Episodes
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Season 1 of the Smart Advice Podcast brought a wealth of financial advice, tips and insights to help support Canadians along their financial journey. We covered a variety of timely and important topics, from the state of the economy and the markets to advice around investing and saving for life’s major goals.
In this bonus episode, we look back at highlights from this season that can better position you for a successful 2024.
If you’re new to the Smart Advice podcast and want to learn more about the topics we cover , or you’re a loyal listener looking for the biggest takeaways of the year, this episode is for you.
ResourcesVisit CIBC for more smart adviceIf you want more insights, check out these previous Smart Advice podcast episodes:Beyond the 60-40 rule: Rethinking the asset mix for modern investors with David WongRent vs buy: A conversation with Benjamin Tal Banking on resilience: An outlook on Canada’s financial sectorThe great Canadian wealth transfer: From baby boomers to beneficiaries Estate planning simplified: The Willful way with Erin Bury How the FHSA helps first-time Canadian homebuyers with Jamie Golombek What's next for inflation and interest rates? with Avery Shenfeld The art of financial multi-tasking with Rob Carrick Episode Highlights[01:07] Financial advice 1: Rethinking the 60-40 asset mix ruleA portfolio with 60% stocks and 40% bonds has provided a long-term balance of growth and stability.Remember that in the short term, you will face volatility in the market. When your assets are not diversified, it’s easy to make bad decisions.There’s a spectrum within the equity market. This includes markets that are from developed or emerging countries; as well as small-cap and large-cap markets.In bond markets, there’s a difference between value investing and growth investing.[03:43] David Wong: “The more granular we can get in that asset mix, the more we can give better potential reward to risk in our portfolios.”
[03:51] Financial advice 2: Renting vs buyingThe changing real estate market has made many Canadians rethink homeownership options.There is nothing wrong with renting property. In fact, this may be the more sensible decision for some.Real estate investors should realize there will be more families looking to rent and prefer dealing with a landlord linked to a company.Demand for purpose-built rentals is rising annually, yet Canada does not have a good supply.[07:06] Financial advice 3: The state of Canada’s financial sectorThe US banks are not likely to impact Canadian banks.The Canadian financial sector is much more regulated with 6 major banks and some financial institutions. On the other hand, the US has over 4500 banks.Over the past 10 years, the US had 73 bank failures. Canada did not face any bank failures in nearly 100 years.[09:18] Financial advice 4: All about wealth transferPassing along assets is not a simple task, some may have tax implications.Before thinking about gifting, you need to make sure you’re in a good financial position to do so.[12:19] Financial advice 5: The importance of a will in estate planningWillful was founded for everyday Canadians who need a simple way to set up a will.Insurance is about planning for people you will eventually leave behind. Similarly, an estate plan gives your family assets.[14:43] Erin Bury: “This is not something you should be waiting to do until retirement. As soon as you have assets to protect, loved ones like a spouse that you want to ensure know your wishes, or children that you'd want to make sure [are] accounted for, even pets more increasingly these days. It's time to think about getting a will…this is not a really time-intensive cost cost-prohibitive process anymore.
[15:08] Financial advice 6: Using the FHSA to buy a homeThe FHSA helps first-time homebuyers by giving a tax-deductible contribution of up to $8,000 a year for five years.The FHSA is now available at CIBC[17:17] Financial advice 7: Canada’s financial futureInterest rates will eventually stop inflation from rising, we just need to be patient.Lower interest rates may start by the spring of 2024.Currently, the rate of interest is at 5%. By the end of 2024, this may fall as much as 3.5%.However, a 3.5% interest rate is still double the rate of the last business cycle; so, most Canadians would still find this rate very high.[17:49] Avery Shenfeld: “Interest rates are high enough to do the job. That doesn't mean that inflation is going to magically melt away tomorrow, we're going to have to go through some economic pain, some period of slower growth, [and] a bit of an upturn in unemployment, before we cool spending power enough for inflation to come down. Our view is that…the impact of all those prior rate hikes was kicking in even before the Bank of Canada's last interest rate decision, which was back in July, was slowing spending. And with time, that will bring relief on the inflation front. So we'll need to be patient.”
[19:48] Financial advice 8: Navigating the current economyWe live in an age where people in their 20s are already buying houses and saving for retirement.The reality is that these people are exceptions. Many are struggling to save, much less thinking about retirement.Most people have the mindset that 65 years old is the start of retirement. However, working longer may be more strategic and keep you active.If you consider working past 65 years old, start thinking about how you can shift to a consulting type of relationship in your career.[20:57] Rob Carrick: “If we were to talk to more people in our position more of our peers, honestly about money, we'd find that there's a lot of people with the same struggles as us, I think that will calm and relax us and make us feel that I have time. And you know what, I got a late start on saving for retirement, but I'm doing it now and I'm 100% committed and I'm going to make up for lost time…getting into the housing market…you could do it in your late 30s, you could even do it in your early 40s. If you are willing to work past 65, time can help take the pressure off.”
[22:11] Rob Carrick: “In your 50s…in your career, start thinking about how am I going to create a post-65 reduced workload consulting type of relationship from what I'm doing now.”
About our guestsThe Smart Advice Podcast has hosted a powerhouse of guests from CIBC and supporters. We thank our colleagues for their immense support for this program:
David Wong, CIBC Managing Director and Head of Total Investment SolutionsJamie Golombek, CIBC Managing Director, Tax and Estate PlanningBenjamin Tal, CIBC Deputy Chief EconomistDavid Andrich, CIBC Senior Equity Research AnalystRichard Voss, CIBC Director of Wealth StrategiesMarilyn Andrade, CIBC Senior Trust and Estate ConsultantMark Herzog, CIBC Managing Director and Head of Institutional EquitiesErin Bury, Willful CEO and Co-FounderTashia Batstone, President and CEO of FP CanadaScott McGillivray, Real estate expert, contractor and media personalityAvery Shenfeld, CIBC Managing Director and Chief EconomistRobertson Velez, CIBC Global Equities Portfolio ManagerRob Carrick, Globe and Mail personal finance columnistTo learn more about our guests, refer to our episode show notes and highlights.
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Navigating rising housing and grocery prices, managing bills, and dreaming of homeownership by 30? Wondering if retiring at 65 is still feasible? The financial roadmap has shifted from what our parents and grandparents once knew.
The art of financial multi-tasking—juggling multiple financial goals simultaneously—can be a game-changer. It allows you to steadily chip away at your financial milestones, ensuring you're not just focused on one, but making progress across the board.
In this episode of Smart Advice, Globe and Mail personal finance columnist Rob Carrick offers a real-world view of modern finance. Drawing from over three decades of personal financial experience, he understands the evolving milestones of today, different from yesteryears.
Join us to explore whether you should still chase the financial dreams of previous generations or carve out your own path.
Resources
· The Stress Test Podcast
· Carrick on Money
· Financial advice for every step of the way available on CIBC Smart Advice
· Connect with Rob Carrick on: LinkedIn | Twitter | Website | Globe and Mail
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Missing episodes?
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a popular topic in recent years, especially with the advancement of generative AI and the creation of tools like ChatGPT. People and businesses alike are exploring ways to integrate the technology into our daily lives from education and services, to businesses and investing.
To look at the growing opportunities for generative AI in finance, Robertson Velez is here to join us on Smart Advice. He is a Portfolio Manager with CIBC’s Global Equities team responsible for stock selection, portfolio construction and risk control for the Technology and Communications sleeves of the Renaissance Global Technology Fund and CIBC Global Technology Fund. He also has a 12-year career in computer engineering. This makes Robertson uniquely qualified to help us better understand the impact of AI on finance and beyond. He dives into how AI has been used in the past while identifying opportunities for the future.
Join us as we discuss the growing use and potential of generative AI on this episode of Smart Advice.
Resources· CIBC Smart Advice
· Read the CIBC Asset Management Market Spotlight on Generative AI
· Watch Generative Artificial Intelligence: What investors need to know
· Listen to Robertson Velez on the Advisor To Go podcast: Identifying investment opportunities in AI
· Learn more about the CIBC Global Technology Fund
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The strength of the economy and how it impacts Canadians is top of mind right now. Over the last year, Canadians have faced high inflation, multiple interest rate hikes and a rising unemployment rate. So it’s no surprise, many are wondering what to expect next.
In this episode, CIBC’s Managing Director and Chief Economist, Avery Shenfeld joins us to give his insights and analysis on the market and answer some pressing questions about the Canadian economy. From inflation and interest rates to buying and investing, Avery talks to us about the current economic situation in Canada and what it might look like in the next few years.
Listen to this episode and find out what the Canadian economy looks like today and how that can impact your daily life.
ResourcesCIBC Smart AdviceAvery’s weekly newsletter, The Week AheadView the latest research and commentary from CIBC's Economics team -
There’s growing interest in investing in the housing market right now, but starting a portfolio in real estate investing can be challenging and many may even be wondering if this is the right time to invest, given the current climate.
In this episode, Scott McGillivray joins us on Smart Advice with his answer — don’t think about timing the market, instead, think about how much time you will be in the market. This episode is a goldmine for new and experienced investors alike, as we discuss the strategies Scott used to build his portfolio and key considerations you need to think about when choosing the right location and renovations.
Looking to step into real estate investing or want to review your portfolio? This episode can help inspire you to make better decisions! And for more valuable insights from Scott and Carissa, check out season 3 of Buying In.
ResourcesListen to our previous episodes on Rent vs buy with Benjamin Tal and the First Home Savings Account with Jamie GolombekCheck out the CIBC Smart Advice Mortgage Affordability Calculator as well as articles on buying or renovating a homeConnect with Scott at his Website. Alternatively, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube -
Homeownership is a dream that many Canadians aspire to, but with rising home prices — especially in places like Ontario or Vancouver, BC — achieving that dream is becoming more difficult.
That’s where the First Home Savings Account comes in. It’s a new savings plan introduced to help first-time Canadian homebuyers land their first home. In this episode, Jamie Golombek gives us an overview of the FHSA and how it can be used to its fullest potential. We also review some scenarios where the FHSA is — or isn't! — applicable.
The new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is coming to CIBC this November. Connect with your advisor or visit cibc.com/FHSA to sign up for updates
Listen to the previous episode with Benjamin Tal, Rent versus Buy!CIBC Smart AdviceLook up Jamie Golombek’s website for tax advice!
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Managing your finances can be difficult and stressful. This is especially true when you don’t know how financial planning works. Financial planning is essential for anyone who wants to achieve financial security and wellness. Fortunately, professional financial planners are here to help you build a plan and implement it for a better, financially secure life.
In this episode, Tashia Batstone joins us on Smart Advice. As the President and CEO of FP Canada, Tashia is passionate about promoting financial wellness among all Canadians. She talks about the changes that need to be made to encourage people and educate them on financial planning. We dive into how financial planning can help improve life for all Canadians.
Don't let your finances get you down. Listen to this episode to find out how financial planning can help you! -
When it comes to difficult conversations, those around wills and estate plans tend to top the list. The planning can be emotional, overwhelming or costly. But it is a conversation worth having, if you want to ensure your wishes are carried out and the process itself doesn’t need to be as complicated as you may think.
On this episode of Smart Advice, we are joined by Willful’s CEO and Co-Founder, Erin Bury. She shares the inspiration and motivation behind the birth of Willful, a do-it-yourself online will platform that simplifies essential components of the estate planning process. Erin also talks about the importance of estate planning early on and when to update your estate plan.
If you want to ensure your loved ones are taken care of, long after you are gone, this episode is for you.
Create a will online in less than 20 minutes and get a 20% discount as a CIBC client with our partnership with Willful
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The recent market trends have taken even the most seasoned investor for an emotional roller coaster ride. And those feelings can have a significant impact on financial decisions, driving both savvy and irrational investment choices.
In this episode of Smart Advice, CIBC’s Managing Director and Head of Institutional Equities Mark Herzog joins us. As a seasoned trader and investor, Mark shares his insights into emotional investing and how creating a rock-solid investment plan can allow you to make well-balanced decisions and navigate the market with confidence.
If you want to discover how to have a framework around your emotions when investing, this episode is for you.
Watch Mark Herzog in “CIBC Investor’s Edge: Greed, fear, hope, regret… repeat” -
Canada is currently experiencing one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in history. An estimated $1.1 trillion will change hands as the baby boomer generation passes on their wealth. But passing assets to your beneficiaries isn’t as simple as handing over the key to a house.
In this episode of the Smart Advice podcast, we revisit a timely conversation from our recent virtual event with CIBC experts Richard Voss, Director of Wealth Strategies, and Marilyn Andrade, Senior Trust and Estate Consultant. This episode is highly relevant to anyone looking to pass on assets whether it’s a house, investments or heirlooms and to the beneficiaries receiving them. -
In a time of global economic uncertainty, concerns about how the US banking crisis might impact Canadian banks and the overall economy, have emerged. But it’s time to put those worries to rest. The Canadian financial system stands on solid ground, compared to its American counterparts.
In this Smart Advice episode, we delve into the state of the Canadian economy, with senior equity research analyst David Andrich. With a keen eye on bank stocks and their implications, Andrich shares his optimism for the Canadian economy despite some potential headwinds.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of how Canada’s well-structured financial system acts as a safeguard against turbulent economic conditions, this episode is for you.
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Homeownership remains a top goal for many Canadians, but with rising interest rates and inflation, many are feeling like it’s becoming further out of reach. In this episode, CIBC Deputy Chief Economist Benjamin Tal discusses the realities of the housing market. We explore the general mindset on renting in Canada, whether it is a good time to buy a home or take on an investment property and how developers are unable to supply family-friendly units. If you want to learn more about the housing market and its future, tune in to the episode.
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No one likes paying taxes, but everyone enjoys a big tax refund. The average Canadian receives just over $2000 as a tax refund, but getting a refund might not always be a good thing. On top of that, many Canadians tend to overspend when they receive their tax refund check.
In this episode, Carissa shares how tax refunds work, explores smart spending options and delves into the idea around why tax refunds may indicate poor financial planning with insights from CIBC resident tax expert Jamie Golombek.
Tax refunds are satisfying, but securing your financial stability would be smarter. So before you get tempted to spend your tax refund, tune into the episode to learn about your options. -
The 60-40 portfolio has been a go-to investment strategy for decades. Unfortunately, it encountered a major setback in 2022, with stocks and bonds experiencing substantial losses.
Persistently low interest rates and market unpredictability are complicating today's financial landscape, in turn igniting a debate regarding the relevance of the 60-40 model. In this episode, David Wong, Managing Director and Head of Total Investment Solutions with CIBC Asset Management, shares insights on how to achieve a balance between stability and growth.
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No matter where you’re at in life, money can help you reach your goals and get you where you want to go. That's why it's so important to talk about it. Get ready for Smart Advice – a podcast that brings the money conversation right to you.
