Stay Informed
Brock is active on social media - follow him on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Don't just spend your refund—multiply it.
Most people treat their tax refund as "found money".
That tax refund could be the foundation of your family's financial plan.
By choosing to invest instead of spend, you are changing your mindset for good!
Most people treat their tax refund as "found money".
That tax refund could be the foundation of your family's financial plan.
By choosing to invest instead of spend, you are changing your mindset for good!
Retirement isn’t a number — it’s a roadmap. We’ll outline how your savings can become a reliable source of income. Together, let's build your withdrawal strategy.
#RetirementStrategy #Retirement #SunLife
#RetirementStrategy #Retirement #SunLife
Do you find that your money sometimes seems to disappear after pay day?
If so, you need a plan for your money.
Here are the top, actionable ways to use your tax return:
Pay Down High-Interest Debt: Prioritize credit cards, personal loans, or lines of credit to save on interest payments.
Build an Emergency Fund: If you do not have one, use this cash to start a savings account covering 3-6 months of living expenses.
Invest for the Future (RRSP/TFSA): Contribute to a TFSA for tax-free growth or an RRSP to reduce future taxable income.
Make an Extra Mortgage Payment: If permitted, applying the refund to your principal can save significant interest over time.
Contribute to an RESP: Invest in a Registered Education Savings Plan to take advantage of government grants for your children’s education.
Invest in Yourself: Use the money to take courses, learn new skills, or upgrade your qualifications for career advancement.
Repair or Improve Your Home: Address necessary home repairs or maintenance to avoid costlier issues later.
Do you have your tax return planned?
If not, there is a high chance it disappears to extra expenses.
If so, you need a plan for your money.
Here are the top, actionable ways to use your tax return:
Pay Down High-Interest Debt: Prioritize credit cards, personal loans, or lines of credit to save on interest payments.
Build an Emergency Fund: If you do not have one, use this cash to start a savings account covering 3-6 months of living expenses.
Invest for the Future (RRSP/TFSA): Contribute to a TFSA for tax-free growth or an RRSP to reduce future taxable income.
Make an Extra Mortgage Payment: If permitted, applying the refund to your principal can save significant interest over time.
Contribute to an RESP: Invest in a Registered Education Savings Plan to take advantage of government grants for your children’s education.
Invest in Yourself: Use the money to take courses, learn new skills, or upgrade your qualifications for career advancement.
Repair or Improve Your Home: Address necessary home repairs or maintenance to avoid costlier issues later.
Do you have your tax return planned?
If not, there is a high chance it disappears to extra expenses.
Working from home is great, and I am more productive than being in the office and making the commute.
However, every time I see my kitty laying on his back for belly rubs, I will be away from my desk.
However, every time I see my kitty laying on his back for belly rubs, I will be away from my desk.
The Smartest Insurance Policy for Estate Planning (That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
When we talk about estate planning in 2026, one of the biggest hurdles isn't the inheritance itself—it’s the tax bill that comes with it.
If you own a home, a cottage, or a significant RRIF, your heirs could be looking at a major tax hit from the CRA.
The Solution? Joint Last-to-Die (JLT) Life Insurance.
What is it?
Unlike traditional life insurance that pays out when one person passes away, a JLT policy covers two people (usually spouses) and pays out only after the second person passes.
Why is this the "Gold Standard" for Estate Planning?
Cost-Efficient: Because the payout is deferred until the second death, the premiums are typically significantly lower than two individual policies.
Perfect Timing: In Canada, most taxes on an estate are deferred until the second spouse passes. A JLT policy triggers a tax-free payout at the exact moment the CRA bill arrives.
Liquidity: It provides the cash needed to pay probate fees and capital gains, so your kids don't have to sell the family home or the cottage just to pay the taxes.
The Bottom Line:
It’s not about the payout for you; it’s about the legacy for them. It ensures that 100% of what you built stays with your family.
Looking to see how the math works for your specific situation ? Let’s run the numbers.
📍 Brock Vale | Sun Life
📞 613-243-0015
When we talk about estate planning in 2026, one of the biggest hurdles isn't the inheritance itself—it’s the tax bill that comes with it.
If you own a home, a cottage, or a significant RRIF, your heirs could be looking at a major tax hit from the CRA.
The Solution? Joint Last-to-Die (JLT) Life Insurance.
What is it?
Unlike traditional life insurance that pays out when one person passes away, a JLT policy covers two people (usually spouses) and pays out only after the second person passes.
Why is this the "Gold Standard" for Estate Planning?
Cost-Efficient: Because the payout is deferred until the second death, the premiums are typically significantly lower than two individual policies.
Perfect Timing: In Canada, most taxes on an estate are deferred until the second spouse passes. A JLT policy triggers a tax-free payout at the exact moment the CRA bill arrives.
Liquidity: It provides the cash needed to pay probate fees and capital gains, so your kids don't have to sell the family home or the cottage just to pay the taxes.
The Bottom Line:
It’s not about the payout for you; it’s about the legacy for them. It ensures that 100% of what you built stays with your family.
Looking to see how the math works for your specific situation ? Let’s run the numbers.
📍 Brock Vale | Sun Life
📞 613-243-0015
From health spending accounts to enhanced benefits, there are ways to cover what provincial plans don't — and sometimes save on taxes too. Let's explore what fits your needs and budget.
A withdrawal strategy can help create dependable income while helping you manage risk. Let’s chat about income planning basics that fit your needs. https://advisor.sunlife.ca/brock.vale/
Tax season isn't just about filing — it's about planning ahead. From RRSP contributions to income splitting strategies, there are things you can do now to better position your finances for next year and beyond.
Get in touch to find out what strategies work best for you. https://advisor.sunlife.ca/brock.vale/
Get in touch to find out what strategies work best for you. https://advisor.sunlife.ca/brock.vale/
Wealth isn’t about complexity. It’s about clarity. 🧠
Being a young Wealth Advisor gives me a unique perspective. I’m looking at the finish line every day through the lives of my clients.
Here is what the "winners" at the end of the race are actually looking for:
- Less debt.
- Fewer moving parts.
- Simple, effective investments.
- Peace of mind.
No one regrets missing the "hot stock" of 2024. They regret the stress of not being in control.
If you want to build true wealth, stop looking for the most complicated path. Look for the clearest one. 🚀
Being a young Wealth Advisor gives me a unique perspective. I’m looking at the finish line every day through the lives of my clients.
Here is what the "winners" at the end of the race are actually looking for:
- Less debt.
- Fewer moving parts.
- Simple, effective investments.
- Peace of mind.
No one regrets missing the "hot stock" of 2024. They regret the stress of not being in control.
If you want to build true wealth, stop looking for the most complicated path. Look for the clearest one. 🚀
Navigating life insurance options can be overwhelming. Whether finishing school, buying a first home or starting a family, finding the right plan that fits life's unique journey is essential.
I can help secure your future. Let me know how we can help.
I can help secure your future. Let me know how we can help.
The Biggest Retirement Myth: "I need to be 100% safe." 🛑
Common wisdom says that as you approach retirement, you should move everything into "safe" investments like GICs or bonds.
But here’s the truth: Retirement isn't a single event; it’s a 30-year journey. If you stop your growth too early, you risk:
Inflation Erosion: Your purchasing power drops while costs rise.
Outliving Your Money: A stagnant portfolio may not keep up with your lifestyle.
Working Longer: You might be delaying your retirement unnecessarily because your "safe" strategy isn't doing the heavy lifting anymore.
You don’t need all your money on Day 1. We plan for the short-term cash you need AND the long-term growth you still require.
Brock Vale - 613-243-0015
brock.vale@sunlife.com
Common wisdom says that as you approach retirement, you should move everything into "safe" investments like GICs or bonds.
But here’s the truth: Retirement isn't a single event; it’s a 30-year journey. If you stop your growth too early, you risk:
Inflation Erosion: Your purchasing power drops while costs rise.
Outliving Your Money: A stagnant portfolio may not keep up with your lifestyle.
Working Longer: You might be delaying your retirement unnecessarily because your "safe" strategy isn't doing the heavy lifting anymore.
You don’t need all your money on Day 1. We plan for the short-term cash you need AND the long-term growth you still require.
Brock Vale - 613-243-0015
brock.vale@sunlife.com
Is Your Financial Plan Built for Overtime?
It’s Quarter-Final day for Team Canada Men’s Hockey! 🇨🇦 In the Olympics, coaches have to manage "Time on Ice" perfectly. If a player stays out too long, they burn out. If they don’t play enough, they don’t get results.
In the "Economic Olympics," we track this by looking at the average hours worked per week. Check out the global leaderboard for 2026:
🏆 The Weekly Endurance Leaderboard (Avg. Hours Worked)
1️⃣ Bhutan: 54.5 hrs
2️⃣ India: 45.8 hrs
3️⃣ Mexico: 42.1 hrs
4️⃣ USA: 36.4 hrs
5️⃣ Canada: 32.3 hrs
6️⃣ Germany: 25.5 hrs
Wait—only 32.3 hours for Canada? 🤨
That’s the national average, which includes part-time workers, seasonal shifts, and our generous vacation time.
The goal of a great financial plan isn’t to make you work more hours—it’s to ensure that the hours you DO work are building enough momentum so that eventually, your money starts doing the heavy lifting for you.
Source: https://data.oecd.org/emp/hours-worked.htm
Whether you’re clocking 30 hours or 60, let’s make sure your retirement strategy is ready for the podium.
Give me a shout to review your "scouting report."
📞 613-243-0015
It’s Quarter-Final day for Team Canada Men’s Hockey! 🇨🇦 In the Olympics, coaches have to manage "Time on Ice" perfectly. If a player stays out too long, they burn out. If they don’t play enough, they don’t get results.
In the "Economic Olympics," we track this by looking at the average hours worked per week. Check out the global leaderboard for 2026:
🏆 The Weekly Endurance Leaderboard (Avg. Hours Worked)
1️⃣ Bhutan: 54.5 hrs
2️⃣ India: 45.8 hrs
3️⃣ Mexico: 42.1 hrs
4️⃣ USA: 36.4 hrs
5️⃣ Canada: 32.3 hrs
6️⃣ Germany: 25.5 hrs
Wait—only 32.3 hours for Canada? 🤨
That’s the national average, which includes part-time workers, seasonal shifts, and our generous vacation time.
The goal of a great financial plan isn’t to make you work more hours—it’s to ensure that the hours you DO work are building enough momentum so that eventually, your money starts doing the heavy lifting for you.
Source: https://data.oecd.org/emp/hours-worked.htm
Whether you’re clocking 30 hours or 60, let’s make sure your retirement strategy is ready for the podium.
Give me a shout to review your "scouting report."
📞 613-243-0015
🏠 Day 12: Is the Nest Getting Crowded?
We’ve all seen the headlines about the "Boomerang Generation," but how does Canada actually compare to the rest of the world when it comes to kids moving out in 2026?
The 2026 Global Standings: Average Age of Moving Out (2026)
🥇 GOLD: Finland (21.4 years) The world leader in launching early. A mix of government student support and a culture that prizes independence keeps them in first place.
🥈 SILVER: Denmark (21.7 years) Denmark takes the Silver. Like their neighbors, Danish young adults benefit from a system that makes moving out for school or work financially feasible much earlier than in North America.
🥉 BRONZE: Sweden (21.9 years) Rounding out the Nordic sweep, Sweden takes the Bronze. Independence usually happens right around the end of high school or the start of university.
🇺🇸 The USA Shift: For the first time, the average age in the US has climbed to 27. Rental affordability is keeping the next generation home longer than ever before.
🇨🇦 Where is Canada?
We land even higher. In Canada, the average age of independence is now 28.2. Many young professionals are staying home well into their late 20s to build a down payment.
The Plot Twist: Think 28 is old? In Croatia, the average person doesn't move out until they are 31.3!
If your adult children are still at home, the "Parental Bank" needs a strategy. In 2026, the FHSA (First Home Savings Account) and the $7,000 TFSA limit are the best tools to help them move from your basement to their own front door.
Is your nest feeling a little full? Let’s chat about how we can build a plan to get the next generation launched without delaying your own retirement. 🚀
Brock Vale
Financial Advisor, Sun Life
📍 Kingston, Ontario
📞 613-243-0015
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250923-1?hl=en-CA
We’ve all seen the headlines about the "Boomerang Generation," but how does Canada actually compare to the rest of the world when it comes to kids moving out in 2026?
The 2026 Global Standings: Average Age of Moving Out (2026)
🥇 GOLD: Finland (21.4 years) The world leader in launching early. A mix of government student support and a culture that prizes independence keeps them in first place.
🥈 SILVER: Denmark (21.7 years) Denmark takes the Silver. Like their neighbors, Danish young adults benefit from a system that makes moving out for school or work financially feasible much earlier than in North America.
🥉 BRONZE: Sweden (21.9 years) Rounding out the Nordic sweep, Sweden takes the Bronze. Independence usually happens right around the end of high school or the start of university.
🇺🇸 The USA Shift: For the first time, the average age in the US has climbed to 27. Rental affordability is keeping the next generation home longer than ever before.
🇨🇦 Where is Canada?
We land even higher. In Canada, the average age of independence is now 28.2. Many young professionals are staying home well into their late 20s to build a down payment.
The Plot Twist: Think 28 is old? In Croatia, the average person doesn't move out until they are 31.3!
If your adult children are still at home, the "Parental Bank" needs a strategy. In 2026, the FHSA (First Home Savings Account) and the $7,000 TFSA limit are the best tools to help them move from your basement to their own front door.
Is your nest feeling a little full? Let’s chat about how we can build a plan to get the next generation launched without delaying your own retirement. 🚀
Brock Vale
Financial Advisor, Sun Life
📍 Kingston, Ontario
📞 613-243-0015
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20250923-1?hl=en-CA
The Tax Podium: Who wins the "Gold" for your paycheck in 2025? 🥇
It’s mid-February, and while those tax slips are landing in your mailbox, it’s the perfect time to look at the global leaderboard. If we handed out medals for the lowest taxes on a $100,000 income, the podium would look like this:
* 🥇 GOLD: The UAE & Bahamas (0%) – No income tax, period. You keep the full $100k, but remember: you’re the one paying for every doctor’s visit and school bill out of pocket! 🏝️
* 🥈 SILVER: Bulgaria & Romania (10%) – These "flat-tax" champions only take $10,000. Simple and predictable.
* 🥉 BRONZE: Estonia (22%) – Known for being the world's most digital country, they keep it lean with a flat rate that leaves you with about $78,000.
Wait, what about our neighbours?
In the USA, it's a "choose your own adventure."
In Florida, you’d take home about 77.60%. But in New York, after state taxes, you might only see 69% of your income—which is actually less than some Canadians!
The Ontario Reality 🇨🇦
At $100,000, an Ontario resident keeps roughly 76%. We’re in the middle of the pack, but we get universal healthcare and great infrastructure for that "membership fee."
Keep in mind, rates go up as your income level goes up!
The Win for You:
You don't need to move to Dubai to get a tax break. My job is to help you use the RRSP, TFSA, and FHSA to move yourself up that leaderboard. A solid strategy can often "save" you more than moving to a different country would!
Ready to find your own gold medal? Let’s chat.
Brock Vale | Sun Life
📞 613-243-0015
It’s mid-February, and while those tax slips are landing in your mailbox, it’s the perfect time to look at the global leaderboard. If we handed out medals for the lowest taxes on a $100,000 income, the podium would look like this:
* 🥇 GOLD: The UAE & Bahamas (0%) – No income tax, period. You keep the full $100k, but remember: you’re the one paying for every doctor’s visit and school bill out of pocket! 🏝️
* 🥈 SILVER: Bulgaria & Romania (10%) – These "flat-tax" champions only take $10,000. Simple and predictable.
* 🥉 BRONZE: Estonia (22%) – Known for being the world's most digital country, they keep it lean with a flat rate that leaves you with about $78,000.
Wait, what about our neighbours?
In the USA, it's a "choose your own adventure."
In Florida, you’d take home about 77.60%. But in New York, after state taxes, you might only see 69% of your income—which is actually less than some Canadians!
The Ontario Reality 🇨🇦
At $100,000, an Ontario resident keeps roughly 76%. We’re in the middle of the pack, but we get universal healthcare and great infrastructure for that "membership fee."
Keep in mind, rates go up as your income level goes up!
The Win for You:
You don't need to move to Dubai to get a tax break. My job is to help you use the RRSP, TFSA, and FHSA to move yourself up that leaderboard. A solid strategy can often "save" you more than moving to a different country would!
Ready to find your own gold medal? Let’s chat.
Brock Vale | Sun Life
📞 613-243-0015
This hockey season, I have been a proud sponsor of the U18 A Quinte West Golden Hawks! 🏒
Sports at the age of 17 and 18 are interesting. This is an age where your interests expand. Committing to competitive sports during this age is something that these athletes will carry with them throughout their careers.
Best of luck to all in the Playoffs!
Sports at the age of 17 and 18 are interesting. This is an age where your interests expand. Committing to competitive sports during this age is something that these athletes will carry with them throughout their careers.
Best of luck to all in the Playoffs!
Canada vs. The World: Who wins the "Burger & Beer" Gold Medal? 🥇🍺
The Giant Slalom today got me thinking about the "Cost of Living" hurdles we’re all jumping lately. I decided to see how much a classic "Burger and a Beer" costs around the world in 2026.
✅ The Winners (Best Value)
🇻🇳 Vietnam: ~$6 (The ultimate cheap date!)
🇯🇵 Japan: ~$13
Mexico ~$16
❌ The "Pricey" Peaks
🇨🇭 Switzerland: ~$42 (Ouch!)
🇳🇴 Norway: ~$38
🇺🇸 USA: ~$31 (Yes, it’s now more expensive to eat out in the States!)
🇨🇦 Canada: ~$28 (Tax & Tip included)
We often hear about how expensive things are getting, but compared to our neighbours in the USA or friends in Europe, we’re still holding a great "line".
The trick to winning the "Cost of Living Slalom" is balance. If you can save just $30 a week by eating in one extra night, and invest that into a tax-free account, you could have over $250,000 by the time you retire. Now that is a Gold Medal finish! 🥇
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/prices_by_city.jsp?itemId=4&displayCurrency=CAD
👇 Question for you: Where is your favourite spot to grab a burger? I’m looking for a new favourite! Let me know in the comments!
The Giant Slalom today got me thinking about the "Cost of Living" hurdles we’re all jumping lately. I decided to see how much a classic "Burger and a Beer" costs around the world in 2026.
✅ The Winners (Best Value)
🇻🇳 Vietnam: ~$6 (The ultimate cheap date!)
🇯🇵 Japan: ~$13
Mexico ~$16
❌ The "Pricey" Peaks
🇨🇭 Switzerland: ~$42 (Ouch!)
🇳🇴 Norway: ~$38
🇺🇸 USA: ~$31 (Yes, it’s now more expensive to eat out in the States!)
🇨🇦 Canada: ~$28 (Tax & Tip included)
We often hear about how expensive things are getting, but compared to our neighbours in the USA or friends in Europe, we’re still holding a great "line".
The trick to winning the "Cost of Living Slalom" is balance. If you can save just $30 a week by eating in one extra night, and invest that into a tax-free account, you could have over $250,000 by the time you retire. Now that is a Gold Medal finish! 🥇
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/prices_by_city.jsp?itemId=4&displayCurrency=CAD
👇 Question for you: Where is your favourite spot to grab a burger? I’m looking for a new favourite! Let me know in the comments!
Are you a "Fast Starter" or a "Late Finisher" in the Marriage Race? 💍🥇
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ While we’re celebrating love today, I looked up some stats on when people are actually saying "I do" in 2026.
It turns out, the world has a massive "Marriage Gap!" Check out the average age for a first marriage:
✅ The "Veteran" Club (Waiting for the right time)
🇸🇪 Sweden: 34 years old (The world's most patient partners!)
🇮🇹 Italy: 32 years old
🇨🇦 CANADA: 30 years old 🇨🇦
🚨 The "Fast Starters" (The Youngest in the World)
🇹🇩 Chad: 19.2 years old
🇳🇪 Niger: 19.4 years old
🇲🇿 Mozambique: 19.6 years old
In Canada, the average person is waiting until 30 to get hitched. Honestly? Your bank account probably thanks you. 💰
By waiting until your 30s, you’ve had time to build your savings, start your career, and figure out your "Money Style" together. Whether you marry at 20 or 40, the most important "I Do" is the one you make to your future.
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/age-at-first-marriage-by-country
👇 Question for you: How old were you when you got married? Or are you still waiting for the "Gold Medal" partner? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️ While we’re celebrating love today, I looked up some stats on when people are actually saying "I do" in 2026.
It turns out, the world has a massive "Marriage Gap!" Check out the average age for a first marriage:
✅ The "Veteran" Club (Waiting for the right time)
🇸🇪 Sweden: 34 years old (The world's most patient partners!)
🇮🇹 Italy: 32 years old
🇨🇦 CANADA: 30 years old 🇨🇦
🚨 The "Fast Starters" (The Youngest in the World)
🇹🇩 Chad: 19.2 years old
🇳🇪 Niger: 19.4 years old
🇲🇿 Mozambique: 19.6 years old
In Canada, the average person is waiting until 30 to get hitched. Honestly? Your bank account probably thanks you. 💰
By waiting until your 30s, you’ve had time to build your savings, start your career, and figure out your "Money Style" together. Whether you marry at 20 or 40, the most important "I Do" is the one you make to your future.
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/age-at-first-marriage-by-country
👇 Question for you: How old were you when you got married? Or are you still waiting for the "Gold Medal" partner? Let me know in the comments!
Are you getting a "Gold Medal" deal on your fitness? 🥇💪
Watching the Men’s Figure Skating today made me think about how much we spend to stay in "Olympic shape." We all know staying healthy is the best investment you can make, but did you know that Canada actually has some of the cheapest gym prices in the world?
Check out the "Monthly Fitness Fee" for 2026:
✅ The Winners (Best Value)
🇺🇸 USA: ~$39
🇨🇦 CANADA: ~$52 🇨🇦 (We’re much cheaper than Europe!)
🇵🇱 Poland: ~$55
❌ The Expensive (Big Scores)
🇨🇭 Switzerland: ~$120
🇦🇹 Austria: ~$107
🇶🇦 Qatar: ~$105
$50 to $60 a month is pretty standard. But here’s the challenge: Check your bank statement today! 🕵️♂️
The most expensive gym in the world isn't in Switzerland—it’s the one you pay for but never go to. We call these "Zombie Expenses." If you’re paying $60/month and not going, that’s $720 a year that could be going toward your vacation fund or an RESP for the kids!
The Lesson: Your health is everything. If you're using the gym, keep going! But if you're not, let's cut that "dead weight" and put that money to work for your future instead.
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_price_rankings?itemId=40
Watching the Men’s Figure Skating today made me think about how much we spend to stay in "Olympic shape." We all know staying healthy is the best investment you can make, but did you know that Canada actually has some of the cheapest gym prices in the world?
Check out the "Monthly Fitness Fee" for 2026:
✅ The Winners (Best Value)
🇺🇸 USA: ~$39
🇨🇦 CANADA: ~$52 🇨🇦 (We’re much cheaper than Europe!)
🇵🇱 Poland: ~$55
❌ The Expensive (Big Scores)
🇨🇭 Switzerland: ~$120
🇦🇹 Austria: ~$107
🇶🇦 Qatar: ~$105
$50 to $60 a month is pretty standard. But here’s the challenge: Check your bank statement today! 🕵️♂️
The most expensive gym in the world isn't in Switzerland—it’s the one you pay for but never go to. We call these "Zombie Expenses." If you’re paying $60/month and not going, that’s $720 a year that could be going toward your vacation fund or an RESP for the kids!
The Lesson: Your health is everything. If you're using the gym, keep going! But if you're not, let's cut that "dead weight" and put that money to work for your future instead.
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_price_rankings?itemId=40
Who wins the Gold for the lightest "Financial Bobsled"? 🛷🥇
In the Olympics, a heavy bobsled helps you go fast. But in real life, debt is a weight that makes it hard to steer when the track gets bumpy.
If we gave out Olympic medals for the families with the least amount of debt, the leaderboard would look very different! Check out the average Total Debt per Household for 2026:
🥇 THE GOLD MEDAL: Italy (~$72,000 CAD) 🇮🇹
The Italians are the masters of the "Light Sled." They have a massive culture of saving and usually own their homes outright or with very small mortgages. They are the most agile finishers in the West!
🥈 THE SILVER MEDAL: Germany (~$95,000 CAD) 🇩🇪
Germans are famous for being "debt-averse." They prefer to save up for years rather than borrowing, keeping their sleds light and easy to steer.
🥉 THE BRONZE MEDAL: USA (~$145,000 CAD) 🇺🇸
Our neighbors to the south have actually "lightened their load" significantly over the last 15 years, putting them in a much better position to handle the turns.
🚨 THE "OVERWEIGHT" SLED: CANADA (~$212,000 CAD) 🇨🇦
Unfortunately, Canada is at the back of the pack. We are currently carrying the heaviest household debt in the G7.
When your "sled" is this heavy, any bump in the track—like an interest rate hike or a repair on the house—feels like a total wipeout.
The goal isn't just to get to the bottom of the hill; it's to get there with your savings intact!
Source: https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/HH_LS@GDD/CAN/GBR/USA/DEU/ITA/FRA/JPN/VNM
In the Olympics, a heavy bobsled helps you go fast. But in real life, debt is a weight that makes it hard to steer when the track gets bumpy.
If we gave out Olympic medals for the families with the least amount of debt, the leaderboard would look very different! Check out the average Total Debt per Household for 2026:
🥇 THE GOLD MEDAL: Italy (~$72,000 CAD) 🇮🇹
The Italians are the masters of the "Light Sled." They have a massive culture of saving and usually own their homes outright or with very small mortgages. They are the most agile finishers in the West!
🥈 THE SILVER MEDAL: Germany (~$95,000 CAD) 🇩🇪
Germans are famous for being "debt-averse." They prefer to save up for years rather than borrowing, keeping their sleds light and easy to steer.
🥉 THE BRONZE MEDAL: USA (~$145,000 CAD) 🇺🇸
Our neighbors to the south have actually "lightened their load" significantly over the last 15 years, putting them in a much better position to handle the turns.
🚨 THE "OVERWEIGHT" SLED: CANADA (~$212,000 CAD) 🇨🇦
Unfortunately, Canada is at the back of the pack. We are currently carrying the heaviest household debt in the G7.
When your "sled" is this heavy, any bump in the track—like an interest rate hike or a repair on the house—feels like a total wipeout.
The goal isn't just to get to the bottom of the hill; it's to get there with your savings intact!
Source: https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/HH_LS@GDD/CAN/GBR/USA/DEU/ITA/FRA/JPN/VNM
Kingston vs. The World: Are we winning the housing race? 🥇🏠
Watching the Super-G today got me thinking about the "Real Estate Race." We all know house prices have gone up, but how does Kingston actually compare to the rest of the world?
Check out the highest average home prices for 2026:
❌ The "Pricey" Peaks (Most Expensive)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong: $1.2 Million (For a tiny apartment!)
🇺🇸 New York City: $830,000
🇨🇦 Vancouver: $815,000
✅ The "Kingston" Line (Value & Quality)
🇨🇦 KINGSTON: $622,000 🇨🇦
Compared to Toronto ($1.1 Million)
Source: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/home-contents-insurance/features/global-cost-of-property/
👇 Question for you: If you could live anywhere in the world for one year—cost aside—where would you go?
Watching the Super-G today got me thinking about the "Real Estate Race." We all know house prices have gone up, but how does Kingston actually compare to the rest of the world?
Check out the highest average home prices for 2026:
❌ The "Pricey" Peaks (Most Expensive)
🇭🇰 Hong Kong: $1.2 Million (For a tiny apartment!)
🇺🇸 New York City: $830,000
🇨🇦 Vancouver: $815,000
✅ The "Kingston" Line (Value & Quality)
🇨🇦 KINGSTON: $622,000 🇨🇦
Compared to Toronto ($1.1 Million)
Source: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/home-contents-insurance/features/global-cost-of-property/
👇 Question for you: If you could live anywhere in the world for one year—cost aside—where would you go?
Have questions?
Here to help answer your questions, provide clarity about products and get you started on the road to achieving your goals.