The Power of Intent and Influence: Building Wealth Wisely

Josh Perez • September 7, 2023

Are you eager to build your wealth but hesitant to spend money in the process? It's a common dilemma, and one that many individuals face as they embark on their financial journey. In this blog post, we'll delve into a conversation between Josh and an individual seeking advice on wealth building without breaking the bank.

You're a reflection of the five closest people around you. You have to be able to talk about your wealth building goals, your financial goals, if they're a priority for you with the people around you.

The Quest for Wealth Without Excessive Spending


Imagine this scenario: You're determined to build your wealth, but you're cautious about spending money on expensive courses, seminars, or investment opportunities. What should you do? Josh, our wealth-building advisor, shares some valuable insights:


Education and Networking as Keys to Wealth Building

Josh starts by highlighting the importance of education and networking in the wealth-building process. Attending conferences, social events, and educational workshops can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and valuable connections. These opportunities often require an investment, but they can be worthwhile for your financial future.


The Role of Intentionality

Moving beyond education and networking, Josh emphasizes the role of intentionality in wealth building. To make wealth accumulation a priority, you need to set clear goals and make a conscious effort to pursue them. It's not just about attending events; it's about taking the knowledge and connections you gain and applying them to your financial objectives.


The Power of Your Inner Circle

Perhaps the most profound point Josh makes is about the influence of your inner circle. He highlights the idea that you are a reflection of the five closest people around you. This means that the individuals you spend the most time with can significantly impact your financial mindset and progress.


Open Conversations About Wealth Goals

Josh suggests that for your wealth-building journey to flourish, you must be able to openly discuss your financial goals with the people closest to you. This includes sharing your aspirations, challenges, and strategies for wealth accumulation. If those around you understand and support your objectives, it can provide you with the motivation and accountability needed to stay on track.


Adjusting Your Circle

Lastly, Josh acknowledges that sometimes, to align with your financial priorities, you may need to adjust the composition of your inner circle. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for wealth building can be instrumental in achieving your goals.

In conclusion, building wealth doesn't always require lavish spending. It begins with a commitment to learning, networking, and setting clear intentions. Moreover, it involves engaging in open conversations with your closest connections about your wealth-building journey. Remember, you have the power to shape your financial future, and your circle of influence plays a pivotal role in that journey.


Want to talk about building wealth? Book a call with Josh

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Get Unbiased Advice: Work with an Independent Mortgage Pro

By Josh Perez • December 24, 2025
Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional? If you’re in the market for a mortgage, here’s the most important thing to know: Working with an independent mortgage professional can save you money and provide better options than dealing directly with a single bank. If that’s all you read—great! But if you’d like to understand why that statement is true, keep reading. The Best Mortgage Isn’t Just About the Lowest Rate It’s easy to fall for slick marketing that promotes ultra-low mortgage rates. But the lowest rate doesn’t always mean the lowest cost . The best mortgage is the one that costs you the least amount of money over time —not just the one with the flashiest headline rate. Things like: Prepayment penalties Portability Flexibility to refinance Amortization structure Fixed vs. variable terms …can all affect the true cost of your mortgage. An independent mortgage professional looks beyond the rate. They’ll help you find a product that fits your unique financial situation , long-term goals, and lifestyle—so you’re not hit with expensive surprises down the road. Save Time (and Your Sanity) Applying for a mortgage can be complicated. Every lender has different rules, documents, and policies—and trying to navigate them all on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. When you work with an independent mortgage professional: You fill out one application They shop that application across multiple lenders You get expert advice tailored to your needs This means less paperwork , less stress , and more confidence in your options. Get Unbiased Advice That Puts You First Bank specialists work for the bank. Their job is to sell you that bank’s mortgage products—whether or not it’s the best deal for you. Independent mortgage professionals work for you. They’re provincially licensed, and their job is to help you: Compare multiple lenders Understand the fine print Make informed, long-term financial decisions And the best part? Their services are typically free to you . Mortgage professionals are paid a standardized fee by the lender when a mortgage is placed—so you get expert guidance without any out-of-pocket cost. Access More Mortgage Options When you go to your bank, you’re limited to that bank’s mortgage products. When you go to an independent mortgage professional, you get access to: Major banks Credit unions Monoline lenders (who only offer mortgages) Alternative and private lenders (if needed) That’s far more choice , and a much better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs and goals. The Bottom Line If you want to: Save money over the life of your mortgage Save time by avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth Access more lenders and products Get honest, client-first advice …then working with an independent mortgage professional is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You If you're ready to talk about mortgage financing—or just want to explore your options—I'm here to help. Let's connect and put together a strategy that makes sense for your goals and your future. Reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help.

Why High Income Doesn’t Automatically Mean a Bigger Mortgage

By Josh Perez • December 18, 2025
Most people assume a bigger paycheck leads to a bigger mortgage approval. But here’s the truth that surprises almost everyone: “It’s not about how much you earn. It’s about how much of your income is already spoken for.” — Josh Perez I’ve sat across from clients earning six figures who qualified for less than someone making half as much. The problem wasn’t their income. It was their monthly obligations . Lenders Don’t Just Look at Income — They Look at What’s Left Over You can make $200,000 a year, but if $80,000 of it is tied up in payments, lenders see very little room for a mortgage. Here’s what typically eats up that space: Big car loans Multiple credit cards Buy-now-pay-later plans Personal loans Lines of credit Old debts that still report monthly payments These commitments matter because lenders are focused on one main calculation: Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) This tells lenders how much of your income is already locked into payments — and how much is available for a mortgage. A high DTI = lower mortgage approval A low DTI = stronger approval and better options It’s that simple. Want to Qualify for More? Do This First Most people think they need to increase their income. The truth? Reducing debt often has a bigger impact — and works faster. 1. Pay down or eliminate high monthly payments Even paying off a single loan can shift your approval dramatically. 2. Avoid taking on new credit before applying Every new payment reduces your borrowing room. 3. Keep your spending stable for 90 days Lenders review recent bank history. Stability helps. 4. Work with a mortgage broker, not just one bank This is one of the biggest ways people leave money on the table. Every lender calculates affordability differently. Some are far more flexible with DTI. If you only go to your bank, you’re only getting one version of your potential approval. Let’s Make Your Approval Work for You If you want to qualify for more, reduce debt strategically, or understand where you stand right now, I can help you build the right plan. Let’s give you access to more options — not just one.