News of the day: Locking in your mortgage, estate planning, firing fears, 3 vs. 5 year fixed rates, helping with rent and more

Rate lock features give borrowers a sense of control, but that control is often a mirage. Photo by Phototechno/Getty ImagesArticle contentIt’s Friday, March 27. Here are the top stories we’re following today.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentWhy waiting to lock in your variable rate often backfiresArticle contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentAlmost all variable rates let you lock into a fixed rate “free” of charge. “Free” gets the scare quotes here because, in practice, this feature comes with a very real cost, and here’s why.Article contentRead the storyArticle contentArticle content The lack of a will could draw you into court with lawyers to deal with an intestate (no will) estate. Photo by Getty Images/iStockphotoArticle contentDad won’t talk about estate planning. How can I avoid being blindsided?Article contentArticle contentRaymond from British Columbia asks: How can I get my dad to put his affairs in order for the whole family’s sake? And if he doesn’t, what happens when he passes away if he doesn’t have a will?Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentRead the storyArticle contentArticle content Termination, when executed correctly, is a calculated measure designed to safeguard the enterprise, reinforce standards and sustain a culture of accountability. Photo by Getty Images/iStockphotoArticle contentHoward Levitt: Why fear of firing is more damaging than firing itselfArticle contentSmall business owners are gripped by an insidious fear: the dread of terminating employees. It is a fear cloaked in legality, draped in potential confrontation and rationalized by uncertainty — yet it is quietly devouring profitability, corroding workplace culture and driving away the talent that sustains the enterprise.Article contentLatest EntrepreneurScroll Left Scroll RightArticle contentRead the storyArticle contentArticle content In basis-point terms, most fixed mortgage rates have jumped by double digits over the past week. Photo by Cole Burston/Bloomberg filesArticle contentTorn between a 3-year or 5-year fixed mortgage? Here are a few things to considerArticle contentConsider how long you actually need the mortgage and whether you’ll want to borrow more or relocate before five years are up, writes Robert McLister.Article contentRead the storyArticle contentArticle content When a young adult moves out, it can be tempting for parents to step in and solve their financial challenges, but there is a difference between helping and carrying. Photo by Getty ImagesArticle contentWhen helping a young adult out with the rent can do more harm than goodArticle contentSecond ListsScroll Left Scroll RightArticle contentInstead of removing every obstacle, the goal is to help your child develop the skills to manage them on their own. Here’s how.Article contentRead the storyArticle contentTrending Trump’s signature to appear on U.S. currency, breaking precedent Economy Posthaste: Believe it or not but home prices rose in these 11 major Canadian cities News Why waiting to lock in your variable rate often backfires Mortgages Quebec demands Air Canada’s CEO resignation in 92 to 0 vote Airlines Rubio spars with G7 diplomats over wars in Iran and Ukraine News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trump’s signature to appear on U.S. currency, breaking precedent Economy Posthaste: Believe it or not but home prices rose in these 11 major Canadian cities News Why waiting to lock in your variable rate often backfires Mortgages Quebec demands Air Canada’s CEO resignation in 92 to 0 vote Airlines Rubio spars with G7 diplomats over wars in Iran and Ukraine News