Personal Finance Canada

In my case, two things. Firstly, not putting home ownership on a pedestal as a crucial part of my financial well being. Truthfully, actually purchasing is quite low on my list of financial priorities. I have been a renter for 12 years and it has worked very well for me. My retirement savings plan accounts for the possibility of renting through retirement (or, equivalently, cashing out investments some time closer to retirement to purchase). At this stage in my life I'd much rather rent and have a pool of liquid investments than have a mortgage I can barely afford.

Secondly, I'm very focused on growing my income in my career. I've tripled my income since 2019 and if the chips fall correctly it should double over the next year. Were it not for the excessive housing costs I would not be so focused on income growth since my current salary already comfortably supports the remainder of my spending.

The only thing I feel I'm missing from a financial standpoint is access to leverage. Next year I'll have filled all of my spouse's and I's registered accounts so I'm going to more seriously investigate how to safely lever up using margin and derivatives.