Mortgage & Housing
First-home savings accounts, mortgage payment math and the small schedule changes that cut years off a loan. Canadian and US housing money, explained in minutes with real numbers — from the FHSA to accelerated bi-weekly payments.
Mortgage & HousingFHSA Canada: The First Home Savings Account Explained (2026)
The FHSA combines an RRSP-style tax deduction with a TFSA-style tax-free withdrawal for first homes. $8,000 a year, $40,000 lifetime — the full 2026 guide.
Mortgage & HousingMortgage Every Two Weeks: How Much Faster Do You Actually Pay It Off?
Canadian Money Math #11: accelerated bi-weekly vs monthly mortgage payments — the real interest saved, the years cut, and the trap in regular bi-weekly.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the FHSA in Canada?
The First Home Savings Account lets first-time buyers contribute up to $8,000 a year (to a $40,000 lifetime limit), deduct contributions like an RRSP, and withdraw tax-free for a first home like a TFSA. Unused room carries forward.
Do bi-weekly payments really pay a mortgage off faster?
Accelerated bi-weekly payments do — you make the equivalent of one extra monthly payment per year, which cuts years off the amortization. Regular bi-weekly payments that simply split the monthly amount in two do not. The guide below shows the math.
Where can I run my own mortgage numbers?
The free money pack includes calculators and worksheets, and the Pai Ledger app tracks payments and payoff dates.