My top 10 favourite straight-shooters…..

Marci • March 31, 2012

A few years ago, I decided I’d had enough of other people’s crap.

 

You know what I mean – those people who spin tales just for the sake of it. They tell you what they think you want to hear instead of the truth and never really get to the point. Well, I’d had enough of it. From family and friends to business associates, I’d decided to make sure others around me were being straight and I was going to be straight with them, even when it was hard.

 

In honour of the decision, here is a list of my top 10 favourite straight-shooters and what they did to get there.

 

10. Eleanor Roosevelt – when she found out her husband had been unfaithful, Eleanor reinvented herself, becoming independent and the woman history recalls. She didn’t hold FDR’s infidelity over his head, instead she changed herself and even became his eyes and ears when he developed polio.

 

9. Alain Vigneault – in almost every interview, when asked what matters to him, the Vancouver Canucks’ coach stays focused on one thing – winning games. No matter what the press says or does, he stays focused on his purpose.

 

8. Whoopi Goldberg – She has had her dark moments, but Whoopi, like few others, remains in the public eye and continues to entertain without taking shots at her culture to do so.

 

7. Jane Goodall – Despite having worked with chimps since 1960, it wasn’t until 1986 that Goodall became exposed to the suffering of chimps in captivity. She continued her research, but added a different element to ensure the world stood up and paid attention.

 

6. Margaret Thatcher – Love her or hate her (and there are many in both camps) she stuck to her beliefs of what had to be done to get England through a very difficult period in time. She didn’t get caught up in what was being said about her and she continued to show up for work for 11 years.

 

5. Svend Robinson – He stole a ring from an auction. Not good. But it was what he did after stealing the ring that lands him on my list. He could have kept the ring and never spoken a word. He could have returned it anonymously. What he did was publicly confess to taking it, ending his political career – but he did the right thing in the end, even knowing what the consequences would be.

 

4. Brooke Shields – Back when famous people kept their emotions private, after recovering from post-partum depression, Shields made her battle with the condition very public, in the hopes of helping others.

 

3. Johnny Carson – In 1967, Carson had the opportunity to shut up and fly right or challenge convention. He went up against NBC during a strike and won the freedom over his show – paving the way for future performers.

 

2. Ellen DeGeneres – Coming from a conservative family, Ellen’s “coming out” to her mother, friends and fans was a challenge each time she faced it. Now, she is a powerful role model for both gay and non-gay individuals to learn about acceptance.

 

1. Donald Trump – Here’s another person that has followers in both the ‘love’ and ‘hate’ camps. One thing I admire him for is coming back, perhaps a bit humbled, after the early 1990s collapse of his empire. Sure he’s obnoxious and pretentious, but he never denies the pains that got him there.

 

I’d like to add one more to the list – Marci Deane. No, I’ve never publicly had a defining moment of truth like these folks, but I’ve been honest with people when it’s been hard. I’ve had times when I’ve told potential clients to stay with their bank because that was the best option for them. I recently told other potential clients to not buy now because it would be too much of a strain on their budget.

 

The truth is far more important to me than making a deal.

 

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Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Marci Deane • April 29, 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%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Your Guide to Successfully Navigating the Housing Market

By Marci Deane • April 22, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.

How to Raise Your Credit Score and Unlock Better Rates

By Marci Deane • April 15, 2026
Want a Better Credit Score? Here’s What Actually Works Your credit score plays a major role in your ability to qualify for a mortgage—and it directly affects the interest rates and products you’ll be offered. If your goal is to access the best mortgage options on the market, improving your credit is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. Here’s a breakdown of what truly matters—and what you can start doing today to build and maintain a strong credit profile. 1. Always Pay On Time Late payments are the fastest way to damage your credit score—and on-time payments are the most powerful way to boost it. When you borrow money, whether it’s a credit card, car loan, or mortgage, you agree to repay it on a schedule. If you stick to that agreement, lenders reward you with good credit. But if you fall behind, missed payments are reported to credit bureaus and your score takes a hit. A single missed payment over 30 days late can hurt your score. Missed payments beyond 120 days may go to collections—and collections stay on your report for up to six years . Quick tip: Lenders typically report missed payments only if they’re more than 30 days overdue. So if you miss a Friday payment and make it up on Monday, you're probably in the clear—but don't make it a habit. 2. Avoid Taking On Unnecessary Credit Once you have at least two active credit accounts (like a credit card and a car loan), it’s best to pause on applying for more—unless you truly need it. Every time a lender checks your credit, a “hard inquiry” appears on your report. Too many inquiries in a short time can bring your score down slightly. Better idea? If your current lender offers a credit limit increase , take it. Higher available credit (when used responsibly) actually improves your credit utilization ratio, which we’ll get into next. 3. Keep Credit Usage Low How much of your available credit you actually use—also known as credit utilization —is another major factor in your score. Here’s the sweet spot: Aim to use 15–25% of your limit if possible. Never exceed 60% , especially if you plan to apply for a mortgage soon. So, if your credit card limit is $5,000, try to keep your balance under $1,250—and pay it off in full each month. Maxing out your cards or carrying high balances (even if you make the minimum payment) can tank your score. 4. Monitor Your Credit Report About 1 in 5 credit reports contain errors. That’s not a small number—and even a minor mistake could cost you when it’s time to get approved for a mortgage. Check your report at least once a year (or sign up for a monitoring service). Look for: Incorrect balances Accounts you don’t recognize Missed payments you know were paid You can request reports directly from Equifax and TransUnion , Canada’s two national credit bureaus. If something looks off, dispute it right away. 5. Deal with Collections Fast If you spot an account in collections—don’t ignore it. Even small unpaid bills (a leftover phone bill, a missed utility payment) can drag down your score for years. Reach out to the creditor or collection agency and arrange payment as quickly as possible . Once settled, ask for written confirmation and ensure it’s updated on your credit report. 6. Use Your Credit—Don’t Just Hold It Credit cards won’t help your score if you’re not using them. Inactive cards may not report consistently to the credit bureaus—or worse, may be closed due to inactivity. Use your cards at least once every three months. Many people put routine expenses like groceries or gas on their cards and pay them off right away. It’s a simple way to show regular, responsible use. In Summary: Improving your credit score isn’t complicated, but it does take consistency: Pay everything on time Keep balances low Limit new credit applications Monitor your report and handle issues quickly Use your credit regularly Following these principles will steadily increase your creditworthiness—and bring you closer to qualifying for the best mortgage rates available. Ready to review your credit in more detail or start prepping for a mortgage? I’m here to help—reach out anytime!