The Personal CFO Podcast

This episode demystifies private equity for retail investors, covering what it is, potential benefits, risks, and how to determine the right allocation for your portfolio based on recent research from Vanguard. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Private Equity 02:00 Understanding Private Equity 05:11 Why Invest in Private Equity? 07:20 The Risks of Private Equity 13:25 Determinin...

In this episode, litigation lawyer Matthew Taylor discusses common claims against investment advisors, the importance of understanding legal standards like best interest vs. suitability, and explores real cases highlighting risks in financial advising, private markets, and investor protection in Canada. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Understanding Investment Loss Claims 02:45 The Importance...

In this episode, Matt Harrison, president and co-founder of Horizon Advisors, shares insights on exit planning, building valuable businesses, and overcoming founder dependencies. Discover strategies to maximize your company's value, prepare for sale, and navigate the emotional and financial journey of business exit. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Exit Planning and Founder Cha...

Guillaume Girard discusses the five most costly mistakes Canadians make with their TFSA, including underutilization, poor investment strategies, and improper beneficiary designations. Learn how to maximize this powerful tax-free savings tool for long-term wealth building. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Video 00:27 Why Use Your TFSA and Who Should 00:50 Mistake...

This episode explores how geopolitical conflicts affect investment portfolios, focusing on asset-class reactions, historical oil shocks, and strategic asset allocation to manage risk effectively. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Understanding Energy Wars and Investment Impacts 01:38 Asset Class Reactions to Conflict 05:58 Historical Oil Shocks and Market Responses 09:11 Analyzing Current Marke...

This episode features Gerry Lalonde, a seasoned exit planner and growth strategist, discussing the critical importance of early business exit planning. Topics include creating transferable value, avoiding deal killers, and aligning business growth with exit strategies to maximize value. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 The Importance of Exit Planning 02:31 Understanding Transferable Value 05:1...

Guillaume Girard explores redefining wealth beyond traditional financial metrics, emphasizing holistic well-being across five key domains: financial, time, physical, social, and mental. This episode offers a framework to assess and balance these areas for a more fulfilling life. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Redefining Wealth in 2026 04:26 The Global Wealth Pyramid 09:07 Understanding Wealt...

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the Canadian real estate market, exploring recent declines, regional differences, and investment strategies. Experts discuss whether now is a good time to buy, how to interpret market forecasts, and practical tools for making informed decisions. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 The Current State of the Canadian Real Estate...

Guillaume Girard discusses strategic tax planning for business owners, focusing on RRSP utilization, compensation structures, and future exit planning to optimize wealth and minimize taxes. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction: Common Financial Mistakes for Business Owners 00:55 The Role of RRSP in Tax-Efficient Wealth Building 01:42 Deciding Where to Invest Surplus Cash: Business or...

In this episode of the Personal CFO Podcast, host Guillaume Girard delves into the Capital Dividend Account (CDA), a powerful yet often overlooked tax planning tool for Canadian business owners. He explains the mechanics of the CDA, how it allows for tax-free dividends, and the importance of strategic planning in utilizing this account effectively. The episode covers common mistakes to avoid, the...

In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman explore the emotional challenges clients face regarding money. They discuss the scarcity vs. abundance mindset, the disbelief in success, and the guilt associated with spending. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial planning, communication in relationships, and the mental toll of manag...

In this conversation, Guillaume Girard interviews Ben Rutledge, a Canadian Olympic gold medalist and entrepreneur, exploring his journey from rowing to business. They discuss pivotal moments in Ben's life, the importance of mindset, coaching, and the balance between process and outcome. Ben shares insights on identity, resilience, and the lessons learned from both success and failure, emphasizing...

In this episode, Guillaume and Sam discuss the upcoming changes to fee disclosure under CRM3, which will significantly impact how Canadians view their investment fees. They explore the implications of these changes, the importance of transparency in building trust between clients and advisors, and the potential for clients to question the value they receive for the fees they pay. The conversation...

In this episode, Guillaume Girard interviews Dr. Christian Wigmore, founder of BudgetYourMD, about the financial challenges physicians face and the importance of financial literacy. They explore Dr. Wigmore's journey to becoming a physician, the pressures of medical school debt, and the impact of lifestyle inflation on financial decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for better financial...

In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman, along with guest Mohammed Al-khooly, discuss various financial topics ranging from personal achievements in ultra marathons to misconceptions about the Canadian tax system, particularly regarding inheritance taxes. They delve into the complexities of family trusts, exploring their benefits and drawback...

In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences at a recent portfolio strategies conference, sharing insights on investment strategies and the importance of having a defined investment philosophy. They delve into the complexities of the Tax on Split Income (TOSI) rules, explaining how these regulations impact business owners and their ability to pay dividends to family members. The conversati...

In this episode, the hosts discuss various strategies for income splitting, focusing on tax efficiency for business owners. They explore the implications of salary versus dividends, the use of capital dividends, and the importance of understanding attribution rules. The conversation emphasizes the need for holistic financial planning and the potential benefits of utilizing tools like RRSPs and RES...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the partnership between Copilot Tax and Millen Wealth Advisors, focusing on how this collaboration will enhance client services. They delve into the complexities of real estate investments, including tax considerations when buying, renting, and selling properties. The conversation highlights the importance of financial planning, the implications of depreciation,...

In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard speaks with Amanda Doucette, a tax lawyer specializing in estate and succession planning. They discuss Amanda's journey into tax law, the importance of continuous learning, and the complexities of tax strategies for business owners. Amanda emphasizes the need for financial awareness, the common mistakes made in tax plann...

In this episode, Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss the four most common mistakes made by business owners, focusing on the implications of salary versus dividends, the importance of notional accounts, and the benefits of leveraging the lifetime capital gains exemption. They also explore investment strategies for business owners to optimize their financial growth and tax efficiency.   Topics...

In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard interviews Graham Bergsma, a seasoned expert in the insurance industry. They discuss Graham's journey from playing NCAA lacrosse to becoming a successful insurance consultant. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding client needs, the role of financial planning, and the nuances of whole life insurance...

In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard, Sam Lichtman and guest Tatenda Mawoyo delve into the intricacies of Retirement Compensation Arrangements (RCA). They explore the mechanics of RCA, who benefits from it, and its use cases, particularly in severance packages for high-income earners and professional athletes. The discussion also covers tax implications, i...

In this episode, Sam takes a deep dive into cyber threats and discusses how prevalent they have become in today's world. Sam talks with Brennen Schmidt, a cybersecurity consultant who specializes in identifying and protecting corporate digital assets. Find Brennen Online LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennenschmidt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenzens/ Work with Millen Wealth Adv...

In this episode, Dr. Moira Somers discusses the psychology of money, emphasizing the importance of understanding financial behavior and decision-making. She highlights the role of financial advisors in fostering effective client relationships and the need to overcome procrastination and impulsivity in financial decisions. The conversation explores the significance of building effective financial s...

In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard shares his personal journey from a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset regarding money. He discusses his achievements in sports and fitness, the importance of mindset in financial planning, and the lessons learned from his experiences in the workforce and entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the significance...