Money Questions

How does a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) work, and how can Canadian families make the most of it? In this episode of Money Questions, Matthew McGowan and Nathan England share an RESP survival guide, from saving for rising post-secondary costs to understanding government education grants and the Canada Learning Bond.

They discuss RESP contribution strategies, including monthly contributions and lump-sum investing; how to choose investments as a child gets closer to school; and what families should know when withdrawing money. Learn the difference between Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) and Post-Secondary Education (PSE) contributions, why proof of enrollment matters, and how to avoid common RESP withdrawal mistakes. The conversation also covers group RESP providers, unused RESP funds, sibling transfers, transferring eligible funds to an RRSP or Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), and what can happen when RESP money is withdrawn for non-educational purposes.

A practical conversation about RESPs in Canada, education savings, government grants, taxes, investment timelines, and planning for a child’s post-secondary education.

00:00 Money Questions
00:44 The RESP survival guide
04:32 RESP basics and government grants
07:13 Canada Learning Bond
10:34 Catch-up contributions
12:13 Group RESP providers
14:09 Lump-sum or monthly contributions?
19:55 The RESP investment timeline
23:47 Withdrawing RESP funds
25:35 EAPs, PSE contributions, and withdrawal limits
26:32 Proof of enrollment
29:00 A common RESP withdrawal mistake
30:05 What happens to leftover RESP funds?
33:20 Withdrawals for non-educational purposes
34:38 What can you invest in through an RESP?
35:37 RESP funds and disability planning
38:12 Investing in yourself

To learn more, visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England, CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England, CFP, Mutual Fund Representatives with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact Sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode of Money Questions, Matt and Nate zoom out from day‑to‑day dollars and cents to tackle a deceptively simple question: what is a trillion, really? Triggered by news of SpaceX going public and headlines about trillion‑dollar companies (and even a trillionaire on paper), they explore why our brains are so bad at grasping huge numbers — and why that matters for your investments, your savings habits, and your sense of time.

Using vivid analogies — from stacking $100 bills into space to counting your life in weeks — they connect “trillions” back to real human timelines: careers, mortgages, raising kids, and retirement. Along the way, they dig into the Rule of 72, the snowball effect of compounding, and what today’s concentration of mega‑cap tech companies inside the S&P 500 means for anyone who thinks they’re “diversified” with a single index fund.

This is a summer‑friendly, story‑driven episode about big numbers, big companies, and the surprisingly small handful of decisions that drive long‑term wealth.

They dig into:

• Why trillions feel unreal.
• Life in weeks & mortality: The “life in weeks” poster, how seeing your life as a finite grid changes how you think about time and money.
• The rise of trillion‑dollar companies: From zero trillion‑dollar companies in 2016 to a roster that includes Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, TSMC, Berkshire Hathaway, and more.
• The hidden concentration in the S&P 500: Why owning “500 companies” doesn’t mean your portfolio is actually diversified — and how 10–12 mega‑caps can drive a huge chunk of returns.
• The Rule of 72 and doubling your money: A simple mental shortcut to estimate how long it takes your money to double at different rates of return.
• Time vs rate vs risk.
• Savings rate: the overlooked superpower: Why your behaviour and savings rate matter more than chasing an extra 1–2% of return.
• Compounding and Warren Buffett: How most of Buffett’s net worth showed up late in life, and what that says about sticking with a plan.
• Patience over panic: The “hockey‑stick” shape of compounding — slow, boring early on, then suddenly explosive if you stay the course.

Grounded in fun analogies, market history, and real client experiences, this episode turns an abstract question — what is a trillion? — into practical takeaways about saving earlier, understanding your actual risks, and letting time do the heavy lifting.

Chapters:

00:00 – $1,000 a day since Jesus
00:25 – SpaceX, Saudi Aramco, and the first trillion‑dollar IPOs 
02:22 – Why our brains are bad at “big numbers” 
02:40 – From mammoth herds to market caps
03:40 – Million seconds vs billion seconds
04:20 – Life in weeks
05:10 – From billions to trillions in time
05:42 – Stacking $100 bills
06:53 – Why saving for retirement feels abstract in your 20s 
07:28 – Trillion‑dollar companies: from zero in 2016 to a crowded club 
08:08 – Apple at $500–600B and the “if it ever hits a trillion, I’m out” crowd 
08:45 – Antitrust, regulation, and the rise of mega‑caps 
09:08 – Who’s in the trillion‑dollar club now? Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet & more 
09:08 – What the S&P 500 actually is: 500 biggest U.S. companies by market cap 
09:55 – “I own 500 stocks, so I’m diversified”… or am I? 
10:14 – How 10–12 giants soak up roughly 40% of the index 
10:50 – Why index investors may be more concentrated than they think 
11:58 – How do you grow to a trillion?
12:24 – Rule of 72 explained
12:51 – 2% vs 7.2% vs 14%
13:28 – Walking through a 30‑year compounding example from $10,000 
14:00 – “Time matters more than timing” in real‑life financial planning 
14:27 – Why you probably shouldn’t park 30‑year money at 2% 
14:35 – Raising your savings as your income grows
15:48 – Time as your friend
16:12 – Want to retire in 5–10 years? Why “chasing returns” is gambling 
16:34 – The only dial you fully control
16:46 – Time is time
16:52 – The “dirty little secret” of investing
17:26 – Earnings power, savings behaviour, and long‑term success 
17:34 – Building good money habits early vs trying to fix things late 
17:48 – Career risk vs portfolio risk 
18:30 – Realizing you don’t need to swing for the fences forever 
18:40 – So what? Why compounding feels slow… until it doesn’t 
19:25 – The back‑loaded nature of growth 
19:30 – The snowball analogy
19:31 – Warren Buffett: most of his billions arriving late in life 
20:06 – “One Red Paperclip” and trading up
20:16 – Buffett at 95 and how long compounding’s been working for him 
20:47 – Why most of his wealth appeared after 80 
20:47 – Don’t be intimidated by big numbers — understand what drives them 
20:52 – Watching your index funds
21:22 – The 2000–2010 “lost decade” and mean reversion in markets 
22:00 – Why a global equity index may diversify better than just U.S. large caps 
22:05 – “History doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes”
22:21 – Diversification, goals, and knowing what you actually own 
22:23 – Patience over panic
22:56 – Letting time work for you
23:01 – Closing thoughts

To learn more, visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England, CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England, CFP, Mutual Fund Representatives with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact Sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode of Money Questions, Matt and Nate sit down with Adrian, a former bank advisor turned independent planner, to explore what really changes when your priority shifts from shareholder value to client outcomes. Using the analogy of oral health and “financial toothaches,” Adrian walks through how skipping regular financial checkups, just like skipping the dentist, can quietly turn small, fixable issues into painful, expensive crises.

They dig into:

• Life inside the bank: Daily sales targets, product quotas, and why even well‑intentioned advisors struggle to give truly holistic advice.
• “Are you the client or the product?”: How shareholder‑first incentives shape the tools, training, and recommendations clients receive.
• The dentist analogy: Why consistent, boring financial hygiene (budgets, reviews, planning) prevents the equivalent of root canals in your money life.
• Independent vs bank platforms: Limited in‑house product shelves vs a global toolbox — and how that affects fees, flexibility, and client fit.
• Continuity and turnover: What happens when your bank advisor changes every 18 months versus building a 20‑year relationship with the same planner?
• Advisors on the fence: The fear, the leap of faith, and how moving from employee to business owner can realign your work with your “why.”

Grounded in real stories from the subprime crisis, branch management, and financial literacy programs across Nova Scotia, this episode is part behind‑the‑scenes look at Canadian banking, part call‑to‑action for both clients and advisors: don’t wait for a financial toothache to take your planning seriously — and know there is an independent alternative.

Chapters:

00:00 – Why no one likes the dentist (or financial planning) 
00:46 – Meet Adrian: From forest ranger to financial advisor 
02:17 – Taking 30–40 crisis calls a day during the 2008 meltdown 
04:18 – The early days: Slowing down to build real client relationships 
05:28 – How daily sales targets changed the advice game 
07:20 – Targets, “opportunities,” and when KPIs replace client needs 
08:46 – “Are you the client or the product?” Shareholder value explained 
09:50 – Client loads in branches: 500–700 households… plus thousands with no advisor 
10:24 – The layoff: New baby on the way, job gone overnight 
12:04 – Big banks vs ma‑and‑pa: Relationships, decisions, and culture 
12:58 – Discovering the independent channel and a values match 
13:50 – Small toolbox vs global toolbox: Products, planning software, agility 
18:38 – Banks selling only their own investments vs independent open shelves 
20:14 – The risk of “analysis paralysis” and how good independents filter choice 
20:45 – Message to clients: You have alternatives beyond the branch 
21:57 – Advisor turnover: Restarting your story every 18 months 
23:07 – Money stress, preventable crises, and why ongoing planning matters 
25:09 – The full dentist analogy: Cleanings, flossing, and financial hygiene 
27:40 – Why literacy programs and workplace education only go so far 
29:20 – Independent, local, human: Finding the right long‑term fit 
30:28 – A note to frustrated bank advisors: You deserve better 
31:45 – Employee vs business owner: Running a practice, not a desk 
33:03 – Making the leap: Fear, support, and skill transfer 
34:01 – Trading your soul for a paycheck: The most expensive transaction 
35:05 – Eight‑hour planning meetings and changing a family’s trajectory 
36:31 – Small course corrections, big life outcomes 
37:39 – The little things banks miss: Beneficiaries, RESPs, estate details 
40:11 – Outcome‑focused vs revenue‑focused advice 
42:13 – Final call to action for clients and advisors: Have the conversation 

To learn more, visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England, CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England, CFP, Mutual Fund Representatives with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact Sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode of Money Questions, Nate and Matt dig into one of the most hotly debated topics in Canadian personal finance: RRSP vs TFSA. Using the analogy of hammers, drills, and duffel bags of cash, they unpack why these accounts are tools, not solutions — and why the real answer to “Which is better?” is “It depends.”

They cover:

• The $10,000 thought experiment: A simple side‑by‑side comparison showing that if your tax rate is the same going in and coming out, RRSPs and TFSAs can produce the same outcome.
• The “refund trap”: How spending your RRSP refund on oil tanks, vacations, and credit cards undermines the math — and why reinvesting refunds can supercharge long‑term compounding.
• Behavioral pitfalls of flexibility: Why TFSAs are so easy to raid for Disney trips and car repairs — and how that can quietly derail retirement plans.
• Hidden RRSP superpowers: Using RRSP contributions to boost government benefits like the Canada Child Benefit, and how that changes the math for families.
• Estate planning differences: How RRSPs are taxed on death vs how TFSAs can be incredibly estate‑friendly — especially when you use a successor holder designation for a spouse.

Grounded in real client stories, actual tax-return data, and decades of planning experience, this episode is about moving past the RRSP vs TFSA tribalism — and choosing the right mix of tools for your income, family, and retirement plan.

Chapters:

00:00 – Hammers, drills, and why RRSP vs TFSA is the wrong question
01:45 – TikTok “RRSP scam” takes and emotional reactions to account types
04:30 – RRSP 101: tax deferral, refunds, limits, and withdrawal penalties
08:00 – TFSA 101: after‑tax contributions, tax‑free growth, and flexibility
11:00 – Suitcases and backpacks: RRSPs/TFSAs as containers, not investments
14:45 – The $10,000 example: when RRSP and TFSA math looks identical
17:10 – The refund trap: what really happens to most RRSP refunds
19:30 – TFSA contribution room: growing it, evaporating it, and big wins/losses
21:20 – Flexibility vs discipline: raiding TFSAs and short‑ vs long‑term goals
22:40 – The $60–70K rule of thumb — and why “it depends” is more accurate
24:30 – Canada Child Benefit and other RRSP‑driven government boosts
27:00 – Personal tax‑free amounts, CPP timing, and RRSP withdrawal strategy
31:00 – Death, taxes, and estates: RRSP vs TFSA on your final tax return
33:05 – Successor holder vs beneficiary: a crucial TFSA estate detail
34:20 – Tools, not solutions: why the best plan usually uses both RRSP and TFSA

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode of Money Questions, Nate and Matt dig into what it means to invest when the news feels like the world is falling apart — wars, pandemics, political chaos, and all. They tackle the emotional side of money, the hard data on markets, and what real‑life investors should actually do when they’re scared.

They cover:

• The “ghost of market future” thought experiment: if you knew in January 2020 about COVID, lockdowns, civil unrest, and global turmoil — would you still have invested?
• “Am I going to be okay?”: the real question behind clients’ calls when the headlines turn dark — and how advisors answer it.
• Why we invest at all: protecting purchasing power from inflation, and why cash under the mattress quietly loses to rising prices.
• The Andex chart: zooming out over decades of data, seeing wars, recessions, pandemics, and crises — and why the long‑term line still trends up and to the right.
• When (and how) to change your plan: using crises as a wake‑up call if your risk level is truly too high — instead of making all‑or‑nothing, panic‑driven moves.

Grounded in real client conversations and decades of market history, this episode is about how to keep investing in a world that never stops throwing curveballs — and how to separate terrifying headlines from your long‑term financial future.

Chapters:

00:00 – Setting the stage: pandemics, wars, and scary headlines
01:30 – The “ghost of market future” thought experiment (January 2020)
03:20 – Human toll vs. talking about money during global trauma
05:10 – Why we invest: inflation, purchasing power, and not burying cash
06:20 – Investor profiles: goals, timelines, and risk tolerance in real life
08:00 – “What would you do if your portfolio dropped 20%?” (questionnaires vs reality)
10:00 – The Andex chart: zooming out on decades of crises and returns
12:40 – Betting on humanity: why markets recover (or else money won’t matter)
15:00 – Turmoil as opportunity: Contributions-in-a-crisis insight
16:30 – Diversification, global markets, and staying invested through volatility
18:40 – History of geopolitical shocks and market returns
21:30 – Ten rules for dealing with uncertainty and market timing myths
25:20 – Simplicity vs complexity: why a solid, simple plan often wins
26:50 – “Doing nothing is a decision”: panic, partial changes, and avoiding all-or-nothing moves
28:20 – Crisis as a wake-up call: when it does make sense to adjust risk
29:30 – Closing thoughts: hope, resilience, and focusing on long-term goals

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode of Money Questions, Nate and Matt unpack the stress of brown envelopes from the CRA, what’s actually inside them, and how to turn tax season from anxiety‑ridden to manageable.

They cover:

• Brown envelope anxiety: why CRA mail feels scary and what those letters usually mean.
• Tax brackets 101 (Canada): marginal vs. average tax rates, and why earning more doesn’t suddenly make all your income taxed at a higher rate.
• Your biggest expense (hint: it’s not your mortgage): how much of your income effectively goes to taxes.
• Notices of Assessment: what they actually show, how to find your real tax rate, and why they’re central to financial planning.
• Installments & interest: when CRA asks for quarterly payments, what happens if you don’t pay them, and how the interest works.
• Self‑employed reality check: paying both sides of CPP, why tax bills shock business owners, and how to avoid falling behind.
• TFSA traps: outdated CRA TFSA info, over‑contributions, and the 1%‑per‑month penalty (and how to avoid it).
• CRA’s online portal: 10 years of history, RRSP and TFSA room, credits, balances, and how advisors use it to help you.
• Refunds as “savings”: why a big tax refund is really an interest‑free loan to the government and why aiming near a $0 refund is usually better.
• Staying organized: checklists, digital folders, taking photos of slips, and why showing up with a Sobeys bag of receipts costs you time and money.
• Everyday tax planning: RRSPs, employer pensions, medical and childcare expenses, and other deductions/credits that can reduce tax and improve overall financial well‑being.
• Grounded in real client stories and practical planning, this conversation is about understanding your tax life so the brown envelope doesn’t control your stress levels.

Chapters

0:00 – The brown envelope rule & intro to tax anxiety
0:56 – Canadian tax season timelines (CRA opens, April 30 & June 15)
1:48 – Why people rush to file early (and chase T‑slips)
2:17 – What this episode covers: brown envelopes, CRA portal, and tax stress
3:02 – Tax brackets 101: federal vs. provincial and progressive rates
4:32 – Average tax rate vs. marginal tax rate (jargon alert)
5:40 – Taxes as your largest expense (more than mortgage or car)
6:53 – Clearing up “I don’t want to earn more and hit a higher bracket”
7:48 – Using your Notice of Assessment in real financial planning
9:03 – Brown envelopes from CRA: what actually shows up in the mail
9:46 – Installment reminders: when and why CRA asks for quarterly payments
10:18 – Should you pay installments? Interest risks and “napkin math”
10:53 – Other brown‑envelope items: CPP/OAS updates and reassessments
13:48 – CRA online portal: why Nate strongly recommends signing up
14:33 – Giving advisors access & seeing the same letters together
15:04 – What’s inside the CRA portal: 10‑year history, room, credits, balances
15:57 – TFSA reporting gaps and why CRA’s numbers can mislead you
16:43 – TFSA over‑contribution penalties (1% per month) and delays
17:35 – Why you must track TFSA contributions yourself
17:58 – Filing early to get refunds vs. filing with complete information
18:25 – Using tax refunds as a “savings account” with CRA
19:40 – Why a big refund is an interest‑free loan to the government
20:31 – Targeting a near‑zero refund and better cash‑flow planning
20:56 – Taxes owed when income is earned (especially for self‑employed)
22:02 – CPP shock: paying both employer and employee portions
22:55 – Falling behind on taxes and how CRA collections actually works
23:44 – Garnishments, frozen accounts, and why you must call CRA first
24:15 – When you can’t pay in full: 12‑month plans and full financial disclosure
25:05 – Side hustles, tips, crypto, rental income and tax evasion risks
25:25 – “How do we pay the government less?” (legally)
25:40 – Using RRSPs, pensions, and other tools to reduce taxes
26:18 – Medical, childcare, and other provincial‑specific deductions
27:00 – Staying organized: checklists, folders, cloud storage, and Sobeys bags
28:35 – Why disorganized receipts cost you in fees and time
28:52 – Tax health as part of financial well‑being
29:11 – Year‑end pay stubs and mock tax returns before the RRSP deadline
30:32 – Using RRSP contributions to reduce taxes payable
31:17 – Why Nate secretly likes tax season (for planning data)
32:03 – Why advisors need to see your tax situation
32:19 – Legal and investment disclaimers

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode of Money Questions, Nate (no kids) and Matt (dad of two) break down the real financial impact of having a baby in Canada. They cover:

The true cost of raising a child, including the first-year expenses
Delivery costs: deductibles, co-pays, hospital rooms, and planning around health insurance.

Baby gear on a budget: cribs, car seats, strollers, and the value of buying secondhand.

Parental leave & income: EI/parental benefits, employer top-ups, and planning for reduced cash flow.

Emergency savings & credit options during that first unpredictable year
The rising cost of childcare and how it shapes decisions about where to live and work.

Risk management: income protection, disability coverage, life insurance, and wills/guardianship.

Long-term planning: prioritizing retirement vs. kids’ activities, and using RESPs and government grants to save for education.

Grounded in Matt’s real-life experience and Nate’s planning lens, this conversation gives expecting (and surprised) parents a practical framework to think through money, risk, and long-term goals when a baby enters the picture.

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode, Matt and Nate break down modern financial scams, from romance scams and “Nigerian prince” schemes to Ponzi structures and fake government calls. They share real client stories, explain how criminals exploit fear, greed, and loneliness, and offer practical, step‑by‑step ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Key Topics Covered

1. Why Financial Scams Are Surging
   • AI, voice cloning, and deepfakes making scams more convincing
   • Fraud losses in Canada in 2024 and why many cases go unreported
2. Real‑World Scam Stories
   • Elderly investor duped via tech-support style scam
     • Fake computer-compromise warning
     • Remote access granted, funds moved from RRIF, TFSA, and lines of credit
     • Classic “send money to unlock a much larger payout” setup
   • Romance / “Pig Butchering” scam
     • Elderly man forms online relationship with younger “grad student”
     • Fake legal documents, estate settlement narrative, and pressure for ~USD 80,000
     • How advisors and lawyers spotted the fraud in time
3. Classic & High‑Profile Schemes
   • Origin of the Ponzi scheme (Charles Ponzi, international reply coupons, “guaranteed” 50–400% returns)
   • Bernie Madoff as a modern large‑scale Ponzi example
   • Using new investors’ money to pay old investors until the scheme collapses
4. Modern Variants: Crypto & Social Media Scams
   • Fake government‑backed crypto opportunities featuring public figures in ads
   • Guaranteed, above‑market returns used as hooks (e.g., “18% guaranteed” on REITs)
5. Psychology of Scams
   • Exploiting fear, greed, lust, envy, shame, insecurity
   • Creating urgency and emotional pressure so people act against their better judgment
6. Red Flags and Prevention Tips
   • “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is”
   • Be wary of:
     • Guaranteed returns (outside insured bank products / GICs)
     • Unsolicited calls or emails about taxes, credit cards, deliveries, or “compromised” accounts
     • Requests to move money “to protect it” or into crypto
     • Requests for remote access to your computer
   • Best practices:
     • Hang up and independently call back using an official number
     • Use multi‑factor authentication on financial and email accounts
     • Freeze or lock accounts/credit cards if you suspect compromise
     • Consider credit monitoring, especially after data breaches
     • Consult a licensed financial professional before acting on online “opportunities”
7. What To Do If You’re Scammed
   • Contact the institution where the money is held first
   • Then contact the local police (non‑emergency line)
   • Report to the Canadian Anti‑Fraud Centre
   • Talk with family, trusted friends, or your advisor despite the embarrassment
   • Use incidents as education for clients and the broader public

Key Takeaways

• Scams are increasingly sophisticated due to technology and social engineering.
• Guarantees, urgency, emotional manipulation, and secrecy are major red flags.
• Verification, slowing down, and talking to trusted professionals are your best protection.
• Staying vigilant today is critical because scam tools will only get better over time.

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

Money Questions is back for Season 2, and we’re kicking things off with a brand-new trailer that sets the tone for what’s ahead.

Are money worries keeping you up at night? You’re not alone.

This season, Matt (a finance expert with 20+ years of experience) and Nate (a self-employed financial planner with 15 years in the industry) are back to help you take control of your financial future, with clarity, honesty, and zero judgement.

Season 2 goes deeper into:

• Practical financial literacy you can actually use
• Smarter habits for reducing stress around money
• Common pitfalls, and how to avoid them

No hype. No guilt. Just clear answers to real money questions.

 Full season coming soon

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.

In this episode, Matt and Nate are joined by Amanda Forsey Taylor, JD, TEP, a trust and estate practitioner, to discuss the often uncomfortable but essential topic of estate planning. In this discussion, we demystify the process of preparing for the inevitable, and discuss why estate planning is an act of love for those you leave behind.

To learn more visit: https://www.evangelinewealth.com/

DISCLAIMER: The comments contained herein are a general discussion of certain issues intended as general information only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. Please obtain independent professional advice, in the context of your particular circumstances. This presentation was prepared, by Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, for the benefit of Matthew McGowan and Nathan England CFP, Mutual Fund Representative with Evangeline Wealth Management, a registered trade name with Investia Financial Services Inc., and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Investia Financial Services Inc. The information contained in this presentation comes from sources we believe are reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Mutual Funds are offered through Investia Financial Services Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Fund Fact sheet or prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated.