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Showing posts from August, 2024

Is Kingston, Ontario Still Worth It for Real Estate Investors?

  A ground-level view on cost of living, buying power, and whether it makes sense anymore Let me be straight with you: I’m having a hard time making the numbers work in Ontario right now. And I’m not sure anyone is being honest enough about it. I work in real estate. I’ve seen how things get built, priced, and sold. So when I look at the cost of living in Kingston - and Ontario broadly - and then compare it to what you’re actually getting for your money, something doesn’t add up. This isn’t doom and gloom. It’s just an honest look at what the market is actually doing and what it means if you’re thinking about buying investment property here. The Cost of Living Reality Check Kingston used to be one of those “hidden gem” cities. Smaller than Toronto, cheaper than Ottawa, decent rental market because of Queen’s University and RMC. That story made sense five years ago. Today? Not so much. AVG. HOME PRICE $600K+ Kingston, 2024–25 AVG. RENT (2BR) $2,100+ Per month GROCERY COST HIGH vs. c...

How to Fix Your Finances After Bankruptcy (And Not Lose Your Mind in the Process)

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So, you’ve declared bankruptcy. Oof. It’s like the financial equivalent of accidentally sending a text meant for your best friend to your boss. Awkward, but not the end of the world! Now that you’ve hit the big ol’ reset button on your finances, it’s time to channel your inner Phoenix and rise from the ashes of your credit score. Here’s a guide—served with a side of humor—to help you get back on track without losing your marbles. 1. Have a Good Cry, Then Get Over It Let’s be real: bankruptcy feels like getting dumped by your wallet. It’s okay to sulk for a bit. But once you’ve finished that tub of ice cream (no judgment), it’s time to move on. Accept what happened, learn from it, and start planning your comeback. After all, even superheroes have origin stories filled with failure. 2. Create a Budget (And Try Not to Fall Asleep) Budgets are about as exciting as watching paint dry, but they’re necessary. Think of your budget as a financial diet plan—except this one actually works. List o...

Navigating Property Division in Divorce: Common Approaches and Considerations

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Divorce is a challenging process that involves not just the emotional separation of a couple but also the division of assets accumulated during the marriage. One of the most significant assets that couples need to address is real estate, particularly the family home. Understanding the common ways to handle property division during divorce can help you make informed decisions and reduce the stress of this often complex process. 1. Selling the Property and Splitting the Proceeds One of the most straightforward ways to deal with real estate during a divorce is to sell the property and divide the proceeds between the two parties. This approach is particularly common when neither spouse can afford to keep the home on their own or when both parties want a clean break from the shared asset. Pros: Provides both parties with immediate liquidity. Avoids ongoing financial ties between ex-spouses. Simplifies the division of other assets. Cons: Emotional difficulty in selling the family home. Poten...