The Empowered Investor

What role does psychology play in financial decision-making? How can behavioral biases influence your investment success? And what does it truly mean to find purpose and meaning in wealth? Marcelo Taboada welcomes Daniel Crosby, a renowned behavioral finance expert and author. Together, they explore the psychology of investing, how money and happiness intersect, and the core principles behind his...

What happens when unexpected tariffs are imposed on a country? How do they impact businesses, consumers, and the economy at large? And most importantly, what should investors do to navigate uncertainty during times of trade tensions? In this episode, Keith and Marcelo break down the political and economic fallout, exploring the history of tariffs, their impact on trade, and potential consequences...

In this episode, Lawrence Greenberg and Jackson Matthews provide a comprehensive guide to the various types of investment accounts available to Canadians. From foundational accounts like TFSAs and RRSPs to specialized options like RESPs and RDSPs, the hosts outline how each account works , who they are best suited for , and common misconceptions . Whether you're saving for retirement, education, o...

What were the key financial trends that shaped 2024? How did the markets perform across various asset classes? And what can investors learn from a decade of market data to position themselves for the future? In this episode, Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada provide a comprehensive breakdown of 2024, from asset class returns to geopolitical and economic factors that impacted the markets. Marcelo...

Have you ever wondered how to break into the challenging housing market as a first-time homebuyer? What strategies can help you secure your first property when affordability seems out of reach? How can creative financing and renovation techniques transform your homeownership experience? In today’s episode, Keith Matthews and real estate expert Sean Broady from the Broady Windsor Group share insigh...

Have you ever wondered if investing in emerging trends, like AI or green energy, could give you an edge? Are thematic investments a smart choice for long-term success? What are the potential pitfalls, and how can investors avoid them? In this episode, we explore these questions and more. Keith Matthews and Marcelo Taboada examine the appeal of thematic investing, looking at why it draws investors...

Do presidential elections determine the stock market's performance? Is there a difference in returns between Republican and Democrat administrations? In today’s episode, Marcelo Taboada and Jackson Matthews break down the data from past elections and examine the long-term impact—or lack thereof—of political events on the stock market. How does human ingenuity shape market outcomes, and what lesson...

Are you or a loved one facing the challenges of long-term financial planning with a disability? Wondering how to secure a stable future while navigating government benefits? The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) could be the answer you’re looking for. Hosts Lawrence Greenberg and Jackson Matthews break down the complexities of the RDSP, explaining how it offers significant government suppo...

Have you ever wondered how the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can assist Canadians with disabilities and their families? What are the challenges involved in applying for this underutilized credit? How can one effectively navigate the application process to maximize benefits? These and more questions will be explored in today’s episode. Host Lawrence Greenberg sits down with Christine Brunsden, CEO of...

How should investors react to recent market volatility? What are the lessons from Intel's rise and fall that modern investors can learn from? Is diversification really the key to long-term success? In this episode, Keith and Lawrence dive into the recent bouts of market volatility and share their thoughts on how you can maintain your composure during these turbulent times. They also delve into the...

Mid-year review - inflation down, stocks and bonds up: In this episode Keith and Lawrence delve into the 2024 mid-year review, providing a comprehensive overview of year-to-date asset class returns. They elaborate on the strong performance of various asset classes, particularly emphasizing how technology stocks like NVIDIA have propelled the S&P 500's gains. But they remind us of the importanc...

Are you thinking about selling your business but unsure where to start? Wondering how to maximize its value and attract the right buyers? How can you structure your finances to maximize the value of your business? Tune in as host Keith Matthews and guest Uros Milekic , partner at BDO Canada , explore the critical strategies for enhancing business operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting,...

How can entrepreneurs effectively plan and accumulate wealth? What role do holding companies and the capital dividend account play? Join host Marcelo Taboada and Uros Milekic from BDO Canada as they dive into key financial strategies for entrepreneurs. Learn how to optimize tax savings, protect assets, and set up holding companies for legal and tax benefits. Discover the pros and cons of taking a...

As parents, we all want to set our kids up for financial success. But how do you teach them about money in a way that sticks? In our latest episode, Marcelo speaks with Robin Taub , CPA and author of " The Wisest Investment ," to get her expert advice on instilling money smarts from an early age. Robin Taub is the bestselling author of The Wisest Investment. The Canadian edition of this book was a...

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of mutual fund history, reflecting on how they've helped shape investor access to the markets. Keith and Marcelo discuss the journey of mutual funds (MF) from a niche product created in 1924 to a mainstay in the investment world, examining both the benefits and challenges they present for today's investors. They highlight mutual funds' ability to provide diversifi...

Are you wondering how the proposed 2024 Federal Budget changes might affect your investments? Curious about the implications of the increased capital gains inclusion rates? Want to know the key considerations for financial planning in light of these changes? Today's episode dives deep into these questions and more. Today, Keith is joined by Gerry Theus , a seasoned tax expert, to explore the nuanc...

Wondering how you can simplify your investment strategy without sacrificing returns? How does a straightforward approach to investing lead to financial security? Discover the answers in this episode as we discuss the principles of index investing and the power of keeping it simple. Keith Matthews is joined by  Nicolas Bérubé , an award-winning financial journalist and author (of  From Ze...

Have you ever wondered what happens to your tax obligations when you leave Canada to become a non-resident? What about the complexities of owning property in Canada while living abroad? Are you aware of the intricate tax implications involved in these scenarios? In today’s episode, Marcelo Taboada speaks with Julie Cote from Chaise Bleu. With her extensive experience in taxation and specializing i...

Can you quantify the value of financial advice? How does an advisor enhance your investment returns? What role does behavioral coaching play in your financial success? Dive into these compelling questions in our latest episode of The Empowered Investor. Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between financial advice and investment success, featuring the insightful expertise of Emile Bouc...

How did the key financial events of 2023 shape the investment landscape? What lessons can investors take from these developments as we move into 2024? Join us in this episode as we delve into these questions and more. Keith Matthews and Lawrence Greenberg offer a comprehensive analysis of 2023, highlighting the performance of different asset classes, the role of major tech firms, and the impact of...

Are we learning from history or repeating the same patterns in different contexts? How does understanding human behavior enhance our investment strategies? Can the past unlock secrets for future financial success? In this episode, hosts Marcelo Taboada and Jackson Matthews engage in an insightful book review of Morgan Housel's latest work, 'Same as Ever.' This episode not only delves into the book...

Curious about what a "soft landing" in the economy means? Is the United States on the brink of achieving one amidst current economic challenges? Interested in how such a scenario could affect your investment portfolio? In today’s episode, we dissect the elusive concept of a "soft landing" economically, analyzing the potential for such an outcome in the current U.S. economy. Keith and Marcelo guide...

In this episode, we dissect the intricate world of dividend investing, breaking down common assumptions and exploring its role within a well-rounded investment strategy. We'll delve into the impact of dividend reinvestment on total returns, the tax advantages of controlling distributions, and the importance of not relying solely on dividend paying stocks for diversification. Our discussion will sh...

In this episode, we continue our in-depth look at international diversification strategies for Canadians. Building on last week’s conversation, today we ask the burning question: How much should you invest in different global markets - US, International or Emerging Markets? We dive into the nuances of valuations and expected returns adding clarity and confidence in global diversified portfolios. L...

In today's episode, we highlight the benefits of global diversification for Canadian investors. We highlight actionable strategies for Canadians looking to invest outside their home turf, making the once-challenging access to US and international markets more straightforward and affordable. We start by reviewing the groundbreaking work by Henry Markowitz on modern portfolio theory, illuminating ho...