‘budget’

Keeping a balanced budget

avatar - 1 November 2012

Source: iStockphoto LP

For three years now journalists and economists have been warning us: “Watch out, interest rates are going to go up!” And then the rates stay down. Because they keep crying wolf, we don’t listen anymore—and that’s where the danger lies. One fine day, the rates are going to start rising and for some of us, it’ll be too late.

That’s the message from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC).

“While interest rates are now at all-time lows in Canada, it is likely that they will rise sometime in the future. Canadians need to look at how much debt they are carrying, particularly in the amount of their mortgages, home equity lines of credit, personal lines of credit and variable-rate personal loans,” says FCAC Commissioner Ursula Menke. “By doing a debt check-up, consumers can take a close look at their present debt burden and think about whether they would be able to handle it if their payments increase.” (more…)



These articles are the exclusive property of Via Capitale © 2013

Master your mortgage

avatar - 1 June 2012

You just got your hands on the coveted home. The housewarming party was a success, the champagne flowed. While you’re celebrating, a beast was sleeping quietly, coiled up in a corner, with eyes half-open. It appears harmless, but if you don’t show it who the master of the house is immediately, the beast could chew up your budget until you end up bankrupt.

Source : iStockPhoto

The beast is the mortgage you contracted. We all know that in too many cases, the mortgage takes control of the owner. Defeated, the owner ends up getting rid of the house with a heavy heart.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), an independent organization that protects homeowners, reminds you that if you want to keep your house for as long as possible, you have to tame your mortgage from the beginning and show it who the master is. (more…)



These articles are the exclusive property of Via Capitale © 2013

Less Weight on the Shoulders

avatar - 1 February 2012

Given the record debt of Canadian households, BMO Bank of Montreal suggests that owners opt for a mortgage loan with a 25-year amortization period.
“The shorter your mortgage, the less interest charges you’ll pay in the end. By choosing a 25-year amortization period, you free yourself from your mortgage quicker, and you can start to save more for your long-term objectives, such as financing your retirement,” the financial institution explains. (more…)



These articles are the exclusive property of Via Capitale © 2013