Financial tools
Calculators updated for 2026 for Quebec and Canada: net pay, income tax and RRSP vs TFSA, FHSA, welcome tax, GST/QST, mortgage and affordability, retirement, auto loan, savings, debt payoff and gas vs electric costs.
Available Tools
Mortgage calculator
Payment by frequency (monthly, bi-weekly, weekly or accelerated), Canadian semi-annual compounding, property taxes and a full amortization schedule.
Mortgage affordability calculator
Maximum price based on GDS and TDS ratios, the stress test (rate + 2% or 5.25%), taxes, heating, condo fees and your debts.
Quebec net pay calculator
2026 take-home pay per pay and per year: federal and Quebec income tax, QPP, QPIP and EI at the Quebec rate.
Quebec welcome tax calculator
2026 property transfer duties using provincial brackets, Montreal brackets or your municipality’s rate.
GST and QST calculator
Add GST and QST to a price or find the pre-tax amount from a total, rounded to the cent.
RRSP vs TFSA comparison
Tax refund, tax on withdrawal and net amount using 2026 combined federal-Quebec rates.
FHSA calculator
Balance for your down payment and tax savings with the 2026 limits ($8,000 a year, $40,000 lifetime).
Retirement calculator
Capital needed for your target income, accounting for inflation, returns and guaranteed income such as pensions, annuities or rental income.
Auto loan calculator
Payment, total interest and true cost of car financing, with GST and QST on the net amount after trade-in and 2026 Roulez vert rebates.
Compound interest calculator
Growth of an investment with regular contributions, compounding frequency and a chart of how much comes from interest.
Savings goal calculator
How much to set aside each month to reach a goal by a given date: down payment, trip or emergency fund.
Debt payoff calculator
Avalanche vs snowball methods compared: debt-free date and interest saved on credit cards and loans.
Gas vs electric car calculator
Total cost of ownership, gas or electric, with a Quebec 2026 preset: average gas price, Hydro-Québec rate D and Roulez vert.
Complete guide to financial tools
Master your personal finances with our specialized calculators. Whether you're planning to buy a home, preparing for retirement, or evaluating an auto loan, understanding fundamental financial concepts will help you make informed decisions.
The importance of financial planning
Financial planning is the process of evaluating your current financial situation and setting goals for the future. It encompasses budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, and risk protection.
Good financial planning allows you to:
- Achieve your life goals (home purchase, education, retirement)
- Handle emergencies with an emergency fund
- Optimize your taxes
- Build long-term wealth
Our calculators help you simulate different scenarios and understand the impact of your financial decisions.
Understanding compound interest
Compound interest is often called the "eighth wonder of the world." Unlike simple interest, compound interest generates gains on previous gains, creating a snowball effect over time.
The compound interest formula is: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), where:
- A = final amount
- P = initial principal
- r = annual interest rate
- n = compounding frequency
- t = time in years
The earlier you start saving, the more compound interest works in your favor. A $10,000 investment at 7% over 30 years becomes over $76,000.
Mortgage loans: the fundamentals
A mortgage is a loan secured by real estate. Understanding its components is essential before committing:
- Principal: the amount borrowed
- Interest: the cost of borrowing
- Amortization: the total loan duration (15, 20, 25, or 30 years)
- Term: the period during which the rate is fixed
The choice between fixed and variable rates depends on your risk tolerance and market conditions. A fixed rate offers stability, while a variable rate can be advantageous if rates fall.
Retirement planning
Planning for retirement requires estimating your future needs and determining how much to save to meet them. Key factors include:
- Desired retirement age
- Desired standard of living in retirement
- Income sources (pensions, investments, real estate)
- Inflation and its impact on purchasing power
The 4% rule suggests that a retiree can withdraw 4% of their portfolio each year without depleting their capital. Thus, for an annual income of $40,000, you would need a portfolio of about $1 million.
Smart auto financing
Buying a vehicle is often the second largest purchase after real estate. To make an informed decision:
- Compare total cost (price + interest + fees) not just the monthly payment
- A larger down payment reduces total interest
- Shorter loans cost less in interest despite higher monthly payments
- Consider depreciation: a new vehicle loses 20-30% of its value in the first year
Our auto loan calculator helps you compare different financing options and understand the true cost of your vehicle.
The impact of interest rates
Interest rates directly influence the cost of your loans and the return on your investments. Even a small change can have a significant long-term impact.
For a $300,000 mortgage over 25 years:
- At 5%: monthly payment of $1,744, total interest of $223,200
- At 6%: monthly payment of $1,919, total interest of $275,700
- Difference: $175/month, or $52,500 more in interest
Tracking rate changes and refinancing at the right time can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Amortization strategies
Amortization determines how your debt is repaid over time. Understanding different strategies can help you save:
- Accelerated payments: paying biweekly instead of monthly equals one extra payment per year
- Lump-sum payments: paying an additional amount annually reduces principal and future interest
- Shortening amortization: going from 25 to 20 years increases payments but saves years of interest
Our detailed amortization table shows you exactly how each payment is split between principal and interest.
Tips for optimizing your finances
Some proven principles to improve your financial health:
- Establish a budget and track your expenses
- Build an emergency fund of 3 to 6 months of expenses
- Pay off high-interest debt first
- Automate your savings (pay yourself first)
- Diversify your investments
- Regularly review your insurance and investments
- Consult a financial advisor for important decisions
Use our calculators to simulate the impact of these strategies on your personal situation.