Setting Yourself Up for Financial Success in 2026

As the calendar flips to 2026, we all feel that familiar surge of motivation. We buy the new planner, we download the budgeting app, and we promise ourselves that this is the year we finally get our financial house in order. But we also know the statistic: most New Year’s resolutions fade by February. Why?…

A Holistic Approach to Your Mortgage

Feeling squeezed financially? It’s a common sentiment these days! Many Manitoba homeowners are looking for ways to ease the pressure and unlock a little more financial breathing room. What if I told you the key to freeing up that cash might be sitting right under your nose – or rather, under your roof? Your mortgage,…

Understanding the Importance of Debt-To-Income Ratio

Securing the right mortgage is a crucial step when you dream of owning a home. One key factor lenders evaluate is your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI). But what exactly is DTI, and why does it matter so much? What Is Debt-to-Income Ratio? The Debt-to-Income Ratio is a financial measure that compares your total monthly debt payments…

It’s Not Too Early to Plan for Your Spring Buy

It is January in Manitoba. The days are short, the windchill is high, and the idea of moving boxes in this weather seems unappealing. Naturally, most people think, “I’ll wait until Spring to start looking for a house.” But here is the industry secret: The “Spring Market” doesn’t start in April. It begins in February.…

Understanding Amortization

What Canadian Homebuyers Need to Know When embarking on the journey to homeownership in Canada, understanding key financial concepts is crucial to making informed decisions. One such concept is amortization—a term frequently mentioned in mortgage discussions but often misunderstood. In this blog post, we will demystify amortization and explain its significance in the Canadian mortgage…

Budget Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is here, along with the excitement of family gatherings, festive decorations, and gift-giving can often lead to financial stress. The good news is that with some strategic planning, you can enjoy all the joys of the season without breaking the bank. Here are some top ways to budget and save financially during…

The 28/36 Rule

Have you heard of the 28/36 rule? This is a guideline used in personal finance to determine how much of your income should go toward housing and debt expenses. Here’s how it works: 28% for Housing Costs No more than 28% of your gross monthly income should be spent on housing costs, typically mortgage payments,…

What does it mean to renew your mortgage?

In Canada, the majority of people who buy property do so by taking out a mortgage, which is typically repaid over a specific period of time through a process called amortization. However, most mortgage contracts only last for a period of one to five years. Once the contract comes to an end, the homeowner is…

Consolidate & Save

Managing debts with high interest can feel like an uphill battle. If you’re only making the minimum payments, it’s very difficult to get ahead. A simple example… If you have a balance on your credit cards, you could typically be paying 19.99% in interest. If you owed $5,000 on a high-interest credit card, the annual…