Author: admin

Need an Insurance Broker?

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I’m pleased to announce that I have teamed up with Tracey Skanes of Axion -Skanes Insurance Solutions to offer home, auto, and business insurance to all my clients. Tracey is an Independent Insurance Broker with over 25 years of experience in the industry. I have known Tracey for over 30 years and have moved all my personal insurance to her due to her quality service and exceptional pricing. She has managed to save me several hundred dollars and increase my coverage. A winning combination...
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RRSP Season Begins Today!

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saving for retirement
RRSP season begins today...not next January or February! Did you wait until the last minute to contribute to your RRSP? January and February are traditionally the busiest months for RRSP contributions. Everyone scrambles to make a contribution before the March deadline in the hopes of reducing their income taxes. Reducing taxes is always a good thing but there is a smart way and a not so smart way to do this. A lifetime ago I worked in a local branch of one of the countries largest fin...
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Banks Ignore The Bank of Canada

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banks ignore bank of canada
If a Central Bank lowers rates do the countries banks listen? Yesterday the Bank of Canada lowered their target rate by 0.25% signaling their concern for the Canadian economy going forward. Historically the major banks in Canada would drop their Prime Rate by the same amount as the Bank of Canada. This change would usually be announced on the same day as the Bank of Canada announcement and be effective the following business day. Yesterday, TD Canada Trust announced that they would not...
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Divorce…the seven letter word that feels like a four letter word!

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So you’ve come to the point in your life where you are one of the statistics; you’re getting divorced. Divorce is never easy but with the right attitude, and some planning, you can minimize the stress and pain it inflicts on you and your family. Debbie Shawn of Divorce Matters suggests that the most important piece of advice she can offer is to remember that while you may be ending your marriage it is virtually impossible to end the relationship with your spouse. There will always be mome...
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Got kids? Get your free money!

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It's not often that the government offers you free money but when they do you should take advantage of it! If you have kids you should consider opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for them. Even if you don't have extra funds to contribute yourself it's a great place to park birthday or Christmas money that your child may receive from friends and family. The free money is the contribution the government will make to the plan in the form of the Canada Education Savings Gr...
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The Times They Have Changed

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A decade ago money seemed to be falling from trees. If you had a pulse and could fog a mirror you could qualify for a mortgage in North America. The US housing market was booming and Canada was following in its footsteps. American lenders were in Canada growing their subprime mortgage business and the big banks were extending amortization periods and actively growing their portfolios with folks who could not prove their income. A decade later, the US housing market has imploded on itself ...
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Testimonial: Heather Otton

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I was shocked to discover that after 2 years of complicated divorce litigation, and finally settling everything, that my bank would not allow me take over my existing mortgage. This is after having a mortgage with this same bank for 15 years and having paid it on my own for many years (with their knowledge), having exceptional credit, and always being employed.I contacted Andy MacDonald for advice and to see what my options were. Andy's knowledge and professional approach are impeccable. While m...
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