Clarity, Ownership, and Structure in 2017.

Marci • January 3, 2017

Over the last three years, Canadian financial blogger Sandi Martin from Spring Personal Finance has released a series of posts with her dreams for her clients in each 2015, 2016, and now 2017. It started with finding clarity, then taking ownership, and now the series is brought together by the idea of structure. Nothing to do with conventional definitions of success and everything to do with freedom (her words). Here is the third instalment titled “What I Want for You in 2017”  written by Sandi Martin, with links to the previous years posts. Let these words and ideas resonate with you and inspire you as 2017 is most certainly a year of possibility!

What I want for you in 2017

What I dearly want for you this year is structure.

(Just what you’d expect from an introverted money nerd who once answered “spreadsheets” when asked to name one thing that made her happy to her son’s kindergarten circle, am I right?)

Listen, when you hear “structure” I don’t want you to think about restrictions. The kind of structure I’m wishing for you has nothing to do with timetables, spreadsheets, or checklists (unless you’re into those sorts of things). I’m not trying to convince you to track your time, food, or money in a little book somewhere, or to twist yourself into knots in an endless pursuit to maximize, optimize, or anything-ize your life according to whatever “10 Ways Successful People Brush Their Teeth” article that’s making the rounds this week.

The kind of structure I want for you has nothing to do with conventional definitions of success ( higher net worth! efficient use of time! productivity! peak performance! ) and everything to do with freedom — within whatever circumstances life has placed you in — to be more you and to live more life .

What is structure, after all, but the invisible stuff that does the boring work of supporting the important stuff?

Let’s rewind a bit, because this is really part three of a story I’ve been telling for years.

How would your life be better if you were absolutely clear about what you want your life to look like, the resources you have or will have at your disposal, and the obstacles that you’ll have to get over, around, or through to make it happen?

Pursuing clarity means paying attention. Often in financial planning, as in most data-heavy professions, we encourage you to pay attention to easily measurable things like how you spend your money, how it’s invested, and what you’re going to spend it on over the next five, fifteen, or thirty years.

But how do you feel?

It’s equally important to pay attention to how satisfied/restless/anxious you are today and how excited/worried/unhappy you about tomorrow, and how those feelings change with new information, a change in direction, or sometimes something as simple (seeming) as the weather/news/that vexing update on Facebook.

Pursuing clarity means keeping your eyes open to the (changing) combination of circumstances that give you a sustained feeling of contentment with both the present and the future.

In 2016, I wanted you take ownership. To get comfortable with your own definition of success, to stop apologizing for the ways your direction veers away from the conventional path or looks like someone else’s definition of failure. To fearlessly be the most authentic version of you. To trade away the things that don’t fill you up for things that do.

To outsiders, your contented, authentic self might look too lazy, too ambitious, too social, not social enough, materialistic, ascetic, too involved with your kids, not involved enough at your church…there’s an infinite number of ways that a well-meaning community, predatory marketers, and privileged bloggers can make you feel bad about all the things you aren’t doing well enough or aren’t doing period. Don’t let them (not even me).

Well, that’s easy to say

Exactly. That’s why we need structure.

I’ll give you some examples of structure that flows from clarity and ownership in my own life. Be warned, though: they’re not particularly counter-cultural. Anyone who’s spent more than five minutes with me knows I’m a natural-born Hufflepuff: unambitious, stubborn, plodding…in short: boring and proud of it, so don’t expect anything earth-shattering.

First example: I finally realized that Facebook vexes me, and that although I love all (most of) the people I’m friends with and want to stay connected with what’s happening in their lives, I don’t want to mindlessly scroll through a newsfeed full of whatever Facebook has decided I should look at today. The happiest me is one who connects with people, not an algorithm, and I’m okay with missing a few things and being out of touch by not constantly checking in. It might not sound like structure to you, but the simple act of deleting the app from my phone stopped the mindless scrolling. It’s just not something I do on my laptop. 

Another example: For the longest time, I thought I had to have free bank accounts and the best rewards credit card, because only dummies pay service fees or miss out on points, right? This led to a soul-sucking tangle of accounts that took tremendous mental energy to sort through every two weeks. I’m my happiest self when I’m reconciling accounts, absolutely…but not when reconciling accounts and transferring money all over creation is stealing time and energy away from more important things. With inspiration from my good friend Chris , I drew a picture of the fewest number of accounts that will still keep my business and personal stuff separate, and it’s so streamlined that I reconciled my bank accounts on New Year’s Eve. For fun.

One last example, I promise: Last year I realized just how frazzled it made me to fit focused work in between meetings and phone calls every day of the week while still leaving enough space to be with my family, serve my community, visit friends, and read a book or two. I’m my happiest self when I have big stretches of time to spend on whatever I want without rushing to the next thing, so I stopped scheduling meetings outside of Mondays and Tuesdays. I was worried that clients would be upset, colleagues would give up on me, and potential clients would call somebody else, but clients weren’t, colleagues didn’t, and potential clients might have but I’ll never know the difference.

(I warned you I was boring)

Let me sum up: Structure is intentionally designing the default settings of your life to align with what you want it to be. It’s automatic permission to be a little more yourself. Structure is saying no to a lot of things that don’t mean much at all so you can say yes to the few things that mean a lot.

In 2017, what I want most for you is to get clear about what fills you up, get brave about pursuing it even in the face of opposition, and set yourself up to say no to everything else.

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How to Get a Mortgage for a Second Property

By Marci Deane • January 14, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Second Property? Here’s What to Know Buying a second property is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a big financial decision that deserves thoughtful planning. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation retreat, building a rental portfolio, or looking to support a family member with a place to live, there are plenty of reasons to consider a second home. But before you jump in, it's important to understand the strategy and steps involved. Start with “Why” The best place to begin? Clarify your motivation. Ask yourself: Why do I want to buy a second property? What role will it play in my life or finances? How does this fit into my long-term goals? Whether your focus is lifestyle, income, or legacy planning, knowing your “why” will help you make smarter decisions from the start. Talk to a Mortgage Expert Early Once you’ve nailed down your goals, the next step is to sit down with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because buying a second property isn't quite the same as buying your first. Even if you’ve qualified before, financing a second home has unique considerations—especially when it comes to down payments, debt ratios, and how lenders assess risk. How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment? Here’s where the purpose of the property really matters: Owner-occupied or family use: You may qualify with as little as 5–10% down, depending on the property and lender. Income property: Expect to put down 20–35%, especially for short-term rentals or if it won’t be occupied by you or a family member. Your down payment amount can be one of the biggest hurdles—but with strategic planning, it’s often manageable. Ways to Fund the Down Payment If you don’t have the full amount in cash, you might be able to tap into your current home’s equity to help fund the purchase. Here are a few ways to do that: ✅ Refinance your existing mortgage to access additional funds ✅ Secure a second mortgage behind your current one ✅ Open a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) ✅ Use a reverse mortgage (in certain age-qualified scenarios) ✅ Take out a new mortgage if your current home is mortgage-free These options depend on your income, credit, home value, and overall financial picture—another reason why having a pro in your corner matters. Second Property Strategy: It’s More Than Just Numbers This purchase should be part of a bigger financial plan—one that balances risk and reward. It’s about: Assessing your full financial health Maximizing your existing assets Minimizing your cost of borrowing Aligning your purchase with your long-term goals Ready to Take the Next Step? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a second property. That’s why it helps to talk things through with someone who understands both the big picture and the small details. If you’re ready to explore your options and build a plan to make that second property dream a reality, let’s connect. I’d love to help you take the next step with confidence.

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.