As the press and Internet forums fuel discussion and debate over the direction of housing, it&#x27s worth asking how individuals can best protect their finances and futures should a slowdown ever occur. Before we dig into the answer and best strategies, it should be noted that a wide scale housing crash remains unlikely. The new Bank of Canada rate cut is meant to fuel more growth in Canadian property markets and shows regulators dedication to doing whatever it takes to avoid a housing collapse. Perhaps even more importantly than interest rates, Canadian wages are strong, unemployment is low and confidence still steady. Broader fundamentals and international trends suggest Canada will continue to attract foreign investment and consistent growth. The Keystone XL pipeline will also add to this continued growth. Still, how should Canadians avoid financially hurting in this time? It&#x27s important to keep in mind home price always temporary fluctuates. If they hold onto their properties long term and don&#x27t sell during softer times, it won&#x27t make a difference even if property sale prices went down 50 per cent. While this might seem counterproductive in saving finances, investing in other properties can secure your wealth further. For example, a rental property can produce passive income and benefit from being in a different market cycle than residential housing.