Tag: Portfolio Manager

What BODES Well For Optimal Aging with Dr. Lynda Thompson – Part 1 (Ep. 40)

What BODES Well For Optimal Aging with Dr. Lynda Thompson – Part 1 (Ep. 40)

Could breathing exercises be the key to cognitive longevity? 

Join John and Alex Soutsos as they sit down with Dr. Lynda Thompson, a seasoned clinical psychologist specializing in neurofeedback and biofeedback. In part 1 of this episode, you’ll discover how simple changes in breathing can enhance cognition and learn about holistic strategies for improving your lifespan and your healthspan.

Key discussions in this episode include:

  • The importance of breathing techniques to calm your nervous system [00:13:15]
  • Brain training and the significance of the BODES acronym for brain health [00:05:23]
  • Insight into supporting healthy aging and cognitive sharpness [00:07:10]
  • The role of diet, especially omega-3s, in maintaining brain structure and function [00:31:20]
  • And so much more!

Resources:

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Dr. Lynda Thompson:

About Our Guest: 

Dr. Lynda Thompson, Ph.D., BCN, is a Registered Psychologist with experience in teaching, clinical psychology, school psychology and ownership of learning centres. She has been the Executive Director of The ADD Centre® since 1993. Her doctoral dissertation (1979) dealt with self-esteem in hyperactive children. Dr. Lynda Thompson is co-author with pediatrician William Sears of The ADD Book: New Understandings, New Approaches to Parenting Your Child, published by Little, Brown & Co. of New York.

Dr. Lynda Thompson has authored Setting Up For Clinical Success (with the Biograph Pro-Comp +/biograph) published by the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe.

She has also co-authored the basic textbook for this area of professional work; The Neurofeedback Book, An Introduction to Basic Concepts in Applied Psychophysiology, published by The Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

Financial Planning for Young Adults: Start Early, Save Smart (Ep. 39)

Financial Planning for Young Adults: Start Early, Save Smart (Ep. 39)

What are the key financial steps young adults should take to build a strong foundation for their future?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos discuss financial planning for young adults. They explore the pivotal role early planning plays in securing long-term prosperity. Learn how starting early and making strategic savings can lead to a more secure financial future.

John and Alex discuss: 

  • (03:28) The importance and benefits of starting to invest as soon as possible 
  • (08:22) How a disciplined savings plan can combat lifestyle inflation and peer pressure 
  • (15:48) Managing social expectations with smart financial decisions
  • (18:05) Understanding the risks and management of longevity in financial planning
  • (20:05) Avoiding the need to rely solely on pensions for retirement security
  • And more

Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking ways to better manage your finances, this episode offers practical advice and insights to help you make informed decisions.

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Trump 2.0: Understanding the Impacts on Canada and the U.S. (Ep. 38)

Trump 2.0: Understanding the Impacts on Canada and the U.S. (Ep. 38)

What can the year of the snake teach us about wealth and prosperity?

In this episode, John and Alex Soutsos discuss the intricate dynamics of wealth management in 2025 amid geopolitical influences and shifting market trends. As global events unfold, they delve into the complex world of tariffs, political leadership changes, and their impacts on the financial landscape, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms driving economic growth. Tune in and discover how global political shifts and economic policies shape markets, and learn actionable insights to guide your investment strategy.

John and Alex discuss: 

  • (02:15) The impact of Trump’s policies on tariffs and trade, particularly Canada’s border security
  • (08:05) Key U.S. market trends, focusing on deregulation and the shift back to free enterprise principles
  • (14:34) Sector insights, highlighting opportunities in energy, autos, and small- to mid-cap stocks
  • (23:06) Addressing market corrections and the importance of agile investing
  • (31:41) Canada’s economic outlook and potential political shifts that could mirror U.S. market principles
  • And more

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

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:

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.

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 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.

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.

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Navigating the Complexities of the Canadian Economy with Kim Moody (Ep 21)

Navigating the Complexities of the Canadian Economy with Kim Moody (Ep 21)

Part one left off the conversation on taxation and policies with new questions to be answered. Discover even more answers to some of those new questions. 

John and Alex Soutsos sit down once more with celebrated CPA and Amazon bestselling author, Kim GC Moody. They delve into the recent unveiling of the Canadian budget, its implications on the economy, and particularly its impact on the healthcare sector and business owners across Canada.

John, Alex, and Kim discuss: 

  • The profound implications of the recent Canadian budget on professionals and business owners.
  • A deep dive into the capital gains inclusion rate debate and its potential repercussions.
  • The controversial aspects of governmental subsidies in sectors such as electric vehicle production.
  • Strategies and insights for financial planning amidst shifting economic policies.
  • And more

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Kim Moody:

About Our Guest: 

The antithesis of the status quo, Kim is driven to innovate new and better ways to do things for the clients he serves, the advancement of the firm, and other professionals in tax. His relentless obsession with getting to know everything in the Tax Act makes him a highly sought-out resource for peers and clients. In March 2020, Kim published his first book, Making Life Less Taxing: Pay Attention To Your Taxes So You Can Pay Less Tax and Build a Strong, Smarter Canada – an Amazon bestseller in a number of categories.

Tax Planning Strategies for Future Estate Security with Paul McVean (Ep. #15)

Tax Planning Strategies for Future Estate Security with Paul McVean (Ep. #15)

How well do you understand the post-death treatment of your assets? Are your financial affairs properly structured to maximize the value of the estate and ensure it is distributed in a fair and equitable manner?  

John and Alex Soutsos speak with Paul McVean, Founder of Astute Strategies Inc. and McVean Tax PC, on the fundamental aspects of tax and estate planning, including strategies for maximizing the value of your personal and professional assets..

John, Alex, and Paul discuss: 

  • How are registered assets, such as RRSPs or RIFs, treated upon death
  • How does the ownership structure of assets impact the tax implications upon death
  • Strategies for extracting assets from a professional corporation 
  • How can individuals document their intentions and assets to facilitate the executor’s role in estate settlement
  • And more

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Paul McVean:

About Our Guest: 

Since entering the financial world in 1994, Paul has gained experience in a number of different areas. He began his tax career at one of the “big four” accounting firms, where he was involved in public accounting, tax planning, and compliance. Paul then gained experience in the fee-only financial planning world with a small independent firm where he provided advice to his own clients, as well as to the other consultants of the firm on various tax planning matters. He also worked in wealth management at one of Canada’s largest independent wealth management firms as Regional Vice President, Wealth Planning, followed by founding and being Managing Director of an advice-only financial planning firm, Astute Strategies Inc., where he provides complex financial, tax and estate planning solutions and expertise to and through financial advisors. 

Web3 Technology in Building Design with Andy McKay (Ep.14)

Web3 Technology in Building Design with Andy McKay (Ep.14)

Wondering how digitizing buildings can lead to better efficiency and reduced operational costs?

Learn the role of Web3 technology in architectural design with John and Alex Soutsos and their guest Andy McKay, founder and managing director of Digital Inc. They touch upon the merits of employing laser scanning in the construction process, the disparate rates of technology uptake in different regions, and how these tools serve in managing facilities and anticipating maintenance needs.

John, Alex, and Andy discuss: 

  • How Digital Inc. uses unique technological solutions to provide greater insights and allow builders to deliver projects faster
  • How digital twin technology can optimize building performance, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings
  • How Web3 technology takes property management to the next level 
  • How blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are being integrated into the construction industry, particularly with digital twinning and asset tokenization
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Med-Wealth Financial Services: 

Connect with Andy McKay:

About Our Guest: 

Andy McKay is the founder and Managing Director of Digital Inc., a pioneering firm in the digitization of property, encompassing Geomatics, BIM, and Digital Twins. The operations of Digital Inc. span across the UK and Canada, with a unique business model that includes collaborating with local companies for onsite activities and leveraging international talent for digital production.

Andy’s professional journey in the property and construction sector spans over 20 years, marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a track record of delivering results as promised. He takes immense pride in leading a team of experts, who have consistently demonstrated their ability to meet the high standards of tier-1 property clients.