Why Did I Fail You? How This Calgary Independent Mortgage Broker Fell Short—And What I’m Doing About It

Why Did I Fail You? How This Calgary Independent Mortgage Broker Fell Short—And What I’m Doing About It.

Last week, I fell short. I was so immersed in meeting my client's needs that I didn't have time to share tips on saving money on your mortgage. For that, I apologize—but only a little. Why? Because my client’s needs come first, always. Whether it’s securing approvals, pre-approvals, handling possessions, rate holds, or getting crucial documents to underwriters, every task is time-sensitive. And let’s not forget about coordinating with lawyers—those timelines are non-negotiable.

I used to be able to squeeze in extra time in the evenings, but with a newborn at home, my nights are now filled with pacing, burping, changing diapers, and ensuring my little one is doing well. Life is intricate and full, but it wasn’t always this way.

A Glimpse Into Simpler Times

A few years ago, I lived in Banff, where life moved at a different pace. After locking up the bank, I would race home, hop on my bike, and ride into the mountains until darkness forced me back. I remember one evening vividly. I had just reached the top of Tunnel Mountain and was coasting down my favourite trail. I noticed a yellow sign on a tree but didn’t bother to read it—bad move.

Suddenly, I heard something crashing through the bushes like a tank. I glanced over and saw a massive elk charging straight at me. Instinct kicked in, and I swerved back towards the road, hurtling down a steep embankment. The elk was relentless, its hooves pounding the pavement right behind me. At one point, I felt a nudge from its snout on my back—she was trying to knock me down.

Adrenaline surged through me as I pushed my bike faster than I ever thought possible. Just as the elk was about to overtake me again, a car rounded the corner. The driver must have seen the terror in my eyes because they quickly pulled between us, giving me the precious seconds I needed to escape.

 The Motivation of Protection

Later, when the coast was clear, I cautiously returned to read the signs I’d missed. They warned of an aggressive elk protecting her newborn calf. There’s nothing more dangerous than a mother protecting her young and that day, I learned just how true that is.

This instinct to protect is universal, and it’s something I felt deeply when I held my son for the first time. It was as if a switch flipped in my brain—a whole part of me that had been dormant was suddenly wide awake. The flood of emotions was overwhelming, bringing me to tears. I was acutely aware of things that were hard to explain, almost like a heightened sense of common sense triggered by a cascade of chemicals.

This instinct goes beyond just wanting to be a good role model. When my children grow up, I want them to say my name with pride—not just because of my accomplishments, but because of the way I lived my life.

Creating a Legacy Through Passionate Work

So how do I create this legacy? By treating every single client like they’re family. I want to be there for my clients for years to come. If I don’t give my best when it comes to service, rates, products, and education, then how can I expect to grow and flourish? The easiest way to build a legacy is to have pride in your work. Be passionate. Find joy in what you do. These principles are the foundation of my work ethic, and they drive me to work well into the night, every chance I get.

The basics of being an Independent Mortgage Broker in Calgary may be straightforward, but being brilliant at the basics takes time, effort, practice, creativity, and a deep understanding of complex financial concepts. It’s like teaching—anyone can teach, but being a great teacher requires passion, creativity, and the ability to engage students so they don’t end up with drool on their desks.

You won’t fall asleep in my class, I promise. This is how I plan to make up for last week’s missed opportunity—I’ll keep you engaged, informed, and in the zone.

Let’s Connect—It’s Free, and the Value is Priceless

When you need mortgage advice, give me a call. It’s free, and the value you’ll gain is immeasurable. I’m here to ensure you get the best possible service, whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or simply looking for better mortgage rates.  Don't want to talk to me?  I have an app for that!  Check out the mortgage app that will help as well!

Reach out today, and let’s start building your financial future together.

By: Michael Richmond

If you have $28,000 worth of credit card debt how long would it take you to pay it off making minimum payments?

Did you know all my lessons start with a story?

It was a warm Friday night that I peddled my bike up to the big metal gate topped with barbed wire.   I knew that gate would be closing soon, so I had to do something to get back home without going around the whole base.








I followed the fence line down a bit and hide my bike in some grass behind a shrub.  I then walked back to the road and the gate thinking I was so smart for planning ahead.  In the past, I realized that getting yourself over a fence, with a bike on your back is so much harder when there is barbed wire on the top, you are wearing shorts, and you may or may not have had a pint of Jupiler.    





I was headed to this little place called “My Friends” which often was an off base meeting spot for many of us brats.   Half way between the gate and the little public house, I heard some loud noises which I immediately identified as fireworks, and everybody loves fireworks!   I picked up my pace so I would not miss the show. Moments later I saw in the bush a group of people running. I walked over to them and asked what was up, as I knew them all.   

 They said someone called the Military Police (MP) on them for the fireworks so they were running away.  Just as that was stated I heard a screech, a big flood light hit me like it was day again.   

I was like a deer in head lights.  Flutterpated so to speak.   My peers in the bush, shouted.  "RUN!  RUN! RUN!.."  What did I do? 

I ran. 



 I climbed over the fence that was separating us, and ran into the bush with the flood light on my back.   Sprinting was so easy back then will all the training we did every day.   What was not so easy?  The poison ivy, and stinging nettles and the branches that burned and scratched my legs as I sprinted through the trees till there was no more light from the MP's.

My legs were cut, and I was curdled in a ball in a bush listening to see if they were were being chased. When the coast was clear, I worked my way back to my bike, and it was gone!  The MPs had taken it according to an innocent bystander.   I went to a buddy’s house changed, and went down to the police station to collect my bike which by this time it was 2 in the morning.  

The hour long question period held all sorts of accusations.  They loved questions like, Why did you run?  What were you hiding?  Did you have anything illegal on you like fireworks or drugs?  The receipt of the bike claimed was mailed to my house, and the pick-up time was highlighted for my parents attention, and they did not seem too happy. I think I was in a little bit of trouble.

What does this have to do with saving money on your mortgage?  Two things.

1) If you do what you’re told before thinking things through you could be at risk of very negative consequences. Like signing a mortgage renewal notice from the bank without checking all the rates.
2) Going with the flow, and not changing or asking yourself why or is the a good move could get you into hot water.

Lets pretend for a second you are not very special, and just completely average.  I know hard to imagine.  But, please just imagine here ok?  

Do you know what the average level of consumer debt is?   

First, we take the national average of consumer debt of $28,853 and for the record this is non-mortgage debt!   Things like credit cards, car loans, lines of credit fall into this category.

Second, we average a rate on these credit facilities.  For ease of numbers we can use the average credit card rate of 19.25%

Third, using these numbers we figure out what we would pay per month to pay off just the minimum payments.  This would take you 364 payments to get it paid off.

Forth step is to figure out how long you would take you to pay it off.  We would be sitting at 30.33 years to get it down to zero.
You would have paid in total around $31,943 in interest as well.


What am I saying?  Two things. 
Pay down your principle as fast as possible by making more than your minimum payments when you can.

AND/OR

If you have existing equity take that consumer debt and roll that debt into your mortgage, then take the money you would have been paying on those debts and put it on  your mortgage. 

Why?  If you are paying that high interest rate you are paying most of your payment to interest and not to the principle.  You could save money by consolidating to a lower rate freeing up your cash flow to pay down more on your mortgage!   Lets do the math to make sure it works for and how much money we can save.  I have my calculator ready, give me a call.  I will do the numbers for you for FREE!  Email me.  Call me @ 4038078779.  Or even text if you are not in the mood to talk!

By Michael Richmond