Neo blog

Make your money work smarter with Neo Financial. Learn about saving, smart spending, credit building and more on our personal finance blog.

A scene from Heated Rivalry, with the character Ilya Rozanov on a cottage TV, saying, "I didn't buy this, I had it built."
The Get

How to invest in cottage real estate like a Hollander

Canadians love their real estate. And they love cottages. This explainer looks at how, in Heated Rivalry fashion, cottages are a hot ticket.

A Canadian woman shopping online at home, wondering if there are any costs.
The Get

Does Buy Now, Pay Later cost you money?

Why are Canadians more susceptible to Buy Now, Pay Later loans than other forms of credit? Here’s the psychology behind BNPL—and how to resist it.

Top row (L to R): Max Thompson, Cindy Marshall, Jeff Adamson; Middle row: Ken Doll, Jeremiah Brown, Clay Ives, Jeff Christie; Bottom row: Geneviève Thibault, Mike Janyk, Caeli McKay
The Get

Game Stop: The money lessons Canadian athletes learn—but apply to all of us

When you win gold, it doesn’t mean you own gold. Get some inspiration from these motivational quotes about athleticism and money.

A scene from Heated Rivalry, with the character Ilya Rozanov on a cottage TV, saying, "I didn't buy this, I had it built."
The Get

How to invest in cottage real estate like a Hollander

Canadians love their real estate. And they love cottages. This explainer looks at how, in Heated Rivalry fashion, cottages are a hot ticket.

Recommended for you

A Canadian woman shopping for yogurt, making a mental note of the price to see if it matches what she's charged at the cash register.
The Get

Here’s one way to reduce your grocery bill

Sticker shock isn’t just a reaction to inflation. It also happens when the price at the cash is much higher than it is on the shelf. Find out how to get cheaper or even free groceries.

Two young Canadian adults at a train station in Europe, looking up currency rates on their phones. “Which is better?” they wonder.
The Get

When using my credit card abroad, should I choose to pay in Canadian dollars or the local currency?

When you tap your credit card when travelling, selecting a currency can cost you or it can save you. Canadian dollars or foreign currency: see which is best.

A young Canadian woman at home, applying for jobs on her desktop, as she reads headlines about the economy.
The Get

Canada’s economy: Looks great on paper, but how does it feel to you?

The math isn’t mathing for some Canadians—and for some finance experts. Where’s the reality gap and how to make sense of the economic headlines?

A Canadian woman who loves to sew turned a spare room into a studio to earn some money as a side hustle from her full-time job.
The Get

You can turn your hobby into a side hustle

We’ve all heard about someone who turned profit from their hobby. But what’s the backstory? Find out how a side passion can create an income stream—and some joy.

Canadian actor Robert Bazzocchi.
The Get

Actor Robert Bazzocchi opens up on flipping the script on success

A case for broadening your skills, standing out from the crowd and more tips, from Robert Bazzocchi.

A Canadian man at his job, throwing paper up in the air, because he hasn’t been able to see his raise reflected in his paycheque.
The Get

Where did my raise go?

We all want more money, but what happens when you get it. Two reasons your recent raise seems to have vanished into thin air.

Credit

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A happy family preparing for a big move to Canada, wondering how to build and grow their credit profile in Canada.
Credit

How to build credit: Grow your credit profile in Canada

Learn practical steps to help build your credit score, understand how credit works, and take control of your financial path in Canada with confidence.

A Canadian woman, looking up her credit score, wondering how she can boost her score higher, faster.
Credit

How to boost your credit score fast

Is your credit score causing you to be charged higher rates on your car loan or making it harder to qualify for a credit card? It’s time for a change.

A 90-day guide to building your financial foundation for newcomers
Credit

A 90-day guide to building your financial foundation for newcomers

Moving to Canada is exciting — the opportunities, new communities. And let’s be honest, it’s a lot of paperwork, but getting your finances set up can be quick. With today’s digital banking and fintech options, it’s easier than ever to take control of your money.

Spending

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A photo illustration of a present under a lit tree, sitting on a trap, symbolizing the seriousness of common holiday scams in Canada and the need to avoid them.
Spending

Why the holidays are the season for scams—and how to avoid them

Don’t become a victim; be aware of common holiday scams. It may help you protect yourself, your sensitive information and your money.

How do credit cards work? The ultimate credit card guide for beginners
Spending

How do credit cards work? The ultimate credit card guide for beginners

Everything from applications and utilization to limits and payments

What is inflation and whats next?
Spending

What is inflation and whats next?

Inflation is a daunting topic that brings many unpleasant feelings. We’re here to help you understand what inflation is, what to look out for, and what you can do.

Budgeting & Debt

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Neo’s declassified financial survival guide for your 20s
Budgeting & Debt

Neo’s declassified financial survival guide for your 20s

Find answers to your top questions about personal finance in your 20s. We focus on the top 9 goals you should aim for to set yourself up for success

Understanding debt
Budgeting & Debt

Understanding debt

Learn simple, straightforward debt management strategies that will enable you to fully understand and manage your debt, while providing you with peace of mind.

How Much Money Should I Have Saved by 30?
Budgeting & Debt

How Much Money Should I Have Saved by 30?

Not sure how much money you should have saved by the time you're 30? We give you tips and advice on budgeting, saving, and building wealth. Get started today!

New from Neo

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3 tips for first-time homebuyers in 2023
New from Neo

3 tips for first-time homebuyers in 2023

Reduce stress when buying your first home by better understanding the process, and use these three tips from Treadstone Law to reach homeownership like a pro.

Neo Financial Teams Up with CEBL
New from Neo

Neo Financial Teams Up with CEBL

The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) is partnering up with Neo Financial™, a leader in Canada’s financial tech industry.

Strengthening our senior leadership team at Neo Financial
New from Neo

Strengthening our senior leadership team at Neo Financial

We are thrilled to share the appointment of several new senior leaders at Neo. Please join us in welcoming Amanda Broos as Chief People Officer, Dana Saric as Chief Legal Officer, Allemander Neto as Acting Chief Financial Officer, James Nauss as Chief Operating Officer, and Stefan Doan as Chief Information Officer.

Savings

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A Canadian couple at a cafe, having smoothies, talking about their finances together, including which is the best bank account for them to use.
Savings

Bank account types: What’s the best bank account?

Which bank account is best for you? To decide that, we want to look at interest, flexibility and fees.

Top 6 money savings habits you can start today
Savings

Top 6 money savings habits you can start today

Eat your avocado toast and use these top tips to save your money instead. Work on implementing these 6 money habits and change the way you view your finances.

A Guide to High-Interest Savings Account Interest Rates
Savings

A Guide to High-Interest Savings Account Interest Rates

Looking for high interest savings account rates? Neo Financial® offers competitive options that could help you maximize your money. Find out more today.