Mastering Money

Are tax evasion and tax fraud the same? How do they impact the lives of Canadians? This episode will discuss the alarming consequences of tax illegal practices and the effective solutions to combat them. Hear from John Oakey, Chartered Professional Accountants CPA Canada’s VP Tax, on challenges and solutions while dealing with taxing troubles. Key Takeaways: Learn the difference between tax fraud...

You’ve heard the horror stories in the news: a family leaves for vacation and on their return someone has sold their house out from under them. Or, maybe they find that somebody has applied for a mortgage in their name. Who can fall victim to fraudulent property sales? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into a world where both lenders and homeowners can unknowingly become victims of deceit. In...

Street robbery can have a lasting impact on individuals and their loved ones both financially and emotionally. In this episode, we discuss practical tips on how to protect yourself and how to deal with the aftermath of a street robbery to regain control over both the emotional and financial aspects of your life, such as why it’s imperative to make a police report. We speak with Li Zhang , Director...

Love is a many-splendored thing, but it can turn into a nightmare when entangled with romantic catfishing scams. Certain people, such as aging, lonely seniors can fall victim to these kinds of scams and unwittingly become a money mule for thieves. Join Jeff Horncastle, Acting Client and Communications Outreach Officer at Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre  to know more on how to protect yourself and your...

This episode explores the intricate world of cryptocurrency scams, key red flags, and strategies to protect oneself from falling prey to these schemes. Join our experts Charlie Pettypiece , Senior Investigation Counsel in the Enforcement Branch of the Ontario Securities Commission and Dena Staikos , Manager in the Compliance and Registrant Regulation Branch of the Ontario Securities Commission, to...

Increased risks of fraud scams leading to money laundering have intensified as we step further into the digital era. As our financial institutions become more digitized, so increases a fraudster’s ability to generate and move illicit funds anonymously and instantaneously. What is money laundering? How has it evolved? How can it affect you? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of money la...

Join host Doretta Thompson in season 9 of our Mastering Money podcast. We’re talking about the dark side of money. Together, we'll unravel the mysterious world of romance and cryptocurrency scams, tax trouble, robbery, money laundering fraudulent home sales and more. Through expert analysis and real-life stories, we dive into the complexities behind these disturbing realities and offer tips to pro...

The gig economy is here to stay as more individuals are engaging in side hustles to diversify their income streams. This episode will discuss the opportunities and challenges of side hustles, share success stories, and highlight key considerations for those looking to pursue additional income streams.  Hear from Gerald Narciso, a Vancouver-based freelance writer who wrote in The New York Times, Th...

Where are your kids learning about money? In a changing financial landscape, how do we help our children manage their money in a world where cash is no longer king?   We discuss how parents can manage these obstacles and pass good financial sense onto the next generation.  In this episode, Hector Crespo, CEO at Mydoh , discusses the importance of financial conversations with kids and how they can...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay. With more jobs being automated, are you at risk of being left behind?  We discuss the potential benefits and risks of AI adoption, how it might reshape industries and considerations you need to make to remain employable in a world driven by AI.  Hear from Shesta Babar, KPMG, as we explore the impact of AI on the labor force. Discover more about how AI...

Your salary doesn’t paint the entire picture of your compensation. Benefits, flexible work, vacation time and more are all part of the overall package that contributes to your job satisfaction and financial well-being.  We cover all components of your compensation and talk about how to properly evaluate them to make informed decisions about your career path.  Join Carolyn Hamer, Deloitte Canada’s...

Can you ever prepare for sudden job loss? Maybe not, but you can take steps to future-proof your career and learn to navigate career uncertainties with grace. We talk about the strategies you can take to protect yourself and your career. Join our expert Pat Romain, The National Practice Leader - Career Transition @Gallagher, to learn more on how to develop a growth mindset, identify transferable s...

When it comes to interest rates and inflation in Canada, what is their significance? What are the driving forces causing their fluctuation? And why should you care? We dive into the complexities of interest rates and inflation, exploring their impact on employment, wages, immigration, and mortgages.  Join David-Alexandre Brassard, CPA Canada’s chief economist since July 2021, in a discussion on in...

Join host Doretta Thompson and PIVOT Magazine Associate Publisher, Douglas Dunlop, as they discuss what is upcoming in season 8 of our mastering money podcast. The future of labour is here, are you ready?  Download transcript This season is proudly brought to you by Pivot Magazine . 

Talking about debt can be hard as it can bring up many emotions, including shame, guilt, and despair. But talking about debt is often the first hurdle to master so that one can concentrate on recovery. We sat down with Jeff Lewis, CPA, CA, FCCA, CIRP, LIT, Senior Vice-President and Partner at BDO Debt Solutions and Chantel Chapman, Co-Founder of The Trauma of Money and Financial Trauma Researcher...

You’re ready to retire and enter what has been called “the golden years” only to bring an unwelcome guest with you - Debt. This is the sad reality for many entering this stage of life, which is supposed to be about relaxing and freedom after years of hard work. For some, retirement is put on the backburner as they are forced to work longer, lend money to adult children, and get their finances unde...

Have you heard of the term debt trap? Have you, or someone you know, fallen into one or several? If we aren’t careful, it's easy to fall into a debt trap that can seem like a never-ending mountain to climb over. Join Ilan Kibel , BDO Partner and Senior Vice President, as he explains what a debt trap is, examples of these traps, red flags to look out for and how one can pull themselves out to move...

How often do you check your credit score? Do you know all the ways credit, good or bad, can affect you? Your credit score is so much more than a simple three-digit number, and it can follow and weigh you down for years if it gets too low. Understanding how to build and keep a healthy credit score is a key pillar of good personal finance.  Join Julie Kuzmic, Senior Compliance Officer, Consumer Advo...

If you’re not careful, debt can be overwhelming, and you can find yourself feeling like there’s no way out. Understanding the warning signs that you may need help getting your debt under control is only the first step in moving towards a solution that works for you now and in the future. Hear from Nancy Snedden , Personal Debt Solutions Leader, Advisory with BDO Canada as she walks listeners throu...

When it comes to household debt in Canada, what do the numbers tell us? Recent economic volatility and rises in the costs of living have left many feeling uneasy about their financial situation. How is the average Canadian being affected by debt, and should we be concerned about the direction debt numbers are trending towards? Join our expert Guy Gellatly, Chief Economic Advisor in the Analytical...

How do you envision yourself living in retirement? Making the transition to retired life is a big step and not always what one might expect. Too many retirees encounter problems such as isolation and life feeling meaningless without the daily work routine. However, there’s plenty of room to explore meaningful paths in your retirement that can lead to retired life being fulfilling and full of joy....

As we get older, we face different financial challenges. Our health, family situations, ability to work, and more all play a part in laying the trackwork to retirement, and each person’s path is different. If we’re to stay the course and retire the way we want to, understanding how to take on the challenges of aging while making your money work for you is crucial. Tina Tehranchian , Senior Wealth...

There’s no escaping the fact that the average Canadian is getting older. With Canadians aged 55 to 64 now outnumbering those aged 15 to 24, our country’s future is looking very different. If you’re wondering how this all affects your own future with respect to retirement plans, you are most definitely not alone. Rob Carrick of the Globe and Mail is one of Canada’s most trusted and widely read fina...

Inflation has caused more than a few financial headaches, with the price of almost everything going up, and up, and up. But what does inflation mean for your retirement plan? Who should you talk to when seeking advice? Is retiring while inflation is running rampant as bad as you think it’ll be? David Christianson , Portfolio Manager and Certified Financial Planner with National Bank Financial Weal...

You don’t need a podcast to tell you that estate planning is tough but necessary. It can be stressful, it can be messy, and it can be the source of conflict and confrontation—but it doesn’t have to be. Larry and Kimberley Short are Partners at ShortFinancial with iA Private Wealth and partners in life. They’ve combined their knowledge and experience to write The Last Act: Closing the Book on Your...