(Early) Retirement

Marci • November 3, 2017

A life of exploration. A life of slowing down and of taking it all in. A life where anything goes and anything is possible. A life of hiking in the mountains, or of driving the coast, or of relaxing on the beach; golf and beautifully elegant meals set in front of you as you and your partner stare out into the setting Caribbean sun. Blue water and white sand; time to relax and reflect. This is the life for which you’ve been waiting. But just how long will you have to wait?

In 2017, the dream of early retirement seems to be just that, a dream, for a growing number of the working population. Increasingly, those entering retirement age have remained in the workforce, staying longer at their current jobs or, in many cases, finding themselves in new positions where they are actually under-employed. According to official statistics, 32 percent of Canadians expect to be working (in some capacity) at age 66, while 22 percent don’t expect to be able to retire, at all.

Very simply, this generation can’t seem to get away from work. And while some of this is preference, for many individuals living in today’s tough economic climate, the reality is, the money just isn’t there. Why the reverse work exodus? Well…

The cost of living has increased. Utilities have gone up; supply and demand has dictated that the cost of many (fresh) food products has gone up. The cost of housing in many major and mid-sized centres has gone up (and as of this writing, continues to climb); and mortgages which used to be paid out over 10 to 15 years are now being paid out over 25 years (or more).

Additionally, millennials (those born [around] 1980 to 2000) are coming home after university in record numbers; saddled with debt and unable to find quality, or even consistent work in their field. This has meant that parents who were once paying for the living cost of two individuals are now paying for more family members, later in life (not to mention the cost incurred by those moms and dads who graciously paid for the education of their children).

These factors (and more) have certainly left us with an interesting, albeit not impossible set of circumstances with which to overcome.

But, what if you could break the cycle? What if you could retire now, and live comfortably? What if you could close your eyes, open them, and find yourself in a place where you have the time to do the things that you want to do? What if your golden years were actually golden?

With the help of a CHIP Reverse Mortgage, the dream of early retirement, of living these years to the fullest, is within reach! So, the question shifts from, “When will I be able to retire?” to, “What will I do with myself after I retire?” This is a good change!

However, this shift should come with a change in outlook. Because, rather than managing, saving, and putting away money, the task becomes managing the most precious of all commodities, that being time. Because of this, the following are a few ways that you can use your time to make a positive impact in your “post-work” life.

Building Relationships

When money (or a lackthereof) isn’t a constant point of stress, you’ll find that you have time to build into those relationships that you’ve “shelved” over your years of working and career building. Make these moments count by connecting and by staying connected with the people whom you love; your partner, your family, and your friends. And don’t, for a moment, think that the time for making new friends is over. Get out there and meet new people. Find individuals with similar interests, and build into them as well!

Passions

A stable bottom line will also afford you the opportunity to follow your passions. These years are perfect for picking up that long neglected hobby, and pursuing those dreams that were put on hold. Keep in mind, It won’t be about doing it perfectly (whatever your “it” is); it’ll be about simply enjoying the experience and everything that comes with it.

Opportunities to Give Back

Finally, as your financial positions gains a measure of health, it will be important to give back (something we should all be doing, no matter our situation in life). Do something that will last. Help others; be kind, and generous with what you have. And remember that a life focused on giving will be more fulfilling than anything that you could buy and keep for yourself.

So if you have questions about the CHIP reverse mortgage or you want to know how you can retire, now, in comfort, let’s talk. I’m a certified reverse mortgage specialist and I would love to hear from you.

Please contact me directly , and let me walk you through the process.

Oh, and happy early retirement!

 

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Is Refinancing Your Mortgage a Good Way to Consolidate Debt?

By Marci Deane • December 3, 2025
If you're a homeowner juggling multiple debts, you're not alone. Credit cards, car loans, lines of credit—it can feel like you’re paying out in every direction with no end in sight. But what if there was a smarter way to handle it? Good news: there is. And it starts with your home. Use the Equity You’ve Built to Lighten the Load Every mortgage payment you make, every bit your home appreciates—you're building equity. And that equity can be a powerful financial tool. Instead of letting high-interest debts drain your income, you can leverage your home’s equity to combine and simplify what you owe into one manageable, lower-interest payment. What Does That Look Like? This strategy is called debt consolidation , and there are a few ways to do it: Refinance your existing mortgage Access a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Take out a second mortgage Each option has its own pros and cons, and the right one depends on your situation. That’s where I come in—we’ll look at the numbers together and choose the best path forward. What Can You Consolidate? You can roll most types of consumer debt into your mortgage, including: Credit cards Personal loans Payday loans Car loans Unsecured lines of credit Student loans These types of debts often come with sky-high interest rates. When you consolidate them into a mortgage—secured by your home—you can typically access much lower rates, freeing up cash flow and reducing financial stress. Why This Works Debt consolidation through your mortgage offers: Lower interest rates (often significantly lower than credit cards or payday loans) One simple monthly payment Potential for faster repayment Improved cash flow And if your mortgage allows prepayment privileges—like lump-sum payments or increased monthly payments—those features can help you pay everything off even faster. Smart Strategy, Not Just a Quick Fix This isn’t just about lowering your monthly bills (although that’s a major perk). It’s about restructuring your finances in a way that’s sustainable, efficient, and empowering. Instead of feeling like you're constantly catching up, you can create a plan to move forward with confidence—and even start saving again. Here’s What the Process Looks Like: Review your current debts and cash flow Assess how much equity you’ve built in your home Explore consolidation options that fit your goals Create a personalized plan to streamline your payments and reduce overall costs Ready to Regain Control? If your debts are holding you back and you're ready to use the equity you've worked hard to build, let's talk. There’s no pressure—just a practical conversation about your options and how to move toward a more flexible, debt-free future. Reach out today. I’m here to help you make the most of what you already have.

Breaking Down the Real Costs of Homeownership

By Marci Deane • November 26, 2025
Don’t Forget About Closing Costs When planning to buy a home, most people focus on saving for the down payment. But the truth is, that’s only part of the equation. To actually finalize the purchase, you’ll also need to budget for closing costs —the out-of-pocket expenses that come up before you get the keys. Closing costs can add up quickly, which is why they should be part of your pre-approval conversation right from the start. Lenders will even require proof that you’ve got enough funds set aside. For example, if you’re getting an insured (high-ratio) mortgage, you’ll need at least 1.5% of the purchase price available in addition to your down payment. That means a 10% down payment actually requires 11.5% of the purchase price in cash to make everything work. Let’s break down some of the most common expenses you should prepare for: 1. Home Inspection & Appraisal Inspection : Paid by you, this gives peace of mind that the property is in good shape and doesn’t have hidden problems. Appraisal : Required by the lender to confirm value. Sometimes this is covered by mortgage insurance, sometimes by you. 2. Legal Fees A lawyer or notary is required to handle the title transfer and make sure the mortgage is properly registered. Legal fees are often one of the larger closing costs—unless you’re also responsible for property transfer tax. 3. Taxes Many provinces charge a property or land transfer tax based on the home’s purchase price. These fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, so you’ll want to factor them in early. 4. Insurance Property insurance is mandatory—lenders won’t release funds without proof that the home is insured on closing day. Optional coverage like mortgage life, disability, or critical illness insurance may also be worth considering depending on your financial plan. 5. Moving Costs Whether you’re renting a truck, hiring movers, or bribing friends with pizza and gas money, moving comes with expenses. Cross-country moves especially can be surprisingly pricey. 6. Utilities & Deposits Setting up new services (electricity, water, internet) can involve connection fees or deposits, particularly if you don’t already have a payment history with the utility provider. Plan Ahead, Stress Less This list covers the big-ticket items, but every purchase is unique. That’s why it pays to have an accurate estimate of your personal closing costs before you make an offer. If you’d like help planning ahead—or want a breakdown tailored to your situation—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through the numbers and make sure you’re fully prepared.

Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart

By Marci Deane • November 19, 2025
Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart There’s no denying it—buying a home is an emotional journey. In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to stretch beyond your comfort zone or bid above asking just to have a chance. That pressure can make it hard to separate what you want from what you can realistically afford. One of the biggest pitfalls buyers face is falling in love with a home that’s outside their price range. Once that happens, every other property seems like a compromise—even the ones that might have been a perfect fit otherwise. The best way to avoid this heartache? Get pre-approved before you start shopping. What a Pre-Approval Does for You A mortgage pre-approval gives you more than just a number—it provides clarity, confidence, and protection: Know your buying power : Shop within your true price range and avoid disappointment. Spot potential roadblocks : Uncover issues like credit bureau errors before you make an offer. Get organized : Learn exactly what documentation you’ll need so there are no surprises. Lock in a rate : Many lenders hold your rate for 30–120 days, giving you peace of mind if rates rise. Save yourself heartache : Protect yourself from falling for a home you can’t afford. Head vs. Heart Buying a home is about balance. Your head tells you what’s financially sound, your heart tells you what feels right—and both matter. A pre-approval helps bring those two sides together, so you can make confident choices without emotional stress clouding your judgment. The Bottom Line Looking at properties for fun is one thing—but if you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval is the smartest first step you can take. It sets realistic expectations, saves time, and protects your emotions along the way. If you’d like to explore your options and get pre-approved, I’d be happy to walk through the process with you. Let’s make sure you’re ready to shop with confidence.