December Newsletter: Financial Tips, Holiday Ideas & 2026 Market Outlook
December Newsletter: Financial Tips, Holiday Ideas & 2026 Market Outlook
December is here aka the month of cozy traditions, holiday chaos, and beautifully elevated stress levels. If you’re feeling it, you’re in good company. Before we dive into this month’s financial planning and housing-market insights, here are a few quick reminders to help keep your sanity intact:
Holiday De-Stress Tips
Forget perfection. Getting things 90% done is still a win. No holiday has ever been perfect and the imperfect moments are usually the stories everyone remembers.
Set boundaries. It’s totally fine to say no. You don’t have to shop for everyone, attend everything, or run yourself into the ground making 27 side dishes.
Share the load. Hosting? Let people contribute. Ask guests to bring food, drinks, or help with setup/cleanup. You do not have to be a one-person holiday production crew.
Take a breath, pour a hot drink, and let’s get into this month’s topics.
2026 Financial Resolutions: Set Yourself Up for Success
December is the perfect time to start thinking about your 2026 financial goals. Before tackling the bigger questions ahead, here are a few foundational habits worth revisiting:
Financial Basics to Revisit
Pay down high-interest debt. Credit cards at 19%–25% interest make it tough to get ahead. Consolidation may help if you’re juggling multiple balances.
Automate your savings. Even $50 per paycheque adds up when it runs in the background.
Let go of past money mistakes. Everyone has made some. What matters is the habits you build going forward.
Check your credit score. Make sure everything is accurate, pay bills on time, and consider closing unused accounts.
The 3 Big Questions to Ask Yourself Heading into 2026
1. When was the last time you reviewed your accounts?
Building a habit of monthly or quarterly check-ins can save you from unnecessary surprises.
A few quick actions:
Scan statements for unauthorized or unusual transactions
Review preauthorized debits and cancel subscriptions you don’t use
2. What exactly are you saving for?
Saving is great. But saving with a purpose is powerful.
Your goals might include:
Retirement
A vacation
A home purchase
An emergency fund
Once your goals are defined, staying motivated and making sacrifices gets easier.
Two ways to stay on track:
Get organized. Use multiple accounts, a spreadsheet, or a savings app whatever helps you track your progress visually.
Build on your success. Short-term goals often work best with low-risk savings. Long-term goals benefit from investing. Speak with a licensed professional for advice tailored to your situation.
3. Do your spending habits need an audit?
Sometimes a financial reset starts with awareness.
Try this:
Review the last 3 months of bank and credit card statements
Look for patterns Amazon splurges, takeout, Sephora binges, whatever your kryptonite is
Improving your financial literacy also goes a long way. Consider learning about:
Different investment accounts
Asset classes
Real estate or alternative investments
How compounding works (for both growth and debt)
The more you know, the better your decisions.
Bottom line: Removing emotion from your finances is a superpower. Knowledge, structure, and clarity will take your goals to the next level.
DIY Holiday Gift Ideas
Homemade gifts hit differently these days—they’re thoughtful, personal, and fun to make. Here are a few ideas that are easy, affordable, and guaranteed to impress:
Clay Magnet Sets
Use air-dry clay, paint, and magnets to create mini ornaments, snowflakes, stars whatever you like. Seal with varnish for durability.
Custom Potato Stamps
Carve a potato into a festive shape and stamp it onto tote bags, denim, cards, or even packing paper.
Teacup Candles
Melt wax, set the wick, add scents, and pour into thrifted teacups. These make beautiful, memorable gifts.
Hand-Painted Wine Bottles
Take a standard bottle and turn it into a keepsake with a painted winter scene, holiday lights, or a personal message.
Homemade Bath Bombs
Mix baking soda, Epsom salts, citric acid, coconut oil, and scents. Press into silicone molds and let dry overnight.
If you try any of these, send me a photo I want to see your creations!
Economic Insights from Dr. Sherry Cooper
Canada’s housing market is showing cautious signs of recovery, but the story varies dramatically by region.
Regional Conditions
BC & Ontario – Buyer’s Markets
High prices continue to affect affordability. Investor demand is down, especially in condos. Ontario is also feeling pressure from U.S. tariff impacts.
Alberta – Balanced
Activity remains stable with mostly end-user buyers.
Quebec – Balanced and Fast-Growing
Prices are up 8.2% year-over-year and momentum continues heading into 2026.
Prairies: Saskatchewan & Manitoba – Seller’s Markets
Low inventory and strong job growth are driving prices up. SK expected +9.3%; MB +7%.
Atlantic Canada – Seller’s Markets
Solid demand and tight supply continue to push prices 5%–10% higher.
National Market Trends
Home sales projected to decline 1.1% in 2025 (driven by BC, Alberta, and Ontario)
National average price expected to fall 1.4% to $676,705
Most regions outside BC/ON are seeing 4%–9% growth
2026 rebound projected: +3.2% in prices, +7% in sales
What’s Shaping the Market?
Slowing population growth due to reduced immigration
Lower mortgage rates and updated lending rules
Declining investor activity especially in Toronto and Vancouver condos
Where Prices Are Expected to Rise Most in 2026
Regions with tight supply, strong in-migration, and better affordability are poised for the strongest gains:
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
BC and Alberta should see more normalizing conditions with little to no nominal growth.
Demographic Shifts Driving 2026 Growth
A wave of interprovincial migration is reshaping Canada’s housing landscape. Canadians are moving from high-cost provinces like BC and Ontario to more affordable regions. Even with reduced immigration targets, newcomers continue to support family-oriented housing markets especially in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
Younger families are chasing affordability and job opportunities. Retirees are seeking lower-cost living and accessible housing. Limited supply in these fast-growing areas continues to push prices upward.
Wrapping Up
That’s it for December! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, fun, and hopefully very little stress.
If you ever want help reviewing your mortgage, planning a refinance, exploring investment options, or setting up a 2026 financial strategy…
I’m here for you.
Rob Skoko
MAXIMUM Mortgage Solutions
📞 604-771-4085
📧 rob@skoko.ca
🌐 www.SkokoMortgages.ca
