An award-winning monthly podcast with a focus on helping Canadian entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. The podcast delivers interviews with business leaders and industry experts offering advice and commentary on current events and business trends, with a focus on informing and educating Canadian businesses.
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Credit Card Payment Processing Podcasts
Forces in Fintech is a bi-weekly podcast produced by REPAY, a leader in integrated payment solutions since 2006. We’re dedicated to revealing what’s behind the digital transformation of fintech and commerce. In season 1 of the podcast, we’re talking with industry experts to discuss modern technologies and how they influence market trends.
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Interesting interviews with innkeepers and lodging experts, aimed to improve the challenging life of the independent innkeeper and lodging professional.
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The AFT podcast: At the Forefront of Transactions | Previously known as Fundraising Radio.
Konstantin Dubovitskiy
The AFT podcast (At the Forefront of Transactions) - previously known as Fundraising Radio, is a continuation of our efforts to bring in-depth knowledge of the payments space. Do you know how credit cards work? How banks communicate transactions between each other? How the tap to pay works? How funds get disbursed by government agencies? You'll learn about topics in the payment space that you didn't even know existed. If you are in the fintech/payments space or just a curious mind - hop on!
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Rondi exposes what the banks, credit bureaus and collection companies don’t want you to know about your credit report, and how important your credit score actually is, on his radio show "Your Credit Matters" - Rondi Lambeth is a Certified FICO Credit Professional, Speaker and Author. He is one of the most sought after speakers because of his depth of experience and knowledge in financial and credit matters. In addition to the daily talk show, Rondi also can be heard on multiple stations acro ...
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AppStar Financial provides an array of transaction processing services, including credit, debit, EBT, checks, and gift cards for small to medium-sized retail, home, and internet merchants. Appstar is a leader in point-of-sale technology solutions for small businesses and entrepreneurs. We offer our customers the highest quality programs and POS systems including credit and debit card processing, E-Commerce solutions, gift cards, rewards and loyalty programs,s and business management tools.
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If you have questions about the mortgage process of buying a home or the ins and outs of refinancing then this is the show for you. Join CrossCountry Mortgage Regional President Bill Litton as he breaks down key lending terms, answers listener questions, and provides you tons of tips and education about the mortgage world. You could save thousands of dollars on your next mortgage decision just by tapping into some of the great information on the Smart Mortgage Show. Schedule a time to meet w ...
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Welcome to The Swypit Show, where we take a hands-on approach with our clients AND their businesses. Starring the Founder and Owner of Swypit, Kevin Hodes, our show highlights the credit card processing industry and how you can win by utilizing a proven company, bringing over 20 years of industry experience, like Swypit! Kevin brings honesty and integrity to what he considers, the "slimy world of credit card processing." A former chef aboard luxury yachts, his craft brought him into contact ...
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How Much Should You Disclose to Your Loan Officer?
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11:52📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Buying a home can be exciting, but when it comes to sharing personal and financial details with your loan officer, how much is too much? And can withholding information actually hurt you? In this episode, Bill, ex…
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Navigating Canada’s Economic Crossroads with Douglas Porter
12:51
12:51
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12:51Canada’s economy has had a wild ride this year—but is it as bad as it seems? In our latest episode, BMO Chief Economist Douglas Porter returns to break down the numbers behind the headlines. From inflation and interest rates to the surprising strength of domestic tourism, Porter shares insights that every small business owner should hear. 💡 Why has…
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📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Divorce is hard enough without losing your home and a great mortgage rate in the process. But can you keep that 2–3% interest rate if you and your spouse split? In this episode, we’ll explain the ins and outs of m…
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Declined transactions explained + Disputes covered. By Rehman Baig with FlexFactor
36:19
36:19
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36:19Rehman Baig, CPO at FlexFactor in this episode talks about combating transaction declines and disputes. How the process of underwriting looks like, how are funds reclaimed, what the end-user sees and how it all operates under the hood. Follow us on Substack here for more in-depth coverage of interesting topics like OCT, Pre-Debiting, ACH disputes a…
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Is a Rate Drop Coming? August Mortgage Market Update
9:09
9:09
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9:09📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation As we roll into August, Bill shares a timely market update on what’s driving mortgage rates right now. What’s catching Bill’s eye as fall approaches? Interest rates, buyer moods, and the real forces moving Pennsyl…
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083: Better Together: The MWInns and MBBA Merger with Kerri Thiel, Randy Bangs and Mikki Suchomel
39:03
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39:03The Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) and the Michigan Bed & Breakfast Association (MBBA) have officially merged. Kerri Thiel (Retiring Executive Director), Mikki Suchomel (Incoming Executive Director), and Randy Bangs (Board VP and Marketing Chair) discuss how this strategic move expands resources, strengthens advocacy, and creates …
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What’s the Best Time to Lock in Your Interest Rate?
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10:01📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation You’re getting close to buying your home, but now comes the big question: when should you lock in your mortgage rate? Rates move constantly, and with economic shifts, political uncertainty, and global factors like…
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Homebuyers: Don’t Open a Credit Card During the Mortgage Process – Here’s Why
10:57
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10:57📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–20 minute consultation with Bill It’s tempting, isn’t it? You’re just days or weeks away from closing on your new home, and a shiny new credit card offer shows up. Travel perks, cash back, or maybe a great financing deal on furniture…
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Non-Obvious Mistakes That Could Derail Your Mortgage
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9:29📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–20 minute consultation with Bill Most homebuyers know to avoid major credit moves or switching jobs during the mortgage process, but what about the mistakes that don’t show up on every checklist? In this episode, Bill breaks down the…
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Fund collections getting creative: Michael Kaplan with PayNearMe
36:07
36:07
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36:07In this episode we cover exactly what the title suggests: pay-ins. Specifically focusing on the use-cases like repayment of outstanding debts such as tolls due, phone bills overdue etc. Covering a wide array of pay-in options and explaining how they operate, how the funds get attributed to each user and how the backend of the operations looks like.…
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How Are Canadian Small Businesses Tackling Succession Planning Challenges?
30:29
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30:29With the average age of business owners at 58 and many lacking succession plans, Canadian small businesses are facing climbing rates of closure. Al is joined by Dr. Sarah Burrows, Assistant Professor at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business, to discuss the growing concern of succession planning in Canadian small businesses. Dr. Burrows disc…
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July Update: Mortgage Applications on the Rise
8:28
8:28
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8:28🏠Get your free mortgage consultation here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Mortgage rates have dipped slightly, home inventory is increasing, and buyer interest is starting to rebound, but are we really entering a more stable housing market? In this episode, Bill Litton of Cross Country Mortgage shares what he’s watching this July, including key mort…
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082: Mastering Revenue Management: The Art and Science of Pricing
52:31
52:31
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52:31Pricing is one of the most powerful tools innkeepers have, but getting it right is both an art and a science. Scot Fuller-Beatty, Founder of The Bold Collaboration, discusses how to master revenue management through smart pricing strategies and well-timed promotions. Scot also offers practical advice for crafting promotions that increase occupancy …
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How to Make Your Offer as Strong as Possible
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12:41
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12:41Even as the real estate market begins to shift, homes in southeastern Pennsylvania remain fiercely competitive. If you’re looking to buy, it’s not enough to make a good offer, it needs to be strong. In this episode, Bill shares proven strategies to help your offer rise above the rest. From getting fully underwritten before making an offer to levera…
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Does a Larger Down Payment Lower Your Mortgage Rate?
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8:18Every homebuyer is looking for ways to get the lowest rate possible on their mortgage, but how much does your down payment impact that number? Today we’ll tell you whether a large down payment will benefit you and explain why the down payment amount might mean more for those with lower credit scores. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Why a …
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Buy Now Pay Later - how does it work and what happens behind the scenes? By Jiakai Guo, VP at Sound Point Capital Management
40:53
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40:53Jiakai Guo - Vice President at Sound Point Capital Management in this episode goes in-depth on how Buy Now Pay Later system operates. How does the capital flow look like, how is this form of debt being treated, what are the delinquency rates and of course, can this serve as an indicator of the country's economic health. P.S. Apologies for the quali…
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The Business of Golf In Canada: Is It An Economic Indicator?
28:01
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28:01This month, Al is joined by Jeff Calderwood, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), to discuss the economic impact of golf in Canada and how the industry reflects this year’s tourism trends. Jeff also delves into how golf courses are adapting to changes in travel due to tariffs and the various programs and services offered by t…
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June Update: Where Mortgage Rates May Be Headed Next
11:15
11:15
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11:15Mortgage markets may not grab headlines, but for buyers, sellers, and homeowners alike, the shifts happening now could mean big financial decisions in the coming months. Interest rates have stayed stubbornly high, but that might be about to change. In this milestone 100th episode, Bill breaks down the latest data, including surprising job numbers a…
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Taxes might not be the most exciting part of running a property, but smart tax planning can be a game changer. In this episode, Tyler Otto, Owner and President of Specialized Accounting, provides often overlooked “tactical and practical” tax tips. We also had fun talking about tax planning and uncovering real-world tips you can apply right away. We…
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Introducing a New Closing Guarantee to Make Your Home Offer Stronger
22:57
22:57
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22:57In today’s competitive housing market, buyers need every edge they can get, and we’re excited to introduce a new program that we believe is a no-brainer. To help us explain how it all works, we’re excited to welcome on realtor Lorna Kozlowski of RE/MAX Town & Country to unveil a new $10,000 Closing Guarantee. You’ll hear how this guarantee works, h…
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Building the payment system with Casey Hingtgen
27:27
27:27
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27:27Casey Hingtgen - COO of Whale in this episode talks about the process of building a system of pulling and pushing without inter-mingling the funds. Goal of the system in question: - making sure that money is guaranteed to the landlords. Ability to lock the funds in the FDIC-insured funds. - for the renter (user): easy to fund the account. As fricti…
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How Quickly Can I Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?
8:37
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8:37You’ve found your dream house, the one you’ve been hoping for. But there’s one problem: you’re not pre-approved. In a market where homes can go under contract in hours, hesitation can cost you everything. Many buyers assume they can get pre-approved on the fly, but is that realistic? Bill breaks it all down and shares how you can be ready to make t…
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How Much Do You Need to Make to Buy a Home in Pennsylvania?
8:09
8:09
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8:09Is owning a home still possible for the average family or has it become out of reach? For parents trying to raise kids, build stability, and plan for the future, understanding what it really takes to buy a home is more important than ever. In this episode, we’ll look at new research from Realtor.com showing how much a family of four in Pennsylvania…
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PA Cities Where Home Prices Are Rising the Most
11:31
11:31
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11:31Home values across the country have been on the rise for the past five years, and Pennsylvania has been outperforming the national average. Today we’re going to dive into eye-opening data on 50 towns across the state, revealing just how much home values have climbed in recent years. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Rent vs. buy: why owners…
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How do credit card points work? By Troy Dennis
40:28
40:28
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40:28It's exactly how it sounds like - read the title:) Here are some of the specific questions we've covered during the interview: - Travel cards, let's start with the definition here - what is it and how is it different from a regular credit card? - How do the reward points work? Who offers them and why? - What actually happens when you click "redeem …
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May Mortgage Update: Applications Rising & Fed Holding Steady
9:54
9:54
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9:54With Fed decisions, mortgage rate fluctuations, and rising buyer interest, May is already shaping up to be a dynamic month. In this month’s market update, Bill shares the latest market trends, including the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady and how mortgage applications continue to rise year over year, even amid economic uncertainty. Here’s what …
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Chief Economist Douglas Porter Discusses Canadian Economy: Trade War, Inflation, and Economic Outlook
23:08
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23:08Al welcomes Douglas Porter, Chief Economist at the Bank of Montreal, to the podcast to discuss Canada’s current economic landscape. They delve into topics such as Canada's economic performance in the first quarter of 2025 and the effects of trade wars with the U.S. on Canadian businesses and consumers. Porter shares valuable advice for small busine…
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080: Achieving Work-Life Balance with Rebecca Gallagher, Founder of hozperity
34:29
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34:29For many innkeepers, work-life balance can feel out of reach. Long hours, endless to-do lists, and the pressure of wearing all the hats takes a toll on both business performance and personal wellbeing. That’s why simplifying operations isn’t just good business – it’s essential to building a more fulfilling life. In this episode, Rebecca Gallagher, …
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How Much Do You Really Need to Put Down On a House?
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12:09
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12:09Traditionally, homebuyers have targeted 20% as the ideal down payment but does that still hold true today? We meet with people all the time who want to know how much they need to put down on a home, so let’s look at the current trends nationally and talk about what percentage might be best for you. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Why 68% …
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Stock voting rights and fund settlement for buying stocks. By Spencer Hurst of MercuryVote
59:15
59:15
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59:15Spencer Hurst, Founder of MercuryVote in this episode explains how stock voting rights operate, how they can be bought and sold (rented) and how the funds flow when a stock or a share of a mutual fund is purchased. Brace yourselves for a deep dive into the confusing space of STONKS. Spencer's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerhhurst/ Mer…
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Going through a divorce is incredibly emotional and it brings a lot of uncertainty, especially around housing. Trying to figure out what to do next about where to live is stressful. So what do you need to know if you’re trying to buy a home during or after a divorce? This is a highly sensitive time and we want to help you avoid the common pitfalls …
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Most Common Mistakes People Make When Refinancing a Home
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12:49
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12:49With interest rates fluctuating, many homeowners are considering refinancing, but it’s essential to approach this decision with caution. People often ask us about what they need to know so they can avoid making any mistakes during the process. From paying unnecessary points to chasing misleading online rate quotes, Bill walks through real-life exam…
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079: Local Love: Travelers are Shifting Toward Unique, Family-Owned Stays
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37:01The quiet luxury trend that took off in 2024, where travelers sought more meaningful and authentic experiences, is shifting in 2025. This year, guests are choosing family-owned lodging for the warmth, connection, and comfort it offers. Family-owned, independent properties are in a perfect position to meet this demand by creating stays that feel lik…
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How Tariffs Are Shaping Mortgage Rates This April
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11:20It’s time for a much-needed update on the mortgage market for April 2025. With ongoing uncertainties driven by tariffs, inflation, and market volatility, we’ll explain how these factors are impacting mortgage rates and what potential homebuyers and homeowners need to know. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Increased Inventory: More homes on…
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What Are the Biggest Challenges Faced by Restaurants in Canada Today?
35:51
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35:51Rising costs, labour shortages, sustainability, and yes, tariffs, these are just a few of the challenges facing the food service industry in Canada. What is being done about it? Al sits down with Max Roy, VP of Federal and Quebec at Restaurants Canada to talk about it. Also, we all know how important trust is in business, but how do you measure tru…
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Credit Unions explained. By Wesley Walton
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46:10Wesley Walton - CEO of Glendale Area Schools Credit Union [GASCU] in this episode takes a deep dive into the structure and operations of credit unions. GASCU's website: https://gascu.org/ Our substack: https://aftfinance.substack.com/ Our website: https://www.aft.finance/ How do credit unions make decisions, what are the key differences between com…
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Is a Lender Credit Worth the Higher Interest Rate?
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9:01Is a lender credit a smart way to save money on your mortgage, or does it cost you more in the long run? In this episode, Bill explains how lender credits work, when they make sense, and when you should avoid them. A lender credit can help cover closing costs, but it comes with a trade-off: a higher interest rate. Bill shares real-life scenarios, i…
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Moving to a City for 5 Years: Should I Rent or Buy?
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10:02The decision to rent or buy gets tougher as your time horizon gets shorter. At what point does the pendulum swing from buy to rent? Today we’re going to talk about a specific scenario where someone plans to move to a new city for five years. Would they be better off renting or buying? Bill breaks down the key factors and runs the math to help answe…
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Strategies for Handling Debt Between Homes
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10:17
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10:17If you're selling a home and planning to use your equity to pay off debt before buying a new home, what’s the best way to handle the transition? In this episode, we’re going to look at the two common scenarios where home sellers need to pay off debt—either by necessity to qualify for a mortgage or by choice to improve their financial situation – an…
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How does Card processing work? With Marshall Greenwald, Founder of Ionia
38:04
38:04
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38:04Marshall Greenwald, the Founder of Ionia in this episode digs deep into the souls (backend) of card processing. Marshall's LinkedIn for those who don't know how to use hyperlinks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marshall-greenwald-9480351/ Ionia's website: https://www.ioniapay.com/ AFT's Substack: https://aftfinance.substack.com/ AFT's website: https:/…
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078: Increase Margins Through Direct Bookings
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42:39
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42:39For independent lodging operators, direct bookings are the ultimate goal. Yet, many struggle with optimizing their online presence to achieve this. Tarun Goyal, Founder & CEO of Simplotel, discusses how their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are helping over 3,000 hotels worldwide improve their booking processes and maximize direct reservatio…
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March Market Update – Uncertainty & Mortgage Rates
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9:14
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9:14Uncertainty is the theme of the month as mortgage rates, economic policies, and market conditions continue to shift. In this episode, Bill provides a timely March market update, breaking down how recent policy changes, employment trends, and inflation rates are shaping the mortgage industry. Here are some key takeaways from the show: 📉 Mortgage rat…
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How Are Canadian Grocers Responding To The Tariff Threats And The Growing ‘Buy Canadian’ Movement?
30:58
30:58
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30:58It’s March, and the #1 topic on the minds of most Canadians is tariffs. How will this affect purchasing decisions moving forward? Al welcomes Gary Sands, Senior VP @ Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) to the podcast. They talk about how independent Canadian grocers are already preparing for the imminent tariffs and what this could me…
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Overrated, Underrated or Rightly Rated in Homebuying
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13:45In this video, we’re going to play lively game of "Overrated, Underrated, or Rightly Rated?" with Bill Litton, regional president at Cross Country Mortgage. Join us as we tackle key concepts that every potential homebuyer should understand. This episode explores various aspects of homebuying, from credit scores to pre-qualifications, real estate ag…
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What to Know When Applying for a Joint Mortgage?
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10:52When it comes to buying a home, many couples assume that applying for a mortgage together is the best route to take. While that might be true for some, some couples are better off going the individual route. Today we’ll take you through the key pillars of a mortgage loan and explain how they’re evaluated in a joint application. Here’s what we discu…
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Should You Disclose Everything During the Pre-Approval Process?
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10:54For many prospective homebuyers, the path to homeownership begins with securing a pre-approval, which not only indicates how much you can borrow but also sets the stage for a smoother homebuying experience. Once you’ve been pre-approved, how much information do you need to share with your lender before the closing date arrives? Today we’re going to…
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077: What to Do (and Not Do) Marketing-Wise When Selling a Property
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41:19
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41:19Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked -- marketing. Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this …
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Was The Tax Holiday In Canada Worth It For Canadian Businesses?
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8:46This month, Al welcomes back Sean McCormick, VP Business Development at Moneris Data Services to talk about consumer spending data in the first half of the tax holiday in Canada. Was it worth it for Canadians? Obviously every bit of savings helps. But what about Canadian Businesses? Did it change anyone’s shopping behaviour? Listen now to find out.…
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February Mortgage Update – Fed Decision, Rates, & Spring Around the Corner
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9:54It’s been a busy first few weeks of the year as the Trump administration takes office and gets to work. What’s the latest as it relates to the mortgage world and homebuying? Hear from Bill Litton at Cross Country Mortgage on economic changes, interest rates, and the impact of federal policies on home buying. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: …
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Picking Up A Second Job To Secure A Mortgage: Is It A Good Strategy?
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9:37One of the main pillars for securing a loan is income and a strong housing market means you might need a little more to qualify for the home you have your eyes on. Can picking up a second job help you qualify and how long do you need to have it before it starts counting towards your application? Today we’re talking all about income and the factors …
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