5 Strategies for Getting Control of your Money

Marci • March 26, 2013

Overcoming Bad Money Habits

 

Getting on the road to financial success is within your reach. If you are like many women today, you are probably feeling stuck or perhaps overwhelmed with your life – like you can’t get ahead fast enough, save more money or even know where your money is going. There might be some unconscious thoughts that are holding you back and keeping you from moving forward, building wealth and saving more.
Don’t feel bad. You are not alone. All of us have some bad money habits. Recognizing them and doing something about it will change your life. Thinking about your life and your money, what do you think is holding you back? If you had to define the #1 mistake you are making with your money, what would that be?
The #1 money mistake
In our opinion, the #1 mistake women make is not taking control of their money. It doesn’t matter why – there could be a thousand reasons or excuses. Every woman and every situation is different. But mark my words – it is a lack of control that is holding you back from financial success.
So how do you “get control” of your money? You make it a priority. You empower yourself by really looking at how you earn, save, spend and give away your money. Many of us are doing something with our money we don’t like. And we have all done things with our money we regret. Old habits and feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures may be holding you back. By gaining personal insight, I guarantee you will get better control of your money.
Living more comfortably
Here’s something else to consider: Women are living longer. The average life expectancy for women in North America is 83.4. The average age of a widow is 56. Taking control over your money has never been more important. Especially if you want to ensure your family’s financial future, and that you’ll have enough money to lead a long and comfortable life. So how do you get control over your money?

5 easy steps to get control

#1 – Get informed.

The more you know about your money, the better decisions you will make. There’s no need to become a financial expert, but you do need to understand the basics about how you earn, spend, share and save your money. Becoming more aware of your habits will help you reach your goals.

#2 – Stop living day-to-day and set goals.

If you want to achieve more, setting goals is the way to do it. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or make, whether you are just starting out or have a successful career, setting goals will give you clarity. It’ll help you to stop squandering money and save more. It’ll inspire you to open yourself up to new possibilities. It’ll make you feel better too!
#3 – Organize every aspect of your life, from your mind and money, to your home, office, and kids.

It’s important to engage your family in your quest for organization, and to learn how to stay organized even when the unexpected throws you off your routine.
#4 – Seek expert advice.

If you don’t understand something, have doubts or are unclear about your money matters or investments, talk to a financial professional. Make an appointment and prepare a list of questions. Being informed will help you make better decisions.
#5 – Get a plan in place to manage your spending.

Making a budget and sticking to it is a challenge for many women. That’s why it is so important to create a budget that matches your spending patterns. And this will help you to set and achieve your financial goals. It’ll keep you motivated – and motivation is key to success.
Taking control of your money means investing in you. It means you have to start doing things a little differently. I know you want to do it. I know you can do it. And there’s no better time to start than right now!
Just follow the 5 steps – outline your spending habits, set goals, get organized, seek expert advice, and create a budget that works for you.
Start fresh. Get on the road to financial success.

Anita Saulite, MBA is founder of Savvy Money Gal, and Ways To Save, offering a fresh perspective on personal finance and holistic strategies to manage money. As a certified life coach, who champions emotional well-being through a 3 step learning program Anita Saulite is committed to strengthening women’s financial knowledge through learning. An engaging speaker, who has presented money management strategies and Employee Money Wellness programs, understands the issues surrounding the psychology of money. Anita teaches how to navigate change and get on the road to financial success. For 20 years Anita worked in senior positions at major financial institutions in Toronto Canada, and has developed award winning programs dedicated to personal debt financing and financial literacy for women. Guest speaker for the City of Calgary in 2012, and featured on CTV Pattie Lovett-Reid Show in 2013 to discuss women and finance. In the news in 2012 at Yahoo! Finance Canada, Reuters, Bloomberg, and Businessweek.

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What Is a Cashback Mortgage and How Does It Work?

By Marci Deane • January 7, 2026
Cashback Mortgages: Are They Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know If you’ve been exploring mortgage options and come across the term cashback mortgage , you might be wondering what exactly it means—and whether it’s a smart move. Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a Cashback Mortgage? A cashback mortgage is just like a regular mortgage—but with one extra feature: you receive a lump sum of cash when the mortgage closes . This cash is typically: A fixed amount , or A percentage of the total mortgage , usually between 1% and 7% , depending on your mortgage term and lender. The money is tax-free and paid directly to you on closing day. What Can You Use the Cashback For? There are no restrictions on how you use the funds. Here are some common uses: Covering closing costs Buying new furniture Renovations or home upgrades Paying off high-interest debt Boosting your cashflow during a tight transition Whether it’s to help you settle in or catch up financially, cashback can offer a helpful buffer— but it comes at a cost . The True Cost of a Cashback Mortgage Here’s the part many people overlook: cashback mortgages come with higher interest rates than standard mortgages. Why? Because the lender is essentially advancing you a small loan upfront—and they’re going to make that money back (and then some) through your mortgage payments. So while the upfront cash feels like a bonus, you’ll pay more in interest over time to have that convenience. Breaking Down the Numbers It’s hard to give a blanket answer about how much more you’ll pay since it depends on: Your interest rate The cashback amount The mortgage term Your payment schedule This is why it’s important to run the numbers with a mortgage professional who can help you compare this option with others based on your personal financial situation. Are You Eligible for a Cashback Mortgage? Not everyone qualifies. Cashback mortgages generally come with stricter requirements . Lenders often want to see: Excellent credit history Strong, stable income Low debt-to-income ratio If your mortgage file includes anything “outside the box”—like being self-employed or recently changing jobs—qualifying for a cashback mortgage might be tough. What If You Need to Break the Mortgage? This is one of the biggest risks with cashback mortgages. If your circumstances change and you need to break your mortgage early, you could be on the hook for: Paying back some or all of the cashback you received, and A prepayment penalty (typically the interest rate differential or 3 months’ interest—whichever is higher) That can be a very expensive combination. So if there’s even a chance you might need to sell, refinance, or move before your term is up, a cashback mortgage might not be the best fit. Should You Consider a Cashback Mortgage? Maybe—but only with eyes wide open. Cashback mortgages can be helpful in the right scenario, but they’re not free money. They’re a lending tool that benefits the lender , and the key is knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to. Final Thoughts: Talk to an Expert First Choosing the right mortgage isn’t just about the lowest rate or the biggest perk—it’s about making a choice that fits your whole financial picture. If you’re considering a cashback mortgage, or just want to explore all your options, let’s talk. As an independent mortgage professional , I can help you weigh the pros and cons of various products, so you can make a confident, informed decision. Have questions? I’d be happy to help—reach out anytime.

Getting a Mortgage Shouldn’t Be Stressful—We Can Help

By Marci Deane • December 31, 2025
Buying a Home? Follow These 6 Key Steps for a Smooth Experience Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how mortgage financing works. To help make the process smoother (and far less stressful), here are six essential steps every homebuyer should follow: 1. Start With a Mortgage Professional—Not MLS It’s tempting to start your home search by scrolling through listings and booking showings—but the real first step should be speaking with an independent mortgage professional . Unlike a bank that offers only one set of products, an independent mortgage expert has access to multiple lenders and options . That means better advice, better rates, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs. 2. Build a Personalized Mortgage Plan Unless you’re buying your home with cash, you’ll need a solid financing strategy. That means: Reviewing your credit score Running affordability calculations Exploring different mortgage types, terms, and features Understanding down payments and closing costs The sooner you start planning, the more confident you’ll feel. Don’t wait until you’ve found the “perfect” property— get ahead of the process now . 3. Figure Out What You Can Actually Afford What a lender says you can borrow doesn’t always match what you can comfortably pay each month. Take a close look at your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits. Think about how your mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other costs will fit into your everyday cash flow. Avoid the stress of being house-poor by knowing your real-life affordability , not just your paper pre-approval. 4. Get Pre-Approved the Right Way A true mortgage pre-approval isn’t just entering numbers into an online calculator. It means: Completing a mortgage application Submitting all your required documentation Having a mortgage professional fully assess your file When you’re officially pre-approved, you’ll shop for homes with confidence , knowing what you qualify for and that you’re financially ready. 5. Submit Your Documents Promptly and Stay Flexible Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, time is of the essence. That’s when all the upfront work you’ve done really pays off. Be ready to: Provide additional documentation if requested Respond to your mortgage professional quickly Stay flexible and proactive throughout the approval process Your lender needs to verify everything before finalizing the loan, so staying organized is key. 6. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing Once you’ve secured financing and waived your conditions, freeze your finances until after you get the keys. Seriously—don’t: Change jobs Apply for new credit Take out a loan Make a large withdrawal Even small changes can throw off your approval. Keep everything status quo until you officially take possession. Recap: 6 Steps to a Smooth Home Purchase Connect with an independent mortgage professional Create a mortgage plan early Know what you can afford (not just what you qualify for) Get fully pre-approved Stay on top of documentation Avoid major financial changes before possession Ready to Buy with Confidence? If you’re thinking about buying a home—or just want to know what’s possible—let’s talk. I’ll help you map out a personalized plan that makes your homebuying journey feel simple, strategic, and stress-free. Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you get started.

Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Marci Deane • December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.