The Personal CFO Podcast

Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP
  • 5.0 (17)
  • INVESTING

The Personal CFO Podcast is for Canadian business owners and high-income professionals who want to build wealth while they’re working, and live off it when they stop. Hosted by Guillaume Girard, Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner, the show breaks down investing, tax strategy, retirement planning, and insurance without hype, noise, or product-driven advice. General information only. Portfolio management through Portfolio Strategies Corporation (CIRO, CIPF). Insurance via PPI Solutions. Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep.040: Founder Dependency is Killing Your Exit | Here's What to Do

    In this episode, Matt Harrison, president and co-founder of Horizon Advisors, shares insights on exit planning, building valuable businesses, and overcoming founder dependencies. Discover strategies to maximize your company's value, prepare for sale, and navigate the emotional and financial journey of business exit. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Exit Planning and Founder Challenges 02:33 Understanding Founder Dependency and Its Impact 05:32 The Importance of Sales in Business Scalability 08:06 Overcoming Emotional Barriers in Delegation 10:45 Defining the North Star for Business Growth 13:34 Preparing for Business Sale and Valuation Insights 24:55 Understanding Business Valuation Gaps 27:24 Identifying Value Creation Opportunities 31:49 The Role of Advisors in Business Sales 35:06 Preparing for a Successful Exit 39:34 Navigating Generational Business Transitions 44:57 De-risking Business Ownership Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Need Guidance? Book a private intro call today: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Connect with Guillaume Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Email: guillaume@mwadvisors.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/ Connect with Horizon Advisors Website: https://www.withhorizon.co Email: matt@withhorizon.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrobertharrison/ Keywords Exit planning, business valuation, founder dependency, M&A, business growth, succession planning, EBITDA, sale process, value creation, entrepreneurship

    51 min

  2. MAR 29

    Ep.039: 5 TFSA Mistakes That Could Cost You $500,000

    Guillaume Girard discusses the five most costly mistakes Canadians make with their TFSA, including underutilization, poor investment strategies, and improper beneficiary designations. Learn how to maximize this powerful tax-free savings tool for long-term wealth building. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Video 00:27 Why Use Your TFSA and Who Should 00:50 Mistake 1: Not Using Your TFSA at All 01:45 Understanding TFSA Room and Benefits 02:36 Comparison: TFSA vs Taxable Account 03:20 Long-Term Growth and Investment Strategies 06:29 Trading and Speculative Risks in TFSA 09:26 Strategic Withdrawals and Re-contributions 11:19 Retirement Withdrawal Planning 12:45 Beneficiary vs Successor Holder Designation 15:08 Summary and Final Tips If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Financial Readiness Score - Take The Assessment: https://financial-readiness-score.replit.app/ Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume Email: guillaume@mwadvisors.ca LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

    16 min

  3. MAR 22

    Ep.038: What the Energy Wars Mean for Your Portfolio

    This episode explores how geopolitical conflicts affect investment portfolios, focusing on asset-class reactions, historical oil shocks, and strategic asset allocation to manage risk effectively. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Understanding Energy Wars and Investment Impacts 01:38 Asset Class Reactions to Conflict 05:58 Historical Oil Shocks and Market Responses 09:11 Analyzing Current Market Trends 10:49 Investment Strategies During Turbulent Times 13:28 Planning for Long-Term Financial Goals If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume Email: guillaume@mwadvisors.ca LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

    15 min

  4. MAR 15

    Ep.037: Why Most Businesses Never Sell

    This episode features Gerry Lalonde, a seasoned exit planner and growth strategist, discussing the critical importance of early business exit planning. Topics include creating transferable value, avoiding deal killers, and aligning business growth with exit strategies to maximize value. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 The Importance of Exit Planning 02:31 Understanding Transferable Value 05:13 Valuation Misconceptions 07:01 The Value Gap and Its Implications 09:47 Deal Killers in Business Valuation 12:29 Strategic Capacity and Business Growth 14:54 The Three Dimensions of Business Growth 17:20 Identifying Value Gaps 19:59 Lifestyle Business vs. Asset Building 22:44 Closing the Value Gap 26:50 Identifying the Value Gap 28:47 The Mindset Shift for Business Owners 31:37 Empowering Employees and Delegation 33:26 The Importance of Documentation 36:10 Collaboration Between Advisors 38:57 Understanding Transferable Value 40:10 Common Mistakes in Selling a Business 42:15 Metrics for Business Owners 43:13 Personal Reflections on Business Ownership If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume Email: guillaume@mwadvisors.ca LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/ Guest Information Email: glalonde@xrtp.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrylalonde/

    47 min

  5. MAR 8

    Ep.036: You’re Chasing the Wrong Definition of Wealth

    Guillaume Girard explores redefining wealth beyond traditional financial metrics, emphasizing holistic well-being across five key domains: financial, time, physical, social, and mental. This episode offers a framework to assess and balance these areas for a more fulfilling life. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Redefining Wealth in 2026 04:26 The Global Wealth Pyramid 09:07 Understanding Wealth and Happiness 10:26 The Five Types of Wealth 15:35 Time Wealth: The Most Valuable Currency 17:06 Social Wealth: The Importance of Connections 23:28 Exploring Mental Wealth: Purpose, Growth, and Space 29:34 Physical Wealth: Health, Fitness, and Vitality 31:55 Understanding Financial Wealth: Assets, Liabilities, and Independence If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/ Sahil's Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Types-Wealth-Transformative-Guide-Design/dp/059372318X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v5xpZx4f0rYA0F2W6VAkUCZkfW3LOrVB7EC52UF770E1dY2ZmYoWVYdvj0kUwmcSOfVmt7_KRN1RfUZplEvOzRlamJChfSSAFlvRTDu3okeLvdDkGfLFxTY85ZD5eWPX-_6S4UG3cxOOA9k5yjruX0UULrT_KtIL1xYcp-ry-mVzt4jczQIdcua_qKYqUz-IR5k4fZ_TrqdLyMSyJLEAYqcYBjrcFJLFTZ_gtO6mleIr9nH8ezw-G5r9Zeffb14r.IktgdKYt_xsWaVB-J8kURTWyAqSFr7ovXlpLcU4b3Tk&dib_tag=se&keywords=sahil+bloom+five+types+of+wealth&qid=1772755157&sr=8-1

    43 min

  6. MAR 1

    Ep.035: Canadian Housing Crash or Opportunity? What You Need to Know

    This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the Canadian real estate market, exploring recent declines, regional differences, and investment strategies. Experts discuss whether now is a good time to buy, how to interpret market forecasts, and practical tools for making informed decisions. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 The Current State of the Canadian Real Estate Market 05:29 Understanding the Emotional and Quantitative Aspects of Real Estate Decisions 14:34 Analyzing Regional Variations in Housing Prices 21:43 Key Drivers Behind the Current Housing Correction 31:47 Navigating the Future: Is Now a Good Time to Buy? 32:41 Forecasting Housing Prices: A Comparative Analysis 35:02 Evaluating the Accuracy of Price Predictions 35:58 The Importance of Historical Data in Financial Planning 38:08 Factors Influencing Housing Market Dynamics 39:54 Navigating the Transition Phase in Real Estate 42:02 The Rent vs. Own Debate: A New Perspective 44:06 Understanding the Calculator: Investment Decisions 54:27 Risk Premiums and Real Estate Returns 01:02:17 Final Thoughts on Real Estate vs. Investment Portfolio If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume & Sam LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/ Sam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-lichtman/ Keywords Real estate Canada, housing market, investment strategies, market forecast, housing correction, mortgage rates, regional differences, buying vs renting

    1h 4m

  7. FEB 22

    Ep.034: The 8 RRSP Mistakes Costing Business Owners Thousands

    Guillaume Girard discusses strategic tax planning for business owners, focusing on RRSP utilization, compensation structures, and future exit planning to optimize wealth and minimize taxes. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction: Common Financial Mistakes for Business Owners 00:55 The Role of RRSP in Tax-Efficient Wealth Building 01:42 Deciding Where to Invest Surplus Cash: Business or Personal 03:10 Tax Layers and Strategies for Extracting Money from Your Business 04:01 Diversifying Wealth: Building a Second Business or Portfolio 05:43 Tax Changes and Protecting Your Wealth 06:27 RRSP as a Strategic Tool for Long-Term Tax Reduction 07:20 Understanding Salary vs Dividends for RRSP Room 09:54 The Integration of Corporate and Personal Taxes 11:38 Investing Inside vs Outside the Corporation 16:40 Passive Income Rules and Corporate Investment Limits 22:44 Preparing Your Business for Sale and Capital Gains Exemption 24:28 The Individual Pension Plan (IPP) as an Alternative to RRSP 26:24 Risk Management: Protecting Assets from Creditors 27:30 Retirement Income Strategies and Withdrawal Planning 30:10 When Does an RRSP Strategy Make Sense? 32:30 Key Takeaways and Final Advice for Business Owners If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/

    34 min

  8. FEB 15

    Ep.033: Get Tax-Free Money From Your Corporation

    In this episode of the Personal CFO Podcast, host Guillaume Girard delves into the Capital Dividend Account (CDA), a powerful yet often overlooked tax planning tool for Canadian business owners. He explains the mechanics of the CDA, how it allows for tax-free dividends, and the importance of strategic planning in utilizing this account effectively. The episode covers common mistakes to avoid, the steps to extract dividends, and the timing for optimal use of the CDA. Additionally, Girard connects the CDA to broader tax strategies, emphasizing the need for cohesive financial planning. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction to the Capital Dividend Account (CDA) 04:05 Understanding the Mechanics of CDA 08:29 Creating and Managing Your CDA 14:21 Steps to Extract Tax-Free Dividends 17:20 Strategic Timing for Using CDA 21:09 Common Mistakes and Pitfalls with CDA 26:17 Connecting CDA with Other Tax Strategies If you want to learn how we work with incorporated business owners, book a private intro call here: Book it here: https://mwadvisors.as.me/GuillaumeGirard1 Subscribe to our Newsletter The Personal CFO: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/newsletter-guillaume Millen Wealth Advisors Visit our Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume Connect with Guillaume LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillaume-girard-cfa-cfp-08487170/ Sources: The insights and information in this episode were drawn from Canadian tax guidance and expert resources, including the Canada Revenue Agency and experienced tax professionals, to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate picture of the Capital Dividend Account as of 2026. Stay tuned for more tips on integrating your personal and business finances!

    30 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The Personal CFO Podcast is for Canadian business owners and high-income professionals who want to build wealth while they’re working, and live off it when they stop. Hosted by Guillaume Girard, Wealth Advisor & Financial Planner, the show breaks down investing, tax strategy, retirement planning, and insurance without hype, noise, or product-driven advice. General information only. Portfolio management through Portfolio Strategies Corporation (CIRO, CIPF). Insurance via PPI Solutions. Website: https://www.mwadvisors.ca/guillaume

Information

  • Creator
    Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP
  • Show Website
    The Personal CFO Podcast

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