Our guest this episode is Steve Saretsky—a top 1% realtor in Vancouver and the host of one of Canada’s most popular real estate YouTube channels and the podcast “The Loonie Hour.”

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dave and Steve explore the current state and uncertain future of Canada’s real estate market. They talk about the collapse of the condo market, cancelled development projects, rising risk for lenders and whether sellers are finally starting to accept reality. Steve also shares his insights on affordability challenges, the impact of immigration, which markets still offer value and why detached homes remain the dream for many Canadians.

If you’re trying to make sense of the Canadian housing market—whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or just a curious observer—this episode offers a candid, data-driven and often surprising look at where things stand.

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer

(00:55) Intro to Steve Saretsky

(03:06) The Collapse of Canada’s Condo Market

(06:45) Where Are Real Estate Prices Headed?

(10:08) Are Real Estate Developers and Lenders in Trouble?

(14:38) Layoffs at Real Estate Development Companies

(17:01) Lend and Pretend

(19:00) Cancelled Development Project in Vancouver

(21:15) What Caused the Crazy Real Estate Market in 2021?

(24:46) Are Sellers Being Too Stubborn?

(26:50) First-Time Homebuyers Can’t Move Up

(30:49) The Impact of Immigration on the Real Estate Market (32:40) Most People Still Want a Detached Home

(39:02) Which Markets Are Still Affordable in Canada?

(41:44) Landlord Challenges & Investing Across Provinces

(48:49) The Cottage Real Estate Market

(50:56) Policy Changes to Fix the Canadian Real Estate Market

(53:45) Land Costs Drive All Prices Up

(56:01) Conclusion

Our guest this episode is Joyee Yang—a “finfluencer” with over 300,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more. Joyee has built an audience by taking the intimidation out of investing and teaching the basics in a clear, relatable way.

In this episode, Dave and Joyee dive into her journey: from getting kicked out at 19, to working three jobs to pay off student debt and buy a condo, to becoming one of Canada’s most-followed finfluencers. They discuss the rise of all-in-one ETFs, the pros and cons of individual stocks vs broad-market index funds and how apps like Blossom are helping investors to learn and share their portfolios.

Whether you’re brand new to investing or curious about the finfluencer landscape in Canada, this episode is packed with stories and beginner-friendly advice.

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer

(00:55) Intro to Joyee Yang

(03:17) How Joyee Became a Finfluencer

(04:44) Working Three Jobs to Pay Off Student Debt and Buy a Condo

(08:05) Individual Stocks Versus Broad-Market ETFs

(11:45) Teaching the Basics and How to Open Accounts

(16:21) Blossom Social Investing App

(18:21) Cooperation Amongst Canadian Finfluencers

(21:58) Joyee’s Desire to Help the Younger Generation

(23:05) All-in-One ETFs

(23:58) Learning About Volatility in the Stock Market

(25:44) Conclusion

Our guest this episode is Jamie Golombek—Managing Director of Tax & Estate Planning at CIBC and a widely respected voice in the Canadian financial industry. Jamie is a frequent guest on BNN, CTV and CBC’s The National, and in 2023 was awarded the prestigious CPA Fellow designation.

In this episode, Dave and Jamie dive deep into the world of tax and estate planning in Canada. They cover everything from RRSPs and FHSAs to the most tax-efficient ways to donate to charity. Jamie shares practical advice on how to think about your tax return (hint: a big refund isn’t a good thing), how to avoid common estate planning mistakes and why keeping a net worth statement with your will might be one of the smartest moves you can make.

Whether you’re saving for retirement, thinking about gifting an early inheritance or just want to better understand Canada’s tax system, this episode is filled with insights, tips and examples every Canadian can learn from.

Show Notes

(00:00:00) Intro & Disclaimer

(00:00:55) Intro to Jamie Golombek

(00:03:43) What is Tax Planning and Estate Planning?

(00:08:17) You Shouldn’t Want a Large Tax Refund

(00:13:53) Employer Matching is a Fantastic Deal

(00:17:49) Registered Accounts in Canada

(00:22:32) FHSAs are Incredible

(00:24:26) RRSPs and the Advantages of Tax-Free Investing

(00:27:00) Tax on RRSPs and Investments

(00:31:02) Our Tax System is Unfair for Single People

(00:33:25) The Most Tax-Efficient Way to Donate to Charity

(00:39:25) Tax Deductions if You Work From Home

(00:41:37) Changing the Principal Residence Exemption in Canada

(00:45:21) Joint Powers of Attorney for Personal Care

(00:48:01) Cottages and Estate Planning

(00:49:32) The Importance of Keeping a Net Worth Statement with Your Will

(00:52:02) Would Dave or Jamie Ever Be an Executor?

(00:53:18) Corporate Executors

(00:55:42) How to Avoid Family Fights with The Estate Items

(00:59:38) Early Inheritance Gifts

(01:02:58) Probate Fees

(01:06:01) Beware of Joint Ownership with Your Kids

(01:08:20) Conclusion