Marianne Agudo hosts 'The Unpacked and Empowered Finances' podcast, in which she simplifies financial management and personal development. In this episode, Marianne discusses why attempting to tackle all financial goals at once can lead to stagnation and overwhelm. She introduces the 'priority pyramid' to help listeners focus on one financial goal at a time, starting with cash flow, moving to protection, and finally growth and investing. Marianne emphasizes the importance of clarity and strategic focus to create momentum and confidence in financial planning. She encourages listeners to adjust their strategies when goals aren't met, viewing setbacks as opportunities for better decision-making.

00:00 Introduction to The Unpacked and Empowered Finances

00:22 The Challenge of Financial Goals

01:45 Understanding the Priority Pyramid

03:48 Practical Steps to Financial Focus

04:42 Conclusion and Next Steps

Watch the Episode on The Pyramid of Financial Priorities

Follow Marianne on Instagram @marianneagudo.podcast

Discover the Essentials of Financial Planning with Murray Tucker of Wealth Plan Atlantic

In this episode of Unpacked and Empowered Finances, host Marianne welcomes Murray Tucker, co-owner of Wealth Plan Atlantic and a seasoned wealth management advisor with over 13 years of experience. They discuss the fundamentals of financial planning, particularly for beginners or those restarting their financial journey. The episode aims to break the misconception that financial planning is only for the wealthy, emphasizing the importance of starting early and regularly updating your financial plan. Murray explains the essential components of a financial plan, the common triggers that drive individuals to seek financial advice, and the importance of personalized, unbiased financial guidance tailored to individual goals and life changes.

Connect with Marianne:

Instagram: Marianne Agudo IG Podcast

Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

Welcome to another empowering episode of Unpacked & Empowered Finances with your host Marianne Agudo! Today, we go beyond the numbers with Greg Keith, Certified Financial Planner at Keith Wealth Management and Wealth Plan Atlantic. Greg brings over 20 years of experience simplifying complex finance topics to help people—from newcomers and fresh graduates to those nearing retirement—build confidence and momentum in their financial journey.

In this episode, Greg unpacks essential topics for beginners:

• Where to start investing your first paycheck — TFSA, RRSP, FHSA?

• Paying off debt vs. investing — what should be your priority?

• Understanding the "comfort number" and how to plan a steady retirement income.

• Canadian safety nets: CPP and OAS explained for newcomers.

• Benefits of working with an independent financial advisor versus a big bank.

• The Visual Wealth Project: making finances less intimidating with simple language and visuals.

• Greg's actionable advice to secure your financial future, starting today.

If you're new to Canadian finance or looking for a fresh perspective on retirement planning, this conversation is packed with relatable insights and practical tips to empower your financial decisions.

Be sure to share this episode with friends and family who want to unpack their finances and gain clarity on their financial future.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianneagudo.podcast/

• Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

Buying your first home in Canada? Don't start the process without hearing this vital advice.

We sit down with Helena McDermott, a seasoned realtor with the Evolve Real Estate Team (Keller Williams), who has nine years of experience and a strong focus on working with newcomers, including those through the Multicultural Association.

Helena tackles the most common and costly mistakes, breaks down the home buying process, and shares strategies for a competitive market.

• Temporary Status vs. PR: Can you buy a home in Canada without permanent residency (PR)? Helena clarifies this common misconception and discusses programs that allow purchase with as little as 5% down.

• The Biggest Financial Mistake: Why forgetting about closing costs—an extra 2-4% for things like the Land Transfer Tax, legal fees, and inspections—is the most expensive mistake first-time buyers make.

• Neighborhood Vetting: Tips for new Canadians on how to properly check if a neighborhood is safe, friendly, and close to essential amenities, including visiting at different times of the day.

• Inspections and Negotiation: What are the most important systems to check (electrical, roof, foundation, heating, plumbing)? Learn how the home inspection process works after an offer is accepted and how to use the findings to negotiate.

• Bidding War Strategy: How to navigate a competitive market using strategies like the escalation clause and why flexibility on closing or a personal "love letter" can sometimes matter more than price.

• Helena's Key Advice: The importance of patience and having the right professionals in your corner for what is "a marathon, not a race".

• Team Name: Evolve Real Estate Team

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenaMcDermottRealtor/

• Website: https://evolverealestateteam.ca/Team/helena-mcdermott-nb-realtor/

Disclaimer: Real estate rules, including the foreign buying ban, are always changing. The information discussed is for general educational purposes only. Always consult a lawyer and a mortgage specialist for advice specific to your financial and immigration situation.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianneagudo.podcast/

Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

Book a chat with me - https://calendar.app.google/EemnAPnybhNHJ5rx8

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1XQzilBILtnTLC7cdmEbQ6

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unpacked-empowered-podcast-by-marianne-agudo/id1654829784

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLudVAWzLJP1dX0-YQyEqzazBya9g1ZB9z&si=u411RzWYqn8ZqEBc

What does it take to navigate a new country's financial system while raising a family and building a business from your passion? In this episode, host Marianne Agudo talks with Ajoke Adejumo-Isiuwe, founder of ChopsHaven Ltd., a new African cuisine restaurant in Saint John, NB. Ajoke shares her powerful journey of moving from Nigeria to Canada, facing unexpected financial hurdles, and the strategies she used to transition from a full-time employee to a full-time restaurant owner. This conversation is packed with wisdom on the importance of a support system, overcoming financial mistakes, and the mindset required to turn a dream into a reality.

About Our Guest: Ajoke Adejumo-Isiuwe is the Founder and CEO of ChopsHaven Ltd.. She moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2014 as a student and has since built a life in Saint John with her husband and daughter. Her passion for cooking, which started as a home-based business during the pandemic, has now blossomed into a full-service restaurant serving the community.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Ajoke's immigration journey and the initial culture shock of moving to Canada.

• The key differences between Nigeria's cash-based financial system and Canada's credit-based system.

• Learning from costly financial mistakes as a newcomer, like an unexpected $700 phone bill from international calls.

• How she leveraged word-of-mouth and returning customers to grow her home business during the pandemic.

• The critical role her husband and friends played as a support system, helping with everything from deliveries to administrative tasks.

• Advice for newcomers and aspiring entrepreneurs on building a business, the power of community, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

Resources Mentioned:

• ChopsHaven Ltd.: Saint John's new destination for African cuisine.

• DYTO IT Consult: Branding consulting business run by Ajoke's friend in Lethbridge.

Connect with Ajoke & ChopsHaven:

• Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/chopshaven/

• Website: https://chopshaven.ca/[Insert ChopsHaven Website/Social Media Links]

Connect with your host, Marianne Agudo:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianneagudo.podcast/

• Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe to the Unpacked & Empowered Finances Podcast on your favorite platform!

New to Adulting? New to Canada? Essential Shopping Tips That Actually Help You Spend Less (From Someone Who's Been in Canada 26 Years)

Join host Marianne Agudo as she chats with Song Kim, a 26-year Canadian resident who shares practical shopping strategies that actually work! Perfect for newcomers to Canada and anyone learning to adult on a budget.

✅ Essential shopping apps - Flipp & Reebee for finding the best deals ✅ Price matching secrets - Which stores still do it (hint: not Walmart anymore!) ✅ Costco "007" code system - .99 vs .97 vs .00 pricing meanings ✅ Rain check strategy - Get sale prices even when items are sold out ✅ Seasonal shopping tips - When rice goes on sale (seriously!) ✅ The Water Pump Philosophy - Why giving leads to receiving more

Song Kim - Volunteer coordinator, community leader, and founder of Women Walkers & Hikers Club in Saint John, NB. 26 years of Canadian experience helping newcomers navigate life and finances.

💡 Perfect for: New Canadians, young adults, budget-conscious shoppers, anyone wanting to spend less on everyday items

#FinancialTips #NewToCanada #BudgetTips #ShoppingHacks #MoneyTips #Immigration #Adulting

• Apps: Flipp, Reebee, Rakuten, Save.ca, Checkout 51
• Stores for price matching: No Frills, Giant Tiger
• Best practices: Costco membership benefits and policies
• Community involvement: Local volunteer opportunities

Song Kim volunteers in the Saint John, New Brunswick area and leads the Women Walkers and Hikers Club. She regularly conducts financial literacy workshops focused on practical money-saving strategies for newcomers and families.

Hosted by Marianne Agudo, this podcast focuses on practical financial advice and empowerment stories, particularly for newcomers and young adults navigating financial independence.

Subscribe and Share: Help more people discover these practical tips by subscribing and sharing with friends who could benefit from this advice.

Tired of budgeting stress? Host Marianne Agudo dives deep into the most popular viral money-saving challenges flooding social media and reveals which ones can actually help Canadian families save money without the burnout.

In This Episode:

The Reality Check (03:00)

• Why the average Canadian household spends more than they earn
• Breaking down the $6,395 monthly spending vs $6,183 income gap
• How inflation affects family budgeting strategies

4 Core Principles for Stress-Free Budgeting (01:00)

1. Mindset shift: From "budget" to "spending plan"
2. Simplicity is key
3. Build in flexibility and fun money
4. Automate savings and bills

Viral Money Challenges Tested (07:00)

• Cash Envelope Budgeting: Does physical cash really change spending behavior?
• 100 Envelope Challenge: Save $5,000 in 100 days (and why it might stress you out)
• Loud Budgeting: The power of openly aligning spending with goals
• No-Buy vs Low-Buy Challenges: Finding sustainable approaches
• Pantry/Refrigerator Challenge: Shopping what you already have
• Cash-Only Weekends: Mindful spending in action
• Last Digit Challenge: Micro-saving made simple
• Secondhand First Rule: Sustainable and budget-friendly shopping

Key Insights:

• The difference between cash flow (reality) and budget (plan)
• Why treating savings as a bill helps build wealth
• How to identify spending triggers through challenges
• Creating flexibility in your financial plan

Perfect For: New Canadians, families managing inflation, anyone seeking sustainable budgeting approaches

Marianne's Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

My IG: https://instagram.com/marianneagudo.podcast

Are your work benefits really enough to protect your family? 🤔

In this episode of Unpacked & Empowered + Finances Podcast, we unpack what employer insurance usually covers—and why relying only on it could leave your loved ones unprotected.

You'll discover:

• What's typically included in employer insurance packages
• The hidden gaps families don't always see
• Why personal insurance can give you lasting protection—even when you change jobs
• How to start thinking about coverage that grows with you

Whether you're a young parent, newcomer, or building your career in Canada, this episode will help you feel more confident about protecting your family's financial future.

⚖️ Disclaimer: I am a licensed insurance advisor in New Brunswick and Ontario. This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personalized financial advice. Please consult with a licensed professional for recommendations based on your situation.

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @marianneagudo.podcast Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

Book a chat with me: https://calendar.app.google/AeRw1FCf5ntJzj3p9

Life loves throwing curveballs – car breakdowns, job losses, family emergencies that need immediate financial help. If you've ever laid awake worrying about "what if," this episode is for you.

In this practical, no-judgment episode, we dive deep into building an emergency fund that actually works for YOUR life – especially if you're a newcomer to Canada, supporting family in multiple places, or just trying to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.

What You'll Learn:

• What an emergency fund really is (and what it's NOT)

• The 5 Whys method to understand your money behaviors

• Why your "why" matters more than the dollar amount

• Real challenges for newcomers and breadwinners

• How to start with just $5-10 per week • Where to keep your emergency fund for easy access

• When to use it (and when NOT to touch it)

• How having an emergency fund makes you BETTER at helping family

Key Takeaways:

• Start small: Even $500 can cover most small emergencies
• Use the 5 Whys method to understand spending triggers
• Having financial stability helps you support others from strength, not desperation
• Automate your savings to remove temptation
• Your childhood money patterns affect your adult financial habits

Ready to Start Building Your Emergency Fund? If you're ready to take control of your financial future and want personalized help setting up your emergency fund through a high-interest savings account, I'm here to help!

📧 Contact me: [email protected] 🌐 Website: marianneagudo.com 📱 Instagram: @marianneagudo

I'm licensed to provide financial services in Ontario and New Brunswick.

Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Everyone's financial situation is unique, and you should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. I am licensed to provide financial services in Ontario and New Brunswick only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Did this episode help you? Share it with someone who needs to hear it! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it helps more people find practical financial advice that actually works for real life.

Connect with me:

• Blog: marianneagudo.com
• Instagram: @marianneagudo
• Email: [email protected]

#EmergencyFund #NewcomersCanada #MillennialMoney #TFSA #FinancialLiteracy

Meet Susan Sholly, who transformed her newcomer experience into entrepreneurial success. From arriving in Canada as a student to launching DeepSync Labs, an AI startup in Saint John, New Brunswick, Susan shares the real story behind her journey.

In this episode, Susan discusses:

• Her financial reality as a newcomer to Canada
• Building credit and navigating banking as an immigrant
• The transition from Financial Analyst at Irving Oil to startup founder
• Launching an AI company in August 2024
• Practical advice for newcomers considering entrepreneurship
• Opportunities at DeepSync Labs for volunteers and partners

Susan brings a unique perspective as a multilingual professional (she speaks 5 languages) with an MBA and business analytics background who chose to build her startup in Atlantic Canada.

Whether you're a newcomer exploring your options or someone interested in AI innovation, Susan's insights and authentic journey offer valuable perspectives on building financial independence through entrepreneurship.

Connect with Susan: Visit deepsynclabs.org for volunteer and partnership opportunities.

Connect with Me: Instagram: @marianneagudo.podcast Website: https://marianneagudo.com/home/

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Content shared is not financial advice. Please consult qualified financial professionals for your specific situation.