First Foundation

Happy Canada Day from First Foundation!

We hope you have an amazing day filled with fun, friends, and fireworks ❤️

Have fun and stay safe!

Have you protected your most valuable asset?

Disability Insurance Needs Calculator If you have group disability coverage, is it enough, and will it pay for long enough? Or, what if you don’t have any at all? The best first step is knowing how much you need. Try this easy-to-use calculator to quickly find out, and let’s talk.

Premier Smith announcement keeps the private auto insurance system in place; while a public model could lower premiums, the financial impact was too high. We think this decision benefits you with better coverage options, support, & innovation. Read more: https://bit.ly/3zbY1mw

Even with the recent interest rate from the Bank of Canada, we still have some great GIC rates. Check it out

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) | First Foundation Buying GICs for the safety and security they offer? Why not get the best rate you can at the same time? First Foundation offers great GICs from Oaken Financial and other great partners.

As Canada faces increasingly severe wildfires, being prepared is more crucial than ever. Read our latest post on the record-breaking 2023 wildfire season with expert tips on safeguarding our community in 2024. Let's take this on together!

read it> https://bit.ly/4dkNbKB

Trying to protect your family without breaking the bank? You're not alone. Life insurance is a must-have, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In this week's blog, find 6 ideas to help cut costs, including one that rewards you for staying fit!

https://bit.ly/3QfX1U9

Lowering insurance costs isn't just about safe driving. There are plenty of steps you can take to protect your car & your wallet. In our latest blog post, Elyce Cartier shows us some simple actions that can help prevent costly claims!

https://bit.ly/4d0gBxg

Ready to take a leap in your financial journey? Check out our new blog post on Leap Year Investing and learn how to use it to boost your retirement savings. Don't let the extra day slip away - make it count for your financial future!

read it here --> https://bit.ly/3Snbf5W

It’s Not Too Late To Make an RRSP Contribution for 2023! Is it too late to contribute? Find out all you need to know about your 2023 RRSP contributions and deadline dates!

Meet Veralin Phillips-Michael! Our esteemed Calgary Branch Manager & Producer brings a remarkable 46-year journey in the industry, and is a driving force behind our team's success!
In case you missed it, Veralin recently authored an blog about some new reporting rules for auto accidents in Alberta. Click the link below to read all about it!

https://bit.ly/48BfqBQ

What’s Changing?
Vehicle collisions with damages estimated over $5,000 need to be reported to police, up from previous $2000.

Why the Change?
Inflation. This reduces the need to report minor damages.

What Doesn't Change
Reporting requirements involving injuries or fatalities.

Read more in the latest blog --> https://bit.ly/3tMaLhq

We are still seeing some great rates on GIC's. Contact us today for more information.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) | First Foundation Buying GICs for the safety and security they offer? Why not get the best rate you can at the same time? First Foundation offers great GICs from Oaken Financial and other great partners.

Thank you for your business in 2023 and the growth we are experiencing! Our team works really hard to serve our clients and have earned a well deserved break this season with their loved ones. Thank you for understanding!

We really appreciate your business and look forward to serving your mortgage, investment, and insurance needs in 2024 and beyond.

Gordon McCallum, CEO and the First Foundation team.

ps in case you haven't seen it yet, the elves have been busy creating the 12 Days of Christmas Checklist. It's hard to believe it's DAY 9 already...that means only 3 days left until Santa comes! Check it out here --> https://www.firstfoundation.ca/12-days/

Welcome to First Foundation's "12 Days of Christmas" holiday checklist series! As the festive season twinkles in, we're thrilled to present this special list; Our way of helping ensure your 2024 is as prosperous and joyful as the holiday season itself. Over the next 12 days, we'll unveil a daily blog post, each one illuminating a different aspect of an Own, Grow, Protect kind of holiday! So, gather around the warmth of knowledge and join us in unwrapping these daily insights!

https://bit.ly/3RSeaVj

Meet Lyndsay! Bringing over eight years of industry experience, Lyndsay Ratson is a wizard in personal lines insurance. She's your go-to expert for securing the best rates without compromising coverage, whether it's for your property, vehicle, or recreational toys like motorcycles, trailers, motorhomes, ATVs, and boats.
Lyndsay's insurance journey is underpinned by a rich family background in the industry and an earlier career in sales, including motorcycle and parts sales. At First Foundation, she has excelled in her role and now also serves as the Compliance Officer for our insurance division, playing a key role in developing new policies and procedures.
Born in Claresholm, Alberta, Lyndsay is a proud Albertan and a dedicated mother of three. When she's not expertly handling insurance matters, she's a lover of entomology and the great outdoors. Her happy place is in the mountains, where she connects with nature as often as possible.
In case you missed it, Lyndsay recently authored an insightful blog post on Alberta auto insurance reform, once again putting her commitment to keeping clients informed on display. Her blend of expertise and clear communication ensures that our clients are always up to date with the latest in insurance. Read it here -> https://bit.ly/3MU1eeo

How Will Alberta's 2024 Auto Insurance Reforms Affect You? Find out in our latest blog post. Join Lyndsay Ratson as she breaks down everything from the Good Driver Rate Cap to new payment flexibility, giving you the insights you need to navigate these changes with confidence. Stay ahead and informed. 🚗📚
Read the full story ➡️https://bit.ly/3MU1eeo

Safe Driving Pays Off: How Alberta's 2024 Auto Insurance Reform Affects You | First Foundation Explore the key aspects of Alberta's 2024 insurance reforms with our expert guide. Learn about the Good Driver Rate Cap, flexible payment plans, and how these changes can impact your insurance. Get personalized advice and insights from Lyndsay, your trusted insurance broker at First Foundation

Meet Gord! Our innovative President and CEO Gord McCallum is both the founder and the driving force at the helm of First Foundation. With a passion for technology and a knack for strategic leadership, Gord is dedicated to making financial security accessible to all Canadians. Gord’s journey began in some unconventional roles, including digging trenches for Shaw Cable. His entrepreneurial spirit came alive when he co-founded a custom computer case business while still attending university. These experiences laid the foundation for the visionary leader he is today! Under Gord's stewardship, First Foundation became one of the first firms to go fully paperless back in 2002. His groundbreaking white paper on electronic signatures has had an industry-wide impact, solidifying First Foundation's place as an innovator. Recent initiatives include an online self-service kiosk for insurance docs and integrating AI tools for enhanced customer communication and data analysis. This commitment to tech-driven efficiency and service keeps us at the forefront of the financial services industry. Beyond his role at First Foundation, Gord is a dedicated family man, coach, and community supporter. He invests his time outside the office coaching youth sports and actively contributes to local charities, bringing the same passion for positive change to the community as he does to finance. His diverse interests, including his love for high-fidelity sound and sports, reflect the multifaceted dedication he brings to every aspect of his life.

On Remembrance Day, we honor those who fought for our freedoms with bravery and sacrifice. Their legacy shapes our world of opportunities, from home ownership to securing futures. Grateful for their courage, we strive to uphold their values.

Paul MacMullin seamlessly blends 25+ years in commercial financing with dynamic career shifts—from the aerial views with Canadian (Okanagan) Helicopters to delving deep into Calgary’s commercial real estate. An Edmonton native with a robust Vancouver College education, Paul brings a wealth of diverse, hands-on expertise to the complex realm of real estate and financing. Joining First Foundation in 2022, Paul wove his meticulous aviation logistics experience into his commercial financing approach. He’s more than a broker—he’s a reliable navigator through the intricate financial landscapes, ensuring clients not only secure deals but also journey through the process with clarity and confidence. Behind the professional facade, Paul is an avid adventurer and dedicated family man. Whether it's casting a line into a tranquil lake, embracing the wilderness while camping, or enthusiastically supporting the Canucks, he navigates life with the same zest and exploration with which he approaches his work. This finance expert does not just explore financial landscapes but revels in exploring the physical and adventurous landscapes of life, making his journey perpetually intriguing.
In case you missed it, Paul recently authored an blog post about a boost in commercial project funding by the feds for this year. --> https://bit.ly/3Mska3H

Breaking News from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions! Curious about how the latest announcement on Guideline B-20 could affect your mortgage plans? Hear CEO Gord McCallum's take and stay ahead of the game!

Read about it here-> https://bit.ly/3Sl2jj9

It's Cyber Security Awareness Month! Did you know 95% of cybersecurity breaches are due to human error? Whether you're a contractor, healthcare provider, or non-profit, digital protection is critical. Read expert Garnett Germain's recent blog post here!

https://bit.ly/3RXSlDY

GIC Laddering You can benefit from attractive GIC rates without locking in your entire investment for a long duration. Learn how.

Some impactful news coming from the Department of Finance Canada today that has the potential to shake up the housing sector and bring new opportunities for multi-family home builders!
The government has increased the annual limit for Canada Mortgage Bonds from $40 billion to $60 billion. This significant shift is designed to spur the construction of more multi-family homes, potentially bringing about 30,000 additional rental apartments to life each year.
This boost is specifically geared towards mortgage loans on multi-unit rental projects. It could be fantastic news for builders and developers, meeting the heightened demand for low-cost financing and paving the way for more projects to kick-off. From apartments to student housing and senior residences, this expansion covers a broad spectrum of rental housing.

Read all about it in this week's blog post featuring First Foundation's Commercial Mortgage Guru Paul MacMullin! --> https://bit.ly/48pYv5L

Another reason we think

Did you know that starting Sept 1, drivers in the lane closest to any vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing must move over? If you can’t safely move over you must slow to at least 60 km/h. Variable penalties for violations.🤔

https://bit.ly/47NKmis

Garnett, a seasoned commercial insurance expert, recently joined First Foundation as our Commercial Insurance Manager. With over 20 years of experience in various roles throughout the field, Garnett's expertise spans from directly adjusting insurance claims to insuring businesses of all sizes.
Garnett's interest in First Foundation was sparked by the company's commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency and its focus on mentoring and building up divisions. His goal for the commercial insurance division is to achieve steady, significant growth year over year without compromising on service, collaboration, or quality of coverage.
In case you missed it, earlier this month Garnett was the special guest author of our blog! In it he discusses Cyber insurance for contractors, Healthcare Professionals, and not-for-profits. Click below to check it out!

https://bit.ly/3P1YpcX

Exploring life insurance as a diabetic? First Foundation partners with leading insurers to help address the challenges you'll face and works with you to find comprehensive solutions. Learn more now in this week's blog post by Tyler Pfeiffer - Certified Financial Planner :

https://bit.ly/47qMhsP

Should contractors, healthcare providers, and not-for-profits be concerned about ? Find out in our latest blog on .

(Spoiler alert: Yes, they absolutely should!)

Another reason we think .

https://bit.ly/3qp5LgO

Planning a special event like a wedding or concert? You want to enjoy the event without having to worry about what might go wrong. Special event insurance protects you from legal action taken against you as a result of the event. Get a quote right now!

https://zurl.co/3rSW

Securing Guaranteed Interest Rates with Annuities Annuities, what are they and how can they secure guaranteed interest for you? Read this article to learn more.

First Foundation is hiring!

We're seeking dedicated professionals to join our Insurance Team. If you're passionate about helping clients protect what matters most, have a strong interest in insurance, and possess a customer-centric approach, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Requirements: Post-secondary degree/diploma, Level I/II General Insurance License (or motivation to obtain), excellent communication & computer skills, and ability to work under pressure.

Role: Sales, service, responding to inquiries, providing quotes, maintaining client info, and cross-selling other First Foundation services.

Benefits: Competitive salary, health & dental benefits, flex time, employee discounts, referral bonuses, and continuing education reimbursement.

Learn more, apply, or refer a friend with the link below!
https://zurl.co/uhUQ

If you have a financial dream, talk to us about turning it into a reality.

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for September 3, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.74% 7 Year Fixed 2.34% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 0.99% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.77% Stress Test Rate 5.25% Last Updated: September 03, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for July 23, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.74% 7 Year Fixed 2.34% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 0.99% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.79% Stress Test Rate 5.25% Last Updated: July 23, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for June 28, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.74% 7 Year Fixed 2.34% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 0.99% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.97% Stress Test Rate 5.25% Last Updated: June 28, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for June 11, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.74% 7 Year Fixed 2.34% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 0.99% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.82% Stress Test Rate 5.25% Last Updated: June 11, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for April 28, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.74% 7 Year Fixed 2.24% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 0.99% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.97% Stress Test Rate 4.79% Last Updated: April 28, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for April 12, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.74% 7 Year Fixed 2.24% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 1.20% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.96% Stress Test Rate 4.79% Last Updated: April 12, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for April 8, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.74% 5 Year Fixed 1.84% 7 Year Fixed 2.24% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 1.25% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.91% Stress Test Rate 4.79% Last Updated: April 08, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!

Check out the latest mortgage rates for all of Alberta. Our experienced mortgage brokers are ready to get started on your approval!

Mortgage rates have been updated. Here are the latest from Firstfoundation.ca:

Western Canada Mortgage Rates for March 22, 2021

Term Mortgage Rates 1 Year Fixed 1.82% 2 Year Fixed 1.52% 3 Year Fixed 1.52% 4 Year Fixed 1.62% 5 Year Fixed 1.84% 7 Year Fixed 2.24% 10 Year Fixed 2.69% Variable 1.29% HELOC 2.95% Prime Rate 2.45% 5 Yr Bond 0.99% Stress Test Rate 4.79% Last Updated: March 22, 2021

As always feel free to contact us with any questions you might have. We're always happy to help!

(p.s. sorry about the formatting of the rates...it's an automated feed and we don't have as much formatting control as we'd like).

Compare Mortgage Interest Rates in Canada | First Foundation Find low mortgage rates from an Alberta Mortgage Broker. Compare our low rates with mortgage interest rates of the major banks in Canada. Beat the banks today!