Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Discover the key themes shaping financial decision-making, from economic shifts to evolving investor needs.
2. Understand how resilience emerged as the strongest guide for navigating uncertainty.
3. Learn how expert insights can inspire clearer and more confident choices moving forward.

Resources

• CIBC's "Smart Advice" Podcast and Website - Website | Apple Podcast | Spotify
• Visit CIBC for more Smart Advice

Episode Highlights

[00:21 ] Season Wrap-Up: The Themes Defining Financial Decision-Making

• Over the episodes throughout Season 3, Canadians faced shifting economic conditions and changing financial needs.
• Host Carissa Lucreziano reflected on how each conversation revealed what people were working through.
• Resilience emerged as the strongest theme as guests showed how steady planning created opportunity.

[02:25 ] Carissa Lucreziano: “In order to build the resiliency of our country's economy, you have to think about things in the long term, and you also have to go with what we're good at, and what we are good at in this country is natural resources.”

• The season showed the clear priorities and choices that helped Canadians stay focused on what they could control.

[01:50 ] Lisa Raitt: Resilience and Economic Opportunities in Canada

• Canada’s economy showed strengths extending beyond the headlines.
• Lisa Raitt pointed out that Canada’s natural resources and innovation hubs as long-term advantages.
• She emphasized how focusing on what Canada did well supported national resilience.
  Her insights highlighted why a broader view helped Canadians see opportunity in shifting global conditions.

[03:32 ] Andrew Grantham: Housing Market Realities Across Provinces

• Housing trends continued to shift as interest rates and regional conditions evolved.
• Senior Economist Andrew Grantham explained why affordability pressures persisted in major provinces.
• He noted the large urban markets remained buyer-heavy, creating downward pressure on prices.

[04:37 ] Andrew Grantham: “What we are seeing there is that this is still a buyer's market. There are still more sellers than there are buyers, and that is putting a little bit of a downward pressure on prices.”

• His perspective gave Canadians a clearer sense of the regional forces affecting home decisions.

[04:48 ] Ian Gallagher: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Succession Planning

• Entrepreneurship continuously reshaped Canada’s economic landscape, adapting it to new technology and ideas.
• Ian Gallagher explained younger companies used digital tools to drive growth and margins.
• He also highlighted how immigrant entrepreneurs brought creativity and momentum to many sectors.
• His insights showed why business owners benefited from planning early for future succession.

[06:13 ] CIO David Wong: Investing Wisely Through Short-Term Noise

• Market volatility continued to test investor confidence throughout the season.
• Chief Investment Officer, David Wong explained how emotional reactions often led to missed financial gains.
• He explained why diversification and patience played a key role in navigating uncertainty.
• The conversation encouraged Canadians to stay aligned with their timeline rather than the daily news.
   

[07:24 ] Aaron Young: Fixed Income’s Role in a Balanced Portfolio

• Fixed income remained a steadying force during uncertain market periods.
• According to Aaron Young, bonds helped offset equity risk and protect capital.
• He emphasized that fixed income still held value for investors at every experience level.
• His guidance reinforced the importance of keeping fixed income as part of a balanced portfolio.

[08:36 ] Meric Koksal: Alternative Investments and Intergenerational Wealth Planning

• Alternative assets became increasingly relevant as investors searched for new sources of return.
• In her conversation with Carissa, Meric Koksal outlined why private equity, private credit and real estate gained traction.
• She noted how longer time horizons supported higher potential growth for younger generations.
• Her perspective showed how alternatives complemented traditional strategies and strengthened family planning.

[10:20 ] Michael Keaveney: Teaching Financial Responsibility

• Building strong money habits early continued to shape long-term outcomes for young Canadians.
• As Michael Keaveney discussed in his episode, giving children a voice encouraged responsibility and confidence.

[10:48 ] Michael Keaveney: “I think it's entirely appropriate and a good idea for children to learn that the money didn't fall out of the sky, that a plan was put together, a conscious choice was made, maybe even at the expense of other options, and as time goes on, the child can have an increasingly a voice in that plan.”

• He explained how involvement supported better financial literacy over time.
• His insights highlighted how even small contributions taught meaningful lessons.

[12:19 ] Richard Voss: Estate Planning and Lifetime Giving

• Lifetime giving emerged as a meaningful approach for modern estate planning.
• In his appearance, Richard Voss explained how passing down financial gifts during a life time creates a greater positive impact for loved ones.
• In his experience, many inheritances arrived too late to be fully useful; Canadians are living longer, and the passing on of wealth happens much later.
• His guidance encouraged Canadians to support the next generation when it mattered most.
   

[13:50 ] Jamie Golombek: Year-End Tax Planning for a Stronger Financial Future

• Year-end remained a key moment for strengthening financial plans.
• Jamie highlighted how timely FHSA contributions could make a real difference.
• He outlined how charitable giving and donating appreciated securities created tax efficiencies.
• His advice helped Canadians enter the next year with greater clarity and preparedness.
  
   

[15:30 ] Dr. Noah Levine: Health and Financial Well-Being

• Personal well-being will always have a significant impact on long-term financial success.
• Healthy workplaces supported stronger performance, according to Dr. Noah Levine.
• He noted employers played an important role in protecting employee well-being.
• The discussion showed why caring for health helped sustain better financial decisions.
   

[17:35 ] Investing in Personal Growth and Future Opportunities

• Personal growth emerged as a central driver of future financial opportunity.
• Scott McGillivray encouraged Canadians to invest in skills and relationships.

[18:02 ] Scott McGillivray: “The absolute number one investment right now in 2025 that someone can make is in themselves. This is the time to up your game.”

• He emphasized acting early to be ready when new opportunities appeared.
• His message framed self-investment as a foundation for future progress.

About Carissa

Carissa Lucreziano is a financial advice expert at CIBC, with extensive experience in wealth management, personal finance and strategic planning. Carissa specializes in guiding individuals through critical life transitions, including retirement, entrepreneurship and relationship changes, offering tailored solutions to help them achieve their financial goals with confidence. Her financial expertise enables her clients to build economic resilience and secure their futures.

Carissa is passionate about empowering Canadians to take control of their finances by providing clear, actionable advice that simplifies complex financial decisions. She is dedicated to fostering financial confidence, ensuring her clients can navigate challenges and milestones with clarity and success.

Connect with Carissa Lucreziano on LinkedIn.

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