In this episode, we tackle the “financial junk drawer” problem—the scattered accounts, old pensions, random investment apps, and forgotten savings that quietly drain your wealth and peace of mind. We unpack how consolidation can lower fees, reduce risk, and bring real clarity, explore flexible tools like all‑in‑one mortgages, and walk through a simple four‑pillar framework for budgeting, emergency funds, insurance, and self‑care. If your money feels messy, this conversation will help you turn chaos into a clear, intentional plan.

This episode walks Canadians through how to find neutral financial education instead of sales-driven advice. It highlights government sources like FCAC and CRA for basics and tax rules, CLHIA and major insurers for clear insurance explanations, and firms such as Fidelity, Mackenzie, RBC, and BMO for process-focused investing and market education. The core message is to judge every financial source by its neutrality, focus on process over predictions, and use this framework as a self-check on the information you currently consume.

🎧 Episode Resources & Links

(For educational purposes only)

• CLHIA – Consumer insurance guides
https://www.clhia.ca/consumers/

• Manulife – Insurance & financial education
https://www.manulife.ca/personal/plan-and-learn.html

• Canada Life – Life insurance basics
https://www.canadalife.com/insurance/life-insurance.html

• Sun Life – Financial planning & life stages
https://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/

• RBC Insurance – Life insurance learning centre
https://www.rbcinsurance.com/life-insurance/learn-more.html

• Fidelity Investments Canada – Investor education & behaviour
https://www.fidelity.ca/en/insights/

• Mackenzie Investments – Goal-based investing resources
https://www.mackenzieinvestments.com/en/resources

• RBC Global Asset Management – Market & investor education
https://www.rbcgam.com/en/ca/learn-with-us/

• BMO Global Asset Management – Long-term investing basics
https://www.bmogam.com/ca-en/resources/education/

• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) – Budgeting & goal setting
https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html

• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – RRSP, TFSA & tax info
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html

• Brunelle Financial Planning Group
https://www.brunellefinancial.com

• The Link Between – Financial education & tools
https://brunellefinancial.thelinkbetween.ca/

All resources mentioned are for general educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice, nor a recommendation of any product or provider.

🛡️ Life Insurance & Protection (Canada)📈 Investing & Mutual Fund Education (Canada)🏛️ Government & Neutral Canadian Resources🔗 Your Resources📌 Important Note

This episode of Policy and Portfolio breaks down why many Canadians are underestimating what they need for retirement and how that creates an average shortfall of about $400,000 between their target nest egg and what the numbers suggest is required for their desired lifestyle. Using findings from the 2025 Fidelity Retirement Report, the hosts explain how later retirements, inflation, market risk, support for adult children, and longer lifespans are reshaping retirement, and they highlight how a written plan and professional advice can significantly improve confidence and readiness.