On the North Road

In this episode, Marshall sits down with Dan Stapleton, CEO of American Title and Closing, to dive into the world of timeshares and what Canadians need to know about getting out of them. Dan shares his personal journey from buying a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta to building a 13-year career in the industry as a salesperson, manager, and project director.

We cover the benefits of timeshares for those seeking consistent vacation experiences, the business model behind timeshares, and the sales tactics often used to attract buyers. Dan also addresses common challenges owners face, including limited flexibility and difficulty reselling, and explains how his company helps clients exit timeshare contracts through partnerships with law firms.

Finally, Dan offers practical advice for timeshare owners, including how to avoid scams and why timeshares should be viewed as pre-purchased vacations rather than investments.

Our featured guest for 2025 Ladies Lunch is one of our good friends, Barbara Drummond, author of the humorous and heartfelt memoir I Finally Have the Smoking Hot Body I Have Always Wanted (having been cremated).

Inspired by her vibrant mother, Sybil, Barbara wrote a playful obituary in Sybil’s voice after her passing from Alzheimer’s. The obituary captured Sybil’s spirit so perfectly that it went viral within 24 hours, gaining attention from major media outlets including The New York Post, The Huffington Post, CBC, and many others around the world.

Barbara’s book shares the story of her mother’s extraordinary life and the unexpected global response that followed. Join us for an afternoon of laughter, inspiration, and meaningful connection as Barbara shares her journey and the unforgettable legacy of her remarkable mother.

Stay ahead of digital threats with expert insights from Misha, Digital Risk Advisor at North Road.

In this video, Misha breaks down the growing risks in our connected world—from AI-driven impersonation scams to IT support fraud. Misha also shares practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In this video, you’ll learn about:

- AI & Impersonation Threats

- Common Fraud & Scam Tactics

- Essential Security Practices

If you have questions or want to schedule a digital risk assessment, please let us know and we will be happy to reach out.

Join us for an insightful conversation between Marshall McAlister and Joelle Faulkner, co-founder of Area One Farms, as we dive into the world of farmland investing and share the latest updates on their funds.

Joelle explains how Area One Farms partners with local farmers to work towards lower volatility investment opportunities and why farmland may well continue to stand out as a resilient asset class.

In this discussion, you’ll hear:

- The strong performance of Fund 4 and an update on Fund 5

- How tariffs and weather conditions, including drought in Central Canada, have impacted crop yields and pricing

- Why farmland remains a compelling option for portfolio diversification and long-term growth

Watch the video and uncover why North Road continues to recommend farmland within their diversified portfolio set.

Cary Williams and Cory Knott look at the traditional 4% retirement safe withdrawal rule by exploring how market conditions, spending behaviour, and new research are reshaping what "safe" really means. From the retirement smile to dynamic guardrails, this video offers fresh insights for anyone rethinking how to spend confidently in retirement.

In our latest video, Cary and Marshall share their latest perspectives on global markets and asset allocation trends. Key topics include:

- US Market Performance

- US Dollar Dynamics

- Capital Market Assumptions

Whether you’re interested in market trends or valuation insights, this discussion provides valuable context for navigating today’s investment landscape.

Many Canadians feel they’re falling behind financially but is that really the case? In our latest video, Marshall McAlister and Cary Williams break down what “normal” income and wealth look like in Canada, using real data from Statistics Canada.

You’ll discover:

• The median individual and household incomes in Canada

• How media shapes our perception of wealth

• What average household spending really looks like

• How Alberta compares to the national picture

• The surprising link between income and happiness

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, and staying on it could expose your systems to serious security risks and costly disruptions. North Road's Cary & Misha break down what you need to do now to upgrade safely and smoothly.

Cary and Marshall share market insights from the first half of 2025, including an update on new North Road team members, how different markets performed year to date, and updates on US markets, inflation, and the AI boom.

Explore the concept of Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) in Canada highlighting their benefits, applications, and strategic advantages for business owners and incorporated professionals. The insights are derived from a detailed discussion between Marshall McAlister and Mark Lesniewski from LMC, an actuary firm specializing in pension plans.