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Archive for the ‘Tips for finances’ Category

Big Returns for your tax return

Posted on: June 23rd, 2012 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

Big Returns for your tax return

It seems our Tax Returns can’t get here fast enough. Here are some small suggestions that yield big returns.

1. Pay down your credit card debt.  By decreasing your principal, your interest payments will also drop, leaving a little more breathing room at the end of each month.

2. Place money in a savings account. If you’ve been eyeing travel brochures or checking price drops on that 50- inch flat- screen TV, putting a portion of your tax return into a savings account will help you reach your goal faster.  (more…)

25 versus 30 year Amortization

Posted on: February 4th, 2012 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

25 versus 30 year Amortization

Choosing a mortgage with a 25 year amortization instead of a 30 year amortization can save thousands in interest costs over the life  of a mortgage. A 25 year amortization ensures that homeownders can pay off theri debt faster, have a mortgage burning party sooner and begin taking steps (more…)

What mortgage brokers should tell their clients

Posted on: January 19th, 2012 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

What Mortgage Brokers Should Tell their Clients in 2012

 
In times of uncertainty, the role of advisor emerges more clearly; similarly the matter that binds relationships together strengthens.

 While the housing market has proven itself a bit of an investment anomaly through a very rocky 2011, and came out with fists swinging ready to take on 2012, (more…)

Don’t be afraid to ask for help with personal finances!

Posted on: November 21st, 2011 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help with personal finances

Many Canadians don’t think twice before seeking the advice and guidance of a trained expert. When our cars make an odd noise, we take them to the mechanic. When we’re not feeling well, we make an appointment to see a doctor. While the ultimate role of managing your finances rests on your shoulders, seeking the advice of a professional financial planner can help you make the most of your investments. (more…)

Reno Tips: Beware Paying on Credit

Posted on: November 7th, 2011 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

Reno Tips: Beware Paying on Credit

A renovation can be a costly endeavour and, if you don’t have the cash saved up to cover it, you’ll have to look at financing options to fund your project. You need to be very careful, or you may find yourself house poor.

Store Credit Card and Financing Programs

Most large stores have in-house financing available with features designed to (more…)

How to SAVE for a home WHEN YOU’RE RENTING

Posted on: September 2nd, 2011 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

How to SAVE for a home WHEN YOU’RE RENTING

If you’re saving for a down payment on a home, it can be discouraging to watch rent take a portion of your income each month. So, if you’re serious about home ownership, make a plan- and a budget.

Calculate your monthly expenses and decide how much you can save each month. Creating this budget may reveal some areas where you can – and should – cut back in order to reach your savings goals sooner.

TD Canada Trust offers the following guidelines to help Canadians set a budget and save for a down payment: (more…)

12 Steps to Getting Financially Organized

Posted on: September 1st, 2011 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

12 Steps to Getting Financially Organized

1. Set up

Gather all your paperwork & create a file folder of each of the following:

  • Chequing account
  • Saving account
  • Retirement account
  • Investment account
  • Credit card account
  • Loans
  • Personal lines of credit
  • Mortgage
  • Insurance: life, disability, health, critical illness, home, car
  • Tax returns
  • Estate: wills and powers of attorney

2. Welcome to the 21st century banking (more…)

The 5 WORST money mistakes

Posted on: August 31st, 2011 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

The 5 WORST money mistakes

The financial decisions you make today will determine your future wealth, income and happiness. It’s important to take your time and avoid these 5 common blunders.

1) INVESTING WITHOUT (more…)

Mortgage 101

Posted on: August 29th, 2011 by Maureen Seguin 2 Comments

Mortgages | Hooked on Phonics

There is no such thing as “just a mortgage.” Today’s homeowners have special needs and widely varied financial circumstances. Because of this, there are numerous types of mortgages and payment options designed to meet the unique requirements of every homeowner.

The Fundamental Components of a Mortgage are: (more…)

How to prepare for Higher Rates?

Posted on: August 18th, 2011 by Maureen Seguin No Comments

Taking the Steps to Prepare for Higher Rates and Tougher Borrowing Regulations

If you’re in the market for a a new home, chances are you’ve been paying close attention to mortgage interest rates and news regarding potential increases. Indeed, the topic is in the news almost daily, it seems, given the importance of interest rates to the housing sector, consumer confidence and the economy in general.  You may recall repeated warnings from Bank of Canada (BoC) and others about Canadians’ penchant for accumulating household debt in these days of historical low interest rates. Those days will eventually come to an end, the warnings go, so don’t get caught unprepared. So how low can homebuyers and owners prepare for rate hikes? (more…)

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