Kathy Hilton
Teachers in British Columbia (BC) enjoy a robust package of benefits that go well beyond just salary. Whether you’re a newly qualified educator or a veteran teacher, understanding the full range of teacher benefits available in BC can help you make informed career and financial decisions. From health coverage and pension plans to maternity leave … Read more
For millions of Canadians aged 65 and older, the Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a vital source of income in retirement. Whether you rely on it for essential expenses or use it to supplement your Canada Pension Plan (CPP), staying informed about OAS increases in 2025 is crucial. In this guide, we cover everything … Read more
Retirees under the BC public sector pension plan can expect a 1.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their pensions starting January 1, 2025, as announced by the plan trustees. This annual adjustment is crucial for ensuring that pensions maintain their purchasing power as the cost of everyday goods and services continues to rise. Here’s everything you … Read more
The B.C. Rent Increase 2025 are officially capped at 3%, as announced by the Residential Tenancy Branch. This means that landlords across British Columbia cannot raise rents beyond this amount for existing tenants, regardless of rising property costs, utility bills, or inflation. Whether you’re a tenant worried about affordability or a landlord managing rising expenses, … Read more
As of October 1, 2025, Ontario’s general minimum wage will increase from $17.20 to $17.60 per hour, offering a modest boost to low-wage earners across the province. While this marks a continued commitment to annual wage adjustments, many are asking: Is this enough to keep pace with the rising cost of living in Ontario? In … Read more
If you’re nearing retirement or already receiving the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, there’s one crucial detail you can’t afford to ignore: the OAS clawback, officially known as the Old Age Security Recovery Tax. While OAS is a key support system for Canadian seniors, earning above a certain income threshold can mean giving some—or all—of … Read more
As 2025 begins, Canadian seniors will receive a CPP boost of 2.6%, marking another annual increase designed to help retirees manage rising living expenses. The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is indexed to inflation through the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—a system that ensures pension payments rise in line with the cost of essential items like food, … Read more
Teachers in Quebec benefit from stable and secure retirement plans under two primary programs—the Régime de retraite des employés du gouvernement et des organismes publics (RREGOP) and the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP). While all Quebec residents contribute to the QPP, public sector employees, including teachers, contribute to the RREGOP, which provides defined pension benefits after … Read more
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Retirement Plan (STRP) plays a critical role in helping educators in Saskatchewan build financial security for their retirement years. Managed by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, this defined benefit pension plan serves teachers who began working in the province’s educational system on or after July 1, 1980. This guide breaks down everything you … Read more
Teachers in Alberta rely on the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund (ATRF) to secure their future after years of dedicated service in the classroom. As the trustee and administrator of the province’s Teachers’ Pension Plan, ATRF is responsible for managing contributions, investments, and the disbursement of monthly pension payments. If you’re an active teacher planning for … Read more