Episodios

  • What a Wealthy Life Really Means: Rob Carrick on Freedom, Planning, and Building Long Term Wealth
    Apr 7 2026

    This episode features a powerful conversation with Rob Carrick, nationally recognized personal finance journalist and former Globe and Mail columnist, as he joins Sybil Verch on The Wealthy Life Podcast to explore what it truly means to live a wealthy life.

    Together, they challenge the idea that wealth is defined by income, net worth, or keeping up appearances. Instead, they dive into the real drivers of financial well‑being for Canadians—freedom, flexibility, confidence, and peace of mind. From retirement readiness and long‑term investing to housing decisions, pensions, and the evolving value of financial planning, this discussion is practical, grounded, and refreshingly honest.

    Rob shares thoughtful insights drawn from decades of reporting on personal finance, helping listeners better understand how consistent saving, diversified low‑cost investing, and avoiding financial overextension can support long‑term goals and reduce stress. The conversation also highlights why financial advice and accountability matter more than ever in an increasingly complex world.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:• What living a wealthy life really means beyond income and assets• Why financial freedom and flexibility are key to long‑term success• How early and consistent saving builds confidence over time• Why saving anything is better than saving nothing• The role of employer pensions and automatic saving• A balanced perspective on renting versus home ownership• Why overextending financially can limit future choices• How diversified, low‑cost investing supports long‑term goals• Why financial planning is more important than ever• The real value of advice, accountability, and peace of mind

    Whether you’re just starting out, planning for retirement, or reassessing your financial path, this episode offers clear, thoughtful guidance to help you make better financial decisions and align your money with the life you want to live.

    🎧 Listen now and redefine what wealth means to you.

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    31 m
  • Cross-Border Clarity: Essential Steps for Moving from the U.S. to Canada
    Mar 24 2026

    Thinking about moving from the United States to Canada but not sure what you need to plan for before making the move?

    In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, Sybil Verch sits down with Harps Sandhu, Cross Border Advisor and author of Welcome Home, Eh?, to break down exactly what you need to know before relocating from the United States to Canada.

    From immigration and tax residency rules to healthcare access, retirement accounts, and avoiding double taxation, this conversation is a must listen for anyone planning a move north.

    You will learn:

    •The key steps to take before moving from the U.S. to Canada

    •How Canadian and U.S. tax systems differ and how to avoid double taxation

    •Why immigration status and tax residency planning matter

    •What happens to U.S. retirement accounts, IRAs, 401(k)s, and investments

    •How healthcare coverage works when you first move to Canada

    •The difference between citizenship and residency

    •Why working with a Cross Border Advisor, accountant, and lawyer is essential

    •Common (and expensive!) planning mistakes people make during cross-border moves

    Whether you are relocating for work, family, retirement, or lifestyle reasons, this episode provides clarity, confidence and practical guidance you need to plan your transition smoothly and avoid expensive surprises.

    If you are considering a move from the U.S. to Canada, this episode will help you ask the right questions and move to Canada with confidence.

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    39 m
  • Credit Cards 101: Rewards, Rates, and the Right Card for You
    Mar 10 2026

    Looking for the best credit card in Canada but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, Sybil Verch sits down with credit card specialist and financial writer Cory Santos to break down everything Canadians need to know before applying for a card.

    We cover the essentials — how credit cards work, how to avoid paying interest, and how to pick the right card for your lifestyle. From cashback cards vs travel rewards, to low‑interest cards, to whether you should carry more than one credit card, Cory shares practical, easy-to-apply advice to help you make smarter financial decisions.

    You’ll learn:• The difference between debit and credit — and why it matters• How to avoid the 21.99% interest trap• Smart strategies to pay off your card and protect your credit score• How to match your spending habits to the perfect rewards card• Whether Aeroplan, Amex, Visa or Mastercard makes the most sense• Why cashback cards may be the best fit for most Canadians• When to avoid credit card surcharges — and use debit instead• Insider tips on welcome bonuses, lounge access, travel insurance & more


    If you want to build credit, earn rewards, eliminate debt, or simply stop leaving free money on the table, this episode is packed with the tools you need to confidently choose the right credit card.

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    23 m
  • Before You Pass Away: The Essential Estate & End‑of‑Life Planning Guide
    Feb 24 2026

    In this powerful and emotional episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, host Sybil Verch sits down with Pam Katunar, Wealth Manager at Heart Wealth Management Group (Raymond James Ltd.) and Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, to discuss one of the most important — yet most avoided — topics: getting your affairs in order before you pass away.

    Whether you’re young, approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or navigating a difficult diagnosis, this episode provides a compassionate, practical roadmap for preparing your financial, legal, and personal life so your loved ones aren’t left overwhelmed.

    You’ll learn:
    • The three essential documents every Canadian needs: a Will, Power of Attorney, and Medical Representation Agreement
    • What happens if you don’t have a will — and why dying intestate creates stress, delays, and frozen assets
    • The difference between an executor, a POA, and a medical decision‑maker
    • How to prepare your family for tough decisions like burial vs. cremation and end‑of‑life wishes
    • Estate‑planning steps if you know your end date (including MAiD situations)
    • Smart strategies for gifting before death to reduce taxes, avoid probate, and create meaningful moments
    • How to update and assign beneficiaries on TFSAs, RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs, insurance policies, and non‑registered accounts
    • What to do if you’re the surviving spouse or the last living partner
    • The importance of decluttering, organizing sentimental items, and clearly labeling who gets what
    • How to navigate digital assets: passwords, social media accounts, online banking, and loyalty points
    • What conversations families need to have — before illness or crisis makes them impossible
    • How proper preparation creates peace of mind, prevents conflict, and protects your loved ones emotionally and financially

    Pam also shares heartfelt stories from her own family and clients — including the profound impact that careful planning had on a client navigating MAiD and how it gave him peace, reduced his pain, and improved the final months of his life.

    This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to reduce stress on their family, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure their legacy — financial and emotional — is protected.

    Estate planning, wills, power of attorney, medical directives, probate, end‑of‑life planning, MAiD, family communication, financial organization, aging parents, executor duties, beneficiary planning, and peace‑of‑mind financial strategies.

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    30 m
  • David Chilton on Building Wealth, Investing, and Living a Stress Free Life
    Feb 10 2026

    In this episode of The Wealthy Life Podcast, host Sybil Verch sits down with David Chilton, bestselling author of The Wealthy Barber and The Wealthy Barber Returns, and former Dragon on Dragon’s Den, to break down the timeless principles of personal finance that still work today.

    David shares why paying yourself first remains the most powerful wealth‑building habit, how to invest simply using low‑cost index funds and ETFs, and why most people lose money trying to time the market or pick stocks. The conversation also explores how Canadians can reduce financial stress, avoid costly fees, and build long‑term wealth—even in today’s high cost‑of‑living environment.

    This episode is ideal for anyone searching for:

    • How to build wealth in Canada
    • Personal finance basics that actually works
    • Investing for beginners
    • TFSA, RRSP, and FHSA Guidance
    • Financial advice without sales pitches

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • What “living a wealthy life” really means beyond money
    • Why paying yourself first works—even when money feels tight
    • How to invest simply and avoid common mistakes
    • The truth about market timing, stock picking, and crypto hype
    • When a financial planner adds real value
    • The importance of Insurance
    • Why cash flow awareness is the foundation of wealth

    If you want clear, practical financial advice from one of Canada’s most trusted voices, this episode will help you build confidence, reduce stress, and take control of your money—starting today.

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    39 m
  • Let’s Talk Mortgages: What Every Canadian Should Know
    Jan 27 2026

    Whether you’re buying your first home, taking out a new mortgage, or preparing for an upcoming mortgage renewal, understanding how mortgages work in Canada is essential.

    In this episode, Sybil Verch is joined by Kendall Gross, President of Island Savings, for an informative and practical conversation about what Canadians should know at every stage of their mortgage journey. From first‑time homebuyers entering the market, to homeowners navigating mortgage renewals, to those considering a new mortgage, this episode breaks down the key decisions that matter most.

    Sybil and Kendall discuss:

    • How Canadian mortgages work from application to renewal
    • What first‑time homebuyers should know before getting a mortgage
    • Key considerations when choosing between fixed and variable rates
    • What to expect when renewing a mortgage in Canada
    • The pros and cons of renewing with your current lender vs. switching lenders
    • Common mortgage mistakes Canadians make—and how to avoid them

    With expert insight and plain‑language explanations, this episode helps listeners feel confident making informed choices around new mortgages, mortgage renewals, and long‑term home financing.

    If you’re a Canadian homeowner—or planning to become one—this is a must‑listen conversation to help you navigate today’s mortgage landscape with clarity and confidence.

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    25 m
  • From Home to Care Home: Helping Aging Parents Transition
    Jan 13 2026

    Deciding whether an aging parent is ready for a care home can feel overwhelming, emotional, and uncertain. In this episode, “From Home to Care Home: Helping Aging Parents Transition,” we take a compassionate, practical look at the signs that suggest it may be time to explore additional support—so families can make informed decisions with confidence rather than guilt.

    Joining us is Heather Collingridge, Director at Optima Living, who brings decades of experience working with seniors, families, and care communities. Heather shares expert insights on what adult children should watch for, how to evaluate changing care needs, the cost of care and how to approach what can often be a deeply personal conversation with sensitivity and clarity.

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    29 m
  • Introducing The Wealthy Life Podcast
    Jan 2 2026

    What if you could learn the secrets to building and preserving wealth—straight from the experts?

    On The Wealthy Life Podcast, we interview guests on a wide variety of relevant topics aimed at informing and empowering you to make smart decisions in every aspect of your financial life. Things like: reducing debt, increasing cash flow, retiring comfortably, investing wisely, reducing taxes, drafting legal agreements, caring for aging parents, insurance and estate planning, and so much more.

    You’ll hear money tips from both subject matter experts and from really successful people on how they have built wealth and the lessons learned along the way.

    Ultimately, you’ll feel informed, empowered, and inspired—so you can live The Wealthy Life.

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    1 m