This isn’t a spreadsheet episode; it’s a “how do real humans actually behave with money?” episode. We start with kids: narrating your tap‑to‑pay life so money isn’t magic, using spend/save/share jars, and letting them make low‑stakes mistakes (hello, candy mountain) so they don’t make six‑figure ones later. Then we crash‑land into couples: why a single household CFO is risky, how the two‑list method exposes your hidden assumptions, and where RESPs and the Home Buyers’ Plan really fit. In the end, we ditch net worth as the scoreboard and measure wealth in choices instead

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.

Explore the key developments from Carney's latest $78 billion budget, focusing on three critical changes that will significantly impact financial planning and policy. This analysis highlights the major shifts in funding allocation, fiscal strategy, and economic priorities, providing essential insights for professionals tracking governmental and economic trends.

Explore the life-changing benefits of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) for individuals and families. Learn how qualifying Canadians can access up to $90,000 in government grants and bonds, helping to secure a brighter, more stable financial future. This episode breaks down the essentials of RDSP eligibility, how to maximize government support, and provides practical tips to get started—empowering those with disabilities to make the most of every opportunity.

This episode of Policy & Portfolio explores why earning power—not material possessions—is truly the most valuable asset for professionals. It draws on the lesson of the golden goose, emphasizing that nurturing skills and investing in personal growth creates sustainable, recurring “golden eggs” of income and opportunity. Listeners will discover actionable advice to increase their earning capacity, build secure wealth, and reframe career strategy for long-term success.

In this episode, we investigate how Manulife One transforms traditional banking and mortgage repayment by integrating your mortgage, chequing, savings, and income into a single flexible account. Every deposit—paycheque, bonus, transferred savings—immediately reduces your debt and saves you interest through daily calculations.

Discover the three essential habits for accelerating your path to debt freedom:

• Directly depositing your income into your main account,

• Moving spare cash and savings from other banks to maximize interest savings,

• Consistently spending less than you earn so your surplus further reduces your debt.

We explain the power and flexibility of Manulife One’s sub-accounts—structured term sub-accounts to lock in fixed payments and rate certainty, and tracking sub-accounts for clearer organization, tax reporting, or separating investment loans. Plus, you’ll learn how Manulife One replaces your day-to-day chequing account, with unlimited transactions, modern mobile features, e-transfers, and ATM access nationwide.

We also spotlight how to avoid monthly fees, what happens when you hit your debt-free goal, and the critical need to watch sub-account balances so your money always works to minimize interest. By connecting all your finances, Manulife One can save you thousands, shave years off your mortgage, and help you take control of your financial future.

Is it the right approach for you? Tune in to find out.