Episodes

For many parents, there are a number of stressors that come along with sending your child to college. Whether they are leaving their childhood home or commuting to school, preparing yourself for this time will help ease the tension and allow you to offer your children advice for when that time comes. In this episode, Kris Dureau talks about the conversations you should be having with your children about finances prior to them leaving for college or university. Unfortunately, children are not tau...

The Ride: Life, Work and Wealth has officially been running for 50 episodes. To celebrate, Kris Dureau is going through his top 6 most downloaded episodes, giving you an idea of what each one entails. This week, Kris details why each of these releases was such a hit, followed by important takeaways each one had to offer, giving you a crash course on his podcasting journey. Kris gives an overview of: What you should consider before making a big career decision How to keep the cottage in the fami...

Mortgage rates are on the rise. What should you do in this scenario? Is it a good idea to get a fixed mortgage or variable mortgage? Do higher rates make it harder to qualify for a home loan? In this episode, Derek Gold from Mortgage Scout joins Kris Dureau to unpack the different options you have when applying for home mortgages and repayments. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, Derek outlines the differences between fixed or variable mortgages to help you decide which option may wor...

When talking about protecting your assets from inflation, many of us automatically think about gold. While gold often manages to hold its value and to appreciate, it isn’t a perfect inflation hedge. In this episode, Kris Dureau fills you in on ways you can protect your portfolio from inflation. Rather than gold, Kris shows you other assets that could end up performing better in today’s environment. Kris discusses: Which assets protect your portfolio during inflation Ways inflation can impact re...

To foster good financial habits for the future, it’s important for parents to talk to their children about money from an early age. You can start by simply opening a bank account for them or giving them a wallet/piggy bank. In this episode, Kris Dureau will help you discover easy ways to educate your children about money and smart financial decision-making. Teaching them this discipline and the value of money could jump-start their journey towards being financially free adults! Kris discusses: ...

Financial planning is not just about securing your tomorrow. It’s also about living a better today. In this rapid-fire style episode, Kris Dureau walks you through 15 quick-hit tips to help you get a better handle on your finances, both now and in the future. Investments, tax planning, wealth transfer, debt management —Kris covers it all! Kris discusses: Accounts you should regularly contribute money towards Steps you can take to weather market volatility How to keep your finances organized (fo...

Tax season and tax filing season can be stressful if you are not well prepared. Learn how to make things easier when filing your taxes next year in this episode of The Ride: Life, Work and Wealth with Gary Armstrong, chartered professional accountant and certified general accountant at Green Private Wealth Counsel – Harbourfront Wealth Management. This week, Gary provides some best practices for you to put into practice when filing your taxes next year. He unveils key components you need to be a...

What reduces wealth — do you know? Find out in this episode, as Kris Dureau explains how taxes, inflation, fees, and overreacting to the market impact our savings, income, and investments. He also unveils ways we can avoid making common mistakes and make better decisions with our money. Kris discusses: The importance of working alongside helpful and supportive financial advisors Ways taxes, inflation, fees, and overreacting to the market impact our savings and investments How to curb and overco...

Whether you’re retiring or changing jobs, remember to always have your pension plan in mind. In this episode, Kris Dureau helps out the 37% of Canadians who still have pension plans. With an all-time high of employees moving jobs, here is how you can start planning around the options you have so you can get the most out of your employee pension. Kris discusses: The types of pension plans What happens to your pension if you leave your job What you should know about withdrawing from your pension ...

Throughout the pandemic, the main focus has been on jobs, working from home, and the change in our day-to-day activities. However, what about our children? How have they been coping with the ebbs and flows of the pandemic? In this episode, Kris Dureau speaks with developmental psychologist and author Dr. Dona Matthews to unveil how child development has changed over the past two years while outlining the value of mental health support and resources for parents and children. Dr. Matthews discusse...

Do you want to start saving time so you can focus more on the things that matter the most to you? In this episode, the executive managing director of tax and wealth at Harbourfront Wealth Management, Paul Marion, joins Kris Dureau to unveil everything you need to know about family offices and how they differ from traditional wealth management firms. Paul explains how family offices offer clients the control and flexibility they need when having a team managing their finances and investments. Pau...

Alternative investments are becoming increasingly valuable with everything that has been going on over the last 24 months. In this episode, Kris Dureau explains what an alternative investment is and why you might want to consider incorporating them into your portfolio. He helps you understand the pros and cons to help you find out which type of alternative investment could be best for you. Kris discusses: Benefits of incorporating alternative investments in your portfolio Types of alternativ...

Are you thinking about selling or gifting your cottage to your kids? A lot of cottage owners want to keep this property in the family. But, too many of them get hit with a big tax bill because they don’t know how to make the transition. If you want to avoid tax mistakes, this one’s for you! In this episode, Kris Dureau shares advice — as a financial planner and fellow cottage-owner — on how to reduce your cottage’s future tax bill. He also dives into the nuances of family dynamics to help you ma...

Regardless of your age or assets, there are some things that you should be aware of when it comes to estate planning. In this episode, Kris Dureau answers many of your estate planning questions. Along with some real-life experiences, Kris helps you understand how important it is to have your will in place and how you can get it done with the help of a few other documents. Kris discusses: How often you should be reviewing your will Accompanying documents you should have along with your will What...

Divorce brings a lot of uncertainty. Going through a divorce during a global pandemic has only made the situation worse. In this episode, Kris Dureau explains the costs and steps of getting divorced during the pandemic. He provides the rundown that couples need to swap uncertainty for certainty and find the best financial route when facing a marriage separation. Kris discusses: Ways advisors like him can help couples navigate their finances during divorce His role as a neutral separation resour...

Having a special needs family member carries unique, emotional, and financial concerns. That’s why it’s important to work with a professional who understands exactly what you are facing. In this episode, Kris Dureau welcomes Fred Ryall, an estate practitioner with more than 40 years of experience. For the last 15 years, Fred has worked with special needs children and adults to help them with their unique planning needs. In fact, he received the Queen Elizabeth the Second Diamond Jubilee Award fr...

Over the last 18 months, the Canadian powersports arena has seen a huge increase in sales. Find out why in this week’s episode of The Ride: Life, Work and Wealth, as Jean-Luc Lemire, the owner of Energy Powersport in Oakville, Ontario, reveals the main reason for massive growth around motorsport vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Plus, tune in as Jean-Luc discusses how the pandemic affected his business and the industry as a whole. Jean-Luc discusses: Ways the pandemic has increa...

We all know that time flies, especially when your kids are growing up. That’s why looking at college costs, which can be significant, is better done sooner rather than later. In this episode, Kris Dureau discusses everything around the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and ways parents can use them to save for their child’s post-secondary education. Kris examines the basics of the plan, the tax savings, and even the options for parents who open an RESP account but their child decides not ...

Are you thinking about inviting your aging parents to move in, but you’re not sure if it’s the right decision? In this episode, Kris Dureau shares five things to consider before your parents become your roommates. He points out factors that, all too often, adult children aren’t aware of before making this big decision. The best part is that this advice applies to a variety of health situations and family types. Kris discusses: The first thing to consider before inviting your parents to move in ...

As vaccines continue to roll out and select countries open up to travellers, there’s a lot to know about travelling during the pandemic. In this episode, Kris Dureau sits down with TravelOnly’s Holly McBean to explore what today’s new norm of travelling looks like. With 40 years of experience in the travel industry, Holly is here to share everything you need to know about travelling during the COVID-19 pandemic, from what to expect and key considerations to keep in mind before hitting the road. ...

“When should I start taking my Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) payment?” This is one of the most common questions Kris Dureau’s clients ask him as they start navigating the path of retirement income withdrawal. This week, Kris tackles this question to provide you with some clarity. He sits down with chartered professional accountant Gary Armstrong of Green Private Wealth Counsel – Harbourfront Wealth Management to explore the world of CPP and to give listeners a better understanding of how and when ...

As a family caregiver, knowing when and how to help your parents with their money is not an easy feat. Kris Dureau understands the transition is often awkward to navigate. That’s why he’s providing the guidance you need in this episode of The Ride: Life, Work, and Wealth. This week, Kris reveals five must-know tips to help you lead your parents with their money. He highlights that not every parent requires immediate financial assistance and explains why it’s better to work with them according to...

Many of us have spent more time than ever at home over the last year. That’s why, for many, feeling safe and secure at home has become a top priority. This week, Ron Couper of Capital Security Group joins Kris Dureau to discuss everything you need to know about home security systems and door cameras. Plus, Ron reveals tips and tricks to help you take care of things at home before you plan to go away for your next getaway. Ron discusses: His background and its close connection to Capital Securit...

If you have a personal finance question on your mind, chances are, you’re not alone. In this episode, discover the 10 most frequently asked finance questions financial advisors like Kris Dureau receive from clients. From questions about the financial markets to queries about retirement, investing, and insurance, Kris breaks down these questions and shares his valuable insight and easy-to-follow answers for each. Kris discusses: The difference between RRSP and TFSA accounts Must-know considerati...