We are drowning in Debt. Which generation carries the most?
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

We are drowning in Debt. Which generation carries the most?

Do you know which Canadian age group carries the most amount of debt? Or, could you tell me if mortgage debt tends to increase or decrease with age? How about this, true or false, credit card debt increases for Canadians as they age?

I broke down a recent article that takes a deep dive into Canadians’ financial situation. More specifically the article investigates how much and what kind of debt we carry, what age cohorts carry the most debt, and what kind of debt to expect to carry as we age.

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The Rules to Life
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

The Rules to Life

Over the first five months, I have come across several “rules to life” They are from several individuals; experts in their respective fields. Each with their own view on how to live a meaningful and impactful life.

Through that search, I have compiled several ‘rules’ to live a good life, which I will outline (and provide resources) for you to explore on your own.

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Why the BANK said NO
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Why the BANK said NO

You applied for your first mortgage and you got denied. Are you sure you put the best application forward? Find out three mistakes you may be making that are reducing your ability to get an approval.

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Unlocking Your First Home: Tips to Get the Bank to Say YES
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Unlocking Your First Home: Tips to Get the Bank to Say YES

Don’t make buying your first home more stressful than it actually is. Get yourself organized and prepared for securing your first mortgage. Find out what documents most lenders are looking for as they review your application to see if you’re a suitable candidate for a mortgage

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What is Bitcoin and why you should learn about it!
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

What is Bitcoin and why you should learn about it!

The Bitcoin conversation has infiltrated some facet of our lives, whether it be through mainstream business news channels, social media, or even our holiday gatherings, the talk of Bitcoin is becoming more common. Although occurring more often in our lives, I believe it is something that is poorly understood and susceptible to unfair discrimination due to inadequate surface-level knowledge.

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How to Purchase Your First Home
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

How to Purchase Your First Home

Buying your first home is a stressful process in itself. Securing financing is a paramount part of purchasing real estate for most people. Use this checklist as a general guideline to have all your documentation in order.

Remember, when you are purchasing residential (especially for your primary residence), the lender often puts much emphasis on the actual property. The emphasis is on whether YOU as the BORROWER are CAPABLE of maintaining payments. The bank is protecting their asset (the loan) and YOU have to PROVE to them that you are an appropriate candidate for that loan.

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Why you should QUIT more often
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Why you should QUIT more often

In our society, to quit often signals a feeling of defeat, loss and even failure. Meaning it is held in a negative light. Often looking back on what we have lost or wasted in the effort. Annie, in her more recent book Quit, the power of knowing when to walk away, highlights how we should embrace quitting and instead look to the future for the expected value and the potential future loss if we don’t quit.

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Guide to Managing Student Loans: Strategies for U.S. and Canadian Healthcare Professionals
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Guide to Managing Student Loans: Strategies for U.S. and Canadian Healthcare Professionals

Tackling student loans might seem daunting, but it's like untangling a big knot—one step at a time. Remember “anything above zero, compounds”. Whether you're in the bustling cities of the U.S. or the scenic landscapes of Canada, being smart with your student loans can pave the way for a brighter financial future. This guide is packed with savvy strategies to help you understand your loans, find relief through forgiveness and repayment plans, and keep calm under the weight of debt

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Investment Strategies for the Risk Averse
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Investment Strategies for the Risk Averse

In the dynamic world of investing, the stock market's unpredictable nature can be a significant source of anxiety for the risk-averse, especially for healthcare professionals who've dedicated their lives to stability and care. The fear of market fluctuations often leads to hesitation, potentially hindering financial growth and the ability to outpace inflation.

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Retirement Planning for Healthcare Professionals
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Retirement Planning for Healthcare Professionals

For healthcare professionals, retirement planning carries its own set of complexities. Balancing the desire for a comfortable retirement against the reality of variable income, practice management costs, and personal financial goals requires a nuanced approach.

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Canadian Taxes 101: What You Need to Know
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Canadian Taxes 101: What You Need to Know

They are only the largest expense we Canadians have in our lifetimes. Despite that, only a few of us actually truly understand how they work, what certain terms mean and what you can do to legally reduce your tax burden

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How to get out of DEBT fast!
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

How to get out of DEBT fast!

Did you overspend over the holidays? Did you rack up credit card debt? Did you tap into your line of credit? Are you nervous about making your payments? Let me show you some strategies people have used to pay off their debt fast!

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How much money do you need to RETIRE?
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

How much money do you need to RETIRE?

According to a recent BMO survey, that’s how much money Canadians believe they need in their piggy bank in order for them to retire. It is important to note, the definition of retirement will vary amongst individuals, however, traditionally, retirement means ceasing to work so you can stay at home and annoy your spouse.

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How to buy your first home the smart way!
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

How to buy your first home the smart way!

You may be asking yourself ‘What the heck is an FHSA and how can I use it to buy my first home?’. Don’t fret, we will discuss the nitty gritty of the proposed FHSA plan and how you can use that, alongside an FHBP (RRSP) and TFSA to purchase your first home.

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Bouncing Back: Recovering from Capital Loss
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Bouncing Back: Recovering from Capital Loss

Investing in the stock market can be an exciting and potentially lucrative endeavor. However, just like any investment, there's always a chance of experiencing losses. If you find yourself facing a stock market loss, it's essential to understand that it's not the end of the world. With patience, perseverance, and a strategic approach, you can work towards recovering from the setback. In this article, we'll explore some basic steps you can take to recover from a stock market loss.

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Does Gender Income Inequality exist in Healthcare?
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Does Gender Income Inequality exist in Healthcare?

Over my career both as a physiotherapist and an adjunct clinical professor, I could sense there was a disparity between my male and female colleagues. Although I sensed this, I did not spend much time actually researching the literature. To my detriment, I think I could have had more of an impact earlier on in my career addressing some of the issues through my various roles. Nevertheless, I spent the last week doing a deep dive into the historical income difference in the workforce as a whole but also with a special focus on healthcare. A field that I am intimately familiar with.

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Why are these major banks collapsing?
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Why are these major banks collapsing?

Headlines are screaming about a possible banking system collapse as three large institutions (Silvergate Capital, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank) have failed over the last three weeks. This is even affecting a major player in traditional finance, whose tentacles reach all corners of the world, Credit Suisse.

There is a whole generation of people who are getting a crash (forgive the pun) course on how money works and the current affairs of our banking system. Likely, the question you are asking yourself is 'will it affect me, and what can I do about it?

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Buying your first home with a FHSA?
Robin Valadares Robin Valadares

Buying your first home with a FHSA?

You may be asking yourself ‘What the heck is an FHSA and how can I use it to buy my first home?’. Don’t fret, we will discuss the nitty gritty of the proposed FHSA plan and how you can use that, alongside an FHBP and TFSA to purchase your first home.

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