5 Things to Help You Survive Your 40s & 50s

Katherine Martin • November 20, 2018

You know those days where everything goes wrong and you’re so tired you don’t know what direction’s up? They’re a lot more manageable when you know what you’re working towards.  

Here’s 5 things that’ll help you survive—and make the most of!—your 40s and 50s.

1. Do work you enjoy.

Brace yourself for the motivational platitudes… Life’s too short to do work you don’t enjoy. You’re never too old to start something new. It’s not too late!

They’re cliches for a reason.

We spend too many hours working and commuting to be in a career that gives us the Sunday night dreads. Doing work we enjoy gives us the sense of purpose and energy we need to juggle our way through these years. And man, do we need all the energy we can get…

This doesn’t mean you have to storm into your boss’s office yelling, “I QUIT” so you can start a surf school in Hawaii (Although, go for it!). Maybe you do need a whole new career, but perhaps you just need a new position within your company, or to tweak the one your have so you’re working on different projects. 

Bottom line, a more enjoyable career might be easier to get than you think. And it’s so worth it. 

2. Have extra cash on hand for emergencies.

Between your kids, your parents, your home, and even your pets (have you seen vet bills these days?!) someone’s bound to need something. 

Having cash on hand means you’ll be able to cover these surprise expenses stress-free. So the next time Fido needs an emergency run to the vet to get who-knows-what removed from his paw, your won’t have to rely on credit or give up your weekly brunches to cover it. 

The general rule of thumb is to have three to six months worth of cash on hand in an emergency fund. In these years make it closer to six months worth, just to be safe.

3. Take care of your health.

What’s that got to do with money, you ask? Everything.

We all know neglecting your health now can lead to big medical bills down the line, but that’s not really the point. Staying healthy means you can make the most of your time, and time is the most precious thing we have. What good is time off if you’re not healthy enough to enjoy it?

We’re not saying you should stop buying cookies and sign up for a triathlon, just a couple healthy habits can go a long way. Maybe that’s walking your kids to practice instead of driving, having healthier lunches at work, joining a hockey league with your friends… whatever works for your lifestyle. 

4. Know what you’re working towards. 

No, “retirement” doesn’t count. Get specific! How do you want to spend your time? What do you truly value? What makes you happy?

Spend more on that and less on everything else. 

If you’re a homebody or someone who loves to entertain, it makes sense to put money towards renovations or a bigger house. But if you’re a travel junkie who sees wine tastings across Europe in their future, maybe you need to downsize and put those dollars towards your Italy fund.

Let go of what you think you should be spending on and working towards, and get clear on what you actually want. 

5. Make a plan for your money.

Once you know what matters to you and what you’re working towards it’s a whole lot easier to make a plan for your money. 

You can estimate what that new house or wine tour will cost and save for it accordingly. You’ll know how much you’ve got leftover to spend today and you’ll know what spending will make you happy, and what won’t.

The daily grind becomes a lot more manageable once you know you’re investing in the life you want.

 

This article was written by Randy Cass, CEO, Founder, and Portfolio Manager at Nest Wealth.  This article originally appeared on the Nest Wealth blog on May 26th, 2017. 

Katherine Martin


Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842


RECENT POSTS

Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

By Katherine Martin • January 21, 2026
Owning a home feels great—carrying a large mortgage, not so much. The good news? With the right strategies, you can shorten your amortization, save thousands in interest, and become mortgage-free sooner than you think. Here are four proven ways to make it happen: 1. Switch to Accelerated Payments One of the simplest ways to reduce your mortgage faster is by moving from monthly payments to accelerated bi-weekly payments . Instead of 12 monthly payments a year, you’ll make 26 half-payments. That works out to the equivalent of one extra monthly payment each year, shaving years off your mortgage—often without you noticing much difference in your budget. 2. Increase Your Regular Payments Most mortgages allow you to boost your regular payment by 10–25%. Some even let you double up payments occasionally. Every extra dollar goes directly toward your principal, which means less interest and faster progress toward paying off your balance. 3. Make Lump-Sum Payments Depending on your lender, you may be able to make lump-sum payments of 10–25% of your original mortgage balance each year. This option is ideal if you receive a bonus, inheritance, or other windfall. Applying a lump sum directly to your principal immediately reduces the interest charged for the rest of your term. 4. Review Your Mortgage Annually It’s easy to put your mortgage on auto-pilot, but a yearly review keeps you in control. By sitting down with an independent mortgage professional, you can check if refinancing, restructuring, or adjusting terms could save you money. A quick annual review helps ensure your mortgage is always working for you—not against you. The Bottom Line Paying off your mortgage early doesn’t require a massive lifestyle change—it’s about making smart, consistent choices. Whether it’s accelerated payments, lump sums, or regular reviews, every step you take helps reduce your debt faster. If you’d like to explore strategies tailored to your situation—or want a free annual mortgage review—let’s connect. I’d be happy to help you find the fastest path to mortgage freedom.

Fixed vs. Variable Mortgage Rates in Canada

By Katherine Martin • January 14, 2026
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which One Fits Your Life? Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing your current mortgage, or approaching renewal, one big decision stands in your way: fixed or variable rate? It’s a question many homeowners wrestle with—and the right answer depends on your goals, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the key differences so you can move forward with confidence. Fixed Rate: Stability & Predictability A fixed-rate mortgage offers one major advantage: peace of mind . Your interest rate stays the same for the entire term—usually five years—regardless of what happens in the broader economy. Pros: Your monthly payment never changes during the term. Ideal if you value budgeting certainty. Shields you from rate increases. Cons: Fixed rates are usually higher than variable rates at the outset. Penalties for breaking your mortgage early can be steep , thanks to something called the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) —a complex and often costly formula used by lenders. In fact, IRD penalties have been known to reach up to 4.5% of your mortgage balance in some cases. That’s a lot to pay if you need to move, refinance, or restructure your mortgage before the end of your term. Variable Rate: Flexibility & Potential Savings With a variable-rate mortgage , your interest rate moves with the market—specifically, it adjusts based on changes to the lender’s prime rate. For example, if your mortgage is set at Prime minus 0.50% and prime is 6.00% , your rate would be 5.50% . If prime increases or decreases, your mortgage rate will change too. Pros: Typically starts out lower than a fixed rate. Penalties are simpler and smaller —usually just three months’ interest (often 2–2.5 mortgage payments). Historically, many Canadians have paid less overall interest with a variable mortgage. Cons: Your payment could increase if rates rise. Not ideal if rate fluctuations keep you up at night. The Penalty Factor: Why It Matters More Than You Think One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is the cost of breaking a mortgage early —something nearly 6 out of 10 Canadians do before their term ends. Fixed Rate = Unpredictable, potentially high penalty (IRD) Variable Rate = Predictable, usually lower penalty (3 months’ interest) Even if you don’t plan to break your mortgage, life happens—career changes, family needs, or new opportunities could shift your path. So, Which One is Best? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A fixed rate might be perfect for someone who wants stable budgeting and plans to stay put for years. A variable rate might work better for someone who’s financially flexible and open to market changes—or who may need to exit their mortgage early. Ultimately, the best mortgage is the one that fits your goals and your reality —not just what the bank recommends. Let's Find the Right Fit Choosing between fixed and variable isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding your needs, your future plans, and how much financial flexibility you want. Let’s sit down and walk through your options together. I’ll help you make an informed, confident choice—no guesswork required.
© 2026 

Katherine Martin. All Rights Reserved.