Financial Literacy Month – November

General Trish Pigott 22 Nov

November is Financial Literacy Month, and we have the tips to ensure your financial game is on point this Fall as we head into the New Year! Nail Down Your Budget Understanding the basics of budgeting and tracking your income versus spending is fundamental to financial literacy and control. Building a budget can help you […]

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Fall Home Tips

General Trish Pigott 15 Nov

Even though Fall has already started, there are a few things you can do still to ensure your home is well-prepared for the season: Examine Your Gutters: This time of year it is important to clean and inspect your gutters (replacing as needed) to ensure they are working properly as the rain and snow season […]

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New Changes to Combined Loan Plans

General Trish Pigott 1 Nov

As rising household debt puts our country’s financial system on edge, new guidelines from the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) have taken effect today, November 1st, that will reduce some Canadian homeowners’ borrowing power. Those who have a Combined Loan Plan should have received a letter from their bank on whether they have […]

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October’s Rate Announcement Details

General Trish Pigott 25 Oct

Yahoo!!  A second rate pause in a row!  The Bank of Canada (BoC) left the overnight target rate unchanged which is what affects your banks Prime rate.  That means there is no change to interest rates or payments for Variable Rate mortgage holders and those with loans or lines of credits attached to Prime.  This […]

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First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

General Trish Pigott 19 Oct

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered savings plan introduced by the federal government in 2022. An FHSA is designed to help you save for your first home tax-free and help you reach your vision of owning a home faster! What is a First Home Savings Account (FHSA)? An FHSA combines some of […]

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Your Mortgage Renewal

General Trish Pigott 18 Oct

As our economy shifts and the Bank of Canada is trying to slow inflation with the continuous rate hikes over the past 18 months, we are at a very different time in the mortgage market, especially for those facing a mortgage renewal. With over 50% of mortgages in Canada coming due in 2025 and 2026, […]

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The True Cost of Downsizing

General Trish Pigott 10 Oct

Many Canadians consider downsizing during their retirement years. Once their children have left the nest, the choice seems obvious: relocate to a smaller residence or a more affordable town and capitalize on the price difference. For many retirees, the funds from the sale of their home can significantly impact their overall lifestyle and financial well-being. […]

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$20K More in 2024 Contest!

General Trish Pigott 4 Oct

Exciting news for First national clients!  Imagine beginning the new year with an extra $20,000 towards your mortgage – a substantial boost that can truly make a difference. With such financial momentum, the possibilities are endless, and dreams can become reality. If you have your mortgage with First National, then you are a lucky one […]

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Fall Market Update

General Trish Pigott 27 Sep

As you may have heard, The Bank of Canada’s policy rate was 5% as of September. The recent rate hikes over the spring and summer have slowed the housing and mortgage markets as the rise in mortgage rates unsurprisingly spooked potential buyers. More recently, fixed-rate loans have become more expensive because of the increase in […]

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How to Talk to Your Kids about Finances.

General Trish Pigott 13 Sep

Financial independence is a critical skill for future success that your children will not learn anywhere else. Not only does financial literacy help your children have more success in life, but it allows them to move out sooner, and it avoids delaying your retirement with additional expenses to support them. So, how do you teach […]

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