Lora Behm

Could Your Cell Phone Bill Affect Your Mortgage Approval? Your cell phone bill could be affecting your mortgage approval… and many people don’t even realize it. When lenders review your mortgage application, they don’t just look at things like credit cards, car loans,...

Hate Budgeting? The Envelope System Might Be Worth a Try I’ll be honest… I hate budgets. I’ve never found them easy to stick to, especially when they involve writing down and tracking every single place you spend your money. An easier method I like is the Envelope...

First-Time Home Buyer? Here’s where I would start saving Are you a first-time home buyer wondering where you should start saving for your down payment? My first recommendation is usually a First Home Savings Account (FHSA). You can save up to $8,000 per year. Your...

That Old Internet Modem Could Be Hurting Your Credit When people think about what can hurt their credit score, they usually think of missed credit card payments, car loans, or lines of credit. But one of the biggest credit issues I see has nothing to do with any of...

Thinking About Bridge Financing? Your Home Needs to Be Sold First One of the most common misconceptions I hear is, "My house is listed, so I can get bridge financing." While it seems like listing your home would be enough, that's unfortunately not how bridge financing...

Using an Online Bank? Don't Forget About Your Deposit Online banking has made managing our finances easier than ever. Accounts like Simplii, Tangerine, and Wealthsimple offer convenient banking without the need to visit a branch, and for many people, they work...

Buying a Home Through a Private Sale? Here's What You Should Know Buying a home through a private sale can be a great opportunity. Without a property being listed on MLS, buyers and sellers often have more flexibility when it comes to negotiating the purchase price,...

Do I Have to Wait After Starting a New Job to Buy a Home? One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, "I just started a new job, so I have to wait before I can qualify for a mortgage." The good news? That's not always true. Many people believe they need to be with an...

Incorporated Business Owners: Are You Paying Medical Expenses the Wrong Way? If you’re incorporated, there’s something a lot of business owners don’t realize when it comes to medical expenses. Did you know that CRA-allowable medical expenses can potentially be paid...