Making a difference in 2019

January brings with it many changes each year! Another birthday to look forward to, and a new list of resolutions to commit to, whether that means losing weight, exercising more, eating better, drinking less, walking the dog (every day), loving thy neighbour… The list goes on and on.

On the financial side, January likely brings the largest credit card bills of the year, covering the cost of holiday spending and maybe a winter vacation. These hefty bills can give pause to many people who might then commit to being more financially responsible in the coming year. Following through on such a commitment is often easier said than done. Life is expensive, and there never seems to be a shortage of essential purchases to keep the family going. We are also constantly bombarded with offers of new credit cards that will give us points and car loans and leases with zero interest (no such thing in reality, as often shown in the fine print). The financial institutions will try to make you believe that everything they do is for your betterment and in your best interest (this is only true if you happen to be a shareholder), and buyer beware is an important idea to remember. The reality is that we must combine a large amount of self-control with an equal amount of smart financing choices. This often requires the voice of an independent party who can look at your financial situation objectively and provide guidance without bias.

Sometimes even with precautionary spending and concerted self-control, we find ourselves in unplanned financial situations. Of course, as Canadians (and as individuals), we tend to be very private about our finances, especially when things aren’t as rosy as they might appear. We want our neighbours to think we paid cash for the new shiny car in the driveway. Our feelings of insecurity around finances might make us reluctant to seek advice and take the necessary steps towards financial responsibility.

At Robinson Mortgage Group, we are here to help. We can provide advice and recommend actions to get back on track. Of course, any conversations we have will be held in the strictest of confidence.