When Did Life Get So Expensive?

It’s not just you — everything is more expensive these days.

Groceries, gas, daycare, property taxes, your internet bill… even a simple night out feels like a luxury. For many families in London, Ontario, it feels like the math just isn’t mathing anymore. You’re making decent money, but the bank account doesn’t reflect it.

So if you’ve been thinking, “How are we supposed to keep up?” — you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not out of options.

As a mortgage broker who specializes in cash flow strategies, I help families fight back against rising costs by making smarter decisions with their largest asset: their home.

Let’s break it down.

The Cost Creep Is Real

You didn’t do anything wrong. Life just got more expensive — fast.

- The average grocery bill has jumped by over 20% since 2020.
- Childcare costs are still high, even with government rebates.
- Monthly mortgage or rent payments are taking up 40–50% of many families’ income.
- Interest rates went up — and with them, credit card and line of credit payments.

But here's the thing: most people are just trying to "squeeze" their budget into place, when what they really need is to expand their cash flow instead.

What Is Cash Flow (and Why Should You Care)?

Cash flow is the money you actually have left each month after the bills are paid.

It’s your breathing room. Your margin. Your ability to save, invest, or even just enjoy your life without panic every time the credit card bill shows up.

And your mortgage — yes, your mortgage! — can be a powerful tool to help improve that.

How Your Mortgage Can Help You Fight Back

Here are three ways I help clients turn their mortgage into a tool for financial relief:

1. Debt Consolidation
If you're juggling high-interest debt (credit cards, lines of credit, car loans), refinancing your mortgage could roll all that into one lower monthly payment — and save you thousands in interest.

Result: Lower monthly obligations and one simple payment.

2. Accessing Equity
If you’ve built up equity in your home, you may be able to access it to help with things like renovations, education costs, or temporary income gaps — without relying on expensive loans.

Result: Use your equity to invest in your future, not just survive today.

3. Adjusting Your Mortgage Strategy
Sometimes it’s not about borrowing more — it’s about changing how you borrow. We can look at extending your amortization, switching lenders, or locking in a better rate that aligns with your long-term cash flow goals.

Result: You stay in control of your finances instead of feeling behind every month.

Real Story: A London Family Who Found Breathing Room

Not long ago, I worked with a local couple — two full-time working parents with three young kids. They were doing everything right: steady jobs, decent income, packed lunches, hand-me-downs, coupon apps… but they were still coming up short every month.

Their biggest stressor? Debt payments. Between credit cards, a line of credit, and a car loan, they were paying nearly $2,000 a month — and barely making a dent in the balances.

We looked at refinancing their mortgage and were able to roll those debts into a new mortgage with a better rate and longer amortization. Their new monthly payment (including all of the debt)? Just under $2,300 — and suddenly, they had an extra $1,200/month back in their pocket.

They used that breathing room to start a small RESP for their kids, take a real family vacation, and finally stop fighting about money every night.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

This economy is stressful. It’s a lot to carry — especially if you're raising kids, supporting aging parents, or trying to get ahead.

But the good news? You have options.

If you’re feeling the pinch and want to know what’s actually possible with your mortgage, let’s talk. I’ll run the numbers and show you what makes the most sense for your family — no pressure, no judgment.

Based in London, Ontario — working with families across the province.

Book a free call with me here: https://jasmortgages.ca/book-appointment

P.S. You don’t need to make more money to feel better about your money. You just need a better cash flow strategy — and I’d love to help you find it.