It’s that time of year as malls and shopping centres become packed with busy shoppers doing their last minute Christmas and holiday shopping looking to find the best deals … but it’s also that special time of year when families and loved ones come together and spend holiday cheers with one another as they share smiles, laughter, stories, and of course, drinks and be merry!

During my early years out of university and into my first years of “employment”, I never truly understood the meaning of Christmas. I always thought Christmas is just a gimmick for businesses to increase their sales because of the rushed holiday season (since this is the best time of the year for people to spend their life savings away!).  Until later, I realized WHY people enjoy spending so much money on gifts and parties and more gifts and holding more parties each year.  My wife, the love of my life, is one of these people who enjoys spending money but not on herself but on gifts for others and hosting parties for dear ones to get together and enjoy a good time over wonderful meals and awesome company. I only started to understand what “giving” meant during this Christmas time and it really felt good to be able to give without expecting anything in return.

Being the Scrooge I was (and sometimes, hate to admit, still am), I started thinking of ways where we can still “give” (spend way more money than we really need to) and yet, still be able to “not” use our money … no, I am not talking about getting into more debt using a credit card or praying that you’ll win the lottery!  The answer is quite simple, make more money instead of going into debt!  How? It’s the best time to start thinking about possibly refinancing your home or other properties you may own … While the market is still quite hot in most areas, getting your house (or other properties you own) re-appraised especially if your mortgage is almost up for renewal, may help you get access to more money that isn’t really yours, but can be if you know how to use it properly!  If you invest that extra cash into a safe, good-return investment, then that extra money is making you money which you can then spend on your Christmas gifts!  Plus, since it is borrowed money, the interest you are paying for that amount is tax deductible too!  Sweet!  Isn’t it great to start “giving” now?!?!

If you are interested in making more money without using your own money, come talk to us at CE Properties and we’re glad to help you!  Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year ahead!