The Financial Long Game

What happens when leaving your children an inheritance isn’t as simple as writing a cheque? In this episode, Shelly Appleton-Benko sits down with estate-planning lawyer Raphael Tachie to explore testamentary trusts and the role they can play in inheritance planning, wealth preservation and family legacy. They discuss how a testamentary trust can help determine when and how an inheritance is received, protect family wealth through life’s uncertainties, and give the next generation the freedom to take risks without putting inherited assets at risk.

Could an Alter Ego Trust help you protect your wealth, avoid probate and plan for the future—while keeping control during your lifetime? In Episode 2 of Trust Issues, Shelly Appleton-Banco and estate lawyer Steve Parr unpack Alter Ego and Joint Partner Trusts, including tax deferral, incapacity, blended families, and protecting your legacy. Most importantly, they ask the question that should come before any trust: What do you actually want your wealth to accomplish?

Think trusts are only for wealthy people? Think again. Could a trust be right for you or your family? Shelly Appleton-Benko sits down with Naz Khodarahmi, Wills and Estates lawyer, to make trusts easier to understand. Learn how trusts can help with tax planning, privacy, incapacity planning, family dynamics, protecting inheritances, and passing wealth to the next generation. Find out if a trust could make sense for you—and what to consider before putting one in place.

Featuring:

Naz Khodarahmi - Wills and Estates, Real Estate, and Corporate Solicitor

The last in our three-part series, Shelly Appleton-Benko, Lauren Shewfelt and Faith Benko discuss the importance of the client-advisor relationship. We'll explore why regular reviews, open communication with your advisor, and sharing important life updates are key to keeping your financial plan on track. As your life evolves, your financial strategy should evolve with it. Join us as we wrap up the series by empowering you to take an active role in building and maintaining your financial future.

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 your financial future

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Insights on women and investing were based on research reported by Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization’s Investor Advisory Panel from September 2025.

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 be approachable, relatable and relevant for women at all stages of life.

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 costly misunderstandings that can happen when they do. So while you’re on your way to tour venues and finalize seating charts, this episode is a great use of time, full of valuable guidance to help protect your future together.

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.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Odlum Brown When to Sell PDF

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 apply.

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.