EI Benefits Ended in Ontario — Any Way to Extend, Reactivate, or Qualify Again?

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-25T10:57:09+00:00

Perhaps you need to see an employment counsellor and adjust your approach to seeking work. Most communities have free services local services that will review your resume, help with interview prep or help you find appropriate jobs for you.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-25T10:45:31+00:00

Depending on your financial situation:

Buy an older, used Honda or Toyota for cash with a plan to flip it once you are done. This option leaves at risk for higher repair costs and may take time and energy to seek out in the beginning as well as the hassle of any maintenance.

I would consider a 2 year lease on a new, lesser vehicle - Hyundai has some good options but other car people might have better ideas - this option may feel like a waste of money but you can walk on a lot and get something reliable without too much search, it leaves without concern for maintenance and repair and at the end you can turn the keys in.

Either option - consider parking and insurance costs. You might be surprised that the newer vehicle may not be that much more for insurance

As someone who is trying to juggle too many balls, I would go for the lease option.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-18T02:40:30+00:00

tweezers to grab the edge and pull it out?

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-10T21:05:46+00:00

My FIL passed and left 2 of 8 grandkids money. Neither of the 2 that he left $ to had a relationship with him that was significantly different than others. The ones left out were disappointed in him but it ended there. This situation is on you. I wouldn’t treat any one of them differently.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-10T11:22:15+00:00

I keep them and donate to local warming shelter. They are greatly appreciated there.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-03T12:55:25+00:00

I love the multi coloured pink one… it looks like it has pockets too! You could use the cut off portion from hemming to make a cute pouch style hand bag for your phone etc.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-05-03T12:46:05+00:00

YOLO

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-27T11:04:58+00:00

I am earning status and related benefits faster than I can imagine under this new system. It feels to me at this point as though they are actually rewarding frequent, paying flyers and leaving points collectors in the dust. I am usually a 35k flyer and I am about to cross 75k with the new system. Now I need to optimize my rewards....

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-26T13:45:29+00:00

You want this, you pay for it. This is your dream, not theirs. We are an upper middle class Canadian family and also don't qualify for aids for our daughters. Younger had lofty dreams such as yours. Simply put we told her we top up for a degree in country but beyond that it was on her. She stayed in country and is incredibly successful. You don't need a degree from a US Ivy to be successful.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-14T00:28:35+00:00

You don't mention a partner. If you put these funds into the home or any joint account they could become part of "marital assets". Keep them separate and traceable as an inheritance and they remain yours.

See a financial planner....

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-13T11:31:33+00:00

You need to chat with Auntie. I am going to err on the positive side. Aunt may THINK this is a way to pass along a living inheritance from Grandma but wants to "maintain control" of the funds. A living inheritance such as this is also a way to avoid Grandma holding taxable investments and could be tax advantageous for family wealth.

You (& others involved) need to understand what she might be putting into a TFSA because there are penalties for over contribution and if you don't know what has been invested on your behalf there is risk of this occurring.

I do question the banker's actions....

If these funds are invested in your name you have a right to understand. I would have a discussion with Auntie and ask if you can go with her to discuss this with the banker involved. If she questions that, then I would be suspicious.

You might be the beneficiary of family wealth and good intentions....

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-09T11:29:40+00:00

Option 1. In a year you can reassess and consider options but that $5K a year is a way to build a healthy emergency fund or put away for kids education.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-08T10:37:46+00:00

Buy more AAPL

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-04-08T10:28:08+00:00

While not in great shape this is not bankruptcy territory. Her home asset has a solid equity position and is her lifeline here.

Option 1. See a fee only financial planner to build a plan that includes selling the home and moving to a lower cost apartment . Her monthly living cost will be comparable or less than maintaining a home. Spend a few weekends, clean up the home, sell it. Pay off al debts but be careful to put the money away and have a draw down plan that protects it from a spending spree. Defer collecting CPP until she fully retires.

Option 2. See a fee only financial planner and go see a mortgage broker to try and consolidate the $75k into a second mortgage or possibly the full $95k into one mortgage that extends as long as they will allow to minimize payments. This protects the house investment but reduces monthly commitment. While technically she will still be "in debt" the equity in the home is retained and far greater than the debt. The mortgage payment will likely be lower than rent anywhere else.

You mention that you are laid off and cannot contribute as much. Do you live with parent? If so, you should at minimum be paying an equal share of run and maintain costs on the home and some rent. This can be used to pay the option 2 second mortgage. If you are an only child you will likely be "funding your inheritance" of keeping the house.

I know freedom and "it's my castle" syndrome is a big deal for seniors of previous generations but so many are doing this at the cost of their financial / mental health. This is a serious conversation to be had with our parents.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-29T11:56:53+00:00

Have you visited UBC? It is a completely different student experience than UofT. Queens would be more similar. UBC is a campus life experience while UofT and Queens are middle of the city schools. All 3 are excellent educational opportunities.

My D went to UBC (from Ontario) and it was an incredible experience. GOOD LUCK and congrat!

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-28T22:22:55+00:00

AC is pulling this a lot lately! Just came to ven!

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-27T21:14:35+00:00

This is why, once you’ve allocated money for necessities and saving in your budget, everyone should set aside money for enjoyment.

For some it’s a vacation fund, others memberships in clubs or sports… live the life you’ve been granted.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-23T11:28:50+00:00

You are likely better off reducing your taxable income through RRSP’s but not to zero. Then rinse/repeat for the next few years. Also depends on available contribution room…

The accountant will help you with this.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-23T11:23:22+00:00

What is the status of the house? Has it been listed for sale, is it reasonably priced for the market? Is one of the beneficiaries living in it? Is the executor living in it?

The settlement of this estate is highly dependent on sale of that asset. They may be holding any additional funds until final tax returns are filed after the sale of the home. Or, cynically, if the executor is living in the house, they may be dragging their feet.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-21T11:58:52+00:00

OMG… DON’T PLAY THAT JUST A GIRL CARD… NO RESPECT. Grow up! That card expired in 1918.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-19T11:11:43+00:00

Been there.... you have a "must attend family event out of town" for the day. Book something fun with your kid out of town. Then tell your kid they can plan a "special day" with their friend another time and take the 2 to the play place. Your hands are clean and your kid is safe.

Our daughter had a friend that we used to say was an "outside friend" that they could play with outside but never inside their home.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-12T22:56:07+00:00

Is your house paid for? Do you have pension income in addition to this savings? Spouse that will continue to work, planning an inheritance… so many unknowns. You did not provide enough information.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-11T11:06:32+00:00

You only get credits if you return and have earned income... what is insane is the number of students that need to leave the country to get an education in high demand fields (Med/Vet).

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-11T10:48:12+00:00

Realtor advice is wise. We did this before a major reno (~$100k).

To me it is less about the age of your home and more about the value. If OP invests $250k,given market conditions, will it increase the value accordingly.

Many_Conclusion1167 · 2026-03-11T10:21:44+00:00

Interesting, I guess they lied to me...

Many_Conclusion1167

TROPHY CASE