Invest in tomorrow, invest in you.

What Katy Perry Can Teach Us About Mortgages and Life

On my way to work in Calgary this morning, I heard a quote from Katy Perry that made me stop and think. She mentioned that she prefers dating famous guys because she doesn’t have to spend hours explaining why a tough tour schedule or a bad interview is frustrating—they just get it. This got me thinking about how much time we spend trying to make others understand things that should be simple.

Now, I’m not here to give relationship advice to Katy Perry, but if it takes you hours to explain basic concepts to someone, maybe it's time to look for someone with a bit more depth. This applies to more than just relationships—let’s talk about life decisions, like managing your mortgage.

Speaking of people who don't quite get "it," I wasn’t exactly the brightest kid growing up. I made my fair share of mistakes—probably more than I could ever recount. But if sharing some of these experiences can help you avoid similar pitfalls, then it’s worth it.

Here’s my confession: I used humour as a shield against life’s stressors—bullies, death, relationships. When humour didn’t work, I’d simply ignore problems, hoping they’d go away. This was my go-to strategy, probably thanks to a mix of genetics and upbringing.

Looking back, I can see a pattern that started in the 8th grade with a girl named Candace Taylor. When I found out she was cheating on me, instead of confronting her, I just stopped talking to her. No closure, no drama—I just distanced myself until the relationship dissolved. This became my MO for dealing with uncomfortable situations. It was easier to avoid than to confront.

That changed when I started working at a bank 17 years ago. In my first year, I developed a tooth abscess. True to form, I ignored it—until the pain became unbearable, and I nearly passed out at work. A trip to the dentist ended with him saying it was one of the worst he’d ever seen. After a root canal and some serious medication, I felt a lot better.

This experience was a turning point for me. I realized that dealing with problems head-on, whether by confronting them myself or consulting an expert, was far better than hoping they’d disappear on their own. Ignoring the pain didn’t make it go away; it only made things worse. From then on, I adopted a "DO IT NOW" mentality, though I still keep humour handy, just in case.

So, why am I telling you this? What’s the connection to mortgages? Simple: I see a lot of people making the same mistake I did—ignoring important decisions until it’s too late. When it comes to mortgage renewals, too many people just sign the renewal form and send it back without shopping around or asking for a better rate. Worse, they walk into their bank, assume they’re getting a good deal, and never think to challenge it.

When I ask why, the answer is often loyalty. Many believe that staying loyal to their bank will earn them better rates and services in return. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Banks are businesses, and their primary goal is to make money, not necessarily to reward your loyalty.

Here’s What You Should Do Instead:

1. Figure Out Your Goals and Objectives: Understand what you want from your mortgage and how it fits into your long-term financial plan.

2. Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first offer you get. Compare rates and products from different lenders, and yes, you should definitely call me!

3. Ask for a Better Rate: Even if you decide to stay with your current lender, ask them to match or beat the best rate you find. You’d be surprised how often they’ll accommodate you.

I know I can’t help everyone, but if you follow these three simple steps, you could save thousands on your mortgage. Just don’t blindly sign that renewal slip and send it back—take control of your financial future.

This is a big part of why I became a CIBC Mortgage Advisor here in Calgary. I wanted access to the best products and rates for my clients because I know that the rates at each bank can change daily—sometimes even multiple times a day. It’s my job to ensure you get the best deal possible.

Don’t Ignore It, Don’t Rinse It Out with Salt Water, Don’t Stop Calling Her!

You’ll regret it when you realize how much you could have saved.

What? You don’t like me yelling? Okay, I’ll step off my soapbox. But before I go, let me leave you with this: The key to financial success is spending less than you earn. Whether you invest those savings in your mortgage, a GIC, or any other venture that brings returns, the important thing is to invest in your future.

Invest in Tomorrow, Invest in You.