Tag: Advisor

Building Winning Teams with Craig Custance – Part 2 (Ep. 37)

Building Winning Teams with Craig Custance – Part 2 (Ep. 37)

Is the NHL’s expansion strategy fueling league success, or is it a shot in the dark?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos are joined again by Craig Custance for part two of their engaging discussion on his book, “The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams.” They dive into pressing topics like the NHL’s history with salary caps and expansion teams, including the intricacies behind markets like Atlanta and what it takes to build a successful sports organization. Tune in to hear about the surprising decisions by team managers, the importance of ownership commitment, and the transformative role of market presence in sports success.

Craig discusses: 

  • (01:34) The impact of the NHL’s salary cap
  • (04:04) The necessity of league expansion in non-traditional markets
  • (06:57) The merits of shortening the NHL season for better gameplay
  • (08:01) Atlanta’s potential for hosting a hockey team again
  • (18:59) Balancing emotional decisions and strategic trades in hockey
  • (30:12) The influence of steadfast leadership in sports organizations
  • And more

Resources:

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Connect with Craig Custance:

About Our Guest: 

Craig Custance is the Head of Creative Development at The Athletic, a New York Times company. Previously, he was an Editorial Director at The Athletic, where he oversaw the NHL, college football and baseball coverage. As a writer, he spent over a decade as an NHL insider at The Athletic, ESPN and Sporting News. His latest book, The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams was released by Simon and Schuster in October 2024. He is also the author of the book Behind the Bench: Inside the Minds of Hockey’s Greatest Coaches.

Before joining The Athletic, Custance was a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com and ESPN Insider. He was hired by ESPN after three years as a national hockey writer for The Sporting News.

Custance got his start in journalism at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he was hired in 1999. At the AJC, Custance was part of the Innovations department where he helped launch the newspaper’s digital sports coverage. He also worked on the sports desk as a writer where he covered football, sports enterprise and ultimately became the Atlanta Thrashers beat writer. He left the AJC in 2008 after nearly a decade working for the newspaper.

He’s a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism and lives in Clinton Township, Michigan with his wife Cassie and three children.

Building Winning Teams with Craig Custance – Part 1 (Ep. 36)

Building Winning Teams with Craig Custance – Part 1 (Ep. 36)

What drives a successful team?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos discuss the fascinating world of sports leadership and team-building with Craig Custance, head of creative development at The Athletic. Tune in as they explore insights from Craig’s book on building winning teams, featuring behind-the-scenes stories from renowned hockey organizations and executives like Lou Lamoriello. Discover what makes great team leaders tick and how industries beyond sports can take a leaf out of their playbook.

Craig discusses:

  • (01:28) His journey from ESPN to building The Athletic 
  • (06:35) Critical decision-making and the importance of learning from leaders like Lou Lamoriello 
  • (15:46) Why some teams get stuck in a perpetual rebuild 
  • (23:08) Effective ownership structures in sports 
  • (25:33) The impact of general managers and what sets the best executives apart from their peers
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Craig Custance:

About Our Guest: 

Craig Custance is the Head of Creative Development at The Athletic, a New York Times company. Previously, he was an Editorial Director at The Athletic, where he oversaw the NHL, college football and baseball coverage. As a writer, he spent over a decade as an NHL insider at The Athletic, ESPN and Sporting News. His latest book, The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams was released by Simon and Schuster in October 2024. He is also the author of the book Behind the Bench: Inside the Minds of Hockey’s Greatest Coaches.

Before joining The Athletic, Custance was a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine, ESPN.com and ESPN Insider. He was hired by ESPN after three years as a national hockey writer for The Sporting News.

Custance got his start in journalism at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he was hired in 1999. At the AJC, Custance was part of the Innovations department where he helped launch the newspaper’s digital sports coverage. He also worked on the sports desk as a writer where he covered football, sports enterprise and ultimately became the Atlanta Thrashers beat writer. He left the AJC in 2008 after nearly a decade working for the newspaper.

He’s a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism and lives in Clinton Township, Michigan with his wife Cassie and three children.

The Future of Electric Vehicles in Canada: A Deep Dive with Dan McTeague (Ep. 35)

The Future of Electric Vehicles in Canada: A Deep Dive with Dan McTeague (Ep. 35)

What happens when ambitious electric vehicle goals meet cold, hard realism?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos continue their in-depth discussion with Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy. Tune in to explore the complexities and realities of Canada’s aggressive EV mandates and the broader implications for the auto industry and consumers alike. Dan shares eye-opening insights on why the push for electric vehicles might be jumping the gun without the necessary demand and infrastructure backing it up. 

John, Alex, and Dan discuss:

  • (01:40) The implications of Canada’s 2035 EV mandate and economic impacts
  • (03:35) Challenges of moving away from internal combustion engines, the full cost story of EVs, and why some consumers might hesitate to buy them
  • (25:00) The global perception of green energy alternatives like wind and solar energy, delving into the practicality of current infrastructure
  • (34:31) Real talk on the economic reliance on fossil fuels and what steps should perhaps be considered moving forward
  • And more

Join us for an engaging session that challenges current narratives and offers a plethora of perspectives for anyone curious about the intersection of green policy and ground realities.

Resources:

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Connect with Dan McTeague:

About Our Guest: 

An 18-year veteran of the House of Commons, Dan is widely known in both official languages for his tireless work on energy pricing and saving Canadians money through accurate price forecasts. His Parliamentary initiatives, aimed at helping Canadians cope with affordable energy costs, led to providing Canadians heating fuel rebates on at least two occasions.

Widely sought for his extensive work and knowledge in energy pricing, Dan continues to provide valuable insights to North American media and policy makers. He brings three decades of experience and proven efforts on behalf of consumers in both the private and public spheres. Dan is committed to improving energy affordability for Canadians and promoting the benefits we all share in having a strong and robust energy sector.

The True Cost of Gas: A Deep Dive into Energy Pricing with Dan McTeague (Ep. 34)

The True Cost of Gas: A Deep Dive into Energy Pricing with Dan McTeague (Ep. 34)

Are energy prices leaving you bewildered? Dive into this enlightening episode, in which John and Alex Soutsos sit down with the renowned “Gas Man,” Dan McTeague, to unravel the complex dynamics of gas pricing and energy policies.

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos discuss the complexities behind fuel costs and the hidden forces at play with Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy. Known for his expertise in predicting gas prices, Dan shares his journey, insights on energy policies, and the economic forces at play. Discover how large oil corporations influence market prices, the impact of taxation and policies like the carbon tax, and why Canada’s gas prices are higher than in the U.S. Dan’s vast knowledge offers a unique perspective on the past and future of energy in Canada and beyond.

Dan discusses: 

  • (01:48) The origins of his nickname “Gas Man” and his methodology for predicting gas prices
  • (02:04) The challenges faced by independent gas stations and the influence of large oil corporations
  • (09:38) The factors influencing global fuel costs
  • (14:17) The impact of Canadian tax and regulation on energy prices 
  • (20:08) The complexities behind carbon taxes and emissions
  • (24:06) The role of oil pipelines and the impact on the Canadian economy
  • (37:54) Why a country shouldn’t turn its back on fossil fuels and nuclear energy and entirely rely on electric vehicles and future energy sources
  • And more

Tune in to gain a broader understanding of the power dynamics behind energy costs as John, Alex, and Dan unpack the implications of energy policies.

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Dan McTeague:

About Our Guest: 

An 18-year veteran of the House of Commons, Dan is widely known in both official languages for his tireless work on energy pricing and saving Canadians money through accurate price forecasts. His Parliamentary initiatives, aimed at helping Canadians cope with affordable energy costs, led to providing Canadians heating fuel rebates on at least two occasions.

Widely sought for his extensive work and knowledge in energy pricing, Dan continues to provide valuable insights to North American media and policy makers. He brings three decades of experience and proven efforts on behalf of consumers in both the private and public spheres. Dan is committed to improving energy affordability for Canadians and promoting the benefits we all share in having a strong and robust energy sector.

Tax Planning for Leaving the Country with Kim Moody (Ep. 33)

Tax Planning for Leaving the Country with Kim Moody (Ep. 33)

How much of your paycheck ends up as taxes?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos speak with Kim Moody, a CPA and founder of leading tax law and accounting firm, Moodys Private Client. This time, they dive into the realities and myths surrounding taxation in Canada, making it a crucial listen for anyone navigating the complex world of finance and taxes. Join in as they explore how taxes impact not just your wallet but your overall lifestyle.

John, Alex, and Kim discuss:

  • (03:28) The staggering impact of taxes on household budgets
  • (12:20) Global comparisons that reveal tax reform possibilities, like Estonia’s innovative tax model
  • (17:45) Consumption tax vs income tax
  • (22:27) What it takes to declare non-residency in Canada for tax purposes
  • (28:53) The nuances of becoming a non-resident for tax purposes and the potential opportunities abroad 
  • (37:42) The most common jurisdiction people move to when they decide to leave Canada
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Kim Moody:

About Our Guest: 

Kim is a CPA and the Founder and Director of one of Canada’s premier tax law and accounting firms encompassed under the common brand of Moodys Private Client. For decades, he has helped clarify and simplify the complexities of the tax system for his clients, and continues to provide this clarity today. Kim has taken on nearly every prominent role in the tax profession and wants to share what he’s learned with the world. He is an Amazon best-selling author and a regular contributor to the Financial Post newspaper.

How Professional Athletes are Taxed in Canada with Kim Moody (Ep. 32)

How Professional Athletes are Taxed in Canada with Kim Moody (Ep. 32)

Why is taxation such a game-changer in professional sports?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos welcome back fan-favourite guest Kim Moody, a CPA and founder of leading tax law and accounting firm, Moodys Private Client, to discuss taxes in the professional sports landscape. They explore the playful side of what is often seen as a dreary subject: taxes. Why? Because understanding taxes, especially for high earners like professional athletes, can heavily impact financial freedom and lifestyle options. Kim brings depth and clarity to the complicated intersection of sports and taxes. From discussing residency and the taxation of professional athletes across borders, to understanding the strategic movement of players during the off-season, this episode offers plenty of ground-breaking information.

John, Alex, and Kim discuss: 

  • (02:54) How professional sports teams are taxed based on the locations of their games 
  • (03:53) The concept of residency and its impact on taxation for both Canadian and American professional athletes
  • (07:52) The infamous “jock tax” and how it added a layer of complexity for sports professionals
  • (24:08) Strategies for athletes to mitigate taxes and the viability of retirement compensation arrangements (RCAs)
  • (27:36) The high-profile tax case involving John Tavares and the intricacies of the signing bonus tax rules
  • And more

Tune in to gain expert insights into the world of taxes and sports, and learn how these financial strategies extend beyond the rink.

Resources:

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Kim Moody:

About Our Guest: 

Kim is a CPA and the Founder and Director of one of Canada’s premier tax law and accounting firms encompassed under the common brand of Moodys Private Client. For decades, he has helped clarify and simplify the complexities of the tax system for his clients, and continues to provide this clarity today. Kim has taken on nearly every prominent role in the tax profession and wants to share what he’s learned with the world. He is an Amazon best-selling author and a regular contributor to the Financial Post newspaper.

Downsizing in Retirement: Is It the Right Move for You? (Ep. 31)

Downsizing in Retirement: Is It the Right Move for You? (Ep. 31)

Do you find the thought of downsizing in retirement daunting?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos talk about the complexities of retirement planning and downsizing in a real estate market that often defies expectations. Tackling key topics like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, unlocking capital through real estate, the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, and the emotional and financial impacts of losing a spouse, this episode offers listeners invaluable insights into navigating retirement. Whether you’re contemplating a smaller home or considering how to better support your adult children financially, John and Alex provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions. 

John and Alex discuss: 

  • (02:11) Helping Adult Children Financially Through Real Estate Equity
  • (03:26) Downsizing and Maintaining Mobility in Retirement
  • (07:51) Exploring Home Equity Lines of Credit and Reverse Mortgages
  • (11:34) Emotional and Financial Preparation for Losing a Spouse
  • (17:32) Preparing for the Death of the Final Spouse 
  • (20:33) Financial and Tax Implications at the Death of a Spouse
  • (24:33) Understanding Canadian Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes
  • And more

Resources:

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Did you like this episode? Don’t miss the next episode with tax expert Kim GC Moody as he returns to tackle taxes in professional sports and expatriation. Remember to subscribe to us on your favourite podcast channel for more empowering discussions!

Are You Truly Prepared for Retirement? (Ep. 30)

Are You Truly Prepared for Retirement? (Ep. 30)

What does financial readiness for retirement truly mean?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos discuss the often daunting question: “How do you know when you’re ready to retire?” Gain valuable perspectives on the psychological and financial aspects of retirement planning. They explore the importance of a robust financial strategy, emphasizing that true readiness means aligning your plans with both your bank statements and your passions.

John and Alex discuss: 

  • (01:03) Determining financial preparedness for retirement
  • (04:13) The role of committed, non-discretionary expenditures
  • (20:56) The impacts of psychological readiness on transitioning out of a career you love
  • (24:47) The significance of maintaining health and reducing stress as you age
  • (31:24) The importance of having a power of attorney and drafting a will
  • And more

Dive deeper into this pivotal discussion and revolutionize your thinking about retirement. Tune in to align your financial goals with your personal aspirations and guide you toward a prosperous future.

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Financial Planning Essentials for Later in Life (Ep.29)

Financial Planning Essentials for Later in Life (Ep.29)

How well have you prepared for unexpected expenses later in life?

John and Alex Soutos discuss the financial considerations and challenges that come with major life events such as divorce and managing declining health. They emphasize the importance of being financially prepared for these events, including the cost of legal advice and proceedings in divorce cases, the need for long-term care insurance, and the impact of declining health on financial stability.

John and Alex discuss: 

  • How much protection can a prenuptial agreement provide? 
  • What is the best way to proceed upon marital breakdown? 
  • What financial and interpersonal challenges can arise with a second marriage, and why is it important to plan and communicate expectations?
  • Why is it crucial to consider long-term care insurance to cover the potential costs of managing declining health?
  • How can proactive financial planning, including the use of insurance, help mitigate the financial risks associated with major life events?
  • And more

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Financial Tips for Expecting Parents (Ep. 28)

Financial Tips for Expecting Parents (Ep. 28)

Did you know the average cost of raising a child to age 18 in Canada is nearly $250,000? And that doesn’t even factor in the cost of university education! Is your financial plan ready for those expenses?

John and Alex Soutsos tackle the comprehensive financial planning required when starting a family. They delve into the essential expenses and preparations necessary for welcoming a child, ensuring you’re financially ready for this significant life event. From childcare costs to changing careers, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical advice to set you on the path to financial security and happiness.

John and Alex discuss: 

  • Understanding the full scope of costs associated with having children
  • The importance of planning your finances around maternity leave
  • Weighing the benefits of RESPs vs. informal trusts for saving
  • The role of life insurance for new parents
  • And more

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