I know a few people who always have their finances under control. They know where they have spent their money, they don’t get surprised by their yearly car insurance payment, and they are able to actually pay cash for their next car!

I know even more people who experience the exact opposite. They can’t figure out where the $100 in their wallet disappeared to, they are always surprised by their yearly insurance bills, they can hardly make the car payment let alone even dream of paying for a car outright!

The difference is in the way people think, feel and deal with their money.  I know of several people who keep cash in a pile of envelopes.  When their “entertainment” envelope runs out of money, that means dining in and TV for the rest of the month. When the “clothing” envelope is depleted that means no more socks, no matter how many holes are in the old ones.
The envelope system has worked for thousands of people for hundreds of years … but in this world of electronic payments,  credit and debit cards, it gets a bit challenging keeping track.

So … in marches Mvelopes, which is the electronic, online equivalent of the envelope system.

There are raving fans, some of whom have managed to pay off  debt loads of over $30K  in a year. And those that are able to pay cash for their new cars.  And of course, there are loads of fans who have managed to save up for substantial down payments on a new house, or pay off their mortgages is record time!

Mvelopes.com was named one of “The 100 Best Products of the Year” by PC World and one of “The 4 Best Money Managers” by Success Magazine.

If you want control over your finances, be sure to check them out.  Though they are US based, they do support a few Canadian banks. But even if you cannot use all of the “bells and whistles”  you will definitely see a difference in how you handle your finances.

Here is a free book telling how it works.

Click here to get a free trial and see if mvelopes works for you.

And be sure to read all the inspiring testimonials. It is amazing what people can pull off when they are inspired and have a system!

Here is a great video that outlines  seven steps you can take to prevent Identity Theft.

In a nutshell … the 7 steps:

1. Watch your wallet
2. Be careful with mail
3. Beware of phishing
4. Beware of skimming
5. Get free credit report
6. Never leave documents lying around
7. Destroy bills & documents

On the CBC news site there is an article about how someone’s credit score was downgraded by 100 points because of an unpaid bill.  The gentleman in the article,  had moved and failed to inform one of his creditors (Telus).  Since the bills were going to the wrong address, it remained unpaid for years until it dramatically affected his Beacon score.

“When you have a lower beacon score it affects the amount a creditor will lend to you,” said Bonnie. “When there’s damage on a credit report it’s on there for six years.”

I highly recommend reading the article because it outlines Telus’s rationale for not tracking him down.  The article also gives some great tips about what you should do in similar circumstances and what you can do “after the fact” if your Credit Score is damaged.

This article really hit some “nerves” … check out the comments!

I know this is a little late, but we’ve been so incredibly busy this past month I almost forgot!   Averbach Mortages and Belmont Properties participated as GOLD sponsors for the Odd Squad’s 2nd Annual ON TRACK Gala.  This event was to raise money to fund the services and educational programs provided by the Odd Squad.

The Odd Squad is a registered charitable organization, started in 1997 by seven Vancouver City Police officers with expertise gained through their extensive beat work in the Downtown Eastside, and a passion for storytelling to make a difference.

Their Mission: To educate the public about the devastating effects that high-risk behaviour has on members of our community. Odd Squad creates high-quality, reality-based documentaries designed to give youth the knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of drug abuse and other life altering, anti-social and criminal behaviour and to assist them in making rational life choices.

Because of the increasing prevalence of Gangs throughout the lower mainland, the Odd Squad has also introduced Gang related videos and educational components into their program.

The Odd Squad is currently developing educational modules for youth, parents, and teachers on the issue of youth Gangs. This critical issue is in the forefront of everyone’s minds at a time when gang violence is spiraling out of control in metro Vancouver and across Canada.

Here is a sample snippet of their upcoming gang prevention program:

.

If you would like to donate to the Odd Squad please call  604-408-9945.  Be sure to visit the Odd Squad website to see the range of services, educational information and resources they provide to help keep kids and teens off drugs.

Our Appreciation Goes to YOU

June has been an amazing month. Our office has been a bee hive of activity.

By the end of July, we’ll have eclipsed last year’s total mortgage volume. That’s an incredible increase in our business … all due to you, our customers.

We do our best to be of service to our customers, In April the Canadian Mortgage Awards presented us with a plaque for winning the “Best Customer Service” award. But better than that is the fact that OUR CUSTOMERS keep coming back to us, and keep referring us to their acquaintances, friends and family.

Both Justin and I want to acknowledge YOU and thank YOU for your business.

According to a CREA (Canadian Real Estate Association) “home sales activity and new listings in Canada declined in May.

Seasonally adjusted home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards declined nationally by 9.5 per cent in May from near-record level activity the previous month. While activity declined in more than 70 per cent of local markets, the lower national figure resulted largely from fewer sales in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa.”

For more information check out the CREA News Release