The Personal CFO Podcast

Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP
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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. APR 19

    Ep.042: The Private Equity Trap: Why Most Investors Get the Allocation Wrong

    This episode demystifies private equity for retail investors, covering what it is, potential benefits, risks, and how to determine the right allocation for your portfolio based on recent research from Vanguard. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Introduction to Private Equity 02:00 Understanding Private Equity 05:11 Why Invest in Private Equity? 07:20 The Risks of Private Equity 13:25 Determining Your Allocation to Private Equity 18:00 Key Takeaways and Conclusion 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/ Cited Research Right-Sizing Private Equity in a Portfolio: It Depends on More Than You Think.

    20 min

  2. APR 12

    Ep.041: Your Advisor's Legal Obligations (And How They Fail)

    In this episode, litigation lawyer Matthew Taylor discusses common claims against investment advisors, the importance of understanding legal standards like best interest vs. suitability, and explores real cases highlighting risks in financial advising, private markets, and investor protection in Canada. Topics Covered in this Episode 00:00 Understanding Investment Loss Claims 02:45 The Importance of Legal Preparedness 05:23 Engaging a Lawyer: Hourly vs. Contingency 08:06 Case Study: Language Barriers and Investment Risks 10:39 Legal Obligations of Advisors 13:16 Risk Tolerance vs. Risk Capacity 16:26 The Role of Trust in Financial Advisory 19:05 Navigating Client Needs and Advisor Responsibilities 28:50 Understanding Risk and Return in Client Goals 29:42 Exploring the Growth of Private Markets 33:41 Defining Private Markets and Their Appeal 37:48 Investor Protection in Canadian Private Markets 40:17 Legal Exposure in Private Market Investments 45:55 The Importance of Informed Consent 50:08 Common Investor Mistakes Leading to Fraud 52:57 Improving Securities Regulation in Canada 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 Matthew Website: https://www.sotosclassactions.com/our-team/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewtaylor/ Email: mtaylor@sotos.ca Keywords Investment advice, legal claims, negligence, fiduciary duty, private markets, investor protection, financial advising, litigation, fraud, Canada

    56 min

  3. APR 5

    Ep.040: Built Around You? Your Exit Just Got Harder

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Guillaume Girard, CFA CFP
  • Show Website
    The Personal CFO Podcast