It can get pretty exciting to see campaigns around “cash-back mortgages” but, before you get too far along, here are three things you might not know about these types of mortgages: Occasionally you will see campaigns on cash-back mortgages, so don’t jump at the first one you see! These types of mortgages are available through […]

One of the quickest ways to take back control of your finances and understand where your money is going is to create a monthly budget. This will help you get a snapshot of your income compared to your spending, and provides an avenue to review outgoing costs and determine areas for improvement to help you […]

Do you feel like you need to be a banker, accountant, economist and stock market analyst just to keep the family finances in check? Should it really be so hard to cover the household bills, make the payments on the car and mortgage, put away a little for the kid’s education, and make some solid […]

An investment (or rental) property, can be a great option for generating additional monthly income and growing your wealth over time, if done properly. This strategy has multiple options and outcomes that can benefit Canadians such as: Supplementing income now and boosting pension in the future creating more financial freedom Allowing you to buy your […]

So! You think you’ve found your dream home, and you can’t wait to check it out in person. Before you go, here are a few things that are important to look out for during a home tour: Odor: Unusual smells can indicate problems, especially mold or mildew issues. Plumbing and Electrical: Check water pressure as well […]

It’s difficult to find timeless advice in the ever-changing world of personal finance but these five are about as close as you can get. 1. Start small and start early with investing Only around 5% of Canadians under 25 have a TFSA, which means 95% have already missed out on 7 years of compounded returns. […]

While getting pre-qualified can give you a ballpark estimate on what you can afford, getting pre-approved is where the real magic happens. Mortgage pre-approval means that a lender has stated (in writing) that you do qualify for a mortgage and what amount, based on submitted documentation of your current income and credit history. A pre-approval usually specifies […]

It’s an excellent time to be alive if you’re an early adopter of technology; it’s slightly less excellent if you’re a well-meaning-but-late-anyway adopter (like myself). The breakneck pace of technological innovation can easily leave you behind the curve, with new startups, apps, and devices appearing on an almost daily basis. Trying to catch up to […]

When it comes to shopping for your perfect home, it can be hard to find the exact one ready to go! If you are looking into a home that requires improvements, there is a mortgage product known as Purchase Plus Improvements (PPI). This type of mortgage is available to assist buyers with making simple upgrades, […]

Are you dreaming of buying a vacation rental property, have just bought one, or are strongly considering it? If so, your mind is probably abuzz with design ideas and thoughtful touches you could add to the home. In order to make a rental property into a viable business, you need to set a reasonable budget […]