Camosun College Bursary for  

Mature Women 

As you may know, I donate a portion to my income to a bursary at Camosun College and I've received a lovely email from the very first recipient!

Hi  Liz,

I wanted to extend my most gracious appreciation for this bursary.  When Sandra sent me the email about receiving the bursary I couldn't have been more ecstatic, it truly not only made my day, but my week, month and year.  My little family has been living on a pretty tight budget (that leaves us wanting and needing a lot) since we decided that it was important for me to continue my education after my son was born a couple years ago. We actually didn't have enough money to pay for rent for January and now we do thank you to you and those that contributed to the fund for this bursary.  I couldn't think of a better Christmas present ever.  My family really appreciates you and those like you who provide bursaries for students.  You inspire me to give back to the cause once I graduate and have some money.

Thank you again and again,

Georgia , Nathan and Cayden

Apple a Day Financial

How much are you worth? From now until "retirement" age, do you have an idea of what will you bring home (in present value  dollars)?   You may  be surprised  to learn   that  someone with 30 more years in the workforce making $50,000 annually  will earn  over  $2 million (assuming  annual increases of 2% to stay with inflation).  Check out what your earning power is here.

    This large earning potential is why disability insurance is so critical and why most employers offer it through their company health and dental group plan. Check your benefit booklet and with your HR department to find out how much you are covered for. Many insurers only offer a base amount (about $1,500) and to qualify for the additional amount (up to 66.67% of your monthly gross income), you need to complete additional medical forms.     

To learn more, check out my blog post concerning Disability Insurance.    

Mortgage and Real Estate Updates

Visit MY BLOG 

March 17th New Mortgage Rules

Wondering how the new mortgage qualification rules will affect your current mortgage? 

Visit the CMHC Website for FAQs.

Mortgages Made Easy

As a mortgage professional my first order to help my clients obtain a mortgage.  Next I help them pay off their mortgages more quickly.

Most mortgages allow you to increase your mortgage payment and make extra payments.  These extra funds are applied directly onto your principal.

Recently I arranged a mortgage for my client Susan who purchased her very first home.  By foregoing her daily visit to Starbuck's, she is going to save herself almost $14,000 in 5 years.

Here's how:

Purchase Price: $299,000

5% down payment: $14,950

Susan's monthly mortgage payment is $1,200 and at the end of her 5 year term she will owe $269,300

By switching her monthly payment to paying $600 every other week and at the end of her 5 year term she will owe $262,700 for a savings of $6,600

BUT..... 

Susan increased her bi-weekly payment to $650 and in 5 years she will owe $255,400

For a savings of $13,900

Susan is now making her coffee at home, using her travel mug and putting an extra $3.60 daily towards her mortgage.  

Just wait until she gets her tax return this year and plunks that down on her mortgage!

Cupcake Conversations

I will be joining Alyx from