CategoryBank News

Posted June 9, 20221 Comment Bank News

Beware of “Friendly” Calls From Your Bank

For better or worse, Canadians have a lot of trust. In each other, in their government, in the places they eat, in the places they shop – and apparently in the places they bank. A 2020 survey found that seven out of 10 Canadians believe their banks have their best interest in mind when offering advice. Well, if you’re one of those seven out of 10 people, I hate to burst your bubble… but I have reason to believe otherwise.

Posted June 3, 20222 Comments Bank News

Rates Are On the Up and Up… But For How Much Longer?

You’ve probably seen the headlines: the Bank of Canada has raised their key interest rate. Yet again. And this hike isn’t any less forgiving than the last one. In another unprecedented move (anyone sick of that word yet?) the rate increased by 0.50%, double the normal increase of 0.25%. Yes, it’s a big jump that’s getting a lot of media buzz. But how bad is it really? Is it worth all the alarm? Will rates continue to climb?

Posted April 22, 2022 Bank News

The Federal Budget: Here Are the Parts That Could Affect You

The federal government dropped the 2022 budget a couple of weeks ago. Immediately after, articles came pouring out about how it will impact different people, different businesses, different industries. A lot of it is difficult to decipher. Even more difficult is understanding what tangible impact it will have on your day-to-day life.

That’s why I thought a post like this was important. If you own real estate, are thinking of owning real estate, or you’re in the real estate industry, here are the parts of the budget you should know about.

Posted April 14, 2022 Bank News

Bank of Canada Raises Benchmark Interest Rate

Yesterday was Wednesday the 13th – but for some, it might have felt like Friday the 13th. That’s because the Bank of Canada announced they’re upping their rate by a whopping 0.50%. This rate hike means that the prime rate will increase from 2.7% to 3.2%, a fairly sizable jump relative to what we’ve seen in the last couple of years.

All of this might seem terrifying. But let me assure you: there’s no need to panic.

Posted October 12, 2021 Bank News

Don’t Fall For Low Fixed Rates

The fixed rate versus variable rate debate has never been more heated. With fixed rates currently averaging historical lows of roughly 2.25%, a lot of people are left wondering, “why wouldn’t I choose a fixed rate mortgage?” Fair enough – it certainly appears to be a safe bet on the surface. Lock in a low rate. Maintain it for the entirety of your term. Never worry about rates going up.

This belief is fuelled by the big banks spreading hysteria that variable rates are sure to shoot up. Why risk it when you can go with a record low fixed rate? Here’s the truth: The banks are pushing 5-year fixed rate mortgages because they’re more profitable for them. A variable rate mortgage isn’t the gamble it’s made out to be. In fact, it’s by far the more prudent move.