The Personal CFO Podcast
by Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP
The Personal CFO Podcast is for Canadian business owners and high-income professionals who want to build wealth while they’re working, and live off it when they stop. Hosted by Guillaume Girard, Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner, the show breaks down investing, tax strategy, retirement planning, and insurance without hype, noise, or product-driven advice. General information only. Portfolio management through Portfolio Strategies Corporation (CIRO, CIPF). Insurance via PPI Solutions. Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume
Episodes
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Ep.042: The Private Equity Trap: Why Most Investors Get the Allocation Wrong
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 Episode 00:00 Introduction to Private Equity 02:00…
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Ep.041: Your Advisor's Legal Obligations (And How They Fail)
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...
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Ep.040: Built Around You? Your Exit Just Got Harder
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…
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Ep.039: 5 TFSA Mistakes That Could Cost You $500,000
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...
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Ep.038: What the Energy Wars Mean for Your Portfolio
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 Episode 00:00 Understanding Energy Wars and Investment Impacts 01:38 Asset…
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Ep.037: Why Most Businesses Never Sell
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...
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Ep.036: You’re Chasing the Wrong Definition of Wealth
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...
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Ep.035: Canadian Housing Crash or Opportunity? What You Need to Know
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...
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Ep.034: The 8 RRSP Mistakes Costing Business Owners Thousands
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 Episode 00:00 Introduction: Common Financial Mistakes for Business Owners 00:55 The...
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Ep.033: Get Tax-Free Money From Your Corporation
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...
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Ep.032: Why Millionaires Still Don’t Feel Wealthy
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman explore the emotional challenges clients face regarding money. They discuss the scarcity vs. abundance mindset, the disbelief in success, and the guilt associated with spending. The conversation...
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Ep.031: Inside the Mind of a Gold Medalist with Ben Rutledge
In this conversation, Guillaume Girard interviews Ben Rutledge, a Canadian Olympic gold medalist and entrepreneur, exploring his journey from rowing to business. They discuss pivotal moments in Ben's life, the importance of mindset, coaching, and the balance between process and outcome. Ben…
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Ep.030: CRM 3 Is About to Change Everything: The Fee Shock No One Is Ready For
In this episode, Guillaume and Sam discuss the upcoming changes to fee disclosure under CRM3, which will significantly impact how Canadians view their investment fees. They explore the implications of these changes, the importance of transparency in building trust between clients and advisors…
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Ep.029: From Burnout to Balance: How Financial Literacy Can Help You Thrive
In this episode, Guillaume Girard interviews Dr. Christian Wigmore, founder of BudgetYourMD, about the financial challenges physicians face and the importance of financial literacy. They explore Dr. Wigmore's journey to becoming a physician, the pressures of medical school debt, and the impact of...
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Ep.028: There Is NO Inheritance Tax in Canada, But Here’s What People Get Wrong
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman, along with guest Mohammed Al-khooly, discuss various financial topics ranging from personal achievements in ultra marathons to misconceptions about the Canadian tax system, particularly regarding...
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Ep.027: Why Paying Dividends to Your Spouse Could Trigger a Massive Tax Bill
In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences at a recent portfolio strategies conference, sharing insights on investment strategies and the importance of having a defined investment philosophy. They delve into the complexities of the Tax on Split Income (TOSI) rules, explaining how these...
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Ep.026: How Business Owners Legally Split Income to Pay Less Tax
In this episode, the hosts discuss various strategies for income splitting, focusing on tax efficiency for business owners. They explore the implications of salary versus dividends, the use of capital dividends, and the importance of understanding attribution rules. The conversation emphasizes…
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Ep.025: Should You Buy Real Estate Personally or Through a Corporation?
In this episode, the hosts discuss the partnership between Copilot Tax and Millen Wealth Advisors, focusing on how this collaboration will enhance client services. They delve into the complexities of real estate investments, including tax considerations when buying, renting, and selling…
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Ep.024: The Biggest Tax Mistakes Business Owners Make (With a Tax Lawyer)
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard speaks with Amanda Doucette, a tax lawyer specializing in estate and succession planning. They discuss Amanda's journey into tax law, the importance of continuous learning, and the complexities of tax strategies for...
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Ep.023: 4 Tax Mistakes That Cost Business Owners Thousands
In this episode, Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss the four most common mistakes made by business owners, focusing on the implications of salary versus dividends, the importance of notional accounts, and the benefits of leveraging the lifetime capital gains exemption. They also explore...
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Ep.022: Whole Life Insurance: Smart Wealth Strategy or Expensive Mistake?
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard interviews Graham Bergsma, a seasoned expert in the insurance industry. They discuss Graham's journey from playing NCAA lacrosse to becoming a successful insurance consultant. The conversation delves into the importance...
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Ep.021: The Retirement Plan Most High Earners Don’t Know About: Retirement Compensation Arrangement
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard, Sam Lichtman and guest Tatenda Mawoyo delve into the intricacies of Retirement Compensation Arrangements (RCA). They explore the mechanics of RCA, who benefits from it, and its use cases, particularly in severance...
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EP.020: How To Protect Your Data Against AI Threat Actors
In this episode, Sam takes a deep dive into cyber threats and discusses how prevalent they have become in today's world. Sam talks with Brennen Schmidt, a cybersecurity consultant who specializes in identifying and protecting corporate digital assets. Find Brennen Online LinkedIn:...
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Ep.019: Why Smart People Make Bad Money Decisions with Dr. Moira Somers
In this episode, Dr. Moira Somers discusses the psychology of money, emphasizing the importance of understanding financial behavior and decision-making. She highlights the role of financial advisors in fostering effective client relationships and the need to overcome procrastination and…
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Ep.018: Why Your Money Mindset Matters More Than Your Income
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard shares his personal journey from a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset regarding money. He discusses his achievements in sports and fitness, the importance of mindset in financial planning, and the lessons learned...
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Ep.017: The Retirement Strategy Business Owners Don’t Know About (Individual Pension Plan)
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard speaks with Tatenda Mawoyo about Individual Pension Plans (IPPs) and their benefits for incorporated business owners. They discuss the intricacies of setting up an IPP, who should consider one, the tax advantages, and…
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Ep.016: Do You Really Need a Prenup? What Business Owners Should Know
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard speaks with family lawyer Chantal Cattermole about her journey into family law, the emotional and financial challenges clients face, and the importance of proactive planning for families and business owners. They…
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Ep.015: How to Choose a Financial Advisor (Avoid These Red Flags) with Jason Watt
In this episode of the Millennial Money podcast, Sam Lichtman speaks with Jason Watt about the complexities of finding a financial advisor, the importance of trust, and the challenges faced by underrepresented demographics in accessing financial advice. They discuss the advice gap in Canada, the...
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Ep.014: How Business Owners Can Pay for Health Expenses Tax-Free
In this episode, Guillaume invited Kyle Welsh from MyHSA to discuss the transformation of health benefits through technology, the growth and scalability of MyHSA, and the competitive landscape of health spending accounts. He highlights the unique offerings of MyHSA, including health spending...
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Ep.013: How Millennials Are Reaching Their First $1 Million
In this episode, Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss the financial habits of wealthy millennials, focusing on how they achieve their first million and the strategies they employ to maintain and grow their wealth. The conversation covers three common paths to wealth, including...
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Ep.012: The Smart Way Wealthy People Give to Charity With Charitable Impact Founder John Bromley
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman speak with John Bromley from Charitable Impact about the journey of creating a platform that facilitates charitable giving. They discuss the importance of donor-advised funds, the various types of...
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Ep.011: Why Most Investors Underperform the Market
In this Millennial Money Canada podcast episode, Guillaume delves into Millen Wealth's investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of aligning investment strategies with individual goals. He shares his personal journey into finance, discusses the significance of risk management, and…
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Ep.010: Term vs Permanent Life Insurance: What Most People Get Wrong
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman delve into the complexities of life insurance, discussing the various types of insurance products available, the importance of understanding individual needs, and the different approaches to…
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Ep.009: Should You Take the Lump Sum or the Pension?
Summary In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss the various options available for company pension plans when leaving an employer or entering retirement. They explore the differences between defined benefit and defined contribution...
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Ep.008: You’ve Been Named an Executor… Now What?
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman engage with David Edey, a seasoned financial planner and author, to discuss the critical role of an executor in estate planning. They explore the responsibilities and challenges faced by executors, the...
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Ep.007: Why Trying to Time the Market Usually Fails
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss essential concepts for successful investing, the implications of recent political changes in Canada, and the importance of financial planning. They explore the challenges of predicting market...
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Ep.006: Why Most People Fail Their New Year Goals
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss practical goal setting for 2025, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach using the SMART model. They explore personal and professional goals, health and fitness aspirations, and the...
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Ep.005: Tax Strategies Business Owners Should Know for 2025
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, host Guillaume Girard and co-host Sam Lichtman engage with tax expert Mohammed Al-khooly to discuss tax planning strategies for 2025. They explore Mohammed's journey from working in large accounting firms to starting his own tax advisory…
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Ep.004: RRSP vs TFSA: Which One Should You Max Out First?
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman delve into the intricacies of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). They discuss the importance of understanding these financial tools, especially in the...
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Ep.003: The Mortgage Renewal Shock Coming to Canada (What It Means For You)
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman welcome mortgage broker Matthew Shantz to discuss the current mortgage landscape in Canada. They explore various topics, including the importance of financial literacy, the impact of interest rates on...
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Ep.002: Is Buying a Home Still Worth It in Canada?
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman discuss the evolving landscape of financial planning and real estate investment from the perspective of millennials. They share insights on their business journey with Millen Wealth Advisors, the...
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Ep.001: Why Most Millennials Were Never Taught About Money
In this episode of the Millennial Money Canada podcast, hosts Guillaume Girard and Sam Lichtman introduce their mission to elevate financial literacy among millennials. They discuss the importance of authenticity in financial planning, the unique challenges faced by millennials, and the…
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About this show
The Personal CFO Podcast is for Canadian business owners and high-income professionals who want to build wealth while they’re working, and live off it when they stop.
Hosted by Guillaume Girard, Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner, the show breaks down investing, tax strategy, retirement planning, and insurance without hype, noise, or product-driven advice.
General information only. Portfolio management through Portfolio Strategies Corporation (CIRO, CIPF). Insurance via PPI Solutions.
Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume
Hosted by
Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP