Family Formation & Housing

For young couples starting families, buying their first home and/or other real estate. Covers mortgages, credit cards, interest rates, children’s education savings plans, joint accounts for couples and the like.

The Burn Your Mortgage Podcast: Home ownership, the Foundation of Financial Independence with Jonathan Chevreau

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Below is an edited transcript of a podcast interview conducted late in 2023 between myself and Burn Your Mortgage podcaster and author Sean Cooper.

The conversation starts with our thoughts on the high price of housing in Canada and how newcomers trying to get on the first rung of the housing ladder can get a start by saving up in Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) and the new First Home Savings Accounts (FHSAs.)

From there we move on a discussion of saving for Retirement, my concept of Findependence (or Financial Independence) and Semi-Retirement: aka Victory Lap Retirement.

Click any of the links below to hear the full audio podcast on your favorite podcast app. Below that is a shortened edited transcript of the interview.

Partial  Transcript

Sean Cooper  

Let’s get started with our interesting discussion today on findependence as well as your daughter’s journey to homeownership. I remember you being on a segment of CBC on the money back in the day a few years ago, with your daughter. So yes, the first thing I want to ask you about is the challenge of younger folks buying a property around that housing affordability issue, so maybe we can talk a bit about your daughter’s journey to homeownership and also about the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA.)

Jonathan Chevreau  

Sure. first of all, as an only child, we remind her that eventually we’ll be gone and that this current house will be hers in any case. So that removes some pressure. Is it a challenge right now in places like Toronto and Vancouver to buy a first home? Yes, it is. Is it impossible? No, it’s like anything else in personal finance. It’s priorities. I think I’ve educated her to the point that she’s been saving in a TFSA and maximizing it since she was 18 years old.

The point is between the TFSA and now the First Home Savings Account, it’s a lot better to receive interest than to pay it out once you commit to a house, which is a lot more expensive than the baby boomers ever had to pay … We’d rather collect rent, in effect, or interest income than than pay it out.

FHSA versus TFSA and Homebuyers Plan

Sean Cooper  

Could you share your thoughts on how the FHSA compares to the TFSA and the RRSP homebuyer plan?

Jonathan Chevreau  

As you know, the FHSA has only been out for about a year. And it allows you to invest $8,000 a year into basically anything that an RRSP or a TFSA would allow you to invest in. So not just fixed income, but you can invest in stocks, ETFs, asset allocation ETFs, etc. And you get a deduction similar to how an RRSP generates one.

But the beauty of it is it’s very flexible, like a TFSA. You don’t have to buy a first home. But it’s only good for people who have never bought a home yet, so it’s a one-time only deal. I would say it would be a priority. But whether or not you think you’re going to buy a home, you certainly will want to retire at some point. And therefore the FHSA does double duty.

Sean Cooper  

I agree completely. And the FHSA is a lot more flexible than the homebuyer plan, you can actually use both of them together. So if you have a lot of money in your RRSP, then you can use them in combination. But a couple cool things that I learned is that with the RRSP home buyers plan, there’s actually the rule that basically any contributions that you make, it has to sit in the account for 90 days before you can take the money out. But with the FHSA, it doesn’t have that same rule, you can essentially contribute money and then pretty much take it out. And you don’t have to wait 90 days or anything like that.

 Jonathan Chevreau  

The good thing about home equity and a paid for-home because as you know, Sean, I’ve written that the foundation of financial independence is a paid-for home, but once it’s paid for there is home equity, then, if you have to, in the last five years of Old Age would tap it to pay for, I don’t know, $6,000 or $7,000 a month for a nursing home or retirement home. Nice to have in the back of your pocket, the home equity.

My view is, there’s no rush to get out there and buy a first home at these high interest rates and home prices are also almost near record high though they’ve come down a bit.

Retirement savings, pensions, CPP, OAS

Sean Cooper  

Why don’t we switch gears and talk about the second topic that we want to discuss: financial independence.  If all the money is in the house, and you don’t have a gold-plated pension plan, you have a bit of a challenge there. Now, certainly you can downsize but then there is the cost of moving and the land transfer tax, and all that.

Jonathan Chevreau  

Well, I don’t have a gold-plated pension. I would call it more like a bronze-plated one. Mostly from National Post, since I was there for 19 years. My wife has no employer pension, but always maximized her RRSP. And we obviously eat our own cooking, so we have maximized our TFSAs since it began. We delayed CPP as long as we could, but didn’t quite wait until 70 because actuary and author Fred Vettese had an article in The Globe the last couple of weeks arguing that those who are 68 or 69 now are probably better off taking CPP a year or two earlier, so you get the inflation adjustment.

Most financial planners would say you should look at CPP and OAS really nice additions to savings and that can be the foundation or your findependence, especially if you don’t have an employer-provided Defined Benefit pension plan.  Some worry that if the worst happens, like Alberta leaving CPP, what if somehow they renege on the CPP promise? But I don’t think it’s going to happen.

Retiree money fears and Asset Allocation

Still, it doesn’t hurt to have financial assets so in the end, you’re not going to be dependent on the government or any one employer.  One thing you can count on is your personal investments like RRSPs/RRIFs, TFSAs, and non registered savings. Then of course, if you’re managing your own money , you have to worry about the fear of every retiree: running out of money or losing money if the stock market crashes. Asset allocation is the proper protection there: my own financial advisor recommends 60% fixed income to 40% stocks, I guess we’re close to that. Right now GICs — guaranteed investment certificates — are paying roughly 4 or 5%, depending where you go. If you ladder them so they mature one to five years from now, then you don’t have to worry about the reinvestment risk. You just reinvest whenever they come due at current rates. Continue Reading…

In the pursuit of financial security for all, we can’t overlook older widowed women

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Image by Pexels: Andrea Piacquadio

By Christine Van Cauwenberghe

Special to Financial Independence Hub

Canada has a bold vision – to build a more accessible, inclusive and effective financial literacy ecosystem for all. The five-year plan, laid out in the National Financial Literacy Strategy 2021-2026, is an important step forward to achieving sweeping financial literacy. But one cohort is noticeably absent from this ambitious strategy – older widowed women.

During Financial Literacy Month in November, we had an opportunity to cast a light on financial education and empowerment for this often overlooked and underserved, but statistically significant, group. In 2022, there were approximately 1.5 million widowed women compared to the roughly 472,000 widowed men, reports Statista Research Department. As our nation nears “super-aged” status, where 20 per cent of our population will be 65 years or older, these numbers will continue to climb.

Longer life expectancies for women, paired with women generally marrying or partnering with older men, leaves them more likely to spend at least some of their retirement in widowhood. As such, it’s estimated that 90 per cent of women will become the sole financial decision-maker at some point in their lifetime, representing a substantial segment of Canada’s wealth management sector.

Lower financial literacy than male counterparts

However, this same group generally reports lower levels of financial literacy than their male counterparts. While many reasons account for this disparity, traditional societal norms play a significant role – older generations of women were more likely to stay home and rear children while men typically joined the workforce, granting them greater financial exposure.

Now, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to change this. Widespread financial literacy matters, but in our effort to educate the masses we can’t leave certain groups behind. By narrowing the knowledge gap, we can empower widowed women from and after the Silent Generation with a voice – we can give them a say in their own financial future.

Women will soon control half of accumulated Wealth

By 2026, women in Canada will control roughly half of all accumulated financial wealth, estimates Strategic Insights, up from one-third a decade earlier. While this is a welcomed shift, many women’s’ lack of core financial understanding and involvement is sobering. Too often, it’s men who assume a leading role in personal wealth management, specifically retirement and estate planning. This despite the fact that women, on average, survive their husbands by roughly five years. Yet, only 17 per cent of women in Canada over the age of 65 have an up-to-date will, according to a survey from LegalWills Canada. Continue Reading…

Navigating the Student Loan Dilemma: Unlocking Financial Independence with RESPs

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By Andrew Lo, President & CEO of Embark Student Corp.

(Sponsored Post)

The pursuit of higher education is a cornerstone of personal and professional growth for many young Canadians. However, this pursuit often comes at a hefty price, with student loans being a significant barrier to financial independence. The burden of student debt can haunt graduates for years, affecting their ability to save, invest, and achieve financial stability. But there’s good news: opening a Registered Educations Savings Plan (RESP) can lighten the burden of student loans and help you help your children start their adult life debt-free by encouraging regular and early savings, offering valuable government grants, and harnessing the power of compound interest.

The Student Loan Conundrum

Canada is home to a world-class education system, but the cost of pursuing post-secondary education can be daunting. Tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other expenses can quickly add up, leaving many students with no choice but to turn to the most common method of affording post-secondary:  student loans.

What some students don’t fully understand when they use student loans is that they come with interest rates that accrue after graduation. For many young Canadians, this means they start their careers with substantial debt, and few resources to help them repay their loans.

In a recent poll of Canadian students, 79% admitted that the amount of debt taken on to afford post-secondary can be debilitating. This burden of student debt can have a profound impact on a young graduate’s financial journey, with 57% of students surveyed agreeing that graduating with student debt will make it harder for them to become financially independent from their parents.

Unfortunately, the constant struggle to make loan payments often hampers their ability to save and invest in their futures. Despite this, student loans are still the most normalized way of paying for education in Canada.

There’s a better way pay for post-secondary education

One effective way to combat the student loan conundrum is to start saving for education expenses early. It can be hard to think about university and college when a child is a few years old but by beginning to save as soon as possible, families can significantly reduce their need for student loans. You’re probably thinking, “accumulating savings to cover educational costs while managing the rising cost-of-living is no easy feat.” This is where a Registered Education Savings Plan [RESP] comes into play.

RESPs are powerful tools that Canadians can take advantage of to fit the post-secondary bill. They can be opened by the parents or guardians of a child, other family members, or friends, to save over a total period of 35 years. By contributing regularly to an RESP, families can build substantial savings to cover tuition and related expenses. Starting early allows for smaller, manageable contributions over time, reducing the financial stress associated with higher education. The most valuable part of this savings tool is that it opens your savings up to a world of government grants that you can qualify for.

Unlocking “Free Money” with Grants

One of the most compelling features of RESPs is the opportunity to acquire “free money” in the form of grants. The Canadian government provides a generous grant called the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) as a reward for saving, allowing you to collect up to $7200.

This grant matches 20% of your contributions on the first $2,500 saved annually. Over the years, if you contribute $2500 annually to an RESP, this works out to an additional 20% being added to your first $36,000 saved without even considering investment gains. By maximizing these grant opportunities, families can alleviate the financial strain of higher education and better prepare for the future. Continue Reading…

16 Business Leaders share their best Real Estate Investment Advice

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Alena Darmel – Pexels

Aspiring homeowners and families looking to invest in property often seek expert advice. To provide a range of perspectives, we’ve gathered sixteen pieces of advice from CEOs, founders, and other industry professionals. From understanding the market rather than chasing it, to securing a property warranty, this article offers a wealth of insights for property investment.

 

 

  • Understand, Don’t Chase, the Market
  • Consider Property’s Rentability
  • Diversify Your Real Estate Investments
  • Seek Immediate Return on Investment
  • Research and Plan Your Investment
  • Leverage Home Inspection Power
  • Invest in a Fixer-Upper
  • Consider Total Cost of Ownership
  • Have a Clear Exit Strategy
  • Start Small in Property Investment
  • Diversify Your Real Estate Portfolio
  • Think Long-Term for Value Appreciation
  • Look into Emerging Neighborhoods
  • Define Your Investment Goals
  • Establish a Clear Budget
  • Secure a Property Warranty

Understand, don’t chase, the Market

If there’s one piece of advice I consistently circle back to, it’s this: don’t just chase the market, understand it. Now, that might sound a bit cliche, but let me unpack that for you with an example and a personal anecdote.

Many aspiring homeowners or investors get drawn into this frenzy of buying property anywhere there’s a buzz. You know, a new major employer coming into the area, a big infrastructure project announcement, or maybe where there’s a sudden spike in property values. But here’s the twist: not every “hot” market is suitable for every investor. — Shri Ganeshram, CEO and Founder, Awning.com

Consider Property’s Rentability

I’d suggest considering the “rentability” of the property. If your circumstances change and you need to move, having a property that’s attractive to renters can provide a steady income stream. 

Look for properties with features that are in high demand in the rental market, such as a good layout, modern amenities, and proximity to employment centers. I’ve seen clients turn unexpected relocations into opportunities by choosing properties that are easy to rent, thereby securing a secondary income source. — Alexander Capozzolo, CEO, SD House Guys

Diversify your Real Estate Investments

Different types of real estate investments, such as residential properties, commercial properties, or vacation rentals, can react differently to market fluctuations. By spreading your investments across various property types, I’ve seen how it can reduce the overall risk associated with real estate investing.

I’ve witnessed that diversification can provide a more stable income stream. For instance, while one property might experience a vacancy, another may continue to generate rental income.

I’ve found that different markets may perform differently at various times. By advising clients to invest in properties in different geographic locations, I’ve seen them benefit from a broader range of market conditions. — Ritika Asrani, Owner and Head Broker, St Maarten Real Estate

Seek Immediate Return on Investment

One piece of real estate investment advice I’d give is to focus on buying property that can give you a return on investment (ROI) immediately. That’s because when interest rates are high, property prices decrease, making it harder to know what kind of appreciation you can expect in the future.

As a bonus tip, invest where there are median-priced homes to maximize your returns. For example, if you invest in a $300,000 house with an 8% versus a 4% interest rate, the mortgage difference would be just $615 per month. 

On the other hand, if you invest in a $1 million property with the same interest rates (8% versus 4%), the mortgage difference you’d pay would be over $2,000 per month.

Ultimately, to maximize your returns and minimize risk as an investor, buy properties that will give you cash flow from day one and limit your mortgage payments. — Ryan Chaw, Founder and Real Estate Investor, Newbie Real Estate Investing

Research and Plan your Investment

Thoroughly research the local real estate market dynamics. Understand not only current property values but also potential growth or decline in the area. In our global property management experience, we’ve seen the value in choosing properties located in areas with growing job opportunities, infrastructure development, and a strong community presence. 

Additionally, always factor in the long-term perspective: real estate typically appreciates over time, so patience and a well-planned strategy can yield returns. Consider your investment goals and financial capabilities carefully. Determine whether you seek rental income, capital appreciation, or both. Calculate a budget, including property purchase, maintenance, and potential vacancies. 

Finally, don’t underestimate the significance of a property management company, especially if investing in different locations or operating remotely. Their expertise can help navigate property investment complexities and ensure your investment thrives. — Johan Hajji, CEO and Founder, UpperKey

Leverage Home Inspection Power

One tip I’d offer is to leverage the power of “home inspection” before finalizing any deal. A thorough inspection can reveal potential issues like structural damage or outdated electrical systems, allowing you to either negotiate the price or avoid a money pit.

I‘ve had clients who saved thousands by using the findings of a home inspection to negotiate a lower purchase price, turning what could have been a costly mistake into a savvy investment. — Gagan Saini, CEO, JIT Home Buyers

Invest in a Fixer-Upper

My career in remodeling and carpentry started with a real estate investment. I bought a home in disrepair for very little money and began piecing it together, learning how to perform various construction tasks along the way. 

At first, I just got one room livable. Then, at night and on weekends, piece by piece, I finished the kitchen, then the bathroom, then the basement. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with your hands, you’ll enjoy a fixer-upper much more than a property that you paint and resell. — Rick Berres, Owner, Honey-Doers

Consider Total Cost of Ownership

One piece of advice would be to think long term and consider the “total cost of ownership,” not just the purchase price. This includes property taxes, maintenance, and potential homeowner association (HOA) fees. 

I recommend it to create a detailed budget that accounts for these ongoing costs to ensure the investment is sustainable in the long run. Clients who’ve taken this holistic approach have been better prepared for the financial responsibilities of property ownership, avoiding unexpected financial strain down the line. — Erik Wright, CEO, New Horizon Home Buyers

Have a Clear Exit Strategy

Have a solid exit plan from the get-go. It’s not just about buying a property; it’s about understanding how you’re going to profit from it. Are you looking for long-term rental income, or do you plan to flip the property for a quick return? 

Having a clear strategy helps you make informed decisions and ensures that your investment aligns with your financial goals. Real estate can be a fantastic wealth-building tool, but knowing your exit strategy keeps you on the right path to success. — Loren Howard, Founder, Prime Plus Mortgages

Start Small in Property Investment

Start small. For aspiring homeowners or families looking to invest in property, it is important to start small. While it may be tempting to jump into a larger, more expensive property as your first investment, starting with a smaller and more affordable property can be a smarter financial decision in the long run. 

By starting small, you will have less risk and financial burden, allowing you to learn and gain experience in the real estate market without being overwhelmed. Additionally, starting small will also give you a better understanding of your financial capabilities and help you make more informed decisions for future investments. 

Furthermore, starting with a smaller property can also provide potential for quicker returns on investment. With lower purchase prices and potentially lower maintenance costs, you may be able to see profits sooner than with a larger, more expensive property. — Keith Sant, CMO, Eazy House Sale

Diversify your Real Estate Portfolio

I would advise diversifying your portfolio if you’re searching for real estate investment tips. Think about making investments in a variety of real estate, including commercial, residential, and even holiday rentals. This diversification can create several income streams while reducing risk.  Continue Reading…