The Financial Long Game

In the second episode of the Women & Wealth Series, Shelly, Lauren, and Faith break down the specifics of your financial journey by exploring the different account types and investment options available to Canadians. From TFSAs and RRSPs to building an investment strategy that aligns with your goals, they share practical guidance to help you invest with confidence and find the right stride for...

In the first episode of the Women & Wealth Series, Shelly, Lauren and Faith discuss the importance of where to start your financial journey and how to build financial confidence and take ownership of your financial future. They share practical insights on developing healthy money habits and taking small steps toward long-term financial well-being. This educational conversation is designed to b...

Before the wedding day arrives, there are important financial and legal conversations every couple should be having. In this episode, we’re joined by family lawyer and founder of Illuma Law, Abby Pang, to unpack the realities of prenups, inheritances, business ownership and the legal changes that come with marriage. Abby shares practical insight into the conversations couples often avoid and the c...

In this episode, Shelly Appleton-Benko and Lauren Shewfelt unpack one of the most overlooked aspects of investing: trimming your winners. While it may feel counterintuitive, your best-performing positions can quietly become your biggest source of risk. It’s a conversation about discipline, balance, and why a healthy portfolio requires trimming the roses – not just pulling the weeds. -- Mentioned i...

In this episode, Shelly Appleton-Benko and Tax and Estate Planner Simon Leon discuss the real definition of retirement. Rather than being defined by age, retirement is a shift in lifestyle, identity and financial structure. Together, Shelly and Simon unpack common myths around retirement and explore what modern retirement planning actually looks like beyond age 65 and why the old rules no longer a...

What does it take to earn a green jacket or build lasting wealth? In this episode, we draw parallels between golf strategy and long-term investing. From navigating bunkers to staying disciplined through market swings, Steven shows that success is not about one moment, it is built through decisions made long before the spotlight.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals. From deepfakes to increasingly sophisticated digital scams, the financial fraud landscape is changing at an unprecedented pace. In this episode, Neumann Lim, Manager of Infrastructure & Cybersecurity at Odlum Brown and an expert in digital risk management, emerging technology threats, and certified digita...

Before you ask AI about your finances… listen to this. AI can auto-generate a portfolio in seconds – but can it understand your life, your fears, and your financial future? In this episode, host Shelly Appleton‑Benko and Kevin Fabian, Investment Associate at Odlum Brown, put AI to the test, revealing where it shines, where it fails and why human judgment still matters more than ever. -- Links: Equ...

PGA pro and serial entrepreneur Matt Palsenbarg joins The Financial Long Game to share how discipline, resilience and smart decision‑making shape long‑term success — in business and on the course. He explores the power of leaning on the skills of experts around him, pursuing big ideas and building the mindset needed to stay focused under pressure and create something that lasts.

This week's episode explores why clear and confident financial choices are essential both individually and within a relationship. We break down the personal habits, beliefs and money stories that quietly guide our decisions, often without us realizing it. Then we look at how those individual patterns show up when two people try to build a life together. From transparency and shared goals to na...

Most people don’t procrastinate with their finances because they don’t care – they wait because they’re unsure. In this episode of The Financial Long Game, your host Shelly Appleton-Benko explores the hidden costs of delay: lost time, missed opportunities and the mental weight of unfinished decisions, offering a simple, realistic framework for moving forward without overwhelm.

Chasing a dream means more than ambition – it’s about what it really takes to pursue passion at the highest level. This episode explores how financial realities intertwine with resilience, risk and reward, reminding us that finance isn’t just numbers, but the dreams those numbers make possible.

Salary, dividends, CDA – incorporation isn’t just paperwork, it’s a strategy. Ready to unlock it? In this episode, CPA Denise Wong explains how to pay yourself, tap into tax free dividends, and use advanced planning tools to grow beyond the numbers.

NYT bestselling author and legacy architect Craig Kielburger reveals the lessons behind a lifetime of service—from launching a movement at 12 to partnering with Martin Luther King III. A conversation about purpose, impact, and the power of everyday choices. Follow Craig Kielburger: Website - https://www.craigkielburger.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-kielburger Instagram - https:...

No will? You’re not alone — but you are taking a risk. In this week’s episode of The Financial Long Game, Shelly Appleton-Benko and Aleksandra Mihailovic from KSW Lawyers break down why every Canadian adult needs a will, what happens if you don’t have one, and how to make estate planning easier (and even digital).

Thinking of adding someone to your bank account to “make things easier”? It might not be that simple. On the latest episode of The Financial Long Game, we break down the risks, benefits and what to do before signing anything. -- *Odlum Brown Financial Services Limited (OBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Odlum Brown Limited offering life insurance products as well as tax, retirement, estate and...

In this special Community Spotlight episode of The Financial Long Game, host Shelly Appleton-Benko sits down to chat with Surrey firefighter Dylan Van Rooyen about how the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society turns generosity into meaningful community change—one act, one dollar, one life at a time.

On this week’s episode of The Financial Long Game, I’m joined by Kanchan Dhahan, head of the Family Law Group at KSW Lawyers, to talk about the financial and legal realities of separation and divorce. We cover everything from what to do in the first 30 days, to dividing assets, updating your will, handling custody (even of pets!), and what people often overlook in settlement and tax planning. If y...

In this episode of The Financial Long Game, Shelly sits down with Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh who shares her powerful story of leaving a difficult marriage marked by emotional and financial control. Together, they explore the realities of becoming suddenly single, the importance of financial awareness in relationships, and how to protect – and rebuild – your financial future. Odlum Brown Financial Service...

Is real estate just a big game of Monopoly? In this fun and insightful episode of The Financial Long Game, Shelly teams up with Realtors Trevor Beauchamp and Jay McInnes to explore the surprising ways the classic board game reflects the real housing market. From landing on luxury taxes to chasing Park Place, they dive into investing strategies, market challenges, and how today’s buyers can get in...

On this season’s final episode, we are debunking some of the biggest money myths out there! Ever heard that a high income guarantees wealth? Or that the stock market is a no-go for your retirement cash? We're taking aim at these common "truths" that could be holding your finances hostage. Join us as we bust open misconceptions about budgeting, the elusive art of timing the market and w...

Canada's big banks are often seen as the ultimate "safe investment," but are they truly bulletproof? On this episode of the Financial Long Game, Odlum Brown Equity Analyst Benjamin Sinclair returns to unveil the "hidden gems" of the financial services sector that often fly under the radar. We'll explore compelling opportunities in exchanges, private equity and credit, and f...

Thinking of selling your U.S. real estate or dreaming of a future purchase? The tax implications for Canadians can be complex. Join us as James Smeaton, Tax and Estate Planner from our Financial Planning team,* breaks down everything you need to know. From smart ownership strategies to consider before you buy, to the tax consequences of selling or renting, and even estate planning considerations f...

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and if that includes moving in with your partner, planning a wedding or welcoming an in-law into the family, this episode is for you. Family lawyer Andrea Swabuk-Moe shares her expertise on cohabitation agreements, explaining how they can provide clarity, protect your assets and ultimately strengthen your relationship by addressing important financial expectati...

It's time to treat your health like your greatest asset! This week, we dive into why "health is wealth" is more than just a saying, especially as you look toward the future! Join Shelly and expert Heather Ramsbottom as we explore practical strategies for physical activity, nourishing nutrition, and effective stress management to help you make the most of every stage of life. We'll...