The world continues to hold its breath during COVID-19. And here at home in Canada, yesterday brought more uncertainty with many provinces declaring states of emergency.
That fear and worry extends to our finances. How will you survive the next few weeks to a month?
These are scary and rapidly evolving times. But there are things you can do now to put more money in your hands to make it through.
Deferring debt
- If you have a mortgage, most banks allow you can “skip a payment” easily and without penalty once a year. You could use this option to top up your emergency savings account or start one if you’re super cash strapped.
- Today, all of our big six banks have introduced supports for Canadians. According to CTV News, CIBC, TD, BMO, RBC, Scotiabank and National bank will allow customers to defer mortgage payments for up to six months among other changes. The banks urge Canadians or business owners facing hardship to contact their bank directly to discuss options that may be available.
- Yesterday, RBC provided me with a statement saying that, “RBC clients who may experience financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 should know that financial relief programs are being put into place. These will include initiatives tailored to the needs of our clients like certain fee waivers and reversals, short-term payment deferrals on mortgages, personal loans and credit cards. Small business and commercial clients will also be afforded special consideration through their RBC account managers”.
Fraudsters swooping in
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns that as we’re amidst this crisis, fraudsters from around the world are using these times to exploit our vulnerabilities. Be on guard and on the lookout for:
- Private companies offering ‘fast’ covid-19 tests for sale. Only hospitals are currently authorized to perform the tests. No other tests are genuine or guaranteed to provide accurate results.
- Consumers are purchasing large amounts of products and reselling them at higher prices. These products may be expired, of lower quality and increase your health risks.
- Fraudsters are creating fraudulent and deceptive online ads offering cleaning products, hand sanitizers and other items in high demand.
- Fraudsters are sending phishing, spear phishing and other malicious email campaigns that capitalize on the public’s fears about COVID-19
- Fraudsters have been going door-to-door offering fake decontamination services. Fraudsters may urge you to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease.
- Fraudsters are sending phishing, spear phishing and other malicious email campaigns that capitalize on the public’s fears about Covid-19.
Worried about your investments?
As hard as it is to hear, sticking to your plan is the best advice you can follow. No one can time the market but if you’re feeling uneasy, reach out to your Certified Financial Planner or Investment Advisor. Check out this blog from BNN’s, Larry Berman. It’s a great post that illustrates how the markets performed after the 2008/2009 crash.