Episode Description:

Season 2 of Bare With Us kicks off with a discussion about one of the most talked-about topics in finance, investing, and business today: Artificial Intelligence.

From headlines about the massive spending on AI infrastructure to eye-popping valuations for companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX, investors are asking an important question: Are we witnessing the next great technological revolution, or are we in the middle of an AI bubble?

In this episode, Mike Robinson, Scott Richardson, and Finn McKay explore what financial professionals mean when they talk about an "AI bubble" and how investors should approach the conversation thoughtfully rather than emotionally. Finn discusses how portfolio managers are evaluating the investment landscape amid unprecedented capital investment, rapidly changing technology, and growing expectations for future profits.

The conversation also examines AI from a financial planning perspective. How should investors think about emerging technologies that may reshape industries, jobs, and markets? What role should AI-related investments play in a diversified portfolio? And how do long-term financial plans remain grounded when the pace of innovation seems to be accelerating?

As always, the discussion goes beyond the headlines, bringing together perspectives from portfolio management, investment strategy, and financial planning to help listeners better understand the opportunities, risks, and uncertainties surrounding AI.

Whether you're excited about the future of artificial intelligence, concerned about market valuations, or simply trying to separate hype from reality, this episode offers a balanced and practical perspective on one of the defining investment stories of our time.

Drawing from their firsthand experience helping dozens of clients transition into retirement, Scott and Mike share what they’ve observed over the years—where retirees tend to thrive, where they struggle, and the patterns that consistently show up among those who enjoy the most successful retirements. Along with Finn McKay, they discuss the hidden losses people face when they leave the workforce, including the loss of structure, community, identity, and daily purpose.

We also explore how physical and mental health play a crucial role in keeping your financial plan meaningful—and how maintaining well-being can help ensure the retirement you planned for is one you can actually enjoy.
This thoughtful conversation goes far beyond spreadsheets and savings projections. It’s about designing a retirement that’s rich in purpose, connection, and quality of life.

In this episode of Bare With Us, we explore the essential financial decisions that we believe everyone should be making—or at least seriously considering—throughout their life. Starting with young adults entering the workforce and progressing through various life stages, we highlight the habits and strategies that form the backbone of long-term financial success.

Join Mike Robinson, Scott Richardson, and Finn McKay as they discuss:

• Understanding where your money goes
• Spending less than you earn
• Building savings and emergency funds
• Choosing the right investment vehicles (RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, FHSAs, and more)
• Protecting your income with long-term disability insurance
• Planning for the unexpected with life insurance
• And—critically—developing an investment strategy that aligns with your goals

This episode emphasizes that while financial plans are personal, some principles are universal. Whether you're just starting out or reassessing your financial future, these non-negotiables are key to building a resilient and effective financial life.

In this episode of Bare With Us, we dive deep into one of the most debated topics in investing: passive vs. active strategies. We begin by breaking down what an index actually is, how different indices are constructed, and why not all indices are created equal.

From there, we explore some of the lesser-known mechanics behind passive investing—what’s happening behind the scenes that most investors never see. Finn shares his perspective as an active Portfolio Manager, explaining how active managers aim to add value, especially during periods of market stress. Mike and Scott weigh in on the merits of both approaches, highlighting how financial advisors can thoughtfully use either strategy to serve different client needs.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Index construction matters—and it’s not always as passive as it seems.
• Active market participants can add meaningful value, particularly in volatile or complex markets.
• There’s no one-size-fits-all solution: the right strategy depends on your goals, behavior, and financial plan.
• Investor discipline and behavior are often more important than the strategy itself.

Whether you're a DIY investor or working with an advisor, this episode will help you think more critically about how your investments are managed—and why that matters.

Tariffs, Trade, and Turbulence: Navigating Market Volatility - Part 2

In this episode of Bare With Us, we dive into the recent market volatility sparked by the U.S. government's reintroduction of tariffs. For nearly 40 years, tariffs haven’t played a major role in economic policy—but that’s changing, and so is the way we think and feel about the U.S.–Canada trade relationship.

Join Mike Robinson, Scott Richardson, and Finn McKay as we explore what tariffs are, why they’re back in the spotlight, and how they’re influencing investor sentiment. From there, we examine the issue from two key perspectives: how a Portfolio Manager interprets and responds to volatility, and how financial planners assess whether these changes warrant adjustments to financial plans or asset allocations.

This unstructured, thoughtful conversation goes beyond the headlines to help you understand what’s really happening—and what it might mean for your investments and long-term strategy.

Tariffs, Trade, and Turbulence: Navigating Market Volatility

In this episode of Bare With Us, we dive into the recent market volatility sparked by the U.S. government's reintroduction of tariffs. For nearly 40 years, tariffs haven’t played a major role in economic policy—but that’s changing, and so is the way we think and feel about the U.S.–Canada trade relationship.

Join Mike Robinson, Scott Richardson, and Finn McKay as we explore what tariffs are, why they’re back in the spotlight, and how they’re influencing investor sentiment. From there, we examine the issue from two key perspectives: how a Portfolio Manager interprets and responds to volatility, and how financial planners assess whether these changes warrant adjustments to financial plans or asset allocations.

This unstructured, thoughtful conversation goes beyond the headlines to help you understand what’s really happening—and what it might mean for your investments and long-term strategy.

In this episode of "Bare With Us," Mike, Scott, and Finn tackle a hot topic that's been making waves in the news and on social media: the rising cost of groceries. With many people suspecting that grocery stores are taking advantage of consumers, we delve into the truth behind these claims.

Join us as we explore the economics and business metrics of grocery stores to understand the factors driving up prices. We also examine the role of consumer habits in influencing these costs. Our discussion aims to provide a balanced perspective, shedding light on whether the perceived price gouging is a reality or a misconception.

Whether you're a concerned shopper, an industry insider, or just curious about the dynamics of the grocery market, this episode offers valuable insights and expert analysis to help you navigate the complexities of grocery pricing.

In this episode of "Bare With Us," Mike, Scott, and Finn dive into one of the most pressing issues facing young adults today: the housing market. With headlines and social media buzzing about the challenges of buying a home, we take a deeper look beyond the surface.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on current housing expectations, the evolving size of homes, and the impact of interest rates on affordability. Our goal is to provide you with valuable insights that go beyond the typical news stories, helping you understand the complexities of the housing market and what it means for young adults trying to navigate it.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or someone with young adults in your life, this episode offers diverse perspectives and expert advice to help you make informed decisions.

We invite you to Bare With Us as we kick off the discussion with a common question: Should you be investing in your TFSA or your RRSP? As we delve deeper, we suggest reframing the question to focus on your financial objectives and which savings vehicles best align with them.

Join Mike Robinson, Scott Richardson, and Finn McKay as they explore the various options beyond just TFSAs and RRSPs, including RESPs, FHSAs, and saving within a holding company. Each option comes with its own unique benefits. Understanding these can help you make more informed decisions.

Through our unstructured, insightful and entertaining conversation, we emphasize the importance of asking the right questions to determine the best choice for your financial goals. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate your savings strategy.