The Clear Money Mindset

In this episode, Ben Davies is joined by Alyssa Ismail from Century 21, Sebastian Schmoranz of MSSH Lawyers, and Rob & Sandra Zanet of Indi Mortgages. They dive into the current real estate market in the Windsor/Essex area, discussing house prices, bidding wars, mortgage rates, and more. Whether you're buying or selling a home, tune in for valuable tips and expert insights to navigate this dynamic market.

Ashley Harmon, an estate and power of attorney lawyer at Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP, continues her insightful discussion with Ben. Ashley's experience navigating the complexities of trusts and estate planning brings a wealth of knowledge—covering both the successes and pitfalls she's encountered in her practice.  In this deep dive, she explores common estate planning issues, including:  The biggest mistake people make in estate planning.  Financial indicators that suggest that it's time to set up a trust.  Different types of trusts.  How certain trusts can help bypass probate, maintain privacy, or expedite asset transfers to beneficiaries.  The potential fee structures associated with trusts.  Strategies for second marriages—ensuring assets pass to children while providing for a spouse.  The role of pre-nuptial agreements in estate planning.  Essential information for those named as a Power of Attorney (POA).  Joint finances and bank accounts—their pros, cons, and relevance in estate planning.  This discussion is packed with valuable insights, resources, and practical advice for anyone looking to build a solid estate plan. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge! 

It's a new year—a fresh start to improve ourselves and deepen our understanding of finances, including topics we might shy away from, like legacy and estate planning. In this first podcast of 2025, Ben is thrilled to welcome back Ashley Harmon, a Lawyer specializing in estates. Ashley will explain why having a solid estate plan is essential for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reducing legal complexities and taxes, and protecting your loved ones.  As a lawyer with Hogarth Hermiston Severs, Ashley is passionate about helping individuals secure their hard-earned legacies and pass them on to future generations in practical, tax-efficient ways. Her expertise spans Estate Planning, Probate, Estate Litigation, Estate Administration, Adult Guardianships, and Real Estate. 

As 2024 draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on a year of financial and personal growth. In this episode, we explore the major financial & market highlights of the year, offer essential year-end planning tips, and share strategies to kickstart 2025 on the right foot. We'll discuss: How the markets performed in 2024 Economic challenges and key updates Upcoming tax information and rebates Practical steps for financial planning in the new year Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, we'll remind you of the importance of sticking to your financial plans and maintaining a long-term perspective on savings and investments. Join us for a special Clear Money Mindset episode as we wrap up 2024 and prepare for a strong 2025!

To incorporate or not to incorporate is the question, a question with no definitive answer. In a world where starting a business has never been easier, choosing the right path can be overwhelming. A farmer or construction worker may have different considerations than a tech startup—but do they really? Today, we're joined by the lively lawyer Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers. Sebastian will guide us through the intricacies of business structures, offering insights that can help protect both you and your future.  Grab a seat and take a listen as your favorite neighborhood lawyer breaks down essential topics like:  Should you incorporate? Key advantages and disadvantages  Taxation and liability considerations  Partnerships vs. sole proprietorships  Transitioning between corporate structures  Family business succession  Share structure  The role of a lawyer and accountant in business setup   

Want Free Money for Your Child's Education? In today's podcast, we'll break down the powerful RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). This savings tool is designed to help parents and guardians save for their child's post-secondary education, offering some amazing perks. We'll cover how the RESP works, the types of contributions you can make, and how the government boosts your savings through the CESG (Canadian Education Savings Grant) and CLB (Canadian Learning Bond). Plus, we'll dive into some lesser-known facts and share tips on how to maximize the value of this account. Grab your notebooks—class is in session! We're here to guide you on how to start, manage, and fully take advantage of this account, helping you set your child up for success in their post-secondary education.

Get ready for round 2. The back half of this real estate roundtable is now streaming.   We've got mystery, excitement, and all things real estate! Ben is joined by Rob & Sandra Zanet from Team Zanet Mortgage Brokers, Alyssa Ismail from Century 21 Local Home Team Realty Inc., and Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers. Tune in as we dive into bridge financing, peak closing times, non-negotiable conditions, commercial vs. residential, quirky properties, and much more. This info packed conclusion is chock full of everything you need to know to purchase/sell a home in 2024.  

What do you call it when you gather a financial advisor, a lawyer, a real estate agent, and two mortgage brokers in a room and give them a microphone?  Answer: An informative podcast that can help empower you if you are buying or selling a home.  Navigating the real estate market is no joke, especially with the ever-changing climate of interest rates, mortgage rules, affordability, inflation, and post-pandemic recovery. Luckily, we've assembled a dream team of real estate professionals to provide a comprehensive view from start to closing and beyond.  The Roster Includes:  Ben Davies – Your host and financial advisor, and the overall referee of the podcast.  Rob and Sandra Zanet – A dynamic husband and wife mortgage broker team with Team Zanet, discussing mortgage rates and today's lending climate.  Alyssa Ismail – A knowledgeable and caring real estate agent with Century 21, Local Home Team Realty Inc., sharing tips and experiences.  Sebastian Schmoranz – A straightforward and honest lawyer with MSSH Lawyers, offering the legal advice you didn't know you needed but will be happy to have.  Expect laughter, banter, and plenty of “aha” moments as our experts share their real-life experiences, tips, and practical advice in this roundtable discussion.  Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's talk real estate! 

Spring has sprung and our latest podcast is in full bloom.  Tune in to our latest episode of The Clear Money Mindset, where we provide a spring update on the ever-evolving real estate market of 2024. Joining Ben is special guest Sebastian Schmoranz, a seasoned lawyer from McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz, Hart Professional Corporation based in Kingsville, Ontario.  In this episode we explore current trends in the real estate market. This year looks to be a game changer for real estate, from rates coming down to the return of purchasing conditions. Other things we are musing about include:  Commercial & Private Real Estate  Conditions you should include on your home offer  How to protect yourself from a simple mistake that could cost you thousands  Appraisals, Overbidding and multiple bidders  Investment Property Market, rentals & flipping  Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional, this episode provides you with the latest information that you need to know to navigate the dynamic real estate landscape in 2024. 

Get ready to dive into the latest and greatest tax updates. Josie Hope, CPA with LJ Business Solutions is talking 2023 taxes with Ben. Some changes that you should know about before you file (which now must be done digitally or else you can incur a hefty fee.) Some of the things we touch on this informative cast include:  Multigenerational home renovation tax credit  Property flipping changes  Changes to the temporary flat rate method for home office expenses   Whether you're a seasoned investor or just trying to stay ahead of the tax game, this episode is packed with invaluable information to help you navigate your 2023 return.  

Continuing the theme of balancing your money so you can live the life you want to live. Part 2 of this inspiring podcast is now streaming. Join Ben and Andrew Hallam, the esteemed author behind the acclaimed personal finance book "Balance” as they continue their conversation about how to spend for happiness, how to invest effectively, how to boost life satisfaction and enhance longevity.  

How do you define success? Is it lots of money, flashy cars, a dream job, exploring the world or spending time with family and friends?  “Think of success as a four-legged table, with each leg representing a quadrant. Each quadrant depends on the other.  If they don't all play their part equally, the table collapses. If one leg is spindly or cracked, it's tough to maximize your life satisfaction, no matter how solid you might be in the other quadrants.”  In our latest podcast Ben had the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Hallam, author of the personal Finance book Balance. Andrew is the first person to have a #1 selling finance book on Amazon USA, Amazon Canada and Amazon UAE. Balance is a book about finding the harmony between money management and living a fulfilling life.   In this podcast Andrew talks in depth about the experiences in his life that have helped shape his attitude towards money. His focus and inspiration for this book is about recognizing the things you want in life, and redefining success, using money as a tool to help fund the things in your life that bring you joy and fulfillment.   You will not want to miss this podcast that can help you learn how to master the art of balancing your financial health with your overall happiness. 

Tune in to the most financially festive podcast of the season with your favourite financial five. The Team at Davies Financial is at it again for our annual Christmas podcast. Get ready for a sleigh ride of laughs, dad jokes, and all things merry and monetary. This year Ben is joined by the staff of Davies financial where Alicia, Victoria, Melissa, and Andrea tolerate Ben's jokes on this company mandated Christmas podcast that have them questioning their career choice.   Don't miss out on the general merriment of:  Dad Jokes  Eggnogonomics  Christmas Trivia  Fun Festive Facts   Grab a cup of Christmas cheer (and whatever you put in it to get it that way), throw your mistletoe outside & get ready to learn while you listen to a podcast that we hope is as fun to hear as it was to make. If it is not, don't say we didn't warn you.  The Clear Money Mindset & Davies Financial wish all of our listeners and clients a happy and safe holiday season. See you in 2024! 

Episode Focus: Critical Illness Insurance—This episode provides critical information with expert insights from Jeff Minaker, Account Executive from Empire Life. A great chat on personal finance, as Jeff explains the strategic importance of this coverage. -

In part 2 of this podcast on disability insurance we delve deeper into the different components and reasons for disability insurance. Jamie Kenrick of RBC insurance and Ben continue their discussion and shed some light on this important product. 

On this episode of The Clear Money Mindset we are going to shed some light on the importance of Disability Insurance. Did you know that statistically, 1 in 4 people will experience a disability in their working years?  This episode is dedicated to exploring Disability Insurance, Jamie Kenrick of RBC insurance joins Ben and offers his expert advice as we navigate this critical aspect of financial security that will empower you to protect you and your families future.

“Nothing is Certain but Death & Taxes”- Benjamin Franklin    A Will is a great start to an Estate Plan and sometimes a properly done Will is enough, but sometimes a Will is not the best option when it comes to our final planning needs, and it can fall short - leading to a costly and stressful settlement after our death. In today's podcast we have Ashley Harmon, a Lawyer, and Partner with Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP. Ashley specializes in Estate Planning. Ben and Ashley shine some light on a topic that is not always openly discussed but is important to understand, having a proper plan in place is essential and it can help relieve some of the burdens on your family after you pass away.   Some of the topics include:    ➡️The difference between a Will and an Estate.   ➡️The scope of a Will.   ➡️The various components of Estate Plans.   ➡️How and when an Estate plan may be more advantageous than a Will.  ➡️The legal considerations of both Wills & Estates.    

Life insurance as part of your overall investment strategy.    Many people think of life insurance as a product that protects your loved ones in case of your death.  We don't always think of using it as an overall investment strategy, but there are some interesting ways you can use life insurance to build and transfer wealth. In this latest episode Ben spills some creative ways that you can use life insurance. Some highlights include using insurance in retirement to optimize your income, using life insurance to offset inheritance taxes on a property, topping off retirement savings and, using life insurance to receive tax deduction or lower taxes on your estate through charitable donations.

When it comes to finances, the bad decision is often the easiest to make. It is important we become mindful of those decisions and take steps to correct them. In a world where spending can happen in seconds and technology powers our lives, it's easy to lose track of where our spending happens. In this edition of Savings Snippets, Ben outlines 5 common mistakes that many of us are making with our money and hands out some advice on ways to avoid them or tips to save you money.  

What do you get when you cross a TFSA with an RRSP and use it to save for your first home?  The First Home Savings Account – A unique new investment account that we are excited to share with you. This is the multitool of savings vessels and offers the non-taxable withdraw of a TFSA with the Tax deduction of an RRSP. You can contribute up to $8,000 a year with a lifetime maximum of $40,000. This plan is designed to be used as a down payment on your first home. If for some reason you decide against buying a home with it, it rolls into a RRSP or RRIF. Ben talks about this product on the podcast today, where he gets into the nitty-gritty details that you should know.  

In the financial world there are so many ways to approach a singular issue - how to make the most money with the resources you have, so you can live the life you want to. Most plans would have a similar focus and that is to make sure that you are paying down debt, budgeting and saving money. On Today's Podcast we are objectively presenting you with another way of approaching your goals. We have invited Phil Medler, a certified coach with Ramsey Solutions Inc. onto the podcast to discuss Ramsey's “Baby Steps Plan,” this is a plan that focuses on 7 steps to build towards your financial goals. It was great to have Phil on the podcast, his enthusiasm and knowledge made this an enjoyable podcast to create (and hopefully for you to listen to).  

Life Insurance.  You have heard of it, you may have some, or at least know that you should have it.   Life insurance is something you, yourself, will not use but could mean everything to your family. In a world of ever-increasing costs and expectations, peace of mind in knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of in the event of your death is important (this is especially true in single-income homes with dependents).  The life insurance industry does not have to be scary or intimidating, in this episode of The Clear Money Mindset Savings Snippets Ben demystifies the life insurance industry by quickly talking about some of the questions our listeners have about life insurance.  Unfortunately, we know first-hand how having this type of insurance in place can help someone, at least financially, through one of the most challenging times in their lives. From funerals to mortgage payments to supplemental income, life insurance can help though a broad array of final expenses and beyond.   Be sure to watch Davies Financial –Sterling Mutuals on Facebook and Instagram for more information on life insurance, facts about it and how to make sure that you are covered.  

It may seem early but now is the time to start thinking about your taxes for 2022-2023 tax season. This podcast is a wonderful way to make use of a cold & dreary January day. We have the knowledgeable Josie Hope, CPA - LJ Business Solutions, once again joining this podcast where she and Ben discuss some of the latest updates that you need to know for this tax season.   On our cast today we are chatting about:  -TFSA Contribution Limits.  - Canada's First-Time Home Buyers Incentive.  - RRSP Contribution deadlines (you still have time to contribute for 2022).  - The important latest information regarding CRA my account and changes to account logins and how to share with your tax professional.  - Working from home and self-employed write-offs.  - What you can do now to start getting your taxes ready.   

Oh-ho-ho my, it's that time of the year again.   The Davies Financial Team is at it again, bringing on the holiday season with our Christmas Special Podcast Version 2.0. Ben, Andrea and Victoria get in the holiday spirit with some holiday trivia, fun festive facts, nostalgia, laughs and we've even thrown in some facts on how to stay safe when buying online (after all, it is a financial wellness podcast).   To all of our listeners and clients, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, see you in 2023! 

When planning for the future there are so many things to consider, planning for a person with a disability creates a unique set of challenges, we want to make sure that our loved ones are provided for and that their needs continue to be met. Today on the Podcast we welcome back Sebastian Schmoranz from McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz Law Office. Sebastian and Ben discuss some of the things that you can do from a legal standpoint to help and create peace of mind. They will touch on things like saving for the future, RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Program), setting up wills, estate considerations, appointing caregivers, disability planning in your business and more.  

What is happening in the housing market? - Interest, Inflation, and Investment, oh my!   With an eventful 2022 slowly winding down but interest rates on the rise we knew it was time to have a professional come on the podcast and talk about the current state of the housing market. Rasha Ingratta, a mortgage expert with Mortgage Intelligence offers her expert opinions and insights on the unusual real estate situation. Being local to the Windsor/Essex area she has a great deal of experience in the unusual real estate pocket of the city south of Detroit.

A podcast and a giveaway, what a beaut!  When we think of a budget, we don't always jump up and down with excitement. It can seem daunting and make us feel restricted. What good is a budget if it is too rigid to stick with?  Enter PocketSmith, a New Zealand based budgeting app company, this app is as unique and individual as the person using it, it can help create flexible and sustainable budgets. When a client recommended this to us, Ben contacted the company, and they were an absolute joy to deal with. Ben was able to chat with Jason Leong, CEO and Co-Founder and the rest...well, you can listen to in this episode.   Whether this is your first-time using budgeting software or you are a seasoned veteran, this app has it all: integrations from your bank account, customized and flexible budgeting options, future forecasting and even  allows budget sharing with your financial advisor. This podcast is highly informative and as an added bonus, we are teaming up with PocketSmith to give away a couple of one-year subscriptions so you can see what is under the hood and really get to know the app.   To enter, send us a screenshot of a 5 star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts of your favourite podcast (The Clear Money Mindset

Wanted to learn about RESP's but have not had time to do the research?   On this episode of "The Clear Money Mindset" we will walk you through the basics of the Registered Education Savings Plan.   Who can open an RESP? What does the government contribute? What kind of school can I use the funds for? All these questions and more on the first of our "Savings Snippets" episodes!

Losing a loved one is a stressful event; between emotions, finances, family, and final wishes it can be a challenging time to navigate this unfamiliar terrain. There are many things to consider from both a financial and legal perspective - there are at least 87 decisions to make, pieces of information to gather or things to do when someone dies. Today on our podcast Ben is fortunate to be joined by Josie Hope, an accountant with LJ Business Solutions, as well as Ashley Harmon, a lawyer with Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP, they will be discussing steps you can take before someone passes away, what needs to be done after, as well as tips to help ease the burden that you can put on your loved ones in the event of death. If you have ever had to act as an executor, you know the importance of an accountant and lawyer as you work to settle a final estate. 

Lending Dollars & Saving Percents - Part 2   Rob Zanet of Axiom Mortgages continues his conversation with Ben as he provides more professional insight into the mortgage world. In the second part of this 2 part podcast Rob discusses his experiences with re-financing (this may be a big trend over the next few years), private mortgages, stress tests, and much more including variable versus fixed mortgages. 

A podcast that really hits home (owners).  With the cost of housing going up, those who are looking to buy a home (or refinancing your current home) must work hard to save money. This is where the mortgage broker – a professional whose job is to find you the best mortgage rate, enters the conversation. Rob Zanet of Axiom mortgage walks you through what you need to know in part one of this 2-part podcast including:  The benefits of using a Broker.  Sources that Brokers can use.  What are the types of lenders and should you be concerned about “lesser known” lenders.  How Brokers are compensated.  Tips and Advice that could save you thousands in interest.  Rob Zanet and his wife Sandra have collectively over 50 years of mortgage experience in Windsor & Essex Country and currently operate Axiom Mortgages that locally has 2 offices located in both Tecumseh and Leamington.  

Investor emotions have a big impact on investor behavior. That can often lead to making the wrong decisions a the wrong time. This can effect how we react in both up and down markets. Our first podcast in 2020 was about navigating our emotions in investing. We want to revisit that today. 2022 continues to be a tough year. We want to look into how the right mindset can have an impact on our investments.

What would you do if we told you that your “Very Strong” password could be figured out within an hour with no other information about you and if small amounts of information are known it can be minutes or seconds? Many people are unaware of seemingly innocent ways you give your information and how that may make you very susceptible to online hackers. You may be at risk if:  Any of y0ur p@$$w0rd$ l00k l!k3 Th!S.  You have used any password or part of a password more than once.  You use words, patterns, or personal information in your password. You use verification questions that are easy. We also discuss:  Are call phone biometrics safe/secure?  How to protect your account and information.  Why 2-way authentication is so important (tip, you can set this up in your Sterling portal) .  In the second and final part of this two part podcast Ben continues his talk with Chris Martin – Staff Software Engineer with Mozilla Firefox as they discuss the password debacle and gives some suggestions on how you can increase your security in the online world.  

What does a modern hacker look like? Many of us have a picture of a person sitting in the dark surrounded by computers and monitors **cue suspenseful music and typing sounds**but this is no longer the face of hackers. You may be surprised at how susceptible each of us can be if we are ever chosen as a target for what has become a lucrative and profitable industry. Today Chris Martin – Staff Software Engineer with Mozilla Firefox educates us on some ways that hackers use everyday exploits to try and gain access to our information. This podcast is not meant to scare but to inform and make use more conscious of the decisions we make surrounding technology and how we access computers. It will take place over 2 parts; the first part will be Chris taking us through some historical accounts of hacking and ways that hackers used a variety of tactics to gain access to companies and information. Be sure to stay turned for part 2 where Chris walks us through simple ways to protect ourselves.  

The Reality of Realty version 2.0 - the second half of our podcast episode explores more inside information from a professional in the real estate industry. If you are planning on buying or building this is a MUST listen, some topics we discuss are: - The importance of credit monitoring - The problem with pools and how to protect yourself - What your Real Estate Lawyer does and why it is important - Home warranty tips and tricks Thank you to Sebastian Schmoranz, Managing Partner at McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz Law Office

For many, buying a home is a daunting experience. In this sellers market it can feel like you are rushed into something you do not fully understand, but you feel the need to act quickly. It would be great if before we got into the housing market, we could sit down and chat with a professional with a ton of knowledge of the industry and get an idea of how buying or selling a home works, and the things to be careful of.   Todays podcast is exactly that. We will begin a two part series with  Sebastian Schmoranz, Managing Partner at McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz Professional Corporation. Sebastian obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in French & Business from the University of Waterloo in 2009. He graduated from Western University's Juris Doctor program in 2013 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2014. He began his career at a large Bay Street firm which helped him develop a strong work ethic and the ability to solve complex problems while under pressure. He came home to practice law in Kingsville in 2016 and purchased the firm from Terrence L. Sims in 2020.    In this and the following podcast Sebastian will walk us through all things Real Estate, and give us a sense of the market conditions today. In this insightful discussion Sebastian walks us through the Real Estate process from beginning to end and gives some great insight for any who are looking to get into the market. Law Office | McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz Law Office | Ontario (msslawyers.ca)  

I wanted to share some thoughts on Ukraine, and how the crisis there is affecting the markets. We want to be careful to acknowledge that our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. The trouble of navigating investments during this time pales in comparison to what the people there are going through.    We have also issued a newsletter on this topic, it can be found at the link below. Global Uncertainty & Your Investments 

It is 2022 and tax time is just around the corner. We want to give listeners a heads up on any changes and give them some tips as they prepare for tax time. So we have invited Josie Hope back on to the Podcast. Josie is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has over 10 years of experience working at the CRA. Josie Hope, CPA, CMA is a Partner at LJ Business Solutions. More information on Josie can be found at Income Tax | Bookkeeping | LJ Business Solutions | Ontario (ljbizsolutions.com)

Welcome to 2022. We hope you had a great holiday! The new year is usually a great time to take things more seriously and do some of the things you have been putting off. Today we want to help you will that. We are going to be talking about the importance of wills, and how we can go about getting one. We will also walk you through what happens if you die without a will. Our guest today is Ashley Harmon, Ashley is a Lawyer at Hogarth Hermiston Severs in Amherstburg, Ontario. If you are looking at getting a will done, or thinking of updating your current will, todays discussion is for you.   Ashley Harmon - Lawyer | Facebook

The Davies Financial team is taking on Christmas in this special podcast. Ben, Andrea & Victoria are talking fun stats, eggnog, and all things holidays in this round table discussion. This podcast addresses all of the questions you did not know that you had including:   Do you how many tons of turkey are produced in Canada? What do you know about the lucrative Christmas tree industry? Who at Davies Financial is on the naughty or nice list?    Grab yourself a bowl of fish soup, crack some eggs into your mug and chew a stale candy cane because this podcast is a must listen and is sure to help to put the HA in HAppy holidays.    A Very Davies Christmas Special - Davies Financial

Today we have a very exciting show. Call it what you want budget, spending plan, cashflow management. We have come up with all sorts of fancy and less abrasive ways of talking about the need to plan how we spend our money. Life is busy, and managing spending can be a challenge.   If you are like most people, and you struggle to find a way to plan your spending each month, this episode is for you.   We are going to be talking budgeting with Jesse Mecham. BIO Personal finance expert, speaker, and business leader, Jesse Mecham is the Founder of You Need A Budget (or YNAB if you are very busy and important). Jesse hosts the You Need A Budget Podcast, the Beginning Balance Podcast and is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of, You Need A Budget. (He's nothing if not consistent!) A self-proclaimed “recovering CPA,” he is deeply passionate about teaching individuals, families, and business owners YNAB's Four Rules to help them gain total control of their money. Jesse first developed the YNAB method and original spreadsheet as a broke, newly married college student who really needed a budget. In an attempt to make an additional $300/month to cover rent, he sold his spreadsheet online and YNAB was born. Since 2004, the software has grown into a leading personal finance platform and has helped hundreds of thousands of people break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, get out of debt, and save more money. Now, YNAB has a growing team living and working all around the world, and has built a thriving remote culture that earned recognition as Fortune's #1 best small company to work for. (YNAB was doing remote work before it was cool!) When not teaching people how to budget, Jesse loves gardening, woodworking, marksmanship, and travel. He also spends a good bit of time with his wife and the seven small people that live in their house. To learn more, visit www.youneedabudget.com.

The final update of our Fall 2021 Market Update Mini Series comes from Christian Tucci, District Vice President of Manulife Investment Management. He gives insight about Manulife's fund managers, their partners at Mawer, inflation risk, ‘boring investing' and what happens next on the road to recovery.

Learning how to ‘bear' with a ‘nervous bull' Market.  Continuing our 2021 Fall Market update mini-series we speak with Derek Reinhart, District Vice President, Sales at CI Global Asset Management. He and Ben discuss the outlook on current and future markets. Derek gives us a sneak peek into the minds of some of CI's fund managers, their take on the current volatility, inflation, as well as the 'nervous bull market.' 

We are heading into the fall, soon enough it will be Christmas. This year has been another year of ups and downs for sure, but it still seems to have flown by. So many people are wondering what is next for markets and the economy. We have had a lot of phone calls lately, you are wondering what the next phase in the recovery looks like. And you should, if you are invested, its your money, you should care. So, we are doing something new. 3 Podcasts over 1 week, giving you three different fund companies perspectives on the markets. We will start off with Ogi Todorovic from Fidelity Investments, he will let us know Fidelity's current outlook on the final months of 2021 as well as a look into 2022. Keep your open for the next two interviews within the 7 days.

Today, Ben will let you in on some of the upcoming podcasts before the end of the year. We also take a quick look at market conditions, and review some things to keep in mind as the market experiences a bit of volatility.

For years we have been talking about interest rates eventually rising, but its now starting to look more like a reality. On top of this is threat of inflation, the prices of many things are starting to rise. These two things put a bigger and bigger squeeze on our income. Now is the time to start taking debt seriously and working hard to paying off debt while rates are still low. We want to make sure our hard earned money makes it into our pockets and that we are not giving $1,000's of dollars away in interest because of bad planning. So lets talk about at the Canadian debt situation, and things you can do to reduce your debt burden.

Even with things slowing down over the last year, people are still incredibly busy. There is only so much time in a day, and there seems to be very little time to focus on our financial fitness.   Today we will talk with Josie Hope, CPA, CMA as she walks us through some ways we can stay financially fit, in a fast paced world.   BIO Josie is an accountant and a co-founder of LJ Business Solutions. She is also a fitness professional. Josie blends her passions for fitness and finance by educating and empowering others to create healthy habits to optimize their physical and financial health.  

Over the last year we have all looked for ways to support local business. This has led us to discover local companies we didn't even know existed. One great Local story is our Mutual Fund Dealer, Sterling Mutuals. They happen to be the only National Mutual Fund dealer that is Located in Windsor Ontario. Sterling has a unique story and perspective on the Industry. Today we will talk with Nelson Cheng the founder & CEO of Sterling Mutuals. We will discuss how Sterling began and the national success this local company has become.   Chief Executive Officer As the founder of Sterling Mutuals Inc. in 1996, Nelson entered the mutual fund industry in 1987 where he assisted in building one of the largest financial planning offices in the Windsor area. Nelson's background as an advisor represents a key asset to the firm, as he is thoroughly familiar with the day-to-day realities faced by Sterling's advisors. Nelson's inherent understanding of the needs of advisors, along with his natural talent for computer programming, have also been instrumental in helping him to build Sterling's robust back-office software system.

Tax time is in full swing. Many could already have their tax refund cheque, others waiting for theirs, some of us owe. If you are expecting to get a decent tax return cheque this year, it is a good idea to make a plan for that money before it gets here, and a 75" TV magically appears on your wall. It is not hard to spend a big cheque, especially if you have no plan. Today we want to talk about some things you could do with your tax refund to help improve your financial situation.

The world is changing, and innovation is at an all-time high. Life is now happening in your living room and the world around is being driven by innovation. The necessity for contactless and secure technology services has left no industry untouched. In today's episode of The Clear Money Mindset we are going to look at some of the exciting new developments at Davies Financial/Sterling Mutuals Inc.  We will be discussing the Market Outlook for 2021 and we are also going to be giving some tips on how to use an RRSP to make the most of your 2020 tax return. 

2020 has been taxing on families and businesses, but its also been hard for charities. This time of the year you would expect to walk into a mall and see a smiling facing ringing bells reminding you to consider giving to those in need. You could argue that this is a year where charities are greatly needed, but this will also be a year where they may receive less donations than usual.   We want to walk through some of the tax benefits of a Charitable donation and the different ways you can support your favorite charity this holiday season. www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/charities