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

Our guest this episode is Aaron Hector—Founding Partner of TIER Wealth, President of the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners and a fellow personal-finance nerd like Dave.

In this episode, Dave and Aaron explore some of the most overlooked opportunities in Canadian financial and estate planning. From optimizing RESP withdrawals to gifting tax deductions to your kids, Aaron shares smart, actionable strategies that can help families build and preserve wealth more effectively. They also cover timely topics like when to defer RRSP or FHSA deductions, how to handle joint accounts, why every Canadian needs a will and the difference between a beneficiary and a successor holder.

Whether you’re just building your financial plan or revisiting it with an eye for tax efficiency, this episode is full of practical tips and clear explanations you can put to use.

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro & Disclaimer

(00:55) Intro to Aaron Hector & TIER Wealth

(04:23) Detailed Optimizations in Financial Planning

(07:22) When Should You Defer FHSA or RRSP Tax Deductions?

(10:41) A FREE Strategy for Parents to Help Their Kids Buy a Home (Gifting a Tax Deduction)

(15:22) TFSA vs. RRSP

(17:13) RESP Lump-Sum vs. Gradual Contributions

(20:34) Optimal RESP Withdrawal Strategies

(26:45) A Simple—But Powerful—Estate Planning Exercise

(30:17) Joint Tenancy on Non-Registered Accounts

(32:01) Get a Will!

(34:44) What’s the Difference Between a Beneficiary and a Successor Holder?

(37:23) The Importance of Estate Planning

(39:10) Corporate Executors

(42:24) Tax Opportunities When the Stock Market Pulls Back

(44:49) Are More Grandparents Giving Money to Their Grandchildren?

(46:24) Conclusion