As the housing market becomes more and more expensive, and the economy not helping the youth these days, it’s natural for parents to want to help their children have their own place to live. Parents are more often than not, paying at least the down payment when helping to purchase a home for their…
When it comes to the Canadian housing market, you’ve likely heard the sensationalized phenomenon of the housing bubble that is about to burst at any moment. The conditions to this prophetic, real estate apocalypse began just prior to the 2008 global financial crisis: there was a strong economy, low interest rates, and more lenient lending…
In the last blog post, the booming spring real estate market was discussed. With a change of winds and more sunshine, spring may have you considering the next chapter in your life. With your heart set on a change of scenery, a burgeoning family, or an upgrade for your kin, buying a new home is as…
We all want the best for our children. For years of their lives we nurture and provide for them – giving them both the emotional security to mature gracefully, and the physical security of a roof over their heads. It’s only natural to want to send your children off into the world with secure footing…
Millennials, otherwise known as Generation Y, is the demographic of young people born roughly between the late 1980s to the early 2000s. This generation has so far garnered the most attention since their notable predecessors: The Great Depression generation was defined by their frugalness and patriotism; The Baby Boomers by their optimism, and civil commitment to…
With our heads swimming in financial duties and responsibilities, sometimes it can be hard to prioritize. The deadline to make contributions to your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) for Canadians is March 3rd. The Globe and Mail puts forth the question, “Should you be contributing to a RRSP before you pay off your mortgage?” The…
A study from the Bank of Canada concluded that those consumers who receive the best mortgage rate are those who are willing to bargain and negotiate, have more equity, are new clients, and who use a mortgage broker, among other variables. As follows, it is rare nowadays that anybody should pay the bank’s posted rate…
In the middle of winter it’s hard to find solace in the same four walls you’ve been hibernating in. The birds have long since flocked south, and soon, throngs of youth will be flocking to the resort beaches as well. While there’s no denying the luxury these resorts provide, why not have the best of…
It’s official: 2014 is in full swing. You’re likely in the thick of trying to tackle and stay true to all the New Year resolutions you have committed to. While we all want to better ourselves personally with self-improvement goals, the truth is that many of those resolutions revolve around finances. When you think about…
Economic stresses can happen to the most careful individuals. You may think you are prepared by planning, budgeting and saving, but unexpected issues can arise for various reasons. Identifying areas where you are the most vulnerable and making contingency plans is one aspect of the solution, but sometimes these efforts are inadequate. You need to know what…
