Aside from having professionals like your family doctor and dentist you see once a year, it is very important to have people you trust working for you. People you can phone and pick up right where you left off whether it’s been 1 month or 5 years. Most professionals work on a commission basis or earn money based on making you happy or continually bringing you benefit. A good professional will keep you up to date and have your best interest front of mind with any transaction you need. Professionals in your life not only help save you thousands of dollars but also help you sleep easier knowing you and your family are being looked after. Here are some professionals you should have in your life;

1)  Mortgage Broker- Mortgages are the largest debt you will take on in your life. They are very complex especially with constant changes happening in the industry.  You need someone who focuses on mortgages day in and day out knowing which mortgage products are best suited for you so you don’t incur large penalties down the road. Mortgage professionals can help you achieve your goals of homeownership and becoming mortgage free faster. Best of all, mortgage broker services are free!

2)  Financial Planner- Who wants to retire when they’re 80?! Having a financial planner working with you as early in your life as possible will really help you understand the value of saving early. Financial planners not only help you reach retirement goals, they can help save money on taxes through RRSP’s. They’re also licensed life insurance agents to ensure you are fully covered incase something unfortunate happens. They make a good chunk of their money off commissions, so when you do well, they do well.

3)  Realtor- I can’t stress enough the importance of using a realtor, especially when you are a first time buyer. It doesn’t cost you anything and their opinion on the house, location, resale value are invaluable when everything is so new to you. A realtor is there to represent you and your best interests. They have access to multiple marketing sites and also have valuable information about comparables to ensure you don’t over pay when buying and to price your house right to sell it quickly, maybe even receive multiple offers. Working with a realtor you trust is an important asset to you. If you're buying a home using a realtor is no cost to you.

4)  Insurance Broker- Who gets home insurance and reads it thoroughly to make sure everything you possibly need to be insured for is insured? I know I don’t.   It’s important to have low insurance payments but it’s even more important to make sure you’re being covered for what you need. Insurance agents are commission based, working with a trusted advisor can help save you time knowing they are looking for the best coverage and premium for your needs.

5)  Lawyer- There are 2 types of lawyers I would suggest working with. 1) Family lawyer: these lawyers will help set up wills and amend wills 2) Real Estate Lawyer: some lawyers are well versed in family and real estate law but if you have a lawyer that isn’t actively participating regularly in real estate I would strongly suggest you find a lawyer that is. There are many mortgage lenders in the industry, from monolines to banks to credit unions to private lenders and each lender is unique. The documentation a lawyer is required to produce for some monoline lenders is heavier than some traditional lenders but that monoline may offer a better mortgage for you. If you’re using a lawyer that isn’t familiar with the paper and processes of certain lenders it could end up costing you more in the end for the extra time and efforts the lawyers need to process your mortgage.

6)  Accountant- For salaried and hourly people this isn’t as important but once you have some fluctuating income, you’re a sales person, or business for self, it is very important you have an accountant that makes sure your i’s are dotted and your t’s are crossed. They could save you a ton of money in the end not to mention if CRA comes knocking you want to be sure you have a professional behind you that did your taxes.

7)  Health and Fitness professional- You won’t need any of the above for a very long time if you don’t take care of yourself. In my mind if you don’t have your health then your life isn’t going to be enjoyable. Whether it’s walking, running, going to the gym, playing sports, personal training, crossfitting; whatever it is, spend that little extra money each year to make your health a priority. Having a nutritionist and massage therapist isn’t the worst thing either. A lot of employees have benefits, which include a certain dollar amount for health each year. I have seen some companies pay for healthy related things like gym memberships, hockey registrations, nutritionist consultations, and massages. So, if you have benefits, make sure you’re using them!

8)  Car Repair Shop- I don’t know a lot of people who enjoy taking their car in to get fixed. Personally I know nothing about cars but I do know when I call my car shop they know me by my first name and don’t even have to look up the car I’m driving. When I take my car in they could be speaking gibberish to me but because I have someone I trust isn’t taking advantage of me and will fix my car right and quickly, I can hand over my keys feeling a little less stressed. 

Written by Caily MacGregor, AMP