Smart Advice with Carissa Lucreziano

Are Canadians finally catching a break? Benjamin Tal joins Carissa Lucreziano to unpack inflation, interest rates, AI, housing and the economic trends Canadians should actually be paying attention to right now. Economic headlines are competing for Canadians’ attention. Housing is still stretched, economic signals are mixed, and AI is starting to reshape how people think about work and growth. But...

More Canadians are considering a second property, purchasing with family, or using real estate to build long-term wealth. But in a more complex market, the right opportunity often depends on more than location or timing.   In this episode of Smart Advice, Carissa Lucreziano sits down with real estate investor and TV host Scott McGillivray to discuss what Canadians should think through before...

Investing has never felt more personal. Canadians today have more access to markets, investing tools and financial information than ever before, but with constant headlines, social media advice and investing trends competing for attention, staying engaged can quickly turn into reacting to short term noise. How do you stay informed without getting caught up in investment FOMO? And how do you build...

Your inheritors don't need equal—they need fair. Canada is in the middle of its largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. How do you balance fairness when your children have different financial needs? When is the right time to give? And how do you ensure your intentions don't create unnecessary family tension in the future?   In this episode of CIBC Smart Advice, host Carissa Lucr...

As Canada–US trade dynamics evolve alongside global instability and rising inflation, they break down how major policy decisions are made and what they mean for Canadians in practical terms. This discussion explores the balance between long-term economic growth and short-term affordability, the role of natural resources and energy in Canada’s future, and how global events, from tariffs to geopolit...

The headlines are loud. Markets are shifting. And it’s getting harder to know what actually matters. This season of  CIBC Smart Advice  is all about staying grounded when the news moves faster than your financial plan. Hosted by Carissa Lucreziano, this season brings together economists, investment professionals, and tax experts to help Canadians cut through the noise and focus on what r...

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Discover the key themes shaping financial decision-making, from economic shifts to evolving investor needs. Understand how resilience emerged as the strongest guide for navigating uncertainty. Learn how expert insights can inspire clearer and more confident choices moving forward. Resources CIBC's "Smart Advice" Podcast and Website - We...

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Understand how Canadian businesses can prepare for generational wealth transition. Gain practical tips on business succession, valuation, and managing complex family dynamics. Reflect on the emotional side of entrepreneurship and how legacy planning shapes the future. Resources CIBC's "Smart Advice" Podcast and Website - Website | Apple...

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Gain insight into the practical and emotional complexities of intergenerational wealth transfer, including the rise of living gifts. Discover how wills and estate plans are key to ensuring your wishes are respected and your family’s future is protected, along with strategies on having open family conversations about inheritance. Learn w...

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Learn how interest rate cuts actually affect variable and fixed-rate mortgages, and what that means for your next renewal. Understand the regional differences shaping Canada’s housing markets, including why now may be an opportunity for condo buyers. Gain practical strategies for staying financially resilient, from managing employment u...

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Learn why now is the time to take advantage of Canada’s current capital gains rate and how it can impact your investment returns. Explore the ins and outs of owning property outside of Canada and how to avoid double taxation and cross-border estate issues. Hear practical year-end tax planning strategies, from charitable giving to tax-lo...

  Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Discover why the fixed income asset class is not just the “quiet” side of your portfolio and why everyone should have a portion in their portfolios, offering attractive yields, stability, and protection against market volatility. Learn how investment-grade bond funds and laddering strategies can help you manage reinvestment risk, matc...

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Learn how to approach saving for future education as a long-term goal, and with an investor mindset. Learn how to build a resilient RESP investment strategy that adapts to market shifts, and discover investment solutions designed to evolve with your child’s age. Gain insights into how to build financial literacy with your children and f...

  Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Understand the powerful connection between financial well-being and your physical health, and how to disrupt that cycle. Learn practical strategies for building resilience, managing stress, and maintaining balance in a fast-paced world. Gain expert advice on preparing for retirement—emotionally, physically, and financially—so you can...

  Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode: Understand the rise of alternative investments and why public markets are no longer the full picture. Learn how private equity, private credit, and real assets can enhance diversification and hedge against inflation. Gain clarity on how everyday investors can access and implement alternatives in traditional portfolios. Resources Alter...

Has the current economic landscape led you to revisit your goals or adjust your journey to achieving them? If so, you’re not alone.  In this episode of Smart Advice, Carissa Lucreziano is joined by Sean Simpson, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Ipsos, to unpack the findings of the inaugural CIBC Ambitions Index. Together, they explore how Canadians are reshaping their goals with a focus...

Market volatility isn’t new, but over the past year it has intensified due to tariff tensions, unpredictable interest rates, and persistent inflation, leaving investors to navigate contradictory and confusing economic signals. This raises a critical question for investors: how can you make wise decisions when news cycles outpace policy changes and traditional indicators seem  unreliable? In this e...

For many Canadians, real estate is a deeply personal milestone. It’s an investment in the future, and often a building block for wealth. But as we look ahead, a new reality is taking shape. With mortgage renewals on the horizon, economic uncertainty and real estate markets showing varied performance across the provinces, homeowners and buyers alike are facing more complex decisions than ever. Is n...

In this episode of Smart Advice, Carissa Lucreziano sits down with the Honourable Lisa Raitt, former federal cabinet minister and current Vice Chair of CIBC Capital Markets, to navigate the complex interplay of politics, economics, and markets. With insight shaped by decades of experience in government and now in the financial services sector, Lisa cuts through the noise to reflect on what matters...

No matter where you’re at in life, money can help you reach your goals and get you where you want to go. That's why it's so important to talk about it. Get ready for Smart Advice – a podcast that brings the money conversation right to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women’s financial journeys are shaped by unique milestones and challenges ranging from navigating career transitions to planning for retirement. In this special edition of Smart Advice , we break down the results of a groundbreaking Women of Influence+ survey conducted in collaboration with CIBC, on Women, Money, and Wealth This episode offers expert guidance and practical tools to help you naviga...

In this episode of Smart Advice , we delve into the intricate world of estate planning for blended families—a crucial yet often overlooked topic for many Canadians. Estate planning becomes significantly more complex when it involves couples with children from previous relationships, second marriages, or common-law partnerships, which are increasingly common across the country.  Our guest, Richard...

Are you ready to elevate your career? The job market is evolving faster than ever, and adapting to these changes has become critical. In this episode of Smart Advice we dive into a conversation with Kelley Keehn, author, entrepreneur and financial educator, on how to manage your career as a business. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, learning how to align your c...

With key policies on trade, tariffs, and taxation hanging in the balance, investors worldwide are closely watching the upcoming U.S. presidential election. In a time of global economic uncertainty, this episode of Smart Advice explores the potential impact of different election outcomes. Featuring Michael Sager, Managing Director and Head of Multi-Asset and Currency Management at CIBC Asset Manage...

Do you remember when and how you learned about money? From budgeting and saving to applying for credit cards or taking out a loan, building an early foundation of financial literacy is a key strategy to ensuring long-term financial success. That makes it all the more important for parents to grant their children a measure of money-savviness and financial know-how as soon as they can. In a world wh...