Summer Savings Tips: Five Ways to Put Aside Extra Cash to Boost Your Mortgage Payments

Marci • July 15, 2014

If you are trying to put aside some money for your mortgage, then you know exactly how difficult it can be to zero in on your expense list in order to reduce it. Here are a few tips that you can use to save over the summer months so that you can pay down your mortgage more easily.

Turn Off the Air Conditioner

The weather is nice outside, so go outside and enjoy it. When you need to cool off, hit the community pool or take a cold shower. Keeping the air conditioner off is one of the best ways to save money over the summer.

Reduce Lighting and Water Use to Save Electricity

As it stays lighter in the summertime for a longer period of time, you do not have to use as many lights in the house. Turn them off in the daytime and open the blinds so that can make use of the natural light outside. You can also save money by preserving your hot water. Since it is already warm outside, there is very little use for hot water in the house. As a matter of fact, if you are brave enough to take cold showers, do so. Some people have even unhooked their water heater completely in order to save money.

Fire Up the Barbecue!

Because the weather is so nice outside, you can use that time to get family together for a meal without the convenience cost of a restaurant. Barbecues and potlucks are a great way to save money while eating well during the summertime.

Take Advantage of Off-Season Sales

Take advantage of summer sales and try to purchase as many of your winter clothes as possible in the summertime. There are many places that stock coats and other winter clothes for liquidation in the summer at far lower prices. If you have not invested in a Costco or another bulk-buying warehouse membership, do so. You can then get all of your undergarments and other winter clothes like thick socks in bulk in order to save even more money.

Most Importantly: Get Outside as Often as Possible!

You’d be surprised at how much money one can save if they simply make the decision to spend time outside instead of indoors, watching TV. The electricity that you can save is one thing; if you completely wean yourself off of the TV set, you can actually save money by downgrading your cable plan.

There are many other ways to save money during the summer. Most of them have to do with taking advantage of all of the cultural amenities, events and festivals that are available in Vancouver during the summertime. If you and your household can get creative in its use of natural resources, then you will definitely save a great deal of money that you can put towards your mortgage payment. Remember to have fun while you are saving money – there is nothing better than using nature to get ahead in your finances!

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Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Marci Deane • March 25, 2026
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — March 18, 2026

By Marci Deane • March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For anyone watching the mortgage market — whether you're renewing, purchasing, or simply keeping an eye on borrowing costs — here's a breakdown of what was announced and what it may mean for you.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy? A Look at Canada's 2026 Housing Market

By Marci Deane • March 17, 2026
For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership has felt like a moving target. After years of market volatility, shifting interest rates, and economic uncertainty, you might be wondering: is 2026 finally the year to make a move?