Blog Post

Using Common Spending Habits to Accelerate Mortgage Repayment

Katherine Martin • Oct 30, 2017

Whether you are looking to save a downpayment for your first home or you would like to pay down your existing mortgage just a little more quickly, the secret to getting ahead might just be in managing your spending habits.

Nestwealth , a Canadian wealth management company; who has a really good blog, recently released an article called “6 Common Spending Habits you Don’t Have to Follow”. The article has been published with permission below, have a read through their suggestions to see if you have any money you could use to either save that downpayment, or put down on your existing mortgage!

If you have any questions about mortgage financing, don’t hesitate to contact me anytime!

6 Common Spending Habits You Don’t Have To Follow

Our frivolous spending is often formed out of habit. And since habits are made up of actions we don’t realize we are doing over and over, it makes sense that our common spending habits are usually the hardest to identify and break.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Sometimes all you need is a gentle nudge from someone else to help kick those pesky spending habits to the side. Check out the top six common spending habits that you don’t (and shouldn’t) have to follow.

1. Treating yourself to lunch or dinner … every day.

Life is busy and sometimes it feels like it’s moving faster than we can keep up with. In those instances, it’s easy for us to grab lunch on the go or allow the takeout containers to pile up from dinners we simply didn’t have the time to make ourselves.

This spending pattern not only takes a toll on our bank account, but our health as well. You can alter this behaviour by planning your meals ahead of time, which can include treating yourself when necessary.

2. Charging a vacation to your credit card.

Oh how sweet life would be if we could afford endless vacation. That isn’t the case for most and yet, so many of us end up traveling on credit because it’s just so easy to do.

Breaking the habit here is simple. If you can’t actually afford to get there and have a good time, you shouldn’t be going in the first place. Sound depressing? It doesn’t have to be. Be realistic with your budget and start putting aside money in your vacation fund.

You will enjoy your time away so much more without the debt.

3. Impulse buying … everything and anything!

We’re all guilty of impulse purchasing. It’s how the retail business was built after all. It can be even more challenging to avoid when you’re in the company of friends and family that have the very same habit.

But sometimes we have to pull back and have that difficult conversation with ourselves where we admit that we don’t truly need that new shirt, shoes, or home accessory.

4. Paying for unused services.

So, you got stopped on the street and signed up for a membership to somewhere, for something — and never looked at it again. Or how about that gym membership you pay for every month … but never set foot in.

Don’t worry, it happens! What better time than now to cancel those memberships and redirect that money somewhere else — like back in your bank account.

5. Falling victim to fees.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of doing things quickly and conveniently. More often than not, convenience comes at a price.

Think about how many times you’re cashless and fall victim to those pesky ATM fees, or maybe you overdo it on the e-transfers and gasp at your bank statement when you see how much that seemingly little convenience cost you.

Plan ahead by pulling the cash you need for the week and be aware of what these tiny habits are costing you in the long run.

6. Avoiding the small pleasures.

On the flip side of all that we’ve mentioned, it’s super important that you do in fact indulge in that latte, as opposed to desperately trying to save your way to wealth by avoiding the small stuff.

While this might seem counter-intuitive, we actually discuss the science behind this in more detail by breaking down the ‘latte factor’ in our podcast ‘The Smart Money’.

Start changing your spending habits now, so you can afford more in your future.

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Mail

Katherine Martin

Origin Mortgages

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

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.

Understanding the Recent Housing Affordability Measures in Canada

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

In recent years, housing affordability has become a significant concern for many Canadians, particularly for first-time homebuyers facing soaring prices and strict mortgage qualification criteria. To address these challenges, the Canadian government has introduced several housing affordability measures. In this blog post, we'll examine these measures and their potential implications for homebuyers. Increased Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) Withdrawal Limit Effective April 16, the Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit will be raised from $35,000 to $60,000. The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to use towards a down payment on a home. By increasing the withdrawal limit, the government aims to provide young Canadians with more flexibility in saving for their down payments, recognizing the growing challenges of entering the housing market. Extended Repayment Period for HBP Withdrawals In addition to increasing the withdrawal limit, the government has extended the repayment period for HBP withdrawals. Individuals who made withdrawals between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, will now have five years instead of two to begin repayment. This extension provides borrowers with more time to manage their finances and repay the withdrawn amounts, alleviating some of the immediate financial pressures associated with using RRSP funds for a down payment. 30-Year Mortgage Amortizations for Newly Built Homes Starting August 1, 2024, first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes will be eligible for 30-year mortgage amortizations. This change extends the maximum mortgage repayment period from 25 years to 30 years, resulting in lower monthly mortgage payments. By offering longer amortization periods, the government aims to increase affordability and assist homebuyers in managing their housing expenses more effectively. Changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter The government has also introduced changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter to provide relief to homeowners facing financial challenges. These changes include early mortgage renewal notifications and permanent amortization relief for eligible homeowners. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to support homeowners in maintaining affordable mortgage payments and mitigating the risk of default during times of financial hardship. The recent housing affordability measures announced by the Canadian government are aimed at addressing the challenges faced by homebuyers in today's market. These measures include increasing withdrawal limits, extending repayment periods, and offering longer mortgage amortizations. The goal is to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Canadians across the country. As these measures come into effect, it's crucial for homebuyers to stay informed about the changes and their implications. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help individuals explore their options and make informed decisions about their housing finances. If you're interested in learning more about these changes and how they may affect you, please don't hesitate to connect with us. We're here to walk you through the process and help you consider all your options and find the one that makes the most sense for you.