Some of you know that I have the luxury of walking to work – 17 minutes door to door, walking at a pretty fast pace. I sold my car a long time ago since it was parked more than it was getting used so I rent cars, take cabs or resort to the ttc when I need to get anywhere outside of my 5k radius life. This is a convenient & healthy set up that was working up until about 3 weeks ago, when I found myself literally and figuratively trying to run away from the cold (sometimes I run with my arms waving around like a 5 year old – you should try it and see the looks you get).

To avoid the cold, I started taking a cab every other morning and/or evening and a slippery slope 2 weeks later, it was happening on a daily basis and getting expensive, fast. Furthermore, my luck isn’t always the best with cab drivers – some are awesome but most drive like they’re in a video game and give me minor heart attacks.

So here I was, spending lots of money on what seemed like my only option and putting up with the mediocre service level because of the monopoly phenomenon. But then, along came UberX. Uber has been around for a while now (since 2012), but I am what you call a “laggard” on the technology front and generally avoid these amazing life enhancing innovations until I am hit with the obvious stick (i.e. my love-hate relationship with my blackberry could easily be solved with an iphone but I digress).

Uber is an app-based transportation network and taxi company headquartered in San Francisco, California, which uses a smartphone app and GPS to ‘match’ drivers with people looking for a ride - in real time. So, I know that “Kyle” is coming to pick me up and I can see how well he has been rated by other riders based on his profile. A personal touch with reliability and set expectations.

Another great bonus is that Uber calculates the estimated fare ahead of time and transfers the money electronically, so I don’t have to have the awkward conversation that I usually have with cab drivers about them not wanting to take my visa. Transparency in fees.

It’s these values of transparency, reliability, defined expectations and personal service that attract me the most to UberX – likely because I hold them in high regard when it comes to running my own business as an Investment Advisor. Selecting your financial advisor is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make and having confidence in how your advisor is accredited, how much you are paying, what you can expect and your team’s expertise are key elements to finding confidence in your financial future. Check out these 7 questions to ask any potential financial advisor and what setting relationship expectations should be like when you find the right fit.

There are a few more reasons why I like UberX – it’s cheaper than a cab (about 30% cheaper and a tad more realistic for my current transportation trend) and the drivers are usually pretty cool – since UberX drivers can be anyone over 21 with personal auto insurance and a well-maintained four-door sedan…and that’s where the controversy arises…

The City of Toronto filed an application for a court injunction on Tuesday and joined the growing number is legal battles being waged against Uber, who are accused by regulators of breaking the law and risking the public's "health and safety."

Going against city bureaucrats' years-long fight is our Mayor, John Tory who says that Uber is “here to stay … it is time our regulatory system got in line with evolving consumer demands in the 21st century. As mayor, I intend to see that it does, while being fair to all parties, respecting the law and public safety”.