More Than Just a Mortgage: Why Financial Peace is Mental Health for Alberta First Responders
In the hall, we talk about the big stuff—the calls that stick with you, the sleep deprivation, and the physical toll of the job. But there is a silent stressor that often goes unmentioned at the kitchen table:
financial anxiety.
As a former first responder for eight years, I know that when your home life is stressed, your job performance suffers. And nothing stresses a home life like "mortgage weight."
A Night of Honor: The AFRA Appreciation GalaBefore we talk about numbers, I want to highlight an incredibly important event. Next month, on
Saturday, March 7th, 2026, the
Alberta First Responders Association (AFRA) is hosting their 3rd Annual Mental Health Conference & Appreciation Gala at the Wyndham South Edmonton.
This isn’t just a formal night of dinner and dancing. It’s a day dedicated to resilience and an evening dedicated to service. All proceeds support vital organizations like
Boots on the Ground and
Driving Foreward—groups that provide the peer support and mental health resources our community desperately needs.
Garett’s Tip: If you haven't grabbed tickets yet, head to ourAFRA.ca.
The Link Between Your Portfolio and Your Peace of Mind
Why am I, a mortgage broker, talking about mental health? Because
financial planning is a form of self-care.
When you’re hyper-vigilant on a 24-hour shift, the last thing your brain needs is the background noise of:
"How are we going to afford the renewal at these rates?" or
"Will I ever be able to retire on just my pension?"Here is why having a broker who "gets it" matters for your mental health:
- Reduced Decision Fatigue: You make life-and-death decisions all day. You shouldn’t have to battle a bank’s bureaucracy. I handle the heavy lifting so you can decompress.
- Predictability: Financial stress thrives in the unknown. By setting up a long-term real estate strategy—whether it’s a primary home or an investment—we create a roadmap that makes the future feel secure rather than scary.
- A Trusted Peer: You wouldn't trust a civilian to understand what happens on a "Code 44" call. Why trust a "9-to-5" banker to understand your overtime pay, your specialized pension, or your need for a meeting at 7:00 AM?
Prepped for the "Quiet Years"
Retirement shouldn't be the first time you think about your financial health. By building equity today, you are ensuring that when you finally "turn in the badge," you are walking into a life of freedom, not a life of "just getting by."
You've spent your career being there for Edmonton on their worst days. Let me help make sure your best days are still ahead of you.
Ready to take the stress out of your mortgage?Need help with a Mortgage?Call Garett Martin – TMG | Mortgage Associate
403-915-1025 Book an appointment at www.MortgageHomesDaily.ca or www.garettmartinmortgages.com