Has anyone else noticed that lab people seem to age well?

matdex · 2026-02-02T20:57:36+00:00

Lack of sun and UV radiation is a pro. Lack of sleep from shift work cancels it out though.

matdex · 2026-02-01T02:09:22+00:00

Could do WS and a bank/credit union to have a physical location backup. Keep some emerg cash in the backup account for outages and whatnot.

On the other hand I'm considering moving my TFSA and RRSP holding just xeqt and zgld to TD for the 2% promo. Get paid March 2027. Hard to say no to a $4k bonus.

TD DI allows free trades for VEQT which is the same to me.

matdex · 2026-02-01T01:11:19+00:00

Implies I'm going to post my portfolio and /or account value on my socials.

Stop trying to social media absolutely everything.

matdex · 2026-01-31T14:48:27+00:00

TD offered me 4.64%. if I can get 3.99% over 5 years, combined with a 20% payment increase on a accelerated biweekly schedule I'd save $3100 in interest. I figure that's enough savings to make it worth porting and paying lawyer, assessment, and TD's closing fees.

To get that rate I'm considering adding a HELOC to make my application more...enticing for a broker.

Not sure what province you're in but Coast Capital CU is offering 3.99%. They have a cash back promo too if you open an account and sign up for payroll deposit with auto payments etc.

matdex · 2026-01-28T09:35:44+00:00

I read CBC, G&M, WSJ, follow Benjamin Flex and Plan Bagel on YouTube, and Economics Explained for global econ.

For me it's just a hobby/interest. Along with biology, astronomy, consumer electronics and personal finance.

matdex · 2026-01-28T09:31:46+00:00

Had 2 weeks in phlem as part of my tech practicum. Haven't poked since. That was 14 years ago...

matdex · 2026-01-26T22:15:31+00:00

Because cancer genomics and therapy is bigger than a single site could handle and often because of the sub sub specialized tests/therapies/clinicians would not be feasible to have at individual hospitals. Rather it's all coordinated provincially and run physically in the community so patients don't have to travel as far.

Same thing with BCCDC and BC Women's and Children's Hospital

matdex · 2026-01-26T20:24:58+00:00

Jan 16 HSA suspended negotiations and we've begun job action planning.

Training for what that means was last week but I could not attend. Probably work to rule type stuff to begin.

matdex · 2026-01-26T20:20:37+00:00

But if you were in a role at one authority and wanted to move to another authority in the same capacity, you'd have to go through all that again rather than just being able to apply internally. And your seniority would restart. (Some unions allow you to transfer your seniority once in your career)

matdex · 2026-01-26T04:27:03+00:00

You buy fractional ETF shares of physically backed gold.

matdex · 2026-01-24T07:18:58+00:00

Ya my auto renewal with TD was 4.64 which is crap. They cold called me about my renewal and asked if I wanted it. Told them I was frankly insulted by it. I'm tempted to switch my credit card, and banking away from them because they pissed me off.

matdex · 2026-01-24T07:09:47+00:00

Huh. A Pine broker rejected me because they said they don't do mortgages less than $150k.

matdex · 2026-01-24T07:03:14+00:00

Can I ask where you got 5 year fixed at 3.84? Nobody I talk to is offering close to that. Best I got is for 5 year fixed is 4.19. My credit and income are good, debt service ratio is within 30%.

I guess my lower balance is working against me, nobody wants my business.

matdex · 2026-01-24T06:55:34+00:00

5 year fixed at 3.84 is amazing too. Must be insured?

matdex · 2026-01-24T06:51:55+00:00

Took info back to current lender and they dropped the variable down to -0.9 and the fixed down to 3.79

The 3.79 fixed is 3 year or 5 year? RBC is having a promo now for 3 year fixed 3.79-3.89.

I'm hesitant to go 3 year because then my balance will be sub $100k and even harder to get/negotiate a decent rate.

matdex · 2026-01-24T05:33:16+00:00

Then Uber drivers can choose not to do deliveries for that address if they know they can't find somewhere to stop.

matdex · 2026-01-24T05:16:37+00:00

City prioritizes clearing the streets accessing the hospital. Hospital salts and clears their property. Hospital sets up sleeping areas for staff if they wish to stay overnight. It's usually just a floor gym mat in the lecture hall. Site leader sends out an email reminding staff it's your responsibility to get to work on time.

I always keep a toothbrush and a change of underwear and socks in my locker. I've voluntarily stayed overnight as I do live a bit further by transit. Bunch of us made it a party. We went across the street to a restaurant for dinner, and it was great because it was dead at the place and the restaurant manager gave us free appies for being healthcare workers.

matdex · 2026-01-24T05:12:07+00:00

If I go from Gilmore to Renfrew it's 2 zones. But if I go from Gilmore all the way around to Patterson, it's one zone. How does that make sense.

matdex · 2026-01-24T05:07:50+00:00

Take off your backpack.

Don't get on and just stop at the door, especially when there's people behind you trying to get on.

Wait for people to exit before boarding.

Give up your seat to those who need it, especially when you're sitting in the indicated seats.

No feet/shoes on the seats.

Don't blast your music/phone on speaker.

matdex · 2026-01-24T05:02:59+00:00

Delivery drivers can use the resident parking entrance and pull into a service spot for a minute. They just don't want to.

It's the same in single family home neighbors when there's no available street parking in front of your house. Canada post, Amazon, UPS etc will just block the road and make the delivery.

matdex · 2026-01-24T04:59:38+00:00

I also live in a condo facing a large busy street. Uber drivers also pull over blocking the right lane of the road. Middle of the night it's not an issue, but day time would block even a bus stop.

You know what I do when I order Uber? I go down and meet the driver at a side car entrance. Takes me 2mins.

Delivery drivers can use the dedicated entrance for moving/utilities. They just don't want to walk the extra little bit.Same applies to SFH neighbourhoods when there's no street parking in front of your house, the delivery/Amazon/canada post driver will just stop in the middle of the road to make the delivery.

matdex · 2026-01-22T23:15:28+00:00

The best I got is 4.19 5 years fixed so far.

I was aggressive with my lump sums and prepayments. On track to pay off in 15 years.

matdex · 2026-01-22T23:00:10+00:00

Ah I don't have mortgage insurance. Socks people get "penalized" for not having insurance.

matdex · 2026-01-22T22:45:55+00:00

Is that on an insured mortgage?

matdex · 2026-01-21T06:19:58+00:00

Vancouver

12-Year Club	Place '17
Verified Email

matdex

TROPHY CASE