Most mortgages are pretty simple. You borrow the cash using the house as collateral, and slowly pay it back over the next 25 years. By now, we all know the drill.

“Why would you buy a new car? It’s such a waste of money. Just buy something used and fix it up.”

My Uncle Jack gave my father grief for buying a new car. My dad used to always buy used, until one day he realized that it was such a better idea to buy a brand new car. Ever since then he has only purchased brand new cars and he hasn’t looked back since.

Recently, I took a closer look at whether it was a better deal for someone in Toronto to rent a place or buy one. In case you missed it you can read all about real estate in Toronto right here. Let’s continue on the series and see whether someone looking to live in the Vancouver area would be better served to rent or buy.

It’s playoff season. That means that every game means so much more and every single player is going to do whatever it takes to win. The games are more intense. More risks are taken. There’s more passion involved in everything. You don’t want to miss a playoff game. I’m not even a big sports fan and I enjoy watching playoff action when I can.

Buying a car is a big expense – especially if you’re doing business with a dealership. Personally, I don’t mind buying from a dealership. They are more expensive but if there’s a big problem, they tend to be a lot easier to find than a private seller. But not everything from a dealership is a great idea. Generally when you’re buying a brand-new or second-hand car, the dealer is going to offer you to some upgrades to help protect your new purchase. And what’s a few hundred dollars when you just spent many thousands? If you want to protect your new purchase, avoid the upgrades and become more car care aware:

Happy Friday. It's two days until Mother's Day so let me ask you a question, what did you get your mom? All week we've been saluting mothers around the world because here at Lowest Rates we're big fans of moms. Just in case you're a last minute shopper we have some great gift ideas from DIY gifts to awesome gifts under $25. So if you're looking for last minute gift ideas this is where it's at.

When the news about the Nepal earthquake hit social media our staff (like many other people) were saddened and shocked by this terrible tragedy. We've kept up to date on the rescue efforts and have been sharing information on both Facebook and Twitter in case you're looking for a way to lend a helping hand.

Editor's note: Please welcome Sarah from Unsettle.org. She's here today sharing all the good pieces of life and financial advice she learned from her mom. Sometimes we take words of wisdom from our parents for granted and sometimes we don't realize just how valuable their advice is until we get other. Hopefully our moms good advice makes us better people and for that we want to say thank you!

Editor's note: We have a very special gift for you today. Please welcome Anne from UniqueGifter.com as she helps us find 13 affordable last minute Mother's Day gifts.

If you’re buying a house in a popular Canadian city such as Toronto or Vancouver, you’re most likely going to have to deal with the dreaded multiple offer situation. If this happens to you the smart thing to do is politely bow out, otherwise it could end up costing you big time.