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 Determining Your Allocation to Private Equity

18:00 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

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Connect with Guillaume

Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

Cited Research
Right-Sizing Private Equity in a Portfolio: It Depends on More Than You Think.

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 of Legal Preparedness

05:23 Engaging a Lawyer: Hourly vs. Contingency

08:06 Case Study: Language Barriers and Investment Risks

10:39 Legal Obligations of Advisors

13:16 Risk Tolerance vs. Risk Capacity

16:26 The Role of Trust in Financial Advisory

19:05 Navigating Client Needs and Advisor Responsibilities

28:50 Understanding Risk and Return in Client Goals

29:42 Exploring the Growth of Private Markets

33:41 Defining Private Markets and Their Appeal

37:48 Investor Protection in Canadian Private Markets

40:17 Legal Exposure in Private Market Investments

45:55 The Importance of Informed Consent

50:08 Common Investor Mistakes Leading to Fraud

52:57 Improving Securities Regulation in Canada

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The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Need Guidance? Book a private intro call today:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Connect with Guillaume

Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

Connect with Matthew

Website: https://www.sotosclassactions.com/our-team/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtaylor/

Email: [email protected]

Keywords

Investment advice, legal claims, negligence, fiduciary duty, private markets, investor protection, financial advising, litigation, fraud, Canada

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 Challenges

02:33 Understanding Founder Dependency and Its Impact

05:32 The Importance of Sales in Business Scalability

08:06 Overcoming Emotional Barriers in Delegation

10:45 Defining the North Star for Business Growth

13:34 Preparing for Business Sale and Valuation Insights

24:55 Understanding Business Valuation Gaps

27:24 Identifying Value Creation Opportunities

31:49 The Role of Advisors in Business Sales

35:06 Preparing for a Successful Exit

39:34 Navigating Generational Business Transitions

44:57 De-risking Business Ownership

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The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Need Guidance? Book a private intro call today:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Connect with Guillaume

Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

Connect with Horizon Advisors
Website: https://www.withhorizon.co

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrobertharrison/

Keywords

Exit planning, business valuation, founder dependency, M&A, business growth, succession planning, EBITDA, sale process, value creation, entrepreneurship

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 1: Not Using Your TFSA at All

01:45 Understanding TFSA Room and Benefits

02:36 Comparison: TFSA vs Taxable Account

03:20 Long-Term Growth and Investment Strategies

06:29 Trading and Speculative Risks in TFSA

09:26 Strategic Withdrawals and Re-contributions

11:19 Retirement Withdrawal Planning

12:45 Beneficiary vs Successor Holder Designation

15:08 Summary and Final Tips

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Financial Readiness Score - Take The Assessment:
https://financial-readiness-score.replit.app/

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Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

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 Market Trends

10:49 Investment Strategies During Turbulent Times

13:28 Planning for Long-Term Financial Goals

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Subscribe to our Newsletter
The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

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

05:13 Valuation Misconceptions

07:01 The Value Gap and Its Implications

09:47 Deal Killers in Business Valuation

12:29 Strategic Capacity and Business Growth

14:54 The Three Dimensions of Business Growth

17:20 Identifying Value Gaps

19:59 Lifestyle Business vs. Asset Building

22:44 Closing the Value Gap

26:50 Identifying the Value Gap

28:47 The Mindset Shift for Business Owners

31:37 Empowering Employees and Delegation

33:26 The Importance of Documentation

36:10 Collaboration Between Advisors

38:57 Understanding Transferable Value

40:10 Common Mistakes in Selling a Business

42:15 Metrics for Business Owners

43:13 Personal Reflections on Business Ownership

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Subscribe to our Newsletter
The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

Guest Information
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrylalonde/

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 Wealth and Happiness
10:26 The Five Types of Wealth
15:35 Time Wealth: The Most Valuable Currency
17:06 Social Wealth: The Importance of Connections
23:28 Exploring Mental Wealth: Purpose, Growth, and Space
29:34 Physical Wealth: Health, Fitness, and Vitality
31:55 Understanding Financial Wealth: Assets, Liabilities, and Independence

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:
Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Subscribe to our Newsletter
The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

Sahil's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v5xpZx4f0rYA0F2W6VAkUCZkfW3LOrVB7EC52UF770E1dY2ZmYoWVYdvj0kUwmcSOfVmt7_KRN1RfUZplEvOzRlamJChfSSAFlvRTDu3okeLvdDkGfLFxTY85ZD5eWPX-_6S4UG3cxOOA9k5yjruX0UULrT_KtIL1xYcp-ry-mVzt4jczQIdcua_qKYqUz-IR5k4fZ_TrqdLyMSyJLEAYqcYBjrcFJLFTZ_gtO6mleIr9nH8ezw-G5r9Zeffb14r.IktgdKYt_xsWaVB-J8kURTWyAqSFr7ovXlpLcU4b3Tk&dib_tag=se&keywords=sahil+bloom+five+types+of+wealth&qid=1772755157&sr=8-1

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 Market

05:29 Understanding the Emotional and Quantitative Aspects of Real Estate Decisions

14:34 Analyzing Regional Variations in Housing Prices

21:43 Key Drivers Behind the Current Housing Correction

31:47 Navigating the Future: Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

32:41 Forecasting Housing Prices: A Comparative Analysis

35:02 Evaluating the Accuracy of Price Predictions

35:58 The Importance of Historical Data in Financial Planning

38:08 Factors Influencing Housing Market Dynamics

39:54 Navigating the Transition Phase in Real Estate

42:02 The Rent vs. Own Debate: A New Perspective

44:06 Understanding the Calculator: Investment Decisions

54:27 Risk Premiums and Real Estate Returns

01:02:17 Final Thoughts on Real Estate vs. Investment Portfolio

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Subscribe to our Newsletter
The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume & Sam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/
Sam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/

Keywords
Real estate Canada, housing market, investment strategies, market forecast, housing correction, mortgage rates, regional differences, buying vs renting

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 Personal

03:10 Tax Layers and Strategies for Extracting Money from Your Business

04:01 Diversifying Wealth: Building a Second Business or Portfolio

05:43 Tax Changes and Protecting Your Wealth

06:27 RRSP as a Strategic Tool for Long-Term Tax Reduction

07:20 Understanding Salary vs Dividends for RRSP Room

09:54 The Integration of Corporate and Personal Taxes

11:38 Investing Inside vs Outside the Corporation

16:40 Passive Income Rules and Corporate Investment Limits

22:44 Preparing Your Business for Sale and Capital Gains Exemption

24:28 The Individual Pension Plan (IPP) as an Alternative to RRSP

26:24 Risk Management: Protecting Assets from Creditors

27:30 Retirement Income Strategies and Withdrawal Planning

30:10 When Does an RRSP Strategy Make Sense?

32:30 Key Takeaways and Final Advice for Business Owners

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Subscribe to our Newsletter
The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

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 steps to extract dividends, and the timing for optimal use of the CDA. Additionally, Girard connects the CDA to broader tax strategies, emphasizing the need for cohesive financial planning.

Topics Covered in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Capital Dividend Account (CDA)

04:05 Understanding the Mechanics of CDA

08:29 Creating and Managing Your CDA

14:21 Steps to Extract Tax-Free Dividends

17:20 Strategic Timing for Using CDA

21:09 Common Mistakes and Pitfalls with CDA

26:17 Connecting CDA with Other Tax Strategies

If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:

Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1

Subscribe to our Newsletter
The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume

Millen Wealth Advisors
Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Connect with Guillaume
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

Sources: The insights and information in this episode were drawn from Canadian tax guidance and expert resources, including the Canada Revenue Agency and experienced tax professionals, to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate picture of the Capital Dividend Account as of 2026. Stay tuned for more tips on integrating your personal and business finances!