This episode demystifies private equity for retail investors, covering what it is, potential benefits, risks, and how to determine the right allocation for your portfolio based on recent research from Vanguard.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Introduction to Private Equity02:00 Understanding Private Equity05:11 Why Invest in Private Equity?07:20 The Risks of Private Equity13:25 Determining Your Allocation to Private Equity18:00 Key Takeaways and ConclusionSubscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeNeed Guidance? Book a private intro call today:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Connect with GuillaumeWebsite: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Cited ResearchRight-Sizing Private Equity in a Portfolio: It Depends on More Than You Think.

In this episode, litigation lawyer Matthew Taylor discusses common claims against investment advisors, the importance of understanding legal standards like best interest vs. suitability, and explores real cases highlighting risks in financial advising, private markets, and investor protection in Canada.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Understanding Investment Loss Claims02:45 The Importance of Legal Preparedness05:23 Engaging a Lawyer: Hourly vs. Contingency08:06 Case Study: Language Barriers and Investment Risks10:39 Legal Obligations of Advisors13:16 Risk Tolerance vs. Risk Capacity16:26 The Role of Trust in Financial Advisory19:05 Navigating Client Needs and Advisor Responsibilities28:50 Understanding Risk and Return in Client Goals29:42 Exploring the Growth of Private Markets33:41 Defining Private Markets and Their Appeal37:48 Investor Protection in Canadian Private Markets40:17 Legal Exposure in Private Market Investments45:55 The Importance of Informed Consent50:08 Common Investor Mistakes Leading to Fraud52:57 Improving Securities Regulation in CanadaSubscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeNeed Guidance? Book a private intro call today:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Connect with GuillaumeWebsite: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Connect with MatthewWebsite: https://www.sotosclassactions.com/our-team/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtaylor/Email: [email protected] advice, legal claims, negligence, fiduciary duty, private markets, investor protection, financial advising, litigation, fraud, Canada

In this episode, Matt Harrison, president and co-founder of Horizon Advisors, shares insights on exit planning, building valuable businesses, and overcoming founder dependencies. Discover strategies to maximize your company's value, prepare for sale, and navigate the emotional and financial journey of business exit.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Introduction to Exit Planning and Founder Challenges02:33 Understanding Founder Dependency and Its Impact05:32 The Importance of Sales in Business Scalability08:06 Overcoming Emotional Barriers in Delegation10:45 Defining the North Star for Business Growth13:34 Preparing for Business Sale and Valuation Insights24:55 Understanding Business Valuation Gaps27:24 Identifying Value Creation Opportunities31:49 The Role of Advisors in Business Sales35:06 Preparing for a Successful Exit39:34 Navigating Generational Business Transitions44:57 De-risking Business OwnershipSubscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeNeed Guidance? Book a private intro call today:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Connect with GuillaumeWebsite: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Connect with Horizon AdvisorsWebsite: https://www.withhorizon.coEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrobertharrison/KeywordsExit planning, business valuation, founder dependency, M&A, business growth, succession planning, EBITDA, sale process, value creation, entrepreneurship

Guillaume Girard discusses the five most costly mistakes Canadians make with their TFSA, including underutilization, poor investment strategies, and improper beneficiary designations. Learn how to maximize this powerful tax-free savings tool for long-term wealth building.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Video00:27 Why Use Your TFSA and Who Should00:50 Mistake 1: Not Using Your TFSA at All01:45 Understanding TFSA Room and Benefits02:36 Comparison: TFSA vs Taxable Account03:20 Long-Term Growth and Investment Strategies06:29 Trading and Speculative Risks in TFSA09:26 Strategic Withdrawals and Re-contributions11:19 Retirement Withdrawal Planning12:45 Beneficiary vs Successor Holder Designation15:08 Summary and Final TipsIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Financial Readiness Score - Take The Assessment:https://financial-readiness-score.replit.app/Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with GuillaumeEmail: [email protected]:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

This episode explores how geopolitical conflicts affect investment portfolios, focusing on asset-class reactions, historical oil shocks, and strategic asset allocation to manage risk effectively.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Understanding Energy Wars and Investment Impacts01:38 Asset Class Reactions to Conflict05:58 Historical Oil Shocks and Market Responses09:11 Analyzing Current Market Trends10:49 Investment Strategies During Turbulent Times13:28 Planning for Long-Term Financial GoalsIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with GuillaumeEmail: [email protected]:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

This episode features Gerry Lalonde, a seasoned exit planner and growth strategist, discussing the critical importance of early business exit planning. Topics include creating transferable value, avoiding deal killers, and aligning business growth with exit strategies to maximize value.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 The Importance of Exit Planning02:31 Understanding Transferable Value05:13 Valuation Misconceptions07:01 The Value Gap and Its Implications09:47 Deal Killers in Business Valuation12:29 Strategic Capacity and Business Growth14:54 The Three Dimensions of Business Growth17:20 Identifying Value Gaps19:59 Lifestyle Business vs. Asset Building22:44 Closing the Value Gap26:50 Identifying the Value Gap28:47 The Mindset Shift for Business Owners31:37 Empowering Employees and Delegation33:26 The Importance of Documentation36:10 Collaboration Between Advisors38:57 Understanding Transferable Value40:10 Common Mistakes in Selling a Business42:15 Metrics for Business Owners43:13 Personal Reflections on Business OwnershipIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with GuillaumeEmail: [email protected]:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Guest InformationEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrylalonde/

Guillaume Girard explores redefining wealth beyond traditional financial metrics, emphasizing holistic well-being across five key domains: financial, time, physical, social, and mental. This episode offers a framework to assess and balance these areas for a more fulfilling life.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Redefining Wealth in 202604:26 The Global Wealth Pyramid09:07 Understanding Wealth and Happiness10:26 The Five Types of Wealth15:35 Time Wealth: The Most Valuable Currency17:06 Social Wealth: The Importance of Connections23:28 Exploring Mental Wealth: Purpose, Growth, and Space29:34 Physical Wealth: Health, Fitness, and Vitality31:55 Understanding Financial Wealth: Assets, Liabilities, and IndependenceIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with GuillaumeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Sahil's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v5xpZx4f0rYA0F2W6VAkUCZkfW3LOrVB7EC52UF770E1dY2ZmYoWVYdvj0kUwmcSOfVmt7_KRN1RfUZplEvOzRlamJChfSSAFlvRTDu3okeLvdDkGfLFxTY85ZD5eWPX-_6S4UG3cxOOA9k5yjruX0UULrT_KtIL1xYcp-ry-mVzt4jczQIdcua_qKYqUz-IR5k4fZ_TrqdLyMSyJLEAYqcYBjrcFJLFTZ_gtO6mleIr9nH8ezw-G5r9Zeffb14r.IktgdKYt_xsWaVB-J8kURTWyAqSFr7ovXlpLcU4b3Tk&dib_tag=se&keywords=sahil+bloom+five+types+of+wealth&qid=1772755157&sr=8-1

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the Canadian real estate market, exploring recent declines, regional differences, and investment strategies. Experts discuss whether now is a good time to buy, how to interpret market forecasts, and practical tools for making informed decisions.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 The Current State of the Canadian Real Estate Market05:29 Understanding the Emotional and Quantitative Aspects of Real Estate Decisions14:34 Analyzing Regional Variations in Housing Prices21:43 Key Drivers Behind the Current Housing Correction31:47 Navigating the Future: Is Now a Good Time to Buy?32:41 Forecasting Housing Prices: A Comparative Analysis35:02 Evaluating the Accuracy of Price Predictions35:58 The Importance of Historical Data in Financial Planning38:08 Factors Influencing Housing Market Dynamics39:54 Navigating the Transition Phase in Real Estate42:02 The Rent vs. Own Debate: A New Perspective44:06 Understanding the Calculator: Investment Decisions54:27 Risk Premiums and Real Estate Returns01:02:17 Final Thoughts on Real Estate vs. Investment PortfolioIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with Guillaume & SamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Sam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/KeywordsReal estate Canada, housing market, investment strategies, market forecast, housing correction, mortgage rates, regional differences, buying vs renting

Guillaume Girard discusses strategic tax planning for business owners, focusing on RRSP utilization, compensation structures, and future exit planning to optimize wealth and minimize taxes.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Introduction: Common Financial Mistakes for Business Owners00:55 The Role of RRSP in Tax-Efficient Wealth Building01:42 Deciding Where to Invest Surplus Cash: Business or Personal03:10 Tax Layers and Strategies for Extracting Money from Your Business04:01 Diversifying Wealth: Building a Second Business or Portfolio05:43 Tax Changes and Protecting Your Wealth06:27 RRSP as a Strategic Tool for Long-Term Tax Reduction07:20 Understanding Salary vs Dividends for RRSP Room09:54 The Integration of Corporate and Personal Taxes11:38 Investing Inside vs Outside the Corporation16:40 Passive Income Rules and Corporate Investment Limits22:44 Preparing Your Business for Sale and Capital Gains Exemption24:28 The Individual Pension Plan (IPP) as an Alternative to RRSP26:24 Risk Management: Protecting Assets from Creditors27:30 Retirement Income Strategies and Withdrawal Planning30:10 When Does an RRSP Strategy Make Sense?32:30 Key Takeaways and Final Advice for Business OwnersIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with GuillaumeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

In this episode of the Personal CFO Podcast, host Guillaume Girard delves into the Capital Dividend Account (CDA), a powerful yet often overlooked tax planning tool for Canadian business owners. He explains the mechanics of the CDA, how it allows for tax-free dividends, and the importance of strategic planning in utilizing this account effectively. The episode covers common mistakes to avoid, the steps to extract dividends, and the timing for optimal use of the CDA. Additionally, Girard connects the CDA to broader tax strategies, emphasizing the need for cohesive financial planning.Topics Covered in this Episode00:00 Introduction to the Capital Dividend Account (CDA)04:05 Understanding the Mechanics of CDA08:29 Creating and Managing Your CDA14:21 Steps to Extract Tax-Free Dividends17:20 Strategic Timing for Using CDA21:09 Common Mistakes and Pitfalls with CDA26:17 Connecting CDA with Other Tax StrategiesIf you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here:Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1Subscribe to our NewsletterThe Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaumeMillen Wealth AdvisorsVisit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaumeConnect with GuillaumeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/Sources: The insights and information in this episode were drawn from Canadian tax guidance and expert resources, including the Canada Revenue Agency and experienced tax professionals, to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate picture of the Capital Dividend Account as of 2026. Stay tuned for more tips on integrating your personal and business finances!