Your Life and Money

The Master’s Mindset: Navigating Market Volatility and Sticking to Your Game Plan (Ep. 65)

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 can have a devastating impact on your long-term portfolio health. * The Caddie Advantage: Tim explains how working with a financial advisor is like having a professional caddie; providing an objective stance to help you navigate "stormy" conditions, manage transaction costs, and keep your emotions from driving rash decisions. * Executing Your Strategy: Discover why consistency—through habits like dollar-cost averaging and rebalancing—beats reactive selling every time, ensuring your "ball" keeps heading toward the hole regardless of the wind. As you navigate the "interesting times" of the current market, join Tim to discover how a stress-tested roadmap can help you trade financial anxiety for the clarity and confidence you deserve.

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, including their lack of contribution limits and their ability to be held jointly or corporately for maximum flexibility. * Decoding the Tax Hierarchy: A breakdown of how the government treats different types of growth, explaining why capital gains and dividends are far more "tax-preferred" than standard interest income. * Aligning Portfolio Jobs with Account Types: Understand why your long-term legacy goals belong in tax-free vehicles while your short-term needs require a more prudent, risk-managed approach. Whether you are saving for a first home or planning a phased early retirement, join Tim to learn how to stress-test your strategy and ensure every dollar in your plan has a specific job to do.

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 of taps and reservoirs to ensure you never run dry. * Liquidity vs. Stability: Understand the "Short-Term Bucket" (0–3 years) and why emergency funds and "opportunity cash" require liquid, stable vehicles like High-Interest Savings Accounts (HISAs) or money market funds. * The Power of Purpose: Learn why every account—from your RRSP for retirement to your TFSA for long-term growth—must be earmarked for a specific timeline and goal to be truly effective. As you evaluate your current accounts, join Tim to discover how shifting from "having a bunch of accounts" to "having a comprehensive plan" can take the weight of financial stress off your shoulders.

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 is a forward-looking strategy integrated into your long-term financial plan. * CRA Watchlist & Digital Shifts: Stay ahead of the CRA’s push for digital filing and their increased focus on data matching for unreported income from side hustles, freelance work, and the gig economy. * The "Refund" Trap: Learn why a massive tax refund isn't necessarily a win, but often a sign of poor cash flow management and missed opportunities to keep more money in your pocket throughout the year. As you gather your slips and organize your folders, join Tim to learn how to use this season as a catalyst for better financial habits and a clearer vision for the life you deserve.

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 career in the turf industry and horticulture to financial planning, driven by a desire for professional longevity and a schedule that supports his new marriage. * The "Passenger Seat" Philosophy: Inspired by watching his father’s career, Nick discusses his passion for walking alongside clients through their life transitions and helping them achieve rewarding milestones, like purchasing a first home. * Faith and Financial Wellness: The duo explores how biblical wisdom and open communication can reduce financial anxiety, helping couples move from "information overload" to total clarity and contentment. As we welcome a new generation to the Advice First team, tune in to hear how Nick’s fresh perspective and dedication to financial well-being can help you keep planning for the life you deserve.