7 Feb

Economic Insights from Dr. Sherry Cooper

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Even bond traders and economists are stumped about what the next few years will bring. The repercussions of a global economy that stopped suddenly, shed millions of jobs and initially contracted 30% only to rebound in a flash on the back of free-money government programs are still being felt. Predicting where the economy goes from […]

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7 Feb

Family Day Ideas

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

For those who celebrate Family Day, we thought we would highlight some ideas for special things you can do with your loved ones, and remind them how much you care! From crafts and cooking to volunteer work or exercise classes, below are a few ways you can celebrate Family Day this year: Cook a Meal […]

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7 Feb

What to Know about Second Mortgages

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

A second mortgage is a mortgage that is taken out against a property that already has a home loan (mortgage) on it. Generally people take out second mortgages to satisfy short-term cash or liquidity requirements, have an investment opportunity or to pay off higher-interest debts (such as credit cards and student loans) that a second […]

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3 Jan

Economic Insights from Dr. Sherry Cooper

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

What a year this has been. In the face of red-hot inflation, the Bank of Canada raised its policy rate by a whopping 400 basis points to 4.25%. First to cool was the housing market, where buyers moved to the sidelines and mortgage rates surged. Home prices fell, especially in Toronto and Vancouver. The economy appears […]

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3 Jan

Post-Holiday Debt Consolidation

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

The holidays are a season of giving and often times, households can often find themselves carrying some extra debt as we enter the New Year. If you happen to be someone currently struggling with some post-holiday debt, that’s okay! Whether you’ve accumulated multiple points of debt from credit cards or are dealing with other loans (such […]

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3 Jan

Alternative Lending

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

When traditional lenders (such as banks or credit unions) deny mortgage financing, it can be easy to feel discouraged. However, it is important to remember that there is always an alternative! If you’re seeking a mortgage, but your application doesn’t fit into the box of the big traditional institutions, you’ll find yourself in what’s commonly […]

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5 Dec

Holiday Party Tips

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

With the holidays just around the corner, many of us are already starting to fill up our social calendars and think about the coming month. To help make your holidays even more special, and ensure you have the best party on the block, I have some tips: Make a List: While you might not be […]

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5 Dec

2023 Financial Resolutions

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

After the whirlwind economic year we have had, making your finances work for you is already top of mind for most Canadians as we head into 2023. Here are some ideas to make your finances work for YOU in the New Year: Purge Expenses: One of the best goals you can have for the New […]

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5 Dec

Budgeting for the Year Ahead

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

With the recent inflation and rising prices occurring across the country, it is time to take control of your finances. One of the quickest ways to understand where your money is going and where you can make changes, is to create a monthly budget. This will help you get a snapshot of your income compared to […]

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16 Nov

Bank of Canada Will Not Be Happy With This Inflation Report

General

Posted by: Mike Hattim

Not only did the headline CPI inflation rate stall at 6.9% last month, but the core CPI numbers remain stubbornly high.  Food inflation — a highly visible component — edged down slightly.  Still, prices for food purchased from stores (+11%) continued to increase faster year over year than the all-items CPI for the eleventh consecutive […]

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