The Clear Money Mindset

EP 56 Legacy Law Your Guide to Estate Planning - Ashley Harmon Pt. 2

Ashley Harmon, an estate and power of attorney lawyer at Hogarth Hermiston Severs LLP, continues her insightful discussion with Ben. Ashley's experience navigating the complexities of trusts and estate planning brings a wealth of knowledge—covering both the successes and pitfalls she’s encountered in her practice. 
In this deep dive, she explores common estate planning issues, including: 
The biggest mistake people make in estate planning. 
Financial indicators that suggest that it’s time to set up a trust. 
Different types of trusts. 
How certain trusts can help bypass probate, maintain privacy, or expedite asset transfers to beneficiaries. 
The potential fee structures associated with trusts. 
Strategies for second marriages—ensuring assets pass to children while providing for a spouse. 
The role of pre-nuptial agreements in estate planning. 
Essential information for those named as a Power of Attorney (POA). 
Joint finances and bank accounts—their pros, cons, and relevance in estate planning. 
This discussion is packed with valuable insights, resources, and practical advice for anyone looking to build a solid estate plan. Don't miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge! 

EP 55 - Legacy & Law: Your Guide to Estate Planning - Ashley Harmon

It’s a new year—a fresh start to improve ourselves and deepen our understanding of finances, including topics we might shy away from, like legacy and estate planning. In this first podcast of 2025, Ben is thrilled to welcome back Ashley Harmon, a Lawyer specializing in estates. Ashley will explain why having a solid estate plan is essential for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes, reducing legal complexities and taxes, and protecting your loved ones. 
As a lawyer with Hogarth Hermiston Severs, Ashley is passionate about helping individuals secure their hard-earned legacies and pass them on to future generations in practical, tax-efficient ways. Her expertise spans Estate Planning, Probate, Estate Litigation, Estate Administration, Adult Guardianships, and Real Estate. 

EP 54 - 2024 Highlights, End of Year & New Year Planning Ideas

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!

EP 53 - The Business of Building a Business

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 
 

Ep 52 - RESP Breakdown

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.

Ep. 51 - Real Estate Round Table Pt. 2

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.  

EP. 50 - Real Estate Round Table

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! 

EP 49 - 2024 Spring Housing Market Update - Sebastian Schmoranz

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. 

EP 28 - 2023 Tax Update - Josie Hope

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.  

EP46 - Life, Health, Wealth - Balance - Andrew Hallam - Part 2

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.