A Fresh Start: Goals, Home Moves, and Economic Insights for the New Year

Happy New Year! January always brings a sense of possibility — a chance to reset, refocus, and look ahead. Whether you’re thinking about personal growth, planning a major move, or keeping an eye on the economic landscape, there’s plenty to consider as we kick off the year.

Let’s dive in.

Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions: Try a Vision Board Instead

Looking to do some self-improvement this year? Don’t call it a resolution — those are out. Instead, consider creating a vision board or even a goal bingo card.

These tools offer a more visual and motivating way to represent what you want to accomplish. Breaking big goals into smaller, achievable wins creates momentum — and let’s be honest, it’s incredibly satisfying to check something off. They’re also great conversation starters when friends and family visit, and they make for fun, shareable social media content (#trending).

A simple 5×5 grid can hold 25 mini goals for the year. Fill it with images or words representing foods you want to try, places you want to visit, activities, hobbies, or personal milestones. Each “dab” off the board is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing 😜.

Still feeling unsure? A quick scroll through social media will give you thousands of examples and plenty of inspiration.

Here to There: Understanding the Bridge Loan Strategy

When it comes to buying and selling a home, timing is everything — or is it?

In an ideal world, you sell your current home and buy your next one on the same day. But in reality, finding your dream home can take weeks or months, all while you’re prepping your existing home for sale, hosting viewings, and waiting for the right offer.

So what happens when the dates don’t line up?

Enter the Bridge Loan

A bridge loan is exactly what it sounds like — a temporary financial bridge between your current home and your future one. It fills the financing gap when you can’t (or don’t want to) carry two mortgages for an extended period.

When a Bridge Loan Makes Sense

A bridge loan can be a great solution if:

1. You want to move gradually rather than all in one day

2. Your new home purchase closes before your existing home sale

3. You plan to renovate before moving in

4. You need extra time to clean or empty your current home

5. The market is hot and you don’t want to miss the perfect property

The Catch: What You Need to Know

Like any financial tool, bridge loans come with conditions:

• They are short-term loans, typically lasting 1–90 days

• You must have a firm sale agreement on your existing home

• You’ll be required to make payments on both mortgages during the overlap

• A realtor and lawyer are required to complete the transaction

• You’ll need cash on hand to cover realtor fees, legal costs, and any mortgage penalties, separate from the bridge loan

Pros and Cons at a Glance

The pros:
Bridge loans offer flexibility. You can buy when you find the right home instead of settling due to timing constraints. You can also use the equity in your current home rather than needing a full down payment for the new one.

The cons:
Interest rates are higher than standard mortgages, and breaking an existing mortgage may come with penalties. You’ll also need sufficient liquidity to manage closing costs and may need to exhaust other credit sources first, such as a line of credit.

Bridge Loans for Land

Some lenders also offer bridge financing for land purchases. This can be helpful if you haven’t secured construction financing yet or are unsure of your immediate plans. These loans typically involve additional considerations, including borrower net worth and land location.

Next Steps

Curious about costs, eligibility, or whether a bridge loan fits your situation? Reach out anytime. Running the numbers and exploring your options costs nothing — and it can make a world of difference in your home-buying strategy.

Economic Insights: The Future of CUSMA / USMCA

Trade policy is also top of mind this year, particularly with renewed discussion around the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA / USMCA).

Can the U.S. Exit the Agreement Unilaterally?

Under Article 34.6 of the treaty, any party may withdraw by providing written notice, with withdrawal taking effect six months later. While this is straightforward under international law, it’s less clear under U.S. domestic law whether a president can withdraw without Congressional approval — a question that would likely end up in court.

If the U.S. were to exit, the agreement would remain in force between Canada and Mexico.

What Would Withdrawal Mean for Trade?

A U.S. withdrawal would likely push trade back to WTO most-favoured-nation (MFN) rules, resulting in higher tariffs, more red tape, and significant disruption to integrated North American supply chains.

Industries like autos, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing would be hit hardest. Canadian modelling suggests a potential GDP loss in the range of 0.25%, alongside reduced investment and increased uncertainty.

Canada and Mexico would almost certainly retaliate with targeted tariffs, while also accelerating efforts to diversify trade toward Europe and the Indo-Pacific — though replacing U.S. demand remains extremely difficult.

Where Things Stand Now

Some analysts believe the U.S. may be pushing toward separate bilateral deals with Canada and Mexico instead of a trilateral agreement. This uncertainty is already weighing on Canadian consumer and business confidence.

Notably, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports CUSMA, as Canada is the top export destination for 32 U.S. states.

All three countries must indicate by July 1 next year whether they plan to extend, renegotiate, or let the agreement expire.

Bottom Line

CUSMA continues to protect most Canadian exports from tariffs, though steel, aluminum, and some automotive and manufactured goods still face significant levies. Trade tensions remain unresolved, adding another layer of uncertainty to the economic outlook.

Wrapping Up January

January can feel long and dark — but it’s not without its bright spots. From Bubble Bath Day (Jan 8) to Winnie-the-Pooh Day (Jan 18) and National Cheesy Socks Day (Jan 21), there’s always something small to look forward to.

Best of luck with whatever goals — or vision boards — you’ve set for yourself this year. I’ll see you back here in February.

December is here — the month of holiday magic, family traditions, and festive gatherings. But let’s be real: it’s also a month when stress levels tend to skyrocket. Between events, planning, shopping, hosting, and wrapping up year-end tasks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

So before we get into finances and 2026 planning, here are a few simple stress-busting reminders:

🎁 Holiday Stress Relief Tips

1. Forget Perfection
   Things don’t have to be flawless to be wonderful. Done is better than perfect — and honestly, the imperfect moments often turn into the best memories.
2. Set Boundaries
   You are not obligated to do it all. It’s okay to say no — whether it’s attending every gathering, making every dish from scratch, or buying gifts for every acquaintance. Protect your well-being.
3. Share the Load
   Hosting? Ask others to contribute. Let someone bring dessert, drinks, or come early to help set up. You don’t earn extra holiday points by burning yourself out.

Deep breath. You’ve got this.
And now… on to this month’s topic: setting yourself up for financial success in 2026.

💰 2026 Financial Resolutions: Start the New Year Strong

December is a perfect time to check in on your finances and plan for the year ahead. But before we get to the big-picture questions, let’s quickly revisit the basics. And if you’re still working on these steps, that’s totally okay — progress is progress.

🌟 Financial Fundamentals for Everyone

1. Prioritize high-interest debt
   Those 20% credit card rates? They’re the enemy. Consider consolidating debt if you’re juggling balances over 15%.
2. Automate your savings
   If you don’t already have automatic withdrawals set up, start now! Even $50 every paycheque adds up.
3. Check your credit score
   Pay bills on time, in full, every time. And if you have unused credit products, close them out.

Once you’ve got these basics in motion, it’s time to go deeper. Ask yourself these three questions:

🧐 Question 1: When Did You Last Review Your Accounts?

Monthly or quarterly reviews are a great financial habit. Look for:

• Unauthorized charges
• Subscriptions or recurring payments you don’t use
• Expenses that no longer fit your priorities

Consider this your mini audit.

🎯 Question 2: What Are You Saving For?

Saving is good. Saving with intention is better.

Are you saving for:

• Retirement
• A home
• An emergency fund
• A dream vacation

When goals are clear, it’s easier to stay disciplined.

Two ways to support your 2026 goals:

• Get organized: One account, multiple accounts, spreadsheet, app — choose what works.
• Build on progress: Invest long-term savings to benefit from compounding. For short-term goals, lower-risk savings accounts may make sense.

When in doubt, talk to a licensed financial advisor.

🔍 Question 3: Do Your Spending Habits Need an Edit?

Try reviewing your last 3 months of bank and card statements. Notice patterns:

• What do you spend the most on?
• What matters?
• What doesn’t?

Maybe there are areas you want to rein in — like eating out, impulse buying, or “just browsing” at Sephora.

Bonus tip: Increase your financial literacy.
If you’re going to improve spending habits, learning about finances helps you make smarter decisions.

Try exploring:

• Types of investment accounts
• Different asset classes
• Alternative investments (real estate, collectibles, crypto)
• Compounding interest

Knowledge = power (especially financially).

🎁 Final Takeaway for December

Finances don’t have to be emotional.
When you:

• Set clear goals
• Build financial knowledge
• Make a structured plan

…your odds of success skyrocket.

🎄 Wishing You a Wonderful Holiday Season

That’s a wrap for this month!
May your December be joyful, peaceful, and filled with meaningful memories.

Happy holidays — see you in the New Year! 🌟

Although some things stay the same, the housing market isn’t one of them.

If you’re in the thick of things with your adult children trying to buy a property — could you imagine paying the average 2025 Canadian home price of $678,331? There’s truly a housing affordability crisis happening right now, and it’s taking the biggest toll on new home buyers trying to enter the market — your kids.

If you’re looking for ways to help them with their home purchase, this article is for you.

💡 Ways to Help Your Kids Buy a Home

1. Financial Assistance
If you can afford to give your kids cash for a down payment, that’s one of the most direct ways to help. There’s no minimum or maximum amount, but you’ll need to ensure the money has been in their account long enough or provide a gift letter or proof of funds if not.

2. Co-Signing the Mortgage
If you’re still working or have sufficient income, consider co-signing the mortgage. This allows your kids to qualify for a higher loan amount by improving their debt-to-income ratio.

3. Early Inheritance
A growing trend among baby boomers is giving children part of their inheritance early — helping them when they need it most and letting you see the difference your support makes in their lives. Financial forecasting is key here to ensure it fits your long-term plans.

4. Reverse Mortgage
If you own your home and prefer not to part with cash directly, a reverse mortgage could be an option. It provides you with a lump sum or monthly income — without repayment until you sell your home.

5. Improve Their Credit Score
A higher credit score can make a big difference. Encourage your kids to establish credit in their name — paying bills on time and keeping low balances. A better score often means lower mortgage rates and easier approval.

6. Help Pay Off Debt
Even if you can’t fund the down payment, helping your kids pay off debt can go a long way. It frees up room for saving and improves their debt-servicing ratio, giving them more borrowing power.

7. Introduce Me — Your Mortgage Broker
Sometimes, it just takes the right connection. I’m happy to take a look at their financial picture, explore different lenders, and help find the best options — no charge, no strings attached.

8. Put a Home in Trust
Purchasing a property in an irrevocable trust can make sense if your child has poor credit, won’t qualify with a lender, or you want to protect the home from marital or financial risks. It’s also a smart estate-planning strategy that can help avoid probate and taxes later on.

9. Joint Mortgage
This option allows you to co-own the home and share the monthly mortgage responsibilities — a great middle ground for many families.

10. Inter-Family Mortgage
If you have the funds available, you can act as the lender by drafting a personal loan agreement. This offers flexibility in repayment terms and interest — and can keep the investment within the family.

Regardless of how you choose to help, it’s always wise to consult a lawyer or mortgage professional to understand the legal and financial implications of each option.

And of course — I’d be happy to help you explore these choices and find what makes the most sense for your family.

Welcome to the October edition of our monthly blog — where mortgages meet real life.

Pumpkin spice season is officially here, and whether you’re a devoted PSL fan or just rolling your eyes at the hype, you can’t deny it: it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Starbucks alone sells around 20 million pumpkin spice lattes every year, and that cozy fall flavour is now a billion-dollar industry all on its own. Honestly, if there were a PSL mortgage, we’d be selling it.

So whether you’re sipping one while house hunting, shopping for a new appliance, or just enjoying the changing leaves — know you’re in good company.

But let’s get serious for a second.

🏡 Buying Your First Home? Here’s How to Keep It Low-Stress

No matter your age or background, buying your first home is a big deal. It comes with a mix of excitement, stress, and a whole lot of decisions. The good news? With a little planning, the process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Here are our top tips to keep your stress levels in check and avoid common hiccups:

1. Set Time Limits

House hunting can become a full-time job if you let it. Limit how much time you spend each day scrolling through listings or social media. Information overload can cloud your judgment.

2. Build a Rockstar Team

You’ll need:

• A knowledgeable mortgage broker (hi 👋)
• A real estate agent you trust
• A lawyer to handle contracts and closing
• A home inspector to help you avoid costly surprises

Take your time finding people who fit your style — and ask for referrals.

3. Get Pre-Qualified & Pre-Approved

Use a mortgage calculator or mobile app to estimate your budget, then talk to a broker (that’s us!) to get pre-approved. This gives you a realistic look at what you can afford — and shows sellers you’re serious.

4. Create (and Stick to) a Budget

Beyond your down payment and mortgage, don’t forget:

• Home inspection costs
• Legal and closing fees
• Moving expenses
• Utility setup and deposits

And please — no big purchases right before closing!

5. Spend Time in Neighbourhoods

Before committing to an area, spend some time there. Walk the streets, visit local coffee shops, note traffic patterns, and check out nearby schools or parks. You’ll learn a lot just by being there.

6. Adjust Your Expectations

Perfection doesn’t exist. Be clear on your “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves,” and be prepared to compromise.

7. Monotask (Seriously)

Buying a home is a lot. Avoid burnout by focusing on one task at a time. Don’t try to declutter, pick a house, hire a mover, and compare interest rates all in one afternoon.

8. Use a Daily Affirmation

Try something like:

• “I’m making smart financial decisions.”
• “I trust my real estate team.”
• “The right home is waiting for me.”

It might feel cheesy, but it works.

9. Lean on Your Support System

Feeling overwhelmed? Reach out. Ask your mortgage broker questions (that’s what we’re here for). Vent to a friend. Go for a walk with someone who’s been through it. You’re not alone.

⚡ Saving Energy (and Money) in Your New or Existing Home

Did you know appliances and electronics can make up 23% of your electricity bill? The biggest culprits:

• Fridge: ~4% of your bill
• Washer/Dryer: ~3.5%

Here’s how to cut those costs without unplugging your life.

🔌 Option 1: Smarter Use of Existing Appliances

• Air dry clothes in warmer months
• Clean appliance parts like fridge coils and lint traps for better efficiency
• Turn off electronics (don’t just close the laptop!)
• Use smart power bars and dim screen brightness

🆕 Option 2: Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances

Thinking of replacing old appliances? Now’s a great time. Energy Star-certified models can use 10–65% less energy depending on the product — and can boost resale value too. The ROI on appliance upgrades can be 60–80% when selling your home.

Look for the Energy Star logo — a blue or black box with a white star and “energy” in cursive — to ensure your appliance meets federal efficiency standards.

🏠 Bonus: Other Energy-Saving Improvements

If you’re ready to go bigger:

• Upgrade your HVAC system
• Install energy-efficient windows and doors
• Improve insulation

These upgrades often save more than appliance swaps, since heating typically makes up the largest portion of your energy bill.

💡 Did you get a CMHC-insured mortgage in the past 2 years?
If you’ve upgraded to energy-efficient appliances, you might be eligible for a partial refund (up to 25%) of your mortgage insurance premium through CMHC. Want help applying? Reach out and we’ll walk you through it.

🎃 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re sipping pumpkin spice, prepping for a home purchase, or just trying to save on your power bill, we’ve got your back this season.

If you found these tips helpful, feel free to share them with a friend or family member who’s house-hunting or looking to improve their home.

Ready to take the next step toward homeownership or refinancing?
Contact us today — we’re here to help you every step of the way.