The Value of Human Judgement

SOCAN
About seven years ago I stumbled into songwriting. It wasn’t a calculated decision; it was on a whim and a prayer. For me it was therapeutic and a new challenge. It allowed me to use a completely different part of my brain that was probably well on its way towards atrophy. I was fortunate to find Murray Foster and the Toronto Songwriting School. Murray and his co-pilot, Mary Krause, have created a truly amazing community of aspiring songwriters from all walks of life. Their Songwriter Getawa...
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Work With A “Mucker”

Andy MacDonald, The Mucker of Noon Hockey
Back in my late twenties I had the privilege of playing hockey with a Canadian icon, Mr. Paul Henderson. We played Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at noon hour at the old barn in Oakville on Kerr Street. To my clients, I was at a “lunch meeting", but for me it was a time to get some exercise while learning from a bunch of guys that were ten to twenty years my senior. It was a diverse bunch including veterinarians, fire fighters, cops, lawyers, ex NHL’ers, realtors etc. The dressing room was a gr...
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I Felt Every Second of That Drill

I was in the dentist’s chair last week for what should have been a quick fix: replace a cracked filling, in and out. But as the drill started, I realized something wasn’t right. I could feel everything. Even the air flow from the suction was causing pain. After a few painful seconds, I raised my hand and asked, “Is it true that redheads need more freezing?” My dentist paused, gave me a look, and said, “Actually… yeah, they often do.” I nodded. “Thought so. I’m bald now, but I was ...
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Order Taker or Problem Solver?

Have you ever worked with someone who clearly knows the rules but can’t actually solve the problem in front of them? They can recite the process, follow the checklist, and quote the policy but when your situation doesn’t fit the mold, they’re stuck. These are what we call order takers. In the world of mortgages, the difference between an order taker and a problem solver can make or break your experience and potentially cost you time, money, or even a dea...
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What is a private mortgage?

Private Mortgage
A private mortgage refers to a loan, secured by real property, provided by an individual or a private entity, rather than a traditional financial institution like a bank or credit union. Here are some key features: Lending Source The lender can be a private individual, a group of investors, or a private lending company like a MIC (Mortgage Investment Corporation). Terms and Conditions Private mortgages often have more flexible terms compared to traditional mortgages. They can v...
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What is a MIC?

MIC Mortgage Investment Corporation
A Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) is an investment vehicle that pools funds from investors to provide mortgage loans, primarily focusing on real estate borrowers who may have difficulty obtaining financing from traditional banks. MICs are regulated under the Income Tax Act and must distribute a substantial portion of their income to maintain tax-exempt status. Benefits of Borrowing from a MIC: Accessibility MICs often cater to borrowers who may not meet the stringent criteria of ...
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“Coles Notes” On A TFSA

tax free savings account
Tax Free Savings Accounts were created in 2009 as a way for Canadians to invest for their future. With the latest change in Government,  Canadians can now contribute up to $5,500 per year in their TFSA. Here is what you need to know about a TFSA: 1) You are allowed to contribute up to $5,500 per year to an account. If you have not contributed previously you can contribute up to $46,500 into a TFSA in 2016. 2) A TFSA is not your typical "savings account". Many people are under the as...
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RRSP Season Begins Today!

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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Divorce…the seven letter word that feels like a four letter word!

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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