As 2024 draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on a year of financial and personal growth. In this episode, we explore the major financial & market highlights of the year, offer essential year-end planning tips, and share strategies to kickstart 2025 on the right foot.

We'll discuss:

• How the markets performed in 2024
• Economic challenges and key updates
• Upcoming tax information and rebates
• Practical steps for financial planning in the new year

Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, we’ll remind you of the importance of sticking to your financial plans and maintaining a long-term perspective on savings and investments.

Join us for a special Clear Money Mindset episode as we wrap up 2024 and prepare for a strong 2025!

To incorporate or not to incorporate is the question, a question with no definitive answer. In a world where starting a business has never been easier, choosing the right path can be overwhelming. A farmer or construction worker may have different considerations than a tech startup—but do they really? Today, we’re joined by the lively lawyer Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers. Sebastian will guide us through the intricacies of business structures, offering insights that can help protect both you and your future.

Grab a seat and take a listen as your favorite neighborhood lawyer breaks down essential topics like:

• Should you incorporate? Key advantages and disadvantages

• Taxation and liability considerations

• Partnerships vs. sole proprietorships

• Transitioning between corporate structures

• Family business succession

• Share structure

• The role of a lawyer and accountant in business setup

Want Free Money for Your Child's Education?

In today’s podcast, we’ll break down the powerful RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). This savings tool is designed to help parents and guardians save for their child’s post-secondary education, offering some amazing perks.

We'll cover how the RESP works, the types of contributions you can make, and how the government boosts your savings through the CESG (Canadian Education Savings Grant) and CLB (Canadian Learning Bond). Plus, we'll dive into some lesser-known facts and share tips on how to maximize the value of this account.

Grab your notebooks—class is in session! We’re here to guide you on how to start, manage, and fully take advantage of this account, helping you set your child up for success in their post-secondary education.

Get ready for round 2. The back half of this real estate roundtable is now streaming.

We've got mystery, excitement, and all things real estate! Ben is joined by Rob & Sandra Zanet from Team Zanet Mortgage Brokers, Alyssa Ismail from Century 21 Local Home Team Realty Inc., and Sebastian Schmoranz from MSSH Lawyers. Tune in as we dive into bridge financing, peak closing times, non-negotiable conditions, commercial vs. residential, quirky properties, and much more. This info packed conclusion is chock full of everything you need to know to purchase/sell a home in 2024.

What do you call it when you gather a financial advisor, a lawyer, a real estate agent, and two mortgage brokers in a room and give them a microphone?

Answer: An informative podcast that can help empower you if you are buying or selling a home.

Navigating the real estate market is no joke, especially with the ever-changing climate of interest rates, mortgage rules, affordability, inflation, and post-pandemic recovery. Luckily, we've assembled a dream team of real estate professionals to provide a comprehensive view from start to closing and beyond.

The Roster Includes:

• Ben Davies – Your host and financial advisor, and the overall referee of the podcast.
• Rob and Sandra Zanet – A dynamic husband and wife mortgage broker team with Team Zanet, discussing mortgage rates and today's lending climate.
• Alyssa Ismail – A knowledgeable and caring real estate agent with Century 21, Local Home Team Realty Inc., sharing tips and experiences.
• Sebastian Schmoranz – A straightforward and honest lawyer with MSSH Lawyers, offering the legal advice you didn’t know you needed but will be happy to have.

Expect laughter, banter, and plenty of “aha” moments as our experts share their real-life experiences, tips, and practical advice in this roundtable discussion.

Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s talk real estate!

Spring has sprung and our latest podcast is in full bloom.

Tune in to our latest episode of The Clear Money Mindset, where we provide a spring update on the ever-evolving real estate market of 2024. Joining Ben is special guest Sebastian Schmoranz, a seasoned lawyer from McGregor, Sims, Schmoranz, Hart Professional Corporation based in Kingsville, Ontario.

In this episode we explore current trends in the real estate market. This year looks to be a game changer for real estate, from rates coming down to the return of purchasing conditions. Other things we are musing about include:

• Commercial & Private Real Estate
• Conditions you should include on your home offer
• How to protect yourself from a simple mistake that could cost you thousands
• Appraisals, Overbidding and multiple bidders
• Investment Property Market, rentals & flipping

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional, this episode provides you with the latest information that you need to know to navigate the dynamic real estate landscape in 2024.

Get ready to dive into the latest and greatest tax updates. Josie Hope, CPA with LJ Business Solutions is talking 2023 taxes with Ben. Some changes that you should know about before you file (which now must be done digitally or else you can incur a hefty fee.) Some of the things we touch on this informative cast include:

• Multigenerational home renovation tax credit
• Property flipping changes
• Changes to the temporary flat rate method for home office expenses

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just trying to stay ahead of the tax game, this episode is packed with invaluable information to help you navigate your 2023 return.

Continuing the theme of balancing your money so you can live the life you want to live. Part 2 of this inspiring podcast is now streaming. Join Ben and Andrew Hallam, the esteemed author behind the acclaimed personal finance book "Balance” as they continue their conversation about how to spend for happiness, how to invest effectively, how to boost life satisfaction and enhance longevity.