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Todd & Danielle Millar

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Could this be true?

09-22-09
Todd & Danielle Millar

Every field has it's star professionals, those who play in the top 1 or 2% and really make the money.

Panhandling apparently is no exception. Edmonton police claim that some panhandlers make up to $400 a day and that one even lives in a high-rise condo in the downtown area.

At first I felt slightly disgusted by this. Why should this person beg other people for money and live better than some of them who generously give to him?

Then I realized people make money all kinds of ways and if his talent is begging....... It's not so uncommon apparently as a quick Google search yielded up "panhandling tips"

I personally wouldn't make my money leeching off of others. It's better to provide a service than demand money.

My biggest concern is the true poor and needy that aren't getting what they need because charity is being given out on the street rather to organizations with proven track records and history.

The only other thing I can say is you know a region has a great economy when begging brings a 6 figure income (tax-free!).
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Spending now to save later.

09-16-09
Todd & Danielle Millar

There has been a lot of money changing hands this month in Edmonton. It is all good stuff too, which you can read about in the links below.
A new conference and exposition center, community health facility (a really BIG one) and a ramp up in infrastructure to name a few.

All of that creates strong short and long term jobs, which are great for kick-starting the economy.
The oilsands deal with China is pretty impressive to boot. I wouldn't say it pulls us out of a recession yet, but you can read the articles and decide for yourself.

Recession is over, says economist
By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald, September 12, 2009
Rising commodity prices will fuel modest economic growth in Alberta in the next two years as demand for energy grows in the world's emerging markets, says a national economist. Canada's recession is over and the country will lead all G-7 peers in economic growth next year, paced by Alberta's strong energy sector, said Benjamin Tal, senior economist with CIBC World Markets Inc.

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Real Estate Prices Stabilizing in Alberta

09-14-09
Todd & Danielle Millar

"The difference in the resale housing market now, compared to the beginning of the year, is night and day and nowhere is this more evident than in the West," said Dale Ripplinger, association president.

"Homebuyers recognize that interest rates and prices have bottomed out, and are taking advantage of excellent affordability before prices and interest rates move higher."

A five-year fixed-rate mortgage, the most popular among consumers, is still available for less than four per cent at some financial institutions.

Variable-rate mortgages, tied to prime, remain at about three per cent and are not expected to rise until June. The Bank of Canada has pledged not to change its lending rate until then -- but it is not an ironclad guarantee.

The low rates seem to have worked and have the market even hotter than in 2007, a record year. July sales in 2009 were 3.9 per cent above the previous July high set in 2007.

It has been a stunning reversal for a real estate market that had almost ground to a halt over the winter." Read More

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More female grads ready for the oilsands

09-11-09
Todd & Danielle Millar










After an intensive 17 week course, 15 women are ready to go out there and move some heavy equipment around.

"Wanda Wetterberg, operations manager for Women Building Futures anticipates that the exodus of baby boomers from the workplace, combined with the student’s hands-on experience with loaders, graders and dozers, will help open the doors wider for women in the field.

“There is and will continue to be quite a heavy demand for heavy equipment operators,” she said, adding that the same holds true in other trades.

“Even if the construction industry has slowed down a bit, the demand for operators is still pretty high. And it certainly does pay well. That’s what our students are looking for,” she said"

For now gone are the days when 12 year-olds are working at fast-food chains and restaurants are closing due to restricted staffing.

Any women who are interested in taking the course should contact Olds College or Women Building Futures
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Housing affordability improves

09-09-09
Todd & Danielle Millar

Until this recession housing prices where slowly and steadily creeping out of the territory of affordable for many first time buyers.

The truest example of this was a "starter home" in Vancouver for $700,000. Of course location and other market comparables would set aside this property from the rest, it's still not in my idea of the starter home region. Vancouver's housing affordability is still an unbelievable 63%. That means 63% of income must be devoted to mortgage payments.

Now we now why Vancouverites are so svelte - they can't afford food!

Housing prices cooled and low interest rates brought back affordability but how long will it last? According to some experts not so long.
"The two major contributors to the significant improvement during the past year or so — the decline in mortgage rates and the drift down in prices — appear to have reached turning points."

"Supply of properties for sale is dropping as demand bounces back, which is working to heat up prices again in many parts of the country."

RBC senior economist Robert Hogue

We are in a one-of-a-kind situation to pick up great properties with low interest rates at incredible prices. There is such demand in Canada and especially in Edmonton, Alberta for quality housing, price increases are going to return in the next year.

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