The Financial Long Game

Are you approaching retirement? In this episode Shelly discusses the ten considerations before you close the “work” chapter of your life. Everything from CPP, pension splitting, budgeting and tax strategies, we cover some of the key areas you should consider before you start this new chapter.--Follow The Financial Long Game:Website - http://odlumbrown.com/FinancialLongGameApple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-financial-long-game/id1723891225Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1rHyrg4b5Eq5EGJ8EiHksNAmazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f1fa0b03-e006-42b3-914a-e91e50644f43/the-financial-long-gameFollow Shelly Appleton-Benko:Website - https://www.odlumbrown.com/advisors/advisor-detail/shelly-appleton-benkoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellyappletonbenko/?originalSubdomain=caFollow Odlum Brown:Website - https://www.odlumbrown.com/X - https://twitter.com/Odlum_BrownLinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/company/odlum-brown-limitedInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/odlumbrown/

PGA pro and serial entrepreneur Matt Palsenbarg joins The Financial Long Game to share how discipline, resilience and smart decision‑making shape long‑term success — in business and on the course. He explores the power of leaning on the skills of experts around him, pursuing big ideas and building the mindset needed to stay focused under pressure and create something that lasts.

This week's episode explores why clear and confident financial choices are essential both individually and within a relationship. We break down the personal habits, beliefs and money stories that quietly guide our decisions, often without us realizing it. Then we look at how those individual patterns show up when two people try to build a life together.From transparency and shared goals to navigating debt, spending differences and long‑term planning, we highlight the conversations that strengthen trust instead of creating tension. This isn’t about judgment or perfection, instead building greater awareness, honesty and working as a team. Whether you’re single, dating or decades into a partnership, this episode offers practical guidance for making money a source of clarity rather than conflict.

Most people don’t procrastinate with their finances because they don’t care – they wait because they’re unsure. In this episode of The Financial Long Game, your host Shelly Appleton-Benko explores the hidden costs of delay: lost time, missed opportunities and the mental weight of unfinished decisions, offering a simple, realistic framework for moving forward without overwhelm.

Chasing a dream means more than ambition – it’s about what it really takes to pursue passion at the highest level. This episode explores how financial realities intertwine with resilience, risk and reward, reminding us that finance isn’t just numbers, but the dreams those numbers make possible.

Salary, dividends, CDA – incorporation isn’t just paperwork, it’s a strategy. Ready to unlock it? In this episode, CPA Denise Wong explains how to pay yourself, tap into tax free dividends, and use advanced planning tools to grow beyond the numbers.

NYT bestselling author and legacy architect Craig Kielburger reveals the lessons behind a lifetime of service—from launching a movement at 12 to partnering with Martin Luther King III. A conversation about purpose, impact, and the power of everyday choices.Follow Craig Kielburger:Website - https://www.craigkielburger.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-kielburgerInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/craigkielburger/Wikipediia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Kielburger

No will? You’re not alone — but you are taking a risk.In this week’s episode of The Financial Long Game, Shelly Appleton-Benko and Aleksandra Mihailovic from KSW Lawyers break down why every Canadian adult needs a will, what happens if you don’t have one, and how to make estate planning easier (and even digital).

Thinking of adding someone to your bank account to “make things easier”? It might not be that simple. On the latest episode of The Financial Long Game, we break down the risks, benefits and what to do before signing anything.--*Odlum Brown Financial Services Limited (OBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Odlum Brown Limited offering life insurance products as well as tax, retirement, estate and financial planning services exclusively to Odlum Brown clients. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, financial or other advice. Recipients of this information are expressly cautioned to seek the advice of professional advisors, as applicable, before acting on any part of the information provided herein. The information presented, while obtained from sources we believe reliable, is checked but not guaranteed against errors or omissions.

In this special Community Spotlight episode of The Financial Long Game, host Shelly Appleton-Benko sits down to chat with Surrey firefighter Dylan Van Rooyen about how the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society turns generosity into meaningful community change—one act, one dollar, one life at a time.

On this week’s episode of The Financial Long Game, I’m joined by Kanchan Dhahan, head of the Family Law Group at KSW Lawyers, to talk about the financial and legal realities of separation and divorce. We cover everything from what to do in the first 30 days, to dividing assets, updating your will, handling custody (even of pets!), and what people often overlook in settlement and tax planning. If you or someone you know is suddenly single, this episode is packed with practical guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Financial Long Game, Shelly sits down with Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh who shares her powerful story of leaving a difficult marriage marked by emotional and financial control. Together, they explore the realities of becoming suddenly single, the importance of financial awareness in relationships, and how to protect – and rebuild – your financial future.Odlum Brown Financial Services Limited (OBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Odlum Brown Limited offering life insurance products as well as tax, retirement, estate and financial planning services exclusively to Odlum Brown clients. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, financial or other advice. Recipients of this information are expressly cautioned to seek the advice of professional advisors, as applicable, before acting on any part of the information provided herein. The information presented, while obtained from sources we believe reliable, is checked but not guaranteed against errors or omissions. Through OBFSL, we offer a variety of coverage options from many of Canada’s top insurance companies tailored to suit clients’ individual needs. Our licensed professionals are here to help you assess your position and implement customized recommendations to meet your individual circumstances and needs. For more information, please contact your Odlum Brown Investment Advisor or Portfolio Manager.

Is real estate just a big game of Monopoly? In this fun and insightful episode of The Financial Long Game, Shelly teams up with Realtors Trevor Beauchamp and Jay McInnes to explore the surprising ways the classic board game reflects the real housing market. From landing on luxury taxes to chasing Park Place, they dive into investing strategies, market challenges, and how today’s buyers can get in the game—and maybe even win it.

On this season’s final episode, we are debunking some of the biggest money myths out there! Ever heard that a high income guarantees wealth? Or that the stock market is a no-go for your retirement cash? We're taking aim at these common "truths" that could be holding your finances hostage. Join us as we bust open misconceptions about budgeting, the elusive art of timing the market and whether you really need to be debt-free before investing. Tune in – your wallet will thank you!

Canada's big banks are often seen as the ultimate "safe investment," but are they truly bulletproof? On this episode of the Financial Long Game, Odlum Brown Equity Analyst Benjamin Sinclair returns to unveil the "hidden gems" of the financial services sector that often fly under the radar. We'll explore compelling opportunities in exchanges, private equity and credit, and fintech, discussing why these often-overlooked areas deserve a closer look in your portfolio for true diversification and long-term growth.

Thinking of selling your U.S. real estate or dreaming of a future purchase? The tax implications for Canadians can be complex. Join us as James Smeaton, Tax and Estate Planner from our Financial Planning team,* breaks down everything you need to know. From smart ownership strategies to consider before you buy, to the tax consequences of selling or renting, and even estate planning considerations for your U.S. assets, learn how to confidently navigate the cross-border tax landscape and make informed decisions about your U.S. real estate ventures.Find your U.S. Entry & Exit Record here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/search/history-search *Odlum Brown Financial Services Limited (OBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Odlum Brown Limited offering life insurance products as well as tax, retirement, estate and financial planning services exclusively to Odlum Brown clients. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, financial or other advice. Recipients of this information are expressly cautioned to seek the advice of professional advisors, as applicable, before acting on any part of the information provided herein. The information presented, while obtained from sources we believe reliable, is checked but not guaranteed against errors or omissions.

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and if that includes moving in with your partner, planning a wedding or welcoming an in-law into the family, this episode is for you. Family lawyer Andrea Swabuk-Moe shares her expertise on cohabitation agreements, explaining how they can provide clarity, protect your assets and ultimately strengthen your relationship by addressing important financial expectations upfront. Tune in to learn how to navigate these important conversations with your partner or your children who plan on tying the knot, in a way that fosters open communication and avoids unnecessary conflict down the road.

It's time to treat your health like your greatest asset! This week, we dive into why "health is wealth" is more than just a saying, especially as you look toward the future! Join Shelly and expert Heather Ramsbottom as we explore practical strategies for physical activity, nourishing nutrition, and effective stress management to help you make the most of every stage of life. We'll explore why prioritizing your well-being now is crucial, especially when you envision enjoying those retirement dreams. Tune in for simple yet powerful steps you can take right now to boost your well-being and build a healthier, happier you for all the years to come. Find more helpful tips from Heather here: https://pitraining.ca/blog/

Join us for a Crypto Face-Off moderated by Director, Equity Analyst, Steven Zicherman, with Odlum Brown. In this gameshow-style episode, our guests put their crypto knowledge to the test, tackling everything from blockchain basics to the risks of digital assets, tax implications and the impact of decentralization. It’s a fun and fast-paced dive into the world of cryptocurrency—we cover the basics, so you are prepared for your next dinner table crypto discussion. Tune in and put your crypto knowledge to the test!

Stress-Free Estate Planning Using Insurance– perhaps an oxymoron? Dealing with an estate can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. So, is it possible to make the process stress free? In this episode, we discuss how insurance can be used to simplify and protect your assets.This week we are joined by Debbie Stuart, Estate and Insurance Planner with our Financial Planning team,* to cover the greatest costs for an estate, how insurance can prevent the forced sale of assets, and ways to minimize the tax burden on your estate and family. While "stress-free estate planning using insurance" might sound improbable, the right approach can make all the difference.--Follow Debbie Stuart:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-stuart-clu%C2%AE-chs%E2%84%A2-tep-cfp%C2%AE-cea-a521b579/?originalSubdomain=caOdlum Brown Financial Services Limited (OBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Odlum Brown Limited offering life insurance products as well as tax, retirement, estate and financial planning services exclusively to Odlum Brown clients. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide tax, legal, financial or other advice. Recipients of this information are expressly cautioned to seek the advice of professional advisors, as applicable, before acting on any part of the information provided herein. The information presented, while obtained from sources we believe reliable, is checked but not guaranteed against errors or omissions. Through OBFSL, we offer a variety of coverage options from many of Canada’s top insurance companies tailored to suit clients’ individual needs. Our licensed professionals are here to help you assess your position and implement customized recommendations to meet your individual circumstances and needs. For more information, please contact your Odlum Brown Investment Advisor or Portfolio Manager.