Kids Headed Back to School? How to Budget for an Increasingly ‘High Tech’ Education

Marci • August 25, 2014

Nothing in life is free, and costs on all sorts of consumer goods keep climbing higher and higher every day. This especially holds true when it comes to school supplies. As the new school year looms ahead, you are probably already worrying about covering all of the expenses that are involved in giving your child a quality education. One of the biggest challenges is helping your child to keep up with the relentlessly growing use of technology in education. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs while setting your child up for success in a technology-driven school environment, use these budgeting tips to keep your spending under control.
Kids Headed Back to School How to Budget for an Increasingly High Tech Education

You Don’t Have To Go With The Most Expensive Brand

While there may be a tablet or laptop that has the reputation of being the best, you can find less expensive devices that will still do the job. Be sure to scope out all of the possible options before you actually buy any new technology for your child. The most important thing you need to do is make sure your child has something that will be useful for school. Whatever you choose, it should have enough battery capacity that a forgotten power cord isn’t an issue, and a fast enough processor to open a Word file in a few seconds.

Shop Around and See What Competitors Offer

Before you buy anything, whether it is the leading brand or a comparable device, shop around. Go online and check out prices at a variety of sites. If you prefer to shop in-store, find out if the retailer offers competitor price matching. Bear in mind that warranty programs can be a great investment if the device encounters issues.

Use Public Access for Non-Essential Items

If purchasing high tech gadgets is so far out of your price range as to be unfeasible, you can always use free computers and technology in public places. If your public library provides use of computers, plan accordingly. You can also inquire at school about use of the computer lab after school. Your child may be able to work with other classmates or with family members who have the technology you need.

Think About Mobile Devices

Mobile devices are definitely growing in popularity. Your child would be able to access a great deal of information from a mobile phone. If you’re considering a mobile device, get a phone plan that will provide Internet access. Once again, you can compare providers. To save on costs, opt for a pay-as-you-go plan (where you only pay for what you need) or a family plan (where bundling multiple accounts or services can often result in a discount.)

Look For Great Sales

If you’re having trouble affording the regular price, keep in mind that every major retailer has a big sale several times per year. Watch for back to school promotions and flash sales that show up quickly. It’s a great way to keep more money in your pocket while getting exactly the equipment that your child needs.
Vancouver’s back-to-school season can be a hectic time, but with proper planning and budgeting and a little creativity, you can stretch your dollars far enough to get everything your child needs. Are you and your family considering a home purchase in the Vancouver area? A qualified mortgage broker can help. Contact me via email for information about the Vancouver real estate market or for more great budgeting tips that can help you get the mortgage you need.

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Collateral vs. Standard Mortgage: Pros and Cons Explained

By Marci Deane • June 17, 2026
Mortgage Registration 101: What You Need to Know About Standard vs. Collateral Charges When you’re setting up a mortgage, it’s easy to focus on the rate and monthly payment—but what about how your mortgage is registered? Most borrowers don’t realize this, but there are two common ways your lender can register your mortgage: as a standard charge or a collateral charge . And that choice can affect your flexibility, future borrowing power, and even your ability to switch lenders. Let’s break down what each option means—without the legal jargon. What Is a Standard Charge Mortgage? Think of this as the “traditional” mortgage. With a standard charge, your lender registers exactly what you’ve borrowed on the property title. Nothing more. Nothing hidden. Just the principal amount of your mortgage. Here’s why that matters: When your mortgage term is up, you can usually switch to another lender easily —often without legal fees, as long as your terms stay the same. If you want to borrow more money down the line (for example, for renovations or debt consolidation), you’ll need to requalify and break your current mortgage , which can come with penalties and legal costs. It’s straightforward, transparent, and offers more freedom to shop around at renewal time. What Is a Collateral Charge Mortgage? This is a more flexible—but also more complex—type of mortgage registration. Instead of registering just the amount you borrow, a collateral charge mortgage registers for a higher amount , often up to 100%–125% of your home’s value . Why? To allow you to borrow additional funds in the future without redoing your mortgage. Here’s the upside: If your home’s value goes up or you need access to funds, a collateral charge mortgage may let you re-borrow more easily (if you qualify). It can bundle other credit products—like a line of credit or personal loan—into one master agreement. But there are trade-offs: You can’t switch lenders at renewal without hiring a lawyer and paying legal fees to discharge the mortgage. It may limit your ability to get a second mortgage with another lender because the original lender is registered for a higher amount than you actually owe. Which One Should You Choose? The answer depends on what matters more to you: flexibility in future borrowing , or freedom to shop around for better rates at renewal. Why Talk to a Mortgage Broker? This kind of decision shouldn’t be made by default—or by what a single lender offers. An independent mortgage professional can help you: Understand how your mortgage is registered (most people never ask!) Compare lenders that offer both options Make sure your mortgage aligns with your future goals—not just today’s needs We look at your full financial picture and explain the fine print so you can move forward with confidence—not surprises. Have questions? Let’s talk. Whether you’re renewing, refinancing, or buying for the first time, I’m here to help you make smart, informed choices about your mortgage. No pressure—just answers.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — June 10, 2026

By Marci Deane • June 10, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage on the horizon — here's what you need to know.

First-Time Buyer? Here’s How to Tell If You’re Ready

By Marci Deane • June 3, 2026
Ready to Buy Your First Home? Here’s How to Know for Sure Buying your first home is exciting—but it’s also a major financial decision. So how can you tell if you’re truly ready to take that leap into homeownership? Whether you’re confident or still unsure, these four signs are solid indicators that you’re on the right path: 1. You’ve Got Your Down Payment and Closing Costs in Place To purchase a home in Canada, you’ll need at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. In addition, plan for around 1.5% to 2% of the home’s value to cover closing costs like legal fees, insurance, and adjustments. If you’ve managed to save this on your own, that’s a great sign of financial discipline. If you're receiving help from a family member through a gifted down payment , that works too—as long as the paperwork is in order. Either way, having these funds ready shows you’re prepared for the upfront costs of homeownership. 2. Your Credit Profile Tells a Good Story Lenders want to know how you manage debt. Before they approve you for a mortgage, they’ll review your credit history. What they typically like to see: At least two active credit accounts (trade lines) , like a credit card or loan Each with a minimum limit of $2,000 Open and active for at least 2 years Even if your credit isn’t perfect, don’t panic. There may still be options, such as using a co-signer or working on a credit improvement plan with a mortgage expert. 3. Your Income Can Support Homeownership—Comfortably A steady income is essential, but not all income is treated equally. If you’re full-time and past probation , you’re in a strong position. If you’re self-employed, on contract, or rely on variable income like tips or commissions, you’ll generally need a two-year history to qualify. A general rule: housing costs (mortgage, taxes, utilities) should stay under 35% of your gross monthly income . That leaves plenty of room for other living expenses, savings, and—yes—some fun too. 4. You’ve Talked to a Mortgage Professional Let’s be real—there’s a lot of info out there about buying a home. Google searches and TikToks can only take you so far. If you're serious about buying, speaking with a mortgage professional is the most effective next step. Why? Because you'll: Get pre-approved (and know what price range you're working with) Understand your loan options and the qualification process Build a game plan that suits your timeline and financial goals The Bottom Line: Being “ready” to buy a home isn’t just about how much you want it—it’s about being financially prepared, credit-ready, and backed by expert advice. If you’re thinking about homeownership, let’s chat. I’d love to help you understand your options, crunch the numbers, and build a plan that gets you confidently across the finish line—keys in hand.