Monday, December 23, 2024

Does buying GICs still make sense after the recent rate of interest cuts?

What does it mean for Canadians as borrowers and savers if rates of interest fall? On the positive side, we’re beginning to get inflation under control and lenders are beginning to offer lower rates of interest on mortgages and other varieties of loans. On the opposite hand, which means that the rates of interest you may earn with guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) – a preferred short-term savings vehicle in Canada – are beginning to decline.

Expand your savings with a high-yield savings account

As GIC rates decline, Canadians are searching for alternatives for his or her short-term money savings. High-interest savings accounts (HISAs) are a superb option. Whether you are setting aside money for home renovations, a giant trip, or making a financial donation to assist your child buy their first home, HISAs offer more flexibility and liquidity than GICs, meaning your money is not tied up and you should utilize it at any time have to give you the option to access it. HISAs also pay competitive rates of interest, allowing your money to grow whilst you save.

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Simplii Financial High Yield Savings Account

Simplii’s HISA has no transaction fees or monthly fees and no minimum balance required.

Welcome offer: Earn 4.60% interest on eligible deposits for the primary 153 days. (Restrictions apply. Offer ends February 28, 2025.)
Interest rate: 0.35% to three.75% (depending in your balance)

Which is best: a GIC or a HISA?

The answer likely depends upon your financial goals and saving schedule. For example, when you put aside money for an emergency fund, accessing it needs to be quick and simple. A HISA is a superb option because it really works like an everyday checking account but pays more interest.

On the opposite hand, if you have got a considerable amount of money because you’ve got just downsized your house and do not plan on fully spending or investing it anytime soon, a GIC or a HISA could also be suitable depending on the schedule and rates currently offered.

Even when you’re near retirement or already in your post-work life, you don’t need to risk the nest egg you’ve got saved. At this stage of life, many Canadians are shifting their savings away from stocks and towards more conservative investments like GICs. This made particular sense when GIC rates were high; Today, a HISA may offer the same return and greater flexibility.

Advantages and downsides of GICs and HISAs

So which is best to your savings goals: a GIC or a HISA? Let’s have a look at the professionals and cons.

GICs HISA
Advantages • Reasonable pricing for one-year GICs continues to be available
• Can be held in a registered or unregistered account
• Eligibility for CDIC coverage
• Greater flexibility
• Funds are usually not blocked
• Attractive promotional prices
• Eligibility for CDIC coverage
Disadvantages • It will likely be essential to lock your money for a certain time period
• Interest rates are falling quickly
• Stop paying interest of 5% or more
• Non-registered account, due to this fact no tax profit

Expand your savings with HISA from Simplii Financial

Simplii offers greater than two million Canadians a straightforward and hassle-free method to bank, with 24/7 access to online and mobile banking with no monthly fees, in addition to access to one in every of the most important national ATM networks through CIBC.

Simpliis HISA offers many attractive features: There aren’t any transaction fees or monthly fees and no minimum balance is required. You can arrange automatic deposits to maintain your savings growing heading in the right direction. You have access to your money at any time when you would like it. And after all, the HISA pays more interest than an everyday savings account and in addition offers a generous welcome offer: 4.60% interest on eligible deposits for the primary 153 days on eligible deposits as much as $1 million. (Offer ends February 28, 2025.)

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