The Mortgage Gal
Why you need a mortgage broker
When was the last time you thought about your mortgage? Most people take out a mortgage with their bank for five years and then forget about it. When you took...
Managing your mortgage
What You Should Think About When Financing Your Home If you’re like most Canadians, your home is probably the most important investment you’ll ever...
How to 'nail' an affordable home reno
Anyone who has lived in the same house for a number of years inevitably gets the reno itch. While a gut job is expensive, home renovations are still an...
Tips on keeping more of your money
According to a recent survey released by the Canadian Payroll Association, 59% of us don’t have enough saved up to pay for next month’s necessities...
Make your home toxic free
Disposable dust cloths seem to make cleaning a breeze. Simply open the package, pull out a damp cleaning rag, do your chores, and then throw it away. Not so...
First time home buyer mistakes
Are you gearing up to buy your first place? Arm yourself with these tips to get the most out of your purchase and avoid making 10 of the most costly mistakes...
Smart back-to-school shopping tips
Start your back-to-school shopping with a game plan. Even if your child’s teacher hasn’t provided a list of school supplies, you can’t go...
Eight ways to save money
Many Canadian families are working hard to save money and reduce debt. By saving modest amounts however, you can reap big rewards over time. Here are easy ways...
Benefits of using a mortgage broker
Trying to find the best mortgage for your needs and your budget can be a difficult and often frustrating task. The wide selection of mortgage products available...
Home equity vs. 2nd mortgage loans
It’s not surprising that some homeowners confuse the terms “second mortgage” and “home equity loan.” After all, a second mortgage...
Home renovation tips
Everyone has a different reason for wanting to renovate their home. You may be looking to make a change in the way your home looks or feels, or you may want to...
House hunting: finding the right fit
With so many choices and variables, how do you find the perfect fit? Before you start your search, it’s a good idea to narrow down the playing field by...
Designing a water efficient garden
You can create a lush, colourful garden that requires little maintenance or water by applying the seven principles of xeriscaping – an approach to...
Tips for a stress-free summer move
The majority of Canadians prefer to make their big move during the summer season. There are a variety of reasons for choosing this time of year: it is easier to...
Selecting the right mortgage planner
If you were investing the same amount of money you are considering borrowing right now, or have already borrowed, how would you choose your financial advisor?...
Establishing credit history
In order to purchase a home, you must have an established credit history. Each time you pay a bill (for your credit card or for a monthly service such as your...
Is home ownership right for you?
Buying a home is one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions you’ll ever make, so prepare yourself to make a knowledgeable decision. Although...
How to save with the way you pay
"How will you pay for this today?" Maybe it’s time to change the way you answer this common checkout question. With more payment options...
Lifetime approach to better fiscal fitness
To stay on the right track for each decade of your life, you need to stop moving your money problem around—raiding one pot to pay a debt in another pot....
Checking out your new neighbourhood
10 Things To Know About Your New Neighbourhood 1. What are the neighbours like? Take time to get a feel for the locals and how you might fit in. Does...