How Canada Works
Each episode we talk to an expert who knows way more than we do. Want to know why food prices are so expensive, or if you really need to scrub out the recycling before putting it in the bin - so do I! I use my resources, and my resources resources to ask all the questions that we need to know to live our best Canadian life.
E13: Trump’s Second Term: Strategies for Investors
In this episode, we bring you, Sylvanna Asia, to discuss the financial landscape under Donald Trump’s second term. As a key member of the Harbourfront Wealth Management team, Sylvanna provides a unique perspective on how Trump’s economic policies, including tariffs, deregulation, and government efficiency initiatives, could shape market dynamics and investor portfolios. The conversation offers actionable insights into how Harbourfront’s Watermark Private Portfolios team approaches uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of diversification and a disciplined investment strategy.
Sylvanna highlights the nuanced factors influencing various asset classes, from equities and fixed income to private market securities. The episode also explores themes such as sector rotation, inflationary risks, and the potential geopolitical impacts on global markets. By addressing both risks and opportunities, Sylvanna reassures investors that the firm’s data-driven approach and collaborative team efforts are designed to navigate market volatility and position portfolios for long-term success. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode provides clarity and confidence in uncertain times.
E12: Why Retirement Is the Perfect Time to Start Something New with Lisa Drew
In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Drew, whose story is nothing short of inspiring. After more than 30 years as a radio journalist, Lisa made the bold decision to transition into flower farming—a career shift that combines her passion for the outdoors with her entrepreneurial drive. We talked about what motivated her to make such a significant change, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she’s learned while building her flower farm business. Lisa’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue something you truly love, and her insights about passion, adaptability, and community are incredibly valuable for anyone considering a big life change.
What struck us most was Lisa’s honesty about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. From managing unexpected setbacks, like flooding her peony crops, to finding joy in running workshops and connecting with her local community, she’s all in. We also loved how she’s using her background in radio to connect with her customers through storytelling and social media. Whether you’re thinking about a second career, starting a small business, or just looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Lisa truly shows how following your passion can lead to both fulfillment and success.
E11: Transforming Life Insurance into a Strategic Wealth-Building Tool
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kelso Beggs, a financial planning and relationship management specialist at PPI, to explore how life insurance can serve as more than just a protective tool but also as a powerful asset class for building wealth. Our conversation dove into the different types of life insurance, including participating and universal life policies, explaining their roles, benefits, and how they can be strategically used for wealth accumulation and estate planning. We also addressed common misconceptions around insurance and highlighted its applications for both high-net-worth business owners and everyday clients with surplus income. Our chat with Kelso shed light on how life insurance can help with tax efficiency, asset diversification, and legacy planning, making it a crucial component of a well-rounded financial strategy. Whether you're a business owner with surplus cash flow or a retiree looking for tax-efficient ways to transfer wealth, life insurance offers solutions worth considering. We broke down complex concepts and real-life examples to show how insurance goes beyond simple protection and becomes an impactful financial tool. Stay tuned as we take you through strategies that could change how you view and utilize insurance in your financial planning journey.
E10: Republicans vs. Democrats: Who’s Better for Your Money?
In this episode, we explore the relationship between U.S. presidential elections and market performance, tackling the common question: Does the political party in power really impact your investments? Many clients and investors express concerns about how the market will react depending on who wins, but we dive into the data and show that it’s not so much who’s elected, but rather the uncertainty leading up to elections that causes the most market volatility. While both Republican and Democratic presidencies have had different levels of market success, the overall takeaway is that long-term investing tends to outperform any attempts to time the market based on political events.
We also discuss how businesses, which drive market performance, care more about economic stability than which party is in power. Interestingly, markets tend to do better when Congress is divided, as it provides more stability and less drastic policy changes. The main takeaway we want you to have is this: rather than getting caught up in the short-term noise of politics, it’s more beneficial to stay focused on your long-term investment goals and reduce volatility where possible. Whether it's a presidential election or another major event, staying the course in the market tends to deliver better outcomes in the long run.
E09: How the Wealthy Protect Their Legacy: Estate Planning Secrets
In this episode, Trevor and Adrian sit down with Andrea Love, CEO of Legacy Private Trust, Canada's longest-standing family-owned private trust company. Andrea brings her extensive experience in estate planning and administration to discuss the complexities of being an executor and the vital role professional trustees play in helping families navigate the process. She highlights the misconceptions around estate administration, often glamorized in media, and emphasizes the reality that closing an estate typically takes about two years and involves managing 160 different tasks. Andrea also touches on the emotional and logistical burdens that executors face, especially during a time of grief, making the case for outsourcing these responsibilities to professionals. Throughout the conversation, Andrea dives into the importance of planning ahead, including creating a will and naming executors while encouraging open communication with family members to avoid surprises after death. She explains how corporate trustees like Legacy Private Trust can help simplify the process, ensure proper administration, and reduce family conflict. From navigating the legal system and managing digital assets to dealing with beneficiaries' expectations, Andrea’s insights shed light on the often-overlooked challenges of estate planning and the peace of mind that comes from professional support.
E08: How Investors Can Still Profit in a High-Rate Market
Tania Labonte is a licensed mortgage broker based in Burlington, Ontario, working with Designer Mortgages Inc. She has a wealth of experience in the industry, leveraging her background in accounting, which spans over 12 years, to offer clients comprehensive financial advice in mortgage lending, taxation, and general finance. As part of Verico Designer Mortgages, Tania works with a wide range of lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and private lenders, ensuring that she can match her clients with the best possible mortgage solutions tailored to their unique financial situations. Tania prides herself on her ability to assist both first-time home buyers and seasoned property investors. Her expertise spans across the A, B, and private lending sectors, offering clients flexibility and options that aren't typically available at traditional banks. She emphasizes the importance of understanding not just the rates but the features and flexibility of each mortgage product, helping clients navigate life changes and potential penalties if they need to break their mortgage early.
E07: Optimizing Your Health: Simple Nutrition Tips for Longevity
In this episode of How Canada Works, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle, a registered dietitian from Ontario and assistant professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Michelle brought a wealth of knowledge on nutrition, with a focus on healthy aging, managing diabetes, and navigating the complex world of modern diets. We dove deep into topics like the use of Ozempic for weight loss, the potential downsides of fad diets, and the importance of keeping muscle mass as we get older. Michelle’s insights into how these trends can lead to problems like sarcopenia and nutrient deficiencies were eye-opening, and she provided practical tips on how to balance weight loss with long-term health.
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was the emphasis Michelle placed on the role of protein in maintaining health, particularly for older adults. She challenged a lot of misconceptions about diet trends and broke down how small changes, like getting enough protein at breakfast, can make a big impact. We also touched on how to eat well without breaking the bank, especially in today’s economy, and the importance of making every meal count. Michelle’s advice was practical and easy to apply, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their health, especially as they get older.
E06: Everything You Need To Know About Bitcoin & Crypto Investing.
In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Taylor, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Purpose Investments. Greg shares his extensive knowledge on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, breaking down complex concepts into understandable insights. We dive into the fundamentals of Bitcoin, explore how Spot ETFs work and their benefits for investors, especially those nearing retirement, and discuss the importance of due diligence and regulatory oversight in the crypto space. Whether you’re considering adding Bitcoin to your retirement portfolio or simply want to understand the current landscape of cryptocurrencies, this episode provides essential information and guidance. Join us as we unravel the world of crypto with Greg's expert perspective.
E05: The Truth About Age Discrimination in the Workplace
In this episode, we welcome Brian Gottheil, Director of Training and Transformation at Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP, who brings a wealth of knowledge on employment law and human resources. Brian delves into the nuances of wrongful dismissal and termination, offering practical advice on handling performance issues with fairness and consistency. He underscores the importance of not letting age-related biases affect how older employees are managed, advocating for equitable treatment and careful performance management across all age groups. As the workforce evolves and retirement timelines shift, Brian explores the challenges faced by older workers and the need for employers to update their practices accordingly. He discusses the significance of avoiding unconscious age discrimination in hiring processes and the value of leveraging the extensive experience that older employees bring to the table. This episode provides insightful strategies for creating an inclusive work environment and managing employees with respect and fairness, regardless of their age.
E04: Home Insurance in a Natural Disaster Era
In this episode of How Canada Works, we sit down with Sam Pietras, an experienced insurance broker who brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Sam delves into the nuances of insurance policies, clarifying why claims might be denied and highlighting the importance of understanding your policy's coverage and exclusions. With a background in navigating complex insurance landscapes, Sam provides practical advice on how to review your policy effectively, address common exclusions like faulty workmanship, and ensure you’re adequately protected against unexpected events.
As we conclude our conversation, Sam offers valuable tips for managing your insurance coverage, especially amidst the recent rise in natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. She underscores the importance of staying informed about your policy and being proactive in reviewing it periodically. Whether you're reassessing your current insurance or seeking to better understand your coverage, this episode of How Canada Works provides expert insights to help you make informed decisions and safeguard your assets.
E03: Strategies for Senior Fitness Success
Welcome to How Canada Works! In this episode, we explore holistic wellness and fitness with Raymond Lambert, a dedicated fitness trainer specializing in working with older adults. Based in Oakville, Ontario, Raymond's approach emphasizes tailored fitness routines and nutritional guidance to enhance the health and well-being of his clients. He shares practical insights on how mindset, nutrition, sleep, and exercise intersect to support overall vitality, making it clear that age is not a barrier to achieving fitness goals. Whether you're looking to start a fitness journey later in life or seeking sustainable health strategies, Raymond's expertise offers valuable inspiration and actionable advice for listeners of all ages.
E02: Why Advisors Leave Big Financial Institutions
Welcome to the second episode of How Canada Works! Our guest today is Ashley Morais, who has had a rich career as a Financial Advisor at several institutions such as TD and RBC Wealth Management. We’re excited to welcome her to the Cherry Hill Private Wealth - Harbourfront Wealth Management team.
With Ashley, we discuss her career trajectory, what deterred her from continuing to work at big financial institutions, why she chose Harbourfront Wealth Management as her new home, client loyalty, the differences between having your wealth managed by a large institution versus a small one, and much more!
Tune in!
E01: Breaking Travel Planning Stereotypes
Welcome to the inaugural episode of How Canada Works! Our first guest is the incredible Jill Fost, Owner of Custom Adventures Inc. Jill has been immersed in the travel industry since 2001, dedicating her career to curating adventurous experiences for her clients. In 2017, she established Custom Adventures Inc. with the mission to craft personalized adventures beyond the realm of mass-market tourism.
Join us in this episode as we delve into Jill’s innovative approach to travel planning, navigating destination selection, overcoming post-COVID travel challenges, debunking age-related misconceptions in travel decisions, and much more.
Tune in—you won’t want to miss out on this enlightening conversation!