The Small Change Big Gains Podcast

Hosted by Amy Dietz & Sean Durkin

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Life. Money. Action Welcome to Small Change, Big Gains The podcast where we explore how small, intentional decisions can lead to major results in your financial life and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to invest smarter, develop better habits, or simply find balance, we’ll learn together how minor shifts can make a big impact. Join us as we unravel experiences, explore practical tips, and hear inspiring stories Let’s make it happen, one small change at a time towards Big Gains Both from humble beginnings, Sean and Amy have built a successful, industry leading wealth management and financial advisory practice. From a town of no more than 1500 in Ontario, Amy has been featured on BNN Bloomberg and is an impactful mentor in Women in Capital Markets. After finding success with Campbell’s Soup, Sean took his career to the next level by getting into the investment world and quickly rose to become an effective & favourite investment manager. ************* The information contained herein has been prepared by Amy Dietz and/or Sean Durkin, Wealth Advisors at NBF. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of NBF. The opinions, endorsements, and recommendations expressed in my profile do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial. This site and electronic communications will be monitored by National Bank Financial for compliance purposes. National Bank Financial - Wealth Management (NBFWM) is a division of National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF), as well as a trademark owned by National Bank of Canada (NBC) that is used under license by NBF. NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). The particulars contained herein were obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but are not guaranteed by us and may be incomplete. The opinions expressed are based upon our analysis and interpretation of these particulars and are not to be construed as a solicitation or offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of NBF.

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60 recent

August 21, 202619 min

Single, Divorced or Widowed? Your Money Can Do More Than You Think

Is financial planning actually different when you're solo? 🧐 Most wealth advice is built for "The Standard Couple," but in this episode of @smallchangebiggainspodcast , Sean and Amy break down why being single is actually a massive financial advantage, if you know how to use it. From the "Inheritance Game" (where Sean reveals his plan to make his nephews compete for his love) to the "Tax Trap" for singles in Canada, we’re keeping the conversation light while tackling the high-stakes reality of solo wealth. Whether you're single by choice, widowed, or divorced, this episode is your roadmap to total financial control. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The Solo Advantage: Why not having a "victim of continuous input" (aka a partner) lets you build a 100% customizable vision. ✅ The 97-Year Reality: Why single women need to plan for "longevity risk" and how to ensure you never run out of money. ✅ Who Gets My Money?: A fun look at estate planning—from naming corporate executors to leaving it all to a pet (like Karl Lagerfeld’s cat 🐈). ✅ The TFSA Lever: How to use tax-free accounts to bypass income thresholds and keep your OAS benefits. Financial planning doesn't have to be a "fear-based" chore. Join us for a chat that’s part strategy, part comedy, and 100% focused on your gains. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Punishing your Executor? (The Inheritance Game) 00:47 - Signaling All Singles: Why planning is different 02:00 - The Insurance Gap: Managing the "No Buffer" risk 03:30 - Powers of Attorney: Who do you trust? 05:15 - Long-term care & the "Sandwich Generation" 07:20 - The Joy of Solo Retirement (No compromise!) 08:50 - The Tax Trap: Why couples live cheaper 10:00 - Longevity Risk: Planning for Age 97 and beyond 11:45 - The "Emergency Bucket" vs. Long-term growth 13:10 - RRSPs, LIRAs, and the TFSA secret 14:40 - Estate Planning: Single with kids vs. no kids 15:30 - Making inheritance fun (and Sean’s Uber plan) 17:45 - Direct & Intentional: The power of solo intent 18:30 - Call to Action: How to start your roadmap Connect with us: Subscribe for more "Small Change" tips that lead to "Big Gains" in your solo financial journey! #FinancialPlanning #SoloWealth #EstatePlanning #SinglesFinance #SmallChangeBigGains #WealthManagement National Bank Financial - NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). NBF is not a tax advisor and clients should seek professional advice on tax-related matters, including their personal situation. Please note that comments included in this letter are for information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, tax or accounting advice. The comments reflect the opinion of their author only and may not reflect the views of NBF.

August 6, 202630 min

Episode 76-Living in a Car after 60: The New Reality?

More women over 65 are living in poverty, sleeping in cars, couch surfing, and facing retirement alone. Journalist Moira Welsh joins The Small Change Big Gains Podcast to explain why this crisis is growing, and what it says about the future of retirement. Retirement and long-term financial planning often look different for women, and in this episode, we dive deep into the specific strategies needed to secure your financial future. We cover the unique challenges women face from the wealth gap to longer life expectancies and provide actionable "small changes" that lead to "big gains" over time. Whether you’re just starting your career, managing a household, or looking toward retirement, we discuss how to navigate your financial journey with confidence. Connect with us: Website: https://www.nbfwm.ca/advisor/the-durkin-dietz-group.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/durkindietz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-dietz-graham-261735215/ Book Links: Amazon- https://www.amazon.ca/Astonishing-Lives-Older-Women-Longevity/dp/1770418008 Indigo - https://www.indigo.ca/products/the-astonishing-lives-of-older-women-how-to-create-pleasure-over-peril-in-peak-longevity Independent store: https://www.indiebookstores.ca/book/9781770418004/ #SmallChangeBigGains #WomenAndMoney #FinancialPlanning #RetirementCrisis #MoiraWelsh #WealthBuilding Video Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: The Long Run Ladies Journey 02:45 - Financial Reality: Breaking Down Retirement Costs 06:12 - The Hidden Costs of Extra Care and Support 09:30 - Redefining Community: Senior Women Living Together 13:15 - Combatting Isolation Through Shared Living 16:40 - The "Living Car" Concept and Mobility 20:05 - Strategic Planning for Long-Term Independence 24:50 - Legacy and Lessons from the Podcast 28:10 - Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts National Bank Financial - NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). NBF is not a tax advisor and clients should seek professional advice on tax-related matters, including their personal situation. Please note that comments included in this letter are for information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, tax or accounting advice. The comments reflect the opinion of their author only and may not reflect the views of NBF

July 23, 202619 min

Episode 75 - Listen before you lose your money | The reality of online gambling

Ontario wagered a staggering $98.3 Billion in online betting last year, a number that has tripled in just three years. In this episode of The Small Change Big Gains Podcast, we break down the "Ontario Trap" and why the dopamine hit of gambling is robbing the next generation of their wealth. We explore the neuroscience of "near-wins," the reality of high-interest consumer debt, and how to "game-ify" your investing habits to build millions instead of losing it to the house. Whether you're a young investor or managing a family portfolio, this is a must-watch warning on the true cost of legalized addiction. In this episode, we discuss: • The staggering $98.3B statistic and its impact on Ontario. • Why your brain treats a "near-miss" like a victory. • The "Eventual Outcome" of the $77,000 mistake. • Turning the tables: How to use gambling psychology to get rich. Final Advice SUPPORT THE PODCAST: ✅ Subscribe to join the Small Change Big Gains community. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a deep dive into building wealth. #investing #personalfinance #ontario #wealthmanagement #moneymindset #gamblingtrap #financialfreedom #smallchangebiggains

April 28, 202617 min

Episode 74 -How to Keep More of Your Money| Business-owners | Senior Level Executives | Lottery Winners

How to Keep More of Your Money Tax Planning & the Annual Wealth Review for Business Owners For experienced business owners, keeping more of your money isn’t about last‑minute tax decisions, it’s about having a clear annual review process that connects your business, personal wealth, and long‑term plans. In this episode, we discuss how business owners approach tax planning as part of an annual wealth and tax review , rather than a one‑time filing exercise. This is the type of review many established business owners use to ensure their structures, cash flow, and planning remain aligned as their wealth grows. We cover: How business owners think about tax planning across the year Reviewing business income in the context of total personal wealth Compensation structure, corporate cash, and retained earnings Why where your wealth is held matters over time Estate and succession considerations that protect flexibility How an annual tax and wealth checklist helps create consistency This conversation is designed for business owners who already have advisors and want a practical, repeatable way to review their financial picture each year without overcomplicating it. Free Annual Tax & Wealth Review Checklist for Business Owners We’ve created a Free Annual Tax & Wealth Review Checklist based on the framework discussed in this episode. To receive the checklist: 📩 Please email charmi.shah@nbc.ca with the subject line “Annual Checklist” , and we’ll send it to you directly. Who this episode is for: Business owners, incorporated professionals, and family business owners who want clarity, structure, and consistency in how they plan for taxes and long‑term wealth.

November 16, 202525 min

Episode 73- Top 5 Equity Mistakes Founders Make

***** National Bank Financial - Wealth Management (NBFWM) is a division of National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF), as well as a trademark owned by National Bank of Canada (NBC) that is used under license by NBF. NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). I have prepared this report to the best of my judgment and professional experience to give you my thoughts on various financial aspects and considerations. The opinions expressed represent solely my informed opinions and may not reflect the views of NBF. The opinions, endorsements, and recommendations expressed in my profile do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial. This site and electronic communications will be monitored by National Bank Financial for compliance purposes.

November 4, 202524 min

Episode 72- Estate Planning: What is Equal vs What is Fair w/ Jessica Elie of Loopstra Nixon LLP

We sat with Jessica Elie to discuss the concepts of equal vs. fair when doing your estate planning. Often, the way we divide up our assets for our beneficiaries may be equal, but not fair due to different family & economic structures or situations of the beneficiaries. Many families have children that are probably more successful than other children in the same family. Punishing those successful kids for their success (by limiting how much or what they inherit) may be problematic when it comes to inheriting assets. Tune in to listen how Jessica Elie suggests you approach this very common scenario with compassion, care, & fairness. ***** National Bank Financial - Wealth Management (NBFWM) is a division of National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF), as well as a trademark owned by National Bank of Canada (NBC) that is used under license by NBF. NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). I have prepared this report to the best of my judgment and professional experience to give you my thoughts on various financial aspects and considerations. The opinions expressed represent solely my informed opinions and may not reflect the views of NBF. The opinions, endorsements, and recommendations expressed in my profile do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial. This site and electronic communications will be monitored by National Bank Financial for compliance purposes.

November 2, 202527 min

Episode 71- How is the Canadian Industrial sector doing in 2025- With Maxim Sytchev of National Bank Capital Markets

We sat with Managing Director, Maxim Sytchev of National Bank Capital Markets, to chat about the Canadian Industrial sector and how the companies that make up this group are doing in light of everything happening in 2025 and beyond. The securities or sectors mentioned in this episode are not suitable for all types of investors and should not be considered as recommendations. Please consult your Wealth Advisor to verify whether the security or sector is suitable for you and to obtain complete information, including the main risk factors. Some of the securities or sectors mentioned may not be followed by the analysts of NBF. National Bank Financial - Wealth Management (NBFWM) is a division of National Bank Financial Inc. (NBF), as well as a trademark owned by National Bank of Canada (NBC) that is used under license by NBF. NBF is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF), and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NBC, a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). I have prepared this report to the best of my judgment and professional experience to give you my thoughts on various financial aspects and considerations. The opinions expressed represent solely my informed opinions and may not reflect the views of NBF. The opinions, endorsements, and recommendations expressed in my profile do not necessarily reflect those of National Bank Financial. This site and electronic communications will be monitored by National Bank Financial for compliance purposes.

September 28, 202517 min

Episode 70- What is the difference between the Bank of Canada & The Fed?

In this episode- we talk about the difference in mandates between the two central banks and how this crucial difference affects the economy & investors.

July 20, 202524 min

Episode 69- Downsizing your home? Things to know & consider

Things to know before downsizing your home. Downsizing your home to save money and simplify your life? This podcast is for you.... Things you wish you'd known before downsizing. - it will probably cost you more than you anticipated- you may need new furniture, new art, and there may be fees that you haven't considered? -you may not get the location you always wanted -plan as early as possible- 5 years before pulling the trigger is ideal -speak to a professional or advisor when thinking about downsizing

June 22, 202525 min