The Personal CFO Podcast

The Personal CFO Podcast

By Guillaume Girard, CFA CFPBusinessInvesting
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The Personal CFO Podcast episodes

  • Ep.012: The Smart Way Wealthy People Give to Charity With Charitable Impact Founder John Bromley

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman speak with John Bromley from Charitable Impact about the journey of creating a platform that facilitates charitable giving. They discuss the importance of donor-advised funds, the various types of donations, and the tax benefits associated with charitable giving. John shares insights on encouraging the next generation to be charitable through concepts like the charitable allowance and emphasizes the mindset around giving as a crucial aspect of philanthropy. The conversation highlights the tools available for donors and the impact of Charitable Impact in the Canadian charitable landscape.

     

    Topics Covered in this Episode:

    00:00 The Accidental Entrepreneur

    07:01 The Birth of Charitable Impact

    11:37 Understanding Donor-Advised Funds

    19:10 Navigating Charitable Giving Options

    20:59 Types of Assets for Donation

    27:55 Facilitating Charitable Donations

    30:01 The Power of Charitable Giving

    32:29 Understanding Donor-Advised Funds

    36:45 Introducing Charitable Allowance for Kids

    43:34 Accessibility in Charitable Giving

    46:57 Mindset Shift Towards Philanthropy

     

    🎗️Charitable Impact

    Website: https://www.charitableimpact.com/who-we-are

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/wearecharitable/

     

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors

    Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

     

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights

    Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/

    Podcast YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast

     

    Keywords

    Charitable giving, donor-advised funds, financial literacy, philanthropy, Charitable Impact, tax benefits, charitable allowance, impact investing, generosity, social responsibility

    53 min
  • Ep.011: Why Most Investors Underperform the Market

    In this Millennial Money Canada podcast episode, Guillaume delves into Millen Wealth's investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of aligning investment strategies with individual goals. He shares his personal journey into finance, discusses the significance of risk management, and contrasts institutional and retail portfolio management. The episode also covers key investment theories, including the modern portfolio theory, capital asset pricing model, and efficient market hypothesis, while advocating for adopting index and factor investing to build generational wealth.

     

    Topics Covered in this Episode:

    00:00 Introduction to Millen Wealth’s Investment Philosophy

    02:27 Guillaume's Personal Journey in Finance

    04:52 Understanding Investment Approaches: Passive vs Active

    07:06 The Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis on Personal Finance

    09:31 Early Investment Experiences and Lessons Learned

    12:16 Transitioning from Retail to Institutional Investing

    14:50 The Role of Institutional vs Retail Portfolio Managers

    17:49 Skepticism Towards Retail Portfolio Management

    20:03 The Importance of Evidence-Based Investing

    21:35 Foundational Theories of Investment: Modern Portfolio Theory

    26:25 Understanding Modern Portfolio Theory

    30:37 Exploring the Capital Asset Pricing Model

    33:54 The Efficient Market Hypothesis Explained

    40:48 Diving into Factor Investing

    47:37 The Shift Towards Passive Investing

     

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors

    Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

     

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights

    Podcast YouTube Channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialplannergui/

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

     

    Keywords

    Investment philosophy, financial planning, index funds, factor investing, risk management, portfolio management, modern portfolio theory, capital asset pricing model, efficient market hypothesis, Fama-French model

    53 min
  • Ep.010: Term vs Permanent Life Insurance: What Most People Get Wrong

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman delve into the complexities of life insurance, discussing the various types of insurance products available, the importance of understanding individual needs, and the different approaches to determining how much insurance one might require. They explore scenarios based on life stages, from young adults to retirees, emphasizing the need for personalized financial planning and the distinction between term and permanent life insurance. The conversation highlights the significance of objective advice and the potential pitfalls of insurance as an investment substitute.

     

    Topics Covered in this Episode:

    00:00 Introduction to Insurance Needs

    10:49 Understanding Life Insurance Products

    18:35 Term vs Permanent Life Insurance

    23:26 Understanding Cash Value in Permanent Life Insurance

    28:07 The Nuances of Universal Life Insurance

    32:41 Evaluating the Need for Permanent Insurance

    35:57 Analyzing Life Insurance Needs: The Frameworks

    47:15 Scenario Analysis: Life Insurance Needs at Different Life Stages

    53:06 Understanding Insurance Needs for Families

    56:49 Insurance Needs for Stay-at-Home Parents vs. Working Parents

    01:02:31 Insurance Considerations in Retirement Planning

    01:08:32 The Role of Insurance in Tax Planning and Estate Management

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@millennialmoneycanada?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialplannergui/ Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cmt-cfp-08487170/ Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/

    Keywords

    Life insurance, financial planning, term insurance, permanent insurance, insurance needs analysis, retirement planning, financial literacy, insurance products, wealth management, family protection

    1 hr 16 min
  • Ep.009: Should You Take the Lump Sum or the Pension?

    Summary

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss the various options available for company pension plans when leaving an employer or entering retirement. They explore the differences between defined benefit and defined contribution plans, the process of commuting a pension, and strategies for managing LIRA and RRSPs. The conversation also covers tax planning, the pension income credit, and the potential to unlock LIRA for home purchases. Additionally, they delve into income-splitting strategies and withdrawal plans to optimize tax efficiency in retirement.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Pension Options

    02:41 Understanding Defined Contribution Plans

    05:38 Exploring Defined Benefit Plans

    08:11 Commuting a Defined Benefit Pension

    10:51 Tax Implications of Commuting

    13:31 Strategies for Managing LIRA in Retirement

    16:31 Income Splitting and Tax Planning

    18:27 Converting LIRA and RRSP for Withdrawals

    27:41 Understanding LIF and RIF Withdrawal Rules

    30:05 Strategic Planning for Retirement Income

    34:06 Tax Implications of Retirement Withdrawals

    38:28 Pension Income Credit and Its Benefits

    41:11 Exploring Copycat Annuities

    44:09 Unlocking LIRA for Home Purchases

    47:40 Pension Income Splitting Strategies

    51:22 Withdrawal Plan Options at Retirement

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@millennialmoneycanada?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialplannergui/ Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cmt-cfp-08487170/ Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/

    Keywords

    Pension plans, retirement, defined benefit, defined contribution, LIRA, RRSP, tax planning, income splitting, pension income credit, home buyers plan

    58 min
  • Ep.008: You’ve Been Named an Executor… Now What?

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman engage with David Edey, a seasoned financial planner and author, to discuss the critical role of an executor in estate planning. They explore the responsibilities and challenges faced by executors, the importance of communication within families regarding estate matters, and the emotional aspects of grief that executors must navigate. David emphasizes the need for proactive conversations about wills and estates to prevent family disputes and ensure a smooth transition of assets. He also highlights the significance of organization and preparation in leaving a meaningful legacy for loved ones.

     

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding the Role of an Executor

    04:15 The Importance of Communication in Estate Planning

    06:39 Navigating Family Dynamics and Expectations

    09:24 Grief and Its Impact on Executors

    12:25 Executor Compensation and Professional Services

    15:13 Preparing for the Inevitable: Organizing Your Estate

    18:11 Digital Assets and Their Management

    20:44 The Executor's First Steps After a Death

    23:15 Coping with Grief and Supporting Others

    26:25 Final Thoughts on Estate Planning and Executor Responsibilities

    32:20 Navigating Grief and Support

    38:16 The Role of Executors in Estate Settlement

    44:30 Family Dynamics and Estate Disputes

    48:12 Initiating Conversations About Estate Planning

    53:43 Leaving a Legacy: The Importance of Organization

     

    💡David Edey

    Website: https://www.davidedey.com/ David’s Book: https://www.davidedey.com/executorhelpbook.html

    Free Resources: https://www.davidedey.com/resources.html

     

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@millennialmoneycanada?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialplannergui/ Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cmt-cfp-08487170/ Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/

    Keywords

    Executor, estate planning, family communication, grief, legacy, financial planning, estate settlement, executor responsibilities, family disputes, estate management

    56 min
  • Ep.007: Why Trying to Time the Market Usually Fails

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss essential concepts for successful investing, the implications of recent political changes in Canada, and the importance of financial planning. They explore the challenges of predicting market movements, the benefits of index and factor investing, and the role of financial planners in helping clients achieve their financial goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for discipline in investing and the importance of understanding market dynamics to improve investment outcomes.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Financial Planning and Political Landscape

    11:21 Understanding Market Success: Key Concepts for Investors

    35:16 The Psychology of Total Market Investing

    38:02 Asset Class Returns and Market Performance

    40:33 The Limitations of Index Funds

    44:39 Finding the Middle Ground: Active vs Passive Investing

    48:01 Understanding Market Factors and Their Impact

    50:40 The Role of Discipline in Investment Strategies

    52:35 Exploring Investment Options: Index vs Factor vs Socially Responsible

    56:22 The Importance of International Diversification

    01:01:30 Navigating Hot Tips and Market Trends

    01:03:14 The Importance of Discipline in Investing

    01:04:51 Understanding Market Downturns

    01:11:50 When to Invest: Timing the Market

    01:16:57 The Role of Financial Planners

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@millennialmoneycanada?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialplannergui/ Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cmt-cfp-08487170/ Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/

    Link to slide deck https://www.canva.com/design/DAGW3nW1E0Y/uN-vOfWKqZX8TzdbZJ4mdA/view?utm_content=DAGW3nW1E0Y&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h42f6f4a6fe

     

    Keywords Financial planning, investment strategies, market dynamics, wealth management, capital gains tax, index funds, factor investing, financial literacy, investment performance, tax implications

    1 hr 21 min
  • Ep.006: Why Most People Fail Their New Year Goals

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss practical goal setting for 2025, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach using the SMART model. They explore personal and professional goals, health and fitness aspirations, and the significance of accountability and celebrating milestones. The conversation highlights practical strategies for achieving financial and personal success, encouraging listeners to reflect on their goals and enjoy the journey towards achieving them.

    An evidence-based model to accomplish your goals in 2025:

    1. Set SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) 2. Break Goals into Smaller Milestones 3. Create a System for Daily Progress 4. Measure Progress Regularly 5. Stay Accountable 6. Develop Resilience 7. Celebrate Wins 8. Reflect and Refine

    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Goal Setting for 2025 06:48 The Importance of Goal Setting 13:55 Implementing the SMART Model 20:09 Personal Health and Fitness Goals for 2025 30:01 Understanding the SMART Model in Depth 34:21 Strategies for Saving and Income Growth 36:13 The Importance of Realistic Goal Setting 38:02 Building Consistency and Discipline 38:54 Enjoying the Journey Towards Goals 40:26 Creating Systems for Daily Progress 42:39 Identifying with Your Goals and Values 43:56 Measuring Progress Regularly 47:41 The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals 51:36 Developing Resilience in the Face of Challenges 55:55 Celebrating Wins and Reflecting on Progress

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors Book a Financial Review Meeting: https://courses.mwadvisors.ca/FinancialAdvice

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MillennialMoneyCanadaPodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@millennialmoneycanada?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialplannergui/ Guillaume on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cmt-cfp-08487170/ Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/

    Keywords Goal setting, financial planning, health goals, SMART model, accountability, personal development, financial literacy, wellness, milestones, success

    1 hr 9 min
  • Ep.005: Tax Strategies Business Owners Should Know for 2025

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard and co-host Sam Lichtman engage with tax expert Mohammed Al-khooly to discuss tax planning strategies for 2025. They explore Mohammed's journey from working in large accounting firms to starting his own tax advisory firm, emphasizing the importance of proactive tax planning. The conversation covers various topics including income splitting, tax risk tolerance, the implications of shareholder loans, and the recent changes in capital gains tax. They also discuss the role of social media in client acquisition and the importance of understanding clients' emotional responses to financial decisions.

     

    Chapters

    00:00 Mohammed's Journey in Taxation

    04:22 Transitioning to Self-Employment

    06:52 Leveraging Twitter for Client Acquisition

    09:47 Understanding Clientele and Their Needs

    12:31 Navigating Partnerships in Business

    15:10 Income Splitting Strategies Explained

    18:01 Tax Risk Tolerance and Its Implications

    20:51 Best Practices for Business Owners

    23:25 Paying Yourself: Salary vs. Dividends

    35:25 Transitioning from Salary to Dividends

    36:39 Understanding CPP and Client Perspectives

    38:56 The Importance of Guaranteed Income

    40:52 Common Mistakes in Tax Planning

    42:50 Shareholder Loans and Tax Implications

    46:28 Capital Gains Inclusion Rate Changes

    51:38 Multi-Generational Housing Tax Credit Insights

    54:24 Behavioral Coaching in Financial Planning

     

    🤝 Work with CoPilot Tax 🌐 Visit their Website: https://copilottax.ca/ 📚Connect on Twitter: https://x.com/CanadaTaxGuy

     

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors 🌐 Book an intro meeting today 👉 mwadvisors.ca 📚 Self-paced tax & investing course tailored for business owners 👉 courses.mwadvisors.ca

     

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: Millennial Money Canada Podcast TikTok: Millennial Money Canada Instagram: @financialplannergui Guillaume on LinkedIn: Guillaume Girard, CFA, CMT, CFP Sam on LinkedIn: Sam Lichtman

     

    Keywords

    Tax planning, Canadian tax, financial literacy, income splitting, tax risk tolerance, shareholder loans, capital gains, CPP, financial planning, social media marketing

    1 hr 3 min
  • Ep.004: RRSP vs TFSA: Which One Should You Max Out First?

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman delve into the intricacies of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). They discuss the importance of understanding these financial tools, especially in the context of generational wealth planning. The conversation covers the tax implications of RSP contributions, how to maximize contributions, and the impact of pension adjustments on RSP limits. The hosts also address common misconceptions about RSP withdrawals and the overall benefits of these savings vehicles for retirement planning. In this conversation, Sam Lichtman and Guillaume Girard delve into the intricacies of RRSPs and TFSAs, discussing their tax implications, withdrawal strategies, and the benefits of spousal RRSPs. They explore the advantages and disadvantages of each account type, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning for retirement. The discussion also touches on common mistakes investors make with TFSAs and comparing investing in corporations versus registered accounts. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into effective financial planning and investment strategies for Canadians.

     

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to RSP vs TFSA

    02:42 Generational Wealth Planning

    05:48 Understanding RSPs

    08:07 Tax Implications of RSP Contributions

    10:34 Maximizing RSP Contributions

    13:12 Calculating RSP Contribution Limits

    16:30 Pension Adjustments and RSPs

    19:18 Withdrawing from RSPs and Taxation

    29:15 Understanding RRSP Contributions and Tax Implications

    32:57 Withdrawal Options from RRSP Before Retirement

    35:19 Eligibility and Strategies for RRSP Withdrawals

    38:11 Exploring Spousal RRSPs and Their Benefits

    40:36 Introduction to Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA)

    42:38 Advantages and Disadvantages of TFSAs

    44:41 TFSA vs RRSP: Prioritizing Contributions

    48:10 Common Mistakes with TFSAs

    51:03 Investing in Corporations vs RRSPs and TFSAs

    🤝 Work with Us 🌐 Book an intro meeting today 👉 mwadvisors.ca 📚 Self-paced tax & investing course tailored for business owners 👉 courses.mwadvisors.ca

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: Millennial Money Canada Podcast TikTok: Millennial Money Canada Instagram: @financialplannergui Guillaume on LinkedIn: Guillaume Girard, CFA, CMT, CFP Sam on LinkedIn: Sam Lichtman

     

    Link to the article mentioned in the episode by Jamie Golombek: https://www.cibc.com/content/dam/personal_banking/advice_centre/tax-savings/rrsp-tfsa-business-en.pdf

    57 min
  • Ep.003: The Mortgage Renewal Shock Coming to Canada (What It Means For You)

    In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman welcome mortgage broker Matthew Shantz to discuss the current mortgage landscape in Canada. They explore various topics, including the importance of financial literacy, the impact of interest rates on the housing market, and strategies for self-employed individuals seeking mortgages. Matthew shares insights on reverse mortgages and the benefits of multi-generational living, emphasizing the need for proactive financial planning. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding mortgage insurance and preparing for upcoming mortgage renewals, providing listeners with valuable information to navigate their financial futures.

     

    🎥 Content of this video

    00:00 Introduction to Millennial Money Canada Podcast

    03:26 Business Growth Strategies and Client Engagement

    08:08 Podcasting Journey and Personal Development

    08:50 Introduction and Meeting Sam

    10:43 Building a Successful Team

    13:51 Recent Changes in the Mortgage Space

    19:07 Understanding Mortgage Regulations and Market Dynamics

    24:17 Interest Rates and Their Impact

    30:56 The Mortgage Renewal Cliff

    36:25 Tactics of Major Players in the Mortgage Market

    44:53 Navigating Renewal Options

    47:21 Understanding Self-Employed Income

    55:15 Exploring Reverse Mortgages

    01:07:36 Innovative Housing Solutions for Retirement

     

    🤝 Work with Matthew and his Team Website: https://matthewshantz.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-shantz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_matthewshantz/

    🤝 Work with Millen Wealth Advisors 🌐 Book an intro meeting today 👉 mwadvisors.ca

    📚 Online Course Self-paced tax & investing course tailored for business owners 👉 courses.mwadvisors.ca

    🔗 Connect & Follow Us for Insights Podcast YouTube Channel: Millennial Money Canada Podcast TikTok: Millennial Money Canada Instagram: @financialplannergui Guillaume on LinkedIn: Guillaume Girard, CFA, CMT, CFP Sam on LinkedIn: Sam Lichtman

    Keywords

    Millennial Money, financial planning, mortgage landscape, real estate investment, interest rates, mortgage insurance, self-employed mortgages, reverse mortgages, multi-generational living, financial literacy

    1 hr 18 min

About The Personal CFO Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Personal CFO Podcast is for Canadian business owners and high-income professionals who want to build wealth while they’re working, and live off it when they stop.

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