Finding certainty in uncertain times

If you listen to the radio, watch the news on TV, read the newspaper, go on Facebook, browse the internet, or talk with people, even a little, chances are you’ve been inundated with uncertainty. The uncertainty of it all is what sells papers – or ads on the internet, because it’s not 1996 anymore.

One week the headlines will read that the housing market is going to come crashing down around us any minute, followed by an article that claims there is a 20 per cent increase in the average sales price of detached homes. It looks like interest rates are gonna go through the roof, then the next week everything returns to normal. One week you feel so stupid for not jumping on the Bitcoin train, the next week it’s announced that Bitcoin just fell 20 per cent.

So, how do you trust what you read? Especially if you’re someone who is prone to react to news emotionally. Well, here is some advice.

As far as the mortgage conversation goes, it’s pretty straightforward. Is now a good time to buy a home? Well, if you need a place to live, then yes. Let’s talk! Should I go fixed or variable? We can talk about that as well. Feel free to contact me anytime, I’d love to help you work through your options.

As far as the housing market is concerned, is it a buyer’s market, or a seller’s market? Well, that depends on where you live. The best advice is to talk with a trusted real estate professional.

As far as your finances are concerned, here is an article on the subject that’s worth reading. Managing Uncertainty by Julia Chung of Spring Financial Planning.

Although this article is from January of 2018, the principles are solid. And if you’re too busy to read the article in it’s entirety, here is the Coles notes version in internet meme form:

Said in another way, if you’re looking to find certainty in uncertain times, you need a plan. Working with professionals is a great start.

Customer Service Numbers:

CMHC: 1-800-668-2642
Genworth: 1-800-511-8888
Canada Guaranty: 1-866-414-9109

ATB: 1-800-332-8383
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BMO: 1-877-895-3278
Bridgewater: 1-866-243-4301
CIBC: 1-800-465-2422
CMLS: 1-888-995-2657
Optimum: 1-866-441-3775
Equitable: 1-888-334-3313
Connect First: 403-736-4000
Chinook Financial: 403-934-3358
First Calgary Financial: 403-736-4000
First National: 1-888-488-0794
Haventree: 1-855-272-0051
Home Trust: 1-855-270-3630
HSBC: 1-888-310-4722
ICICI: 1-888-424-2422
Manulife: 1-877-765-2265
MCAP: 1-800-265-2624
Merix: 1-877-637-4911
Marathon: 1-855-503-6060
RBC: 1-866-809-5800
RFA: 1-877-416-7873
RMG: 1-866-809-5800
Scotiabank: 1-800-472-6842
Servus: 1-877-378-8728
Street Capital: 1-866-683-8090
TD: 1-866-222-3456