Ashley Tonkens

Hi! I'm Ashley, and I'm a freelance writer living in Nelson, BC. When I'm not at my computer, I love to get out hiking, biking, swimming, and camping. My dog, Harriet, comes just about everywhere with me. Except swimming—she absolutely hates the water. I grew up in Ontario, but now live in an incredible small town in B.C. that’s rich with culture, full of cool people, and surrounded by trees, mountains, lakes, hot springs, glaciers, and adventures of all kinds. Ashley has a Master's Degree in Journalism and a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from Western University. LinkedIn

Fixed vs Variable Mortgages – Which is better now?

Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll probably ever make, and that means your mortgage is likely

Second Mortgages Explained – Amounts, Rates and More

A second mortgage is an additional home loan you take out while the original mortgage is still in place that lets you access the equity you have built up in your home and use it for other projects or financial purposes such as debt consolidation.

Open vs Closed Mortgages in Canada Comparison

The major difference between the two is whether the mortgage allows you to pay it off or renegotiate it before the term is over. Here’s how they work, the pros and cons of each, and when you might want one instead of the other.

Canada’s Best Meal Kit Delivery Services Reviewed

Meal kits are a convenient and affordable way to provide yourself and your family with nutritious, home-cooked meals, without the hassles of meal planning, grocery shopping, portion control, and excess prep.

85 Food Delivery Services in Canada for Groceries, Meals, Medications and More

Here are the food, groceries, medication, pet supplies and local delivery and pickup services available across Canada that you can use for yourself or to send packages to others.

31 Free, Fun & Healthy Things to Do at Home When You’re Bored

People are getting very creative with how they’re spending their time right now, and when it comes right down to it, there are millions of ways you can while away the hours when you’re not working, not at school, and being instructed to stay home and away from people.

Flattening the Curve of COVID-19 – Where Canada Stands

It all comes down to slowing the spread of the coronavirus to reduce stress on our healthcare system. Why this is so crucial, how Canada is faring compared to other countries, and what you can do to help flatten the coronavirus curve.

COVID-19 Essential Services, Gathering Limits & Fines by Province

If you’re like the rest of us and having trouble keeping track of what’s open, what’s closed, what services are still available, and where you’re still allowed to go, this article will tell you about the closures and cancellations across the country.