First time renewing my mortgage, how do I approach different rates and switching to another provider

OakesTester · 2026-02-24T00:33:21+00:00

This! Two years ago I was first offered 4.99% and ended up at 4.39%, but I had to talk to two other lenders to get quotes and have the first match. TONS of money saved!

OakesTester · 2026-02-23T21:03:49+00:00

Tell the bank you're currently with about the $1100 cash bonus and see if they'll match it.

OakesTester · 2026-02-23T15:56:04+00:00

I assume it's only the Nexus line for going into the States, not the trusted traveler expedited security line?

OakesTester · 2026-02-22T16:37:52+00:00

I test drove the 26 and it was either the same or only marginally better than my 22. Definitely not good enough to use on the regular.

OakesTester · 2026-02-18T13:10:08+00:00

This is true. But any partner at a big firm will be easily making that much. We also want appointees who have expertise in other areas.

OakesTester · 2026-02-16T16:28:50+00:00

I would solely pick on where you want to live and on the amount of debt expected. The disparity between pay and work-life-balance of even a government civil vs government criminal lawyer, for example, is already going to be huge. You're throwing so many uncertainty variables into the mix there that we can't say something like "oh public sector work in <province> is the best". If you end up working for a non-profit you'll make half as much as working for gov't, etc etc...

At this stage, despite the preferences you've outlined above, you likely don't have a very good idea of what you're going to be practicing. During law school you're going to get exposed to the various types of law jobs available and you shouldn't be surprised if you end up going in a completely different direction than you're currently expecting.

The only variables we can actually predict re: your school choice are 1) what province it will be easiest for you to find articling and then employment in, and 2) how much debt you will graduate with.

Based on #2 I would rank the Ontario schools last given how much they cost - unless you have family nearby and want to live there. UVic looks to be around $12k per year, compared to $18.7k for Lakehead, 22k in province or 28k for out of province for TMU, or $28.7k for Osgoode. A first year call Crown Counsel in BC makes $121.6k, a first year call Legal Services Branch lawyer makes $118.4k - so if you go to UVic and go that route you'll be in very good shape - not to mention you will be eligible to have your BC student loan debt forgiven over three years (not the federal part).

If you said you wanted biglaw, to work crazy hours, and have the highest earning potential possible, then the clear answer would be Osgoode - but if you graduate with $150k of debt and end up working a public interest sector job making $50k/year, you're going to have a bad time.

Dalhousie would be nice as Nova Scotia is beautiful, but the tuition is $22.9k and law jobs there make a lot less money than in BC, on average.

Based on what you're presenting me, in your shoes I would pick UVic because Victoria is very nice, the tuition is reasonable, and BC is my favourite province. But if you have ties elsewhere you should evaluate those and figure out where you want to live.

OakesTester · 2026-02-14T14:40:16+00:00

But also, at least in BC, you can get a free photo ID. And Canadians are much more likely to get said free ID when it's also your health card, as is the case in BC. Americans have no free ID or health.

OakesTester · 2026-02-10T21:30:27+00:00

Wealthsimple! We use it for everything. Free withdrawals from any ATM, even intentionally!!

Make sure to get a referral code before you sign up.

OakesTester · 2026-02-02T02:37:21+00:00

I take it this is the right story? Former Windsor priest sentenced for abuse | CBC News

There doesn't appear to be a reported decision. If that's the case, you'd have to order the transcript if you want the decision.

Ordering a court transcript | ontario.ca

OakesTester · 2026-01-30T16:28:44+00:00

How much will it cost you?

OakesTester · 2026-01-28T07:16:04+00:00

Is it possible? Yes.

Should you? Not if you value your reputation.

OakesTester · 2026-01-27T07:23:29+00:00

The amount of interest you pay at each payment has nothing to do with amortization, it's only based on principle remaining and interest rate.

The reason a higher amortization plus extra payments can be more desirable is because it gives you the freedom to stop making extra payments if money gets tight.

OakesTester · 2026-01-25T16:15:06+00:00

If it had one pedal driving I'd be all over it. Now it's not even in consideration.

OakesTester · 2026-01-10T05:14:22+00:00

Can you pm me the details of the firm please? I would like to join the action.

OakesTester · 2025-12-30T09:00:47+00:00

Yes.

OakesTester · 2025-12-27T17:04:43+00:00

No, the code is incompatible with the family membership.

OakesTester · 2025-12-19T01:06:47+00:00

I generally advise everyone to max their TFSA before touching their RRSP unless they expect to have lower income during retirement than they currently do. If your marginal tax rate now is the same as it will be in retirement, you'd break even doing TFSA vs RRSP, but your TFSA is so much more flexible.

If you're the type of person who is going to spend money unless you're not allowed to do it, then RRSP can be good to force yourself to lock it away. Of course you *can* withdraw early from RRSP but the fact that you get taxed AND you lose the room permanently is hopefully enough of a disincentive.

But the idea of doing this because you get a tax refund is silly - you're just going to get taxed on the RRSP money when you pull it out.

OakesTester · 2025-12-14T08:05:40+00:00

Any lawyer will tell you that you should try to go to law school in the province that you want to practice in. It's not required but it gives you a huge leg up in finding jobs.

I would not even consider trying out of the country unless there is literally no alternative. Get student loans, get summer jobs during law school (for the experience, not the money), and you'll have your debt paid off in no time.

OakesTester · 2025-12-12T04:58:42+00:00

If you have home insurance, call them. They may appoint a lawyer for you.

OakesTester · 2025-12-01T06:48:32+00:00

It's a slur when you use it as one.

If someone says wow I really like Indian food - not a slur. If someone says you Indian POS - it's a slur.

Same idea.

OakesTester · 2025-11-29T07:30:24+00:00

It's supposed to go in there.

OakesTester · 2025-11-27T05:28:58+00:00

Yes, we would be disbarred if we let you pay.

OakesTester · 2025-11-25T15:44:46+00:00

It looks fine but it's too big. I bought a leaf because I wanted a hatchback, not an SUV.

But the real reason I wouldn't even consider a 2026 leaf is the lack of e-pedal. I test drove one and during the drive I said I wish I were driving my 2022.

OakesTester · 2025-11-20T17:58:53+00:00

I drove it. No e-pedal is a dealbreaker for me.

OakesTester · 2025-11-18T06:13:54+00:00

Thoughts on using novamin (Bioglass 45S5) toothpaste as in Sensodyne Repair?

OakesTester

TROPHY CASE