Ask An Advisor

Your credit score affects everything from mortgage rates to loan approvals and even insurance costs. But how does it work?

✔ Payment history (35%): Always pay bills on time to avoid negative marks.

✔ Credit utilization (30%): Keep balances low; using under 30% of your limit is ideal.

✔ Credit history length (15%): Older accounts boost your score, so keep them open.

✔ New inquiries (10%): Too many hard credit checks in a short time can lower your score.

✔ Credit mix (10%): A variety of accounts (credit cards, loans, mortgages) helps.

Improving your score takes consistency, but small changes can have a big impact. A higher score means more financial opportunities.

 [July 15, 2025]

Choosing between a fixed or variable rate mortgage can save, or cost, you thousands over time.

✔ Fixed-rate mortgages lock in your rate, giving you predictable payments. They’re great if you want stability or expect rates to rise.

✔ Variable-rate mortgages fluctuate with the market. Historically, they’ve saved borrowers more money, but they come with risk.

So, which is better? If rates are high and expected to drop, variable may win. If you need certainty in your budget, fixed is safer.

Ultimately, it depends on your risk tolerance and financial goals - not just interest rates. [July 8, 2025]

Paying taxes is inevitable but paying more than necessary isn’t. Smart planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

✔ Max out tax-advantaged accounts: RRSPs lower taxable income now, while TFSAs provide tax-free growth and withdrawals.

✔ Income split with family: Spousal RRSPs and family investment strategies can reduce your household tax burden.

✔ Claim every available deduction: Medical expenses, professional fees, and investment costs can add up to big savings.

✔ Use corporate tax strategies: If you're self-employed or own a business, structuring income properly can minimize taxes.

Tax planning isn’t just for the wealthy - a well-structured strategy can make a huge difference at any income level. [June 27, 2025]

A mortgage is likely your biggest debt but paying it off early doesn’t mean making big sacrifices.

✔ Switch to bi-weekly payments - this small tweak adds an extra monthly payment per year, shaving off years of interest.

✔ Round up your payments - even an extra $50 per month can save thousands over the life of your loan.

✔ Use lump sum prepayments - tax refunds, bonuses, or side income can go straight to your principal.

✔ Avoid lifestyle inflation - as your income grows, keep your mortgage payments aggressive instead of upgrading expenses.

The key is small, consistent changes that accelerate your payoff timeline, without impacting your daily life. [June 10 2025]

Most people think of life insurance as just protection, but it can also be a powerful wealth-building tool.

✔ Permanent life insurance (like whole or universal life) has a cash value component that grows tax-deferred over time.

✔ You can borrow against the policy for investments, business expansion, or retirement income - without triggering taxes.

✔ For high-net-worth individuals, life insurance can preserve and transfer wealth tax-efficiently, ensuring more goes to your heirs instead of the government.

The right strategy depends on your financial goals. Used correctly, life insurance can be more than just a safety net - it can be a financial asset. [June 3 2025]

Retiring early isn’t just for the wealthy - it’s about planning and discipline. The key? Save aggressively and invest wisely.

- Start early - time and compound growth are your biggest allies.

- Max out tax-advantaged accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs to grow your wealth efficiently.

- Cut unnecessary expenses and focus on needs, not wants. Every dollar you save now buys you more freedom later.

- Invest for long-term growth in low-cost ETFs, diversified portfolios, and real estate can all help accelerate wealth.

- Have a plan for withdrawals - a well-structured drawdown strategy ensures your money lasts.

The earlier you start, the easier it is. Financial independence is about choices, not just age - and the right strategy makes it possible. [May 27 2025]

Most people think budgeting is about cutting spending - but the biggest mistake is not tracking where your money actually goes.

If you don’t know what you’re spending on, you can’t adjust your habits. If you only track your expenses without a plan, you’re just looking at the past - not shaping your future.

A simple fix? Track your spending and use the 50/30/20 rule:

50% for needs (housing, bills, essentials)

30% for wants (entertainment, dining out)

20% for savings and investments (TFSAs, RRSPs, debt repayment)

Then, automate your savings and treat it like a bill you pay yourself first. The goal isn’t just to cut back, it’s to make your money work for you. [May 20 2025]

Many buyers focus on how much the bank will lend them, but the real question is how much can you afford without being house-poor?

Lenders use formulas like the Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios, but these don’t account for your lifestyle, savings goals, or unexpected expenses.

Just because you qualify for a higher mortgage doesn’t mean you should take it. Buying below your limit allows you to save, invest, and stay financially flexible. Stretching too far can leave you house-rich but cash-poor. [May 13 2025]

Choosing between term and whole life insurance can be confusing, but the right option depends on your financial goals.

Term life insurance is affordable and temporary, covering you for a set period (10, 20, or 30 years). It’s great for protecting mortgages, income, or young families - when coverage is needed most. However, if you outlive the term, the policy expires.

Permanent life insurance provides lifetime coverage and can include a cash value component that grows over time. It’s more expensive but can be used for estate planning, tax advantages, or building wealth.

Which one is right for you? If you need low-cost protection, term is the way to go. If you want permanent coverage and possibly an investment component, permanent life insurance might be a better fit. [May 6 2025]

RRSPs and TFSAs both help you grow wealth, but they work in different ways - and choosing the right one can have a major impact on your long-term finances.

RRSPs give you a tax deduction upfront, which lowers your taxable income today. But withdrawals in retirement are taxed. If you're in a high tax bracket now but expect to be in a lower bracket later, RRSPs make sense.

TFSAs don’t offer a tax break when you contribute, but all growth and withdrawals are tax-free. That makes them perfect for flexible investments and tax-efficient withdrawals later in life.

So which is better? If you’re saving for retirement and in a high-income bracket, RRSPs likely give you the biggest tax advantage. But if you want tax-free growth and easy access to your money, a TFSA is often the better choice.

For most investors, the best strategy is to use both, balancing tax advantages based on your income level. [April 29 2025]

Debt repayment isn’t one-size-fits-all, but choosing the right method can save you time and money.

The Avalanche Method tackles debts with the highest interest rate first, minimizing the total amount you’ll pay over time. This is the best option if you want to reduce costs efficiently.

The Snowball Method focuses on paying off the smallest balances first, creating quick wins that keep you motivated. This approach is great if you need a psychological boost to stay on track.

Which one is best? If you’re disciplined and want to save money, Avalanche wins. If you need momentum and motivation, Snowball might be better.

Regardless of which strategy you choose, staying consistent is key. Avoid adding new debt and focus on making extra payments whenever possible. [April 22 2025]

The rent vs. buy debate isn’t just about personal preference - it’s about your financial strategy.

Buying a home builds equity and offers long-term stability, but it comes with major upfront costs like the down payment, closing fees, and ongoing maintenance. Renting provides flexibility and avoids those expenses, but you don’t build ownership over time.

So how do you decide? Ask yourself:

- How long will I stay? If it’s less than five years, renting may be smarter.

- Can I afford homeownership beyond the mortgage? Property taxes, repairs, and rising interest rates add up.

- What’s my opportunity cost? Could investing in a TFSA or RRSP provide better returns than homeownership in your situation?

Ultimately, it’s not just about owning property - it’s about what makes sense for your financial goals. [April 15 2025]

Life insurance is one of the most important financial tools. The key question is: Would anyone be financially impacted if something happened to you?

If you have dependents, a mortgage, or business obligations, life insurance helps ensure your loved ones aren’t left with a financial burden. It can replace lost income, cover final expenses, and provide for your family’s future.

Even if you don’t have dependents, life insurance can be a smart tool for wealth transfer and estate planning. Policies with investment components, like whole life or universal life, can help build tax-advantaged savings.

The right amount of coverage depends on your income, debts, and long-term goals. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Securing a policy early often means lower costs. [April 8 2025]

Building wealth isn’t about luck — it’s about consistency. And the formula is simpler than most people think. Spend less than you earn. Invest the difference. Do it consistently.

It starts with living below your means. That creates the gap you need to save and invest. Then, put that money to work. Whether it’s in a diversified portfolio, a retirement account, or through real estate - the key is to invest regularly and give your money time to grow.

Thanks to compound growth, even small amounts can turn into something meaningful over time. Stick with the plan, stay invested, and avoid chasing quick wins. Wealth-building is a marathon, not a sprint. [March 25 2025]

Interest rates have a big impact on the market. When rates rise, borrowing gets more expensive, slowing down businesses and consumer spending. This can put pressure on stocks and lower the value of existing bonds, since newer bonds offer higher returns.

When rates fall, borrowing gets cheaper, businesses grow, and stocks often rise. Bond prices can also increase, as older bonds with higher rates become more valuable. A diversified portfolio helps balance these ups and downs. Staying focused on your long-term goals is key. [March 18 2025]