Your Life and Money

Hosted by Advice First Financial Group

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to "Your Life And Money," the podcast where we discuss Life Centered Planning and how it can help you get the best life possible with the money you have. Join hosts Tim Borody and Brad Smith as they share stories and provide expert advice on how you can achieve your financial goals and create a life that you love. With a variety of topics and stories, this podcast is perfect for anyone looking to take control of their finances and live life to the fullest. Don't wait, come listen to "Your Life And Money" because life is not a rehearsal.

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August 14, 202628 min

Navigating the 2026 Mortgage Market: Fixed vs. Variable Rates and Unique Lending Solutions Ep. 69

Tim Borody is joined in the studio by mortgage broker—and newly certified yoga instructor—Julia Bernier for her third appearance on Your Life and Money. Recording in mid-July 2026, Tim and Julia explore the shifts across Canadian real estate, breaking down what fluctuating interest rates, market conditions, and alternative lending options mean for buyers, sellers, and homeowners facing renewals. Demystifying Mortgages in an Uncertain Market A Buyer's Market Shift: Discover why the current real estate landscape is favoring first-time buyers, how conditional offers are making a comeback, and why sellers need realistic expectations in a cooling market. Decoding Interest Rates & Bond Markets: Julia breaks down the Bank of Canada's rate holds, how global trade uncertainties drive volatility in fixed rates, and why Canadian bond yields hold the secret to where mortgage rates are headed. Alternative Lending & Smart Renewal Strategies: Learn how to approach mortgage renewals 120 days out, and explore solution-based options—from "B-lending" for credit or separation scenarios to reverse mortgages for senior homeowners needing property repairs. Whether you're shopping for your first home or looking to optimize an upcoming mortgage renewal, join Tim and Julia to gain the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions for your financial future.

July 31, 202626 min

Unpacking the Six Pillars of Financial Planning (Part 2) Ep. 68

Tim Borody and Brad Smith conclude their breakdown of the six pillars of comprehensive financial planning by digging into the strategies that determine how much of your wealth you actually get to keep. In this episode, they shift from daily asset management to long-term wealth protection, legacy design, and the immense power of family communication. Protecting Your Wealth and Perfecting Your Legacy The Silent Partner of Tax Planning: Tim and Brad demonstrate how two people earning the exact same $100,000 income can pay dramatically different tax bills based on asset structure, and why true tax planning must span your earning, retirement, and estate years. Shifting from "Protection" to "Provision": Discover why trying to insure against every worst-case scenario will leave you cash poor, and how to ask the right questions about transferring risk so you are simply providing for what you cannot afford to lose. Finishing Well with Wealth Transfer: Learn the distinction between your raw financial assets and your true intergenerational legacy, the tax advantages of charitable gifting through an estate, and why communicating your wishes while alive prevents chaos down the road. A cash flow blueprint or a simple portfolio review is not a complete financial plan. Join Tim and Brad for this conclusion to discover how integrating all six pillars creates a structure strong enough to support the life you truly deserve.

July 15, 202630 min

Unpacking the Six Pillars of Financial Planning (Part 1) Ep. 67

Tim Borody and Brad Smith are back in the studio to pull back the curtain on what a comprehensive financial strategy actually looks like. If you've been told you have a plan but are only focusing on investment returns, you might be building on an unstable foundation—because a true, holistic roadmap requires balancing six interconnected pillars to serve your actual life, not just your accounts. Building a Strong Financial Foundation The "Live, Give, Owe, Grow" Framework: Brad and Tim break down the true scope of cash flow management, showing you how to structuralize your monthly expenses, debt, and giving so that every incoming dollar has a clear purpose to improve your quality of life. Retiring to Purpose, Not Just From Work: Discover why 70% of retirement concerns are actually psychological rather than financial, and how to visually map out your income transitions so you can confidently shift your focus toward living a meaningful life. Concentration vs. Preservation: Learn why wealth is built through concentrated efforts—like a family farm, real estate, or corporate business—but preserved through deep diversification across alternative asset classes to shield your lifestyle from down market shocks. Before you face your next major life transition, join Tim and Brad to stress-test your current strategy and learn how solidifying these first three pillars can trade financial fog for total peace of mind.

April 16, 202620 min

The Master’s Mindset: Navigating Market Volatility and Sticking to Your Game Plan (Ep. 66)

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.

April 1, 202621 min

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.

March 25, 202627 min

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.

February 27, 202619 min

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.

February 17, 202622 min

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.

January 30, 202624 min

The RRSP Meltdown Strategy: Why Too Much Retirement Savings Can Be a Tax Trap (Ep. 61)

Tim Borody and Brad Smith are back in the studio during a frigid Ontario January to kick off the new year by tackling the "taboo" of asking simple financial questions. They dive deep into why true financial well-being isn't about knowing every nitty-gritty detail, but about gaining the clarity and confidence to make wise decisions—even if that means asking the same question every single year. The Myth of "Unlimited" RRSPs: Tim and Brad explain how the old advice of "just keep loading up" RRSPs can backfire, leading to forced withdrawals and higher tax brackets in retirement than during your working years. Understanding the RRSP/RIFF Meltdown: Learn the mechanics of a "meltdown" strategy—shifting assets from taxable RRSPs into tax-free environments like TFSAs to smooth out your lifetime tax bill and protect your estate. Creating Flexible "Pots" of Capital: Discover why having multiple pools of capital—rather than just one big RRSP—gives you the freedom to fund big-ticket dreams, like an Alaskan cruise, without losing half your withdrawal to the CRA. As you look at your own retirement accounts this year, join Tim and Brad to see how a life-centered approach to tax planning can provide the contentment that comes from knowing you're in control of your financial future.

January 15, 202619 min

A Life-Centered Look Ahead: Navigating Your Financial Journey in 2026 (Ep. 60)

Tim Borody and Brad Smith are back in the studio for another episode of Your Life and Money to kickstart the new year with the energy and insight you need to make 2026 your best year yet. As they settle back in after a "chill" holiday season focused on family and recharging, they dive into why financial planning is never just about the numbers—it’s about aligning your money with your deepest values and priorities because, at Advice First, we know that life is not a rehearsal. Kicking Off 2026 with Tim and Brad Market Resilience and the Value of Diversification: Tim and Brad reflect on the surprising strength of the 2025 markets and discuss why diversifying portfolios outside of the US into regions like Canada, Europe, and Asia may be the strategic move for 2026. Investing in Team Continuity and Succession: Brad shares the philosophy behind adding a new team member this year, emphasizing a long-term, 5-to-7-year mentorship process to ensure client families receive stable, high-quality advice for generations to come. A New Mission for Financial Literacy: Tim reveals his 2026 goal to release accessible social media videos and podcast segments that break down financial fundamentals, helping Canadians move past the fear of asking "simple" questions to make more confident decisions. As we step into this new year, join Tim and Brad to discover how these new initiatives and strategic shifts can help you gain total clarity on your journey and answer the most important question: "How much is enough for the life you want to lead?"