Sean Sparks - Advisor at Sun Life

06/29/2021

True or false, life insurance is expensive. One of the biggest myths about life insurance is that it’s expensive. Well, it doesn’t have to be. The best option is to get coverage as early as you can when rates are the lowest and you’re in great health. Want to learn more about life insurance? Let’s set up an in-person or virtual appointment today!

Term life insurance is exactly what it sounds like: life insurance that covers you for a set period of time. Here’s how to know if it’s right for you.

06/24/2021

Your credit score plays a big role in your overall financial health. A good score can make it easier for you to achieve your life goals like buying a home. It can also make or break an application for a loan or credit card. So what are some ways you can maintain a good credit score? Here are seven really helpful tips:

1. Limit how many credit cards, accounts and loans you have
2. Know your credit limit. Rule of thumb – set your credit limit equal to one month salary
3. Repay your debts on a regular basis. If it becomes too much to pay in full, at least make the minimum payment
4. Create a flexible budget to help payoff debts
5. Don’t take out too many loans at the same time
6. Check your credit report regularly for mistakes and information that doesn’t get updated properly
7. Don’t co-sign for family or friends on a whim. This is a serious undertaking and needs to be thought through.

Remember, not having a great score isn’t the end all, be all. With some discipline and a solid budget it’s possible to raise it.

Why does your credit report matter? And how do you get a good one? Find out how credit reports work and what you can do to maintain a solid credit score.

06/23/2021

Are you an HGTV buff? All the DIY and homeownership shows are full of great information but they can sometimes offer misleading information. Here are 5 dispelled homeownership myths you’ve probably learned on TV.

Which of these myths was most surprising to you?

From a very young age, HGTV was the foundation for most of my ideas on homeownership. Throw in an exorbitant amount of time designing homes in The Sims, and I had an all-American view of real estate that was largely detached from reality.But thankfully, I also had parents who knew better. My dad, a....

06/18/2021

You think you’re doing okay when out of the blue it hits: a vague uneasiness—a nagging awareness that something isn’t right. You’re waking up in the middle of the night or you’re snapping at people closest to you. Fear, loneliness, uncertainty, it’s all getting to you. If you’re one of the 60% of Canadians who feel the pandemic is negatively affecting their overall mental health, here are some ideas to help you push through.

It’s a vicious cycle. Money struggles can have a negative impact on your mental health. Poor mental health can lead to financial problems. Learn how to manage both.

06/18/2021

Want to get started on your retirement plan? Find out how much you will need to save and if you’re on track to meet those retirement goals with this 2-minute calculator. Have questions? Reach out to me today!

Sun Life can help you build and protect your savings with investment products, life insurance, health insurance, and financial advice.

06/17/2021

An industry first, Sun Life Canada recently announced that Clients aged 18-40 may qualify for up to $5 million in life insurance coverage without lab exams. We are proud to offer this greater flexibility on coverage limits to create a seamless insurance application experience for Canadians.
Learn more in Sun Life’s news release or reach out to me for questions! http://bit.ly/SunLifeNews1

06/10/2021

Communication! That’s the secret to budgeting with your partner. Money conversations don’t have to be stressful as long as the lines of communication are open between the two of you. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Love and money can go hand in hand as long as you have the right approach. Here’s what you need to know.

06/09/2021

“Should I rent or should I buy?”: The age-old dilemma that many grapple with when considering what would be the their best living (and housing) situation. Now, with prices at all time highs this question is getting even harder to answer. Simply, “it depends”. Here’s Pattie Lovett-Reid’s take on this question. What’s yours?

Honestly, I hate being asked the question: “Is it better to buy a home or rent indefinitely?” The reason I dislike the question is because my answer is almost always: “It depends.”

06/04/2021

Are the ongoing pandemic restrictions taking a toll on your mental health? Find out how exercise can help you overcome anxiety and prevent depression.

Are the ongoing pandemic restrictions taking a toll on your mental health? Find out how exercise can help you overcome anxiety and prevent depression.

06/03/2021

Carrying mortgage debt into retirement? Retiring mortgage-free is a goal for many Canadians. But what if you can’t? Here are some ideas that may help.

Retiring mortgage-free is a goal for many Canadians. But what if you can’t? These ideas may help.

06/02/2021

New homeowners! Are you looking for additional funds to come up with for your down payment? If you have an you can withdrawal all, or up to $35,000, to help purchase your home. Here’s a great scenario to show you how it would work!

05/28/2021

It’s so important to understand the financial basics. Whether it’s terms like “annual interest rate,” “management expense ratio” or what makes up your “net worth,” we all benefit greatly from having insight into financial terminology. As an advisor, I want to help you grow your financial knowledge. Reach out to me today for a review of your finances. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are you confused by money jargon? Finance sound like a foreign language? Understanding some of the commonly used words and terms will help you successfully plan for your future needs.