Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory
  
For this Halloween that just passed I dressed up as Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory. I guess I didn't do a very good job or maybe people just don't watch that show as much as I thought they did. Everyone just assumed I was the Green Lantern. Takes all the fun away when you have to explain your costume
New Mortgage Rules Effective January 1st 2018
New guidelines that will soon place restrictions on uninsured borrowers looking to secure a mortgage have — as one Ottawa realtor puts it — kicked the pursuit of a home into "overdrive."
Earlier this month, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) released guidelines for the mortgage industry that will take effect on Jan. 1, 2018.
One of the major new rules is a requirement to subject uninsured borrowers to a "stress test."
At the moment, anyone who puts down more than 20 per cent of the value of a home doesn't have to pay for mortgage insurance, and is considered an uninsured borrower.
Only insured borrowers — those who put down less than 20 per cent — are required to undergo a stress test of their finances, something they've faced since last year.
OSFI sets new mortgage rules, including stress test for uninsured borrowers
The test consists of ensuring the borrower would be able to pay back the loan if interest rates become higher than they are today. It was part of an attempt to rein in personal debt.
Under OSFI's new rules, people would have to show they can afford their mortgage payments at either the five-year average rate posted by the Bank of Canada, or two percentage points higher than whatever deal they were able to negotiate — whichever measurement is higher.
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Eating out is the top financial indulgence for most Canadians
Jordan Berends, 24, eats out at restaurants twice a week and he doesn't feel remotely guilty about the cost.
He's not a "foodie" and his family didn't eat out much when he was growing up, so it's not a hobby or learned habit. For Mr. Berends, eating out is an entertainment expense and an investment in his personal life.
"It's a social experience. One of the best ways to meet up with a friend you haven't seen in a while is to go for food, or a good way to spend quality time with a partner is to talk over food," says the Vancouver resident.
"My partner and I usually eat out once a week with each other, and probably once a week with our own friends and we certainly don't think that's a waste of money."
A lot of Canadians agree. Eating out is the most popular indulgence for Canadians according to a recent survey of "financial guilty pleasures" from Capital One Canada and Credit Canada.
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