Episodes

72
Oct. 14, 2026

Managing Through the Poly-Crisis: Behavioral Finance, Private Markets, and True Diversification Ep. 72

Brad Smith is joined in the studio by Teresa Shutt, Chief Investment Officer at Harbourfront Wealth Management, to tackle the psychological and structural challenges facing investors today. Moving past the "gravy train" mentality of recent bull markets, Teresa explores how emotional reactions do far more long-term damage to wealth than market declines. The discussion dives deep into navigating modern "poly-crises"—from sticky inflation and tariff policies to unpredictable bond markets—and detail...
71
Sept. 30, 2026

Portfolio Strategy Shifts: Broadening Markets, Absolute Returns, and Global Diversification Ep. 71

Tim Borody welcomes back Abie Quayson, Portfolio Manager with Willoughby Asset Management at Harbourfront Wealth Management, to review public market shifts over the past 12 months. In this episode, Abie shares how market rallies expanded beyond the tech-heavy "Magnificent Seven," why Harbourfront intentionally reduced mega-cap concentration, and how the introduction of an Absolute Return sleeve helps build resilience against market shocks. They also explore valuation opportunities across interna...
70
Sept. 4, 2026

Keeping the Cottage in the Family: Navigating Taxes, Agreements, and Legacy Ep. 70

Tim Borody and Brad Smith sit down to discuss one of the most emotional and complex secondary assets a family can own: the family cottage. While a recreational property builds decades of cherished memories, passing it down to the next generation without a proper plan can trigger massive capital gains tax liabilities and strained sibling relationships. Protecting Your Recreational Property The Emotional & Relationship Risk: Tim and Brad explain why family communication must come first, outlinin...
69
Aug. 14, 2026

Navigating the 2026 Mortgage Market: Fixed vs. Variable Rates and Unique Lending Solutions Ep. 69

Tim Borody is joined in the studio by mortgage broker—and newly certified yoga instructor—Julia Bernier for her third appearance on Your Life and Money. Recording in mid-July 2026, Tim and Julia explore the shifts across Canadian real estate, breaking down what fluctuating interest rates, market conditions, and alternative lending options mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners facing renewals. Demystifying Mortgages in an Uncertain MarketA Buyer's Market Shift: Discover why the current real e...
68
July 31, 2026

Unpacking the Six Pillars of Financial Planning (Part 2) Ep. 68

Tim Borody and Brad Smith conclude their breakdown of the six pillars of comprehensive financial planning by digging into the strategies that determine how much of your wealth you actually get to keep. In this episode, they shift from daily asset management to long-term wealth protection, legacy design, and the immense power of family communication. Protecting Your Wealth and Perfecting Your Legacy The Silent Partner of Tax Planning: Tim and Brad demonstrate how two people earning the exact sa...
67
July 15, 2026

Unpacking the Six Pillars of Financial Planning (Part 1) Ep. 67

Tim Borody and Brad Smith are back in the studio to pull back the curtain on what a comprehensive financial strategy actually looks like. If you've been told you have a plan but are only focusing on investment returns, you might be building on an unstable foundation—because a true, holistic roadmap requires balancing six interconnected pillars to serve your actual life, not just your accounts. Building a Strong Financial Foundation The "Live, Give, Owe, Grow" Framework: Brad and Tim break down...
66
April 16, 2026

The Master’s Mindset: Navigating Market Volatility and Sticking to Your Game Plan (Ep. 66)

Tim Borody is back with a fresh perspective on a challenge every investor faces: market volatility. Drawing inspiration from the thrilling 2026 Masters victory and the "up and down" nature of the greens at Augusta, Tim explores why staying the course is often the hardest—but most rewarding—part of your financial journey. Staying the Course in a Volatile Market The Pitfalls of Market Timing: Learn why trying to "time" the market rarely works, as missing just a few of the biggest recovery days c...
65
April 1, 2026

The Tax Efficiency Crossroads (Part 2): Non-Registered Strategies & Goal-Specific Portfolios (Ep. 65)

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Tim Borody dives into the often-misunderstood world of non-registered accounts and the critical role of tax efficiency. Building on Part 1, this episode focuses on how to coordinate your investments to protect your wealth from unnecessary tax erosion while keeping your plan flexible for the transitions ahead. Navigating Tax and Legacy Objectives The Versatility of Non-Registered Accounts: Tim explains the unique benefits of non-registered accounts, in...
64
March 25, 2026

The Bucket System (Part 1): Organizing Your Short & Long-Term Wealth (Ep. 64)

Tim Borody kicks off a special two-part series focused on the foundational "buckets" of a successful financial plan. In a world of information overload, this episode moves beyond simple account names to explore how your financial structure should actually serve your life objectives—because your plan is only as strong as the clarity behind it. Mastering Your Financial Structure The System of Buckets: Tim illustrates the "Bucket Concept"—a way to visualize your cash flow and accounts as a system...
63
Feb. 27, 2026

Tax Season 2025: Turning Preparation into Planning (Ep.63)

Tax season doesn't have to be a source of stress; instead, it can be the ultimate annual check-up for your financial health. In this episode, Tim Borody walks you through the essential steps to prepare for your 2025 Canadian tax filing while shifting your mindset from simple "tax prep" to strategic "tax planning". Navigating the 2025 Tax Landscape Preparation vs. Planning: Discover the critical difference between tax preparation—the backwards-looking process of filing—and tax planning, which i...
62
Feb. 17, 2026

From Fairways to Finance: Welcoming Nick Smith to the Team (Ep. 62)

Tim Borody is back for another episode of Your Life and Money to kickstart the year with an exciting announcement for the Advice First community. In this episode, Tim is joined by our newest team member, Nick Smith, to discuss the importance of aligning your career and family life with your core values—because we believe financial planning is about more than just numbers; it’s about your life. A New Chapter in Life-Centered Planning A Strategic Career Transition: Nick shares his journey from a...
61
Jan. 30, 2026

The RRSP Meltdown Strategy: Why Too Much Retirement Savings Can Be a Tax Trap (Ep. 61)

Tim Borody and Brad Smith are back in the studio during a frigid Ontario January to kick off the new year by tackling the "taboo" of asking simple financial questions. They dive deep into why true financial well-being isn't about knowing every nitty-gritty detail, but about gaining the clarity and confidence to make wise decisions—even if that means asking the same question every single year. The Myth of "Unlimited" RRSPs: Tim and Brad explain how the old advice of "just keep loading up" RRSPs ...
60
Jan. 15, 2026

A Life-Centered Look Ahead: Navigating Your Financial Journey in 2026 (Ep. 60)

Tim Borody and Brad Smith are back in the studio for another episode of Your Life and Money to kickstart the new year with the energy and insight you need to make 2026 your best year yet. As they settle back in after a "chill" holiday season focused on family and recharging, they dive into why financial planning is never just about the numbers—it’s about aligning your money with your deepest values and priorities because, at Advice First, we know that life is not a rehearsal. Kicking Off 2026 w...
59
Dec. 15, 2025

Cash Flow, Homeownership, and the CPP/OAS Deferral Dilemma (Q&A Part 2) (Ep. 59)

Welcome back to Your Life and Money, the podcast where financial planning goes beyond the spreadsheets to focus on what truly matters: your life. Hosts Tim Borody and Brad Smith continue their Q&A series, tackling complex questions about budgeting, debt, saving for a first home, and optimizing government pension benefits. Beyond the Budget: Saving, Buying a Home, and Maximizing Your Pension Cash Flow Clarity: Uncover the five essential categories you need to track to gain control of your cash ...
58
Dec. 3, 2025

Your Money, Your Legacy: Mastering RIFs, TFSAs, and Estate Planning (Q&A Part 1) (Ep. 58)

In every episode of Your Life and Money, hosts Brad Smith and Tim Borody share expert advice to help you get the best life possible with the money you have. This episode is a must-listen as they kick off a two-part series answering the most common and critical financial questions of the year. The Tax Tangle: RIFs, TFSAs, and How to Protect Your Wealth Understanding the RIF Risk: Learn why the money in your Registered Retirement Income Fund (RIF) is taxed as income in the year of death and how ...
57
Nov. 14, 2025

Is the 60/40 Portfolio Dead? A Talk with CIO Theresa Schott (Ep. 57)

Welcome back to Your Life and Money, where we believe that financial planning is not just about the numbers—it's about your life. Host Brad Smith is joined by a special guest: Theresa Schott, the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Harbourfront. Theresa, who runs all of Harbourfront's investment pools, discusses her move from managing institutional capital for 20 years to bringing those same sophisticated strategies to retail investors. She dives into the structural problems facing traditional in...
56
Nov. 3, 2025

Bringing Pension Power to Your Portfolio (Ep. 56)

Welcome to Your Life and Money, where we believe that financial planning is not just about the numbers—it's about your life. Host Tim Borody is joined by special guest, Abena (Abie) Quayson, CFA, a new Portfolio Manager with Harbourfront Wealth, who is here to help you get the best life possible with the money you have. In this episode, we explore how aligning your money with your values and priorities is the key to financial success. Abie shares her fascinating journey from a background in ins...
55
Sept. 30, 2025

From Executive to Entrepreneur: Planning, Purpose, and the Power of Starting Early (Ep. 55)

In this episode of Your Life and Money, Tim Borody talks with his sister, Beth Borody, about her career journey from the mining industry to running her own business. Beth shares the lessons she learned as her career and income grew quickly, from navigating compensation packages to seeking advice from financial and legal professionals. Beth opens up about the challenges of rapid career growth, navigating complex compensation packages, and the lessons she learned about seeking professional advice...
54
Sept. 15, 2025

Money, Meaning, and Mindset: Building Confidence in Your Financial Future (Ep. 54)

Welcome to Your Life and Money—the podcast that goes beyond the dollars to help you create a life you truly value. In this episode, Brad Smith and Tim Borody dig into one of the biggest challenges many people face: finding clarity and confidence in their financial future. They explore how emotions, mindset, and personal values play just as important a role as the numbers on a balance sheet—and how aligning money with life goals can make all the difference. In this conversation, you’ll discover...
53
Aug. 29, 2025

Raising Money-Wise Kids: Building Skills for a Lifetime – Part 2 (Ep. 53)

Last week, Brad Smith and Tim Borody laid the foundation for teaching kids about money. This week, they build on that conversation—tackling more advanced topics that help kids move from understanding money to managing it confidently for the long term. From introducing investing at the right age to explaining the difference between short-term and long-term goals, Brad and Tim share practical, real-world approaches for guiding kids through increasingly complex financial concepts. They also discus...
52
Aug. 15, 2025

Raising Money-Wise Kids: The Lessons That Last a Lifetime – Part 1 (Ep. 52)

Money lessons aren’t just learned in adulthood—they start at home. In this episode of Your Life and Money, hosts Brad Smith and Tim Borody dive into the essential, and often overlooked, skill of teaching kids about money. Drawing from personal stories, including a recent family wedding, they explore how early financial education shapes lifelong habits and values. From navigating conflicting advice to adapting lessons across generations, Brad and Tim share practical strategies for giving the nex...
51
July 14, 2025

The Other Side of Retirement: Why Financial Planning Isn’t Enough (Ep. 51)

Welcome back to Your Life and Money, where financial planning meets real life. In this episode, Brad Smith and Tim Borody continue the conversation around one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of retirement—preparing not just financially, but emotionally and psychologically for this major life transition. With decades of experience guiding clients into retirement, Brad and Tim explain why even the most financially secure individuals often feel lost or unsettled once they step away fr...
50
June 30, 2025

Redefining Retirement: Coaching for the Next Chapter (Ep. 50)

Welcome to Your Life and Money—where financial planning is all about designing a life you love. In this episode, Brad Smith and Tim Borody talk about their Retirement Coaching Program. More than just numbers, this program helps clients explore what retirement really means—personally, emotionally, and practically. It’s not just about saving enough—it’s about answering the bigger question: What’s next? In this episode, we dive into three key themes: Planning Beyond the Financials: Why tradition...
49
June 13, 2025

Do It Yourself vs. Do It Right: The Real Value of Professional Financial Advice (Ep. 49)

Welcome back to Your Life and Money—where financial planning is about more than just numbers; it’s about designing a life you love. In this episode, Brad Smith and Tim Borody explore a growing trend: the do-it-yourself (DIY) movement in personal finance. With the rise of AI tools and online platforms, it’s easier than ever to manage your own money—but does that mean you should? This episode dives into the essential conversation around the value of working with professionals in an age of digital...