Being a mom has shaped the way I do everything...not just at home but in my work, as well. It has helped me understand the depths of commitment that my clients have to their families. As a mortgage specialist, I have the privilege of helping people achieve their dreams for their families. I'm so grateful to be able to offer people the advise and information they need to make reaching their goals as simple as possible. My purpose with this blog is to provide tools that will help new or current homeowners reach whatever goals they have set for themselves. If you have ideas you'd like to hear about, let me know.

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Top 5 ways to manage your money electronically


While we rely on the mail for many things, the timely and effective management of our money doesn’t have to be on that list. That’s because Online and Mobile banking can allow you stay on top of your money at any time.
Here are 5 ways to easily manage your money electronically.
  1. Sign up for electronic statements – with eStatements, you get the same information as your paper statement but you can view it immediately and at any time. Your statements are also archived, so you can go back and check transactions or statement amounts whenever you need to.
  2. Pay – and receive - your bills online – Through online or mobile banking services, you can pay your bills easily and in minutes. You just need to set up your ‘payees’ (which include most utilities, taxes and other banks or creditors) in your online banking profile. Set up future dated or ongoing payments; or pay multiple bills at once to save time and stay ahead of the game.
    You can sign up to receive and pay many of your bills online too… a very handy service during a postal strike!
    Remember, regardless of a postal strike or delay, your bill payments are due by the original deadline provided by your biller. If you’re not paying or receiving bills online right now, check with the companies you deal with to confirm your balance owing and next payment date.
  3. Arrange for direct deposit and pre-authorized payments– If you’re receiving regular benefit cheques such as Canada Pension Plan or Old Age Security, direct deposit is the fastest (and most reliable) way to get your money. It’s also the quickest way to get your tax refund from the Canada Revenue Agency.
    With pre-authorized payments, you allow a biller to withdraw your monthly payments directly from your chequing or credit card account. This is one way to ensure you never miss a payment.
  4. Send money electronically – Need to pay back a friend who covered dinner last night? Or pay your cleaning lady or dog walker? With Interac* e-Transfers, you can send money to anyone in Canada with an email address and access to online banking. The recipient gets the money the same day, and the money comes out of your account immediately.
  5. Check your balances and account activity anytime– When you bank online or through your mobile device, you can check your account balances, monitor your account activity and view transactions at any time. Investment and credit card transactions are typically available the next business day.
By staying connected online, you can easily manage your money whenever and wherever is best for you. You also have a more timely view of your accounts and transactions, which can mean you’re more aware and up to date when it comes to your money.
For more information visit the RBC Advice Centre.

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

The Key Benefits of Consolidating Your Debt


Lower monthly payments

When you consolidate your debts, you may find yourself paying a lower overall interest rate than the combined rates on all your debts. You could also extend your term to reduce your monthly payments even further. Remember, even if you do extend your term, you can always pay more than the minimum monthly payment at any time.

Save on credit card interest

Include your outstanding credit card balances in your debt consolidation and you could reduce your interest rate quite substantially, depending on the rates charged by your cards.

Leverage the equity in your home to save even more

Using the equity in your home to secure your consolidated debt will typically mean an even lower interest rate. With the appreciation in home values over the last few years, this option could make sense for many people.

One monthly payment

Consolidating your debt can greatly simplify your financial life.

Have your debt in one place

Centralizing your debt at one financial institution will save you time in your day to day banking. RBC offers a selection of borrowing options along with 24 hours 7 days a week access through on-line and telephone banking to view and transact as needed.
For more information visit the RBC Advice Centre.

Thursday, 8 September 2011

Top 10 Home Renovations and Their Payback


  1. Bathroom (75-100%)
  2. Kitchen (75-100%)
  3. Interior Painting
    (50-100%)
  4. Exterior Painting
    (50-100%)
  5. Roof Shingle Replacement
    (50-80%)
  6. Furnace/Heating System
    (50-80%)
  7. Basement Renovation
    (50-75%)
  8. Recreation Room Addition
    (50-75%)
  9. Installing a Fireplace
    (50-75%)
  10. Flooring (50-75%)