people
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