The Financial Long Game

Hosted by Shelly Appleton-Benko

Business Investing Education Health FitnessInterviews guests

Episodes

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About the show

Are you ready to gain the knowledge and confidence to help navigate the complexities of your personal finances? Join host, Shelly Appleton-Benko, Vice President, Director and Senior Wealth Manager, Odlum Brown Limited for the Financial Long Game Podcast Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting on your financial journey, this podcast unravels the secrets of wealth-building and provides insights, interviews, and expert advice to help you play the long game and secure your financial future. To learn more about Shelly Appleton-Benko and Odlum Brown, or to be considered as a guest in a future episode, or to read our full disclaimer, visit odlumbrown.com/FinancialLongGame. Odlum Brown is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

22 min

Trust Issues: Alter Ego — Why Plan Now?

Could an Alter Ego Trust help you protect your wealth, avoid probate and plan for the future—while keeping control during your lifetime? In Episode 2 of Trust Issues, Shelly Appleton-Banco and estate lawyer Steve Parr unpack Alter Ego and Joint Partner Trusts, including tax deferral, incapacity, blended families, and protecting your legacy. Most importantly, they ask the question that should come before any trust: What do you actually want your wealth to accomplish?

35 min

Trust Issues: Who’s Really in Control?

Think trusts are only for wealthy people? Think again. Could a trust be right for you or your family? Shelly Appleton-Benko sits down with Naz Khodarahmi, Wills and Estates lawyer, to make trusts easier to understand. Learn how trusts can help with tax planning, privacy, incapacity planning, family dynamics, protecting inheritances, and passing wealth to the next generation. Find out if a trust could make sense for you—and what to consider before putting one in place. Featuring: Naz Khodarahmi - Wills and Estates, Real Estate, and Corporate Solicitor

19 min

Women & Wealth Series – Part 3

The last in our three-part series, Shelly Appleton-Benko, Lauren Shewfelt and Faith Benko discuss the importance of the client-advisor relationship. We'll explore why regular reviews, open communication with your advisor, and sharing important life updates are key to keeping your financial plan on track. As your life evolves, your financial strategy should evolve with it. Join us as we wrap up the series by empowering you to take an active role in building and maintaining your financial future.

28 min

Women & Wealth Series – Part 2

In the second episode of the Women & Wealth Series, Shelly, Lauren, and Faith break down the specifics of your financial journey by exploring the different account types and investment options available to Canadians. From TFSAs and RRSPs to building an investment strategy that aligns with your goals, they share practical guidance to help you invest with confidence and find the right stride for your financial future -- Insights on women and investing were based on research reported by Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization’s Investor Advisory Panel from September 2025.

15 min

Women & Wealth Series – Part 1

In the first episode of the Women & Wealth Series, Shelly, Lauren and Faith discuss the importance of where to start your financial journey and how to build financial confidence and take ownership of your financial future. They share practical insights on developing healthy money habits and taking small steps toward long-term financial well-being. This educational conversation is designed to be approachable, relatable and relevant for women at all stages of life.

19 min

Before the Big Day: The Conversations Every Couple Needs

Before the wedding day arrives, there are important financial and legal conversations every couple should be having. In this episode, we’re joined by family lawyer and founder of Illuma Law, Abby Pang, to unpack the realities of prenups, inheritances, business ownership and the legal changes that come with marriage. Abby shares practical insight into the conversations couples often avoid and the costly misunderstandings that can happen when they do. So while you’re on your way to tour venues and finalize seating charts, this episode is a great use of time, full of valuable guidance to help protect your future together.

10 min

Trim the Roses, Not Just the Weeds

In this episode, Shelly Appleton-Benko and Lauren Shewfelt unpack one of the most overlooked aspects of investing: trimming your winners. While it may feel counterintuitive, your best-performing positions can quietly become your biggest source of risk. It’s a conversation about discipline, balance, and why a healthy portfolio requires trimming the roses – not just pulling the weeds. -- Mentioned in this episode: Odlum Brown When to Sell PDF

18 min

Simon Says: Retirement Isn’t an Age

In this episode, Shelly Appleton-Benko and Tax and Estate Planner Simon Leon discuss the real definition of retirement. Rather than being defined by age, retirement is a shift in lifestyle, identity and financial structure. Together, Shelly and Simon unpack common myths around retirement and explore what modern retirement planning actually looks like beyond age 65 and why the old rules no longer apply.

18 min

The “Master’s” Class in Investing with Steven Zicherman

What does it take to earn a green jacket or build lasting wealth? In this episode, we draw parallels between golf strategy and long-term investing. From navigating bunkers to staying disciplined through market swings, Steven shows that success is not about one moment, it is built through decisions made long before the spotlight.

23 min

A New Era of Financial Fraud with Neumann Lim

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by cybercriminals. From deepfakes to increasingly sophisticated digital scams, the financial fraud landscape is changing at an unprecedented pace. In this episode, Neumann Lim, Manager of Infrastructure & Cybersecurity at Odlum Brown and an expert in digital risk management, emerging technology threats, and certified digital forensics, shares valuable insights into the rise of AI-driven fraud. He breaks down how these scams work and offers practical steps you can take to help protect yourself and your family. -- Links: BCSC: https://avoidaiscams.investright.org/ CIRO - https://www.ciro.ca/office-investor/avoiding-fraud-and-protecting-your-investments/artificial-intelligence-ai-and-investment-fraud Anti-fraud centre – https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/