Irene Kelleher's blog

(NC) Summer is a time to stretch your legs and enjoy the warm weather with your family and friends. During this time, many people are also looking to make upgrades to their home.

Whether you’re looking to add more value to your home, make a few eco-friendly improvements or simply maximize your enjoyment, there’s a renovation project for everyone. Give your home a breath of new life with these summer renovation projects that can add value to it.

1) Update the interior

• If you’re looking to undertake some bigger projects, first consider whether you have the necessary skills and experience to...

(NC) Homeownership is a big step, whether you’re a first-time buyer or not. Protecting your new home typically involves getting new locks, installing an alarm system and maybe even getting a “guard” dog. However, something you might not have considered is to help protect your mortgage.

TD Mortgage Protection, for example, offers optional coverage to help safeguard one of your biggest financial obligations. You’ve worked hard for your new home, and you likely want to help ensure you and your loved ones can stay in it as long as you want, whether it’s your starter or forever home.

If you’re...

(NC) Renting a house or an apartment comes with plenty of perks—flexibility, fewer maintenance worries and often lower upfront costs compared to owning. One thing that many renters overlook is the importance of protecting what’s inside their space. That’s where tenant insurance comes in.

Here’s what you need to know, plus essential advice for smart, stress-free renting.

What is tenant insurance and what does it cover? Tenant insurance protects your personal property in case of fire, theft, vandalism, water damage and more. It also covers liability, meaning if someone is injured in your...

(NC) We hear it often—we’re living in uncertain, unprecedented times. And while that is true, it also means that acts of kindness can have a more meaningful impact and foster hope in the people around you.

“Hope is looking forward to a better future for the next generation. But hope is now, too,” Governor General Mary Simon says in her most recent letter to Canadians. “It is about what we do right here, right now. It is about a feeling of connection inside us that keeps us going.”

Here are some ways to promote hope and kindness in your community:

1. Create a care package for newcomers. Join...

(NC) With the warm weather finally here, maybe you’re considering installing a pool or doing those home renovations you’ve been dreaming about. Perhaps you want to get away and an RV or a cottage are at the top of your wish list.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a quick and easy way to pay for such big expenses. But the long-term risks of HELOCs can outweigh their up-front benefits if you don’t manage the loan well.

How do HELOCs work?
HELOCs are secured by your home as a guarantee that you’ll pay back the money you borrow. With a HELOC you can borrow money, pay it back and borrow...

(NC) Even in the face of rising real estate prices and a rocky economic environment, many Canadians are unwavering in their desire—and goal—to buy a home, according to a recent survey by TD.

It revealed that nearly three quarters of respondents are hopeful they’ll be able to purchase a home within five years. But half also said a challenging market means it will take them at least two years to be financially ready to buy.

Two years might feel like a long wait for home ownership. But 24 months can be enough time to make a solid financial plan, fill your knowledge gaps, get familiar with the...

(NC) Over a million mortgages in Canada are expiring this year. If your mortgage is one of them, here are some smart questions to ask before signing on to a new contract.

1. What are my current priorities?
   This is a good time to review your mortgage needs and make sure you have the right product. For example, consider if your budget allows you to increase your payments to pay off your mortgage sooner and save on interest. Also, think about whether you’re satisfied with the services offered by your current lender.

2. Are there better options out there?
   You don’t have to renew your mortgage...

(NC) Spring brings sunshine and warmth, motivating us to get outdoors, start new projects and improve our yards, which typically look less than stellar after the winter. Give your garden the refresh it deserves with these simple steps.

Tidy up the yard. The very first step is to remove dead leaves, trim overgrown bushes and prune any plants that need a little extra care. This simple clean-up will immediately make your garden look more inviting. If your gardening tools need an update, online marketplaces like Temu offer a wide range of affordable, high-quality products.

Add...