The Financial Power Play

Brett Cranson

Welcome to The Financial Power Play - the go-to podcast for hockey families, hockey professionals, and small business owners in the hockey world who want to take control of their finances. Hosted by Brett Cranson from Uptown Wealth Management, each episode dives into the real financial planning decisions faced by those in the hockey community - from managing tournament travel and equipment costs to building retirement plans, handling irregular income, and growing hockey-related businesses. You’ll hear from hockey parents, coaches, trainers, and other industry pros.

  1. 6D AGO

    The Hidden Risk Most Investors Ignore: Why Insurance Is the Real Game Changer

    In this episode of the Financial Power Play, Brett Cranson dives into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of financial planning: insurance. Discover how integrating proper insurance coverage can safeguard your financial goals against life's unexpected disruptions, ensuring peace of mind for hockey families and professionals alike. Key topics covered: The hidden risks to your financial plan beyond market volatilityWhy insurance is a critical component of a resilient financial strategyDifferentiating between term, permanent, disability, and critical illness insuranceHow to assess your current coverage gaps and ask the right questions to your advisorStep-by-step actions to inventory, evaluate, and strengthen your insurance planCase studies illustrating the impact of insurance in real-life scenariosTools and frameworks to help you identify vulnerabilities and protect your goals Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to the Financial Power Play – Why insurance matters in your financial plan 00:27 - The unseen risks in financial planning: life events vs. market risk 00:57 - The importance of insurance to protect cash flow during life's disruptions 01:17 - Quick exercise: Identify your income, debts, dependents, and bills 02:07 - Common risks most investors overlook: early death, long income interruptions, major illness 03:18 - Case study: How a $210,000 household can be impacted by income loss 04:11 - How insurance creates peace of mind and stabilizes cash flow 04:46 - Types of life insurance: term vs. permanent, and their uses 05:03 - Questions to ask your advisor about work coverage and its limitations 06:39 - Choosing insurance based on your specific needs, not product labels 07:02 - Critical questions: What happens if I die today? What's the long-term impact? 07:52 - Action step: Have a conversation with your partner about household responsibilities if income stops 08:06 - The importance of income for funding your goals and the risks of income loss 08:42 - Case study: Disability coverage for a high-earning household with injury risks 09:41 - Understanding disability insurance features and questions for your advisor 10:39 - Assessing fixed costs and stress points through a simple budget exercise 10:48 - Critical illness insurance: what it covers and how it supports recovery 11:34 - Case study: Benefits of critical illness insurance during a diagnosis 12:39 - The sequence of protecting your goals: start with your priorities, then select tools 12:56 - How to evaluate whether you're properly covered and avoid forced asset sales 13:51 - Integrating insurance into your overall financial plan alongside investments and estate planning 14:20 - Action plan: inventory assets, identify vulnerabilities, and prepare for reviews 15:17 - Next steps: get quotes, compare options, and implement policies 16:03 - Final thoughts: Insurance protects your plan, while investments grow your wealth 16:35 - Wrap-up: Build your financial confidence with proactive insurance strategies and book your risk review

    17 min
  2. JAN 27

    Daniel Ciampini: The Transition from Hockey Star to Real Estate Mogul

    In this episode of Financial Power Play, Brett Cranson interviews Daniel Ciampini, a former professional hockey player turned real estate investment mogul. Daniel shares his journey from playing hockey as a child to becoming a Hobie Baker finalist in college, and eventually transitioning to a career in real estate. He discusses the challenges and decisions he faced throughout his hockey career, including his time in the AHL and overseas, and how he managed his finances along the way. Daniel also talks about his transition to the corporate world and his future aspirations. Chapters 00:00:01 Introduction and Early Hockey Journey00:01:48 Choosing Education Over OHL00:03:52 College Hockey and Hobie Baker Finalist00:07:15 Transition to Professional Hockey00:12:16 Playing Overseas and Financial Management00:17:08 Transition to Real Estate and Corporate World Takeaways Daniel started playing hockey at a young age, inspired by his father.He balanced playing hockey and soccer before choosing hockey as his career path.Daniel valued education and chose college over the OHL for personal development.He faced challenges with injuries and coaching changes but persevered.Daniel was a Hobie Baker finalist, recognizing his excellence in college hockey.He transitioned to professional hockey, playing in the AHL and overseas.Daniel managed his finances wisely, investing in real estate early on.He prepared for life after hockey by pursuing an MBA and interning in real estate.Daniel enjoys the stability of a corporate job after years of contract-based hockey.He values the experiences and friendships gained through his hockey career. Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Financial Power Play. I'm excited to continue bringing you stories, insights, and strategies to help you build a financial future as strong as your passion for hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your hockey crew, and leave a review.Looking to build your own financial playbook? ⁠Book your consultation at UptownWealthManagement.com ⁠ Connect with Brett:⁠ LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettcranson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uptownwealthmanagement⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingwealthwithbrett/⁠ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingwealthwithbrett Until next time, stay focused, stay flexible, and keep playing your game!

    37 min
  3. The Mental Game of Hockey: Insights from Former Pro Taylor Cook

    JAN 14

    The Mental Game of Hockey: Insights from Former Pro Taylor Cook

    In this episode of The Financial Power Play, host Brett Cranson speaks with Taylor Cook, a former professional hockey player turned mental coach. They discuss Taylor's journey from starting hockey at a young age, transitioning from player to goalie, and navigating the challenges of moving up through the ranks to university hockey and professional leagues overseas. Taylor shares her experiences with the mental side of the game, the importance of confidence, and her decision to pivot into mental coaching after her playing career. The conversation also touches on the financial hurdles faced when starting a new business and the evolution of financial awareness as a business owner. Takeaways Taylor started playing hockey at the age of three. She transitioned from being a player to a goalie by chance. The journey to university hockey was filled with challenges. Taylor played overseas in Norway and Kazakhstan after university. The mental aspect of sports became important during her career. She decided to become a mental coach while still playing. Starting a business comes with its own set of challenges. Financial awareness has improved since her playing days. Confidence can be trained like any other skill. Taylor aims to work with national level teams in the future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 03:03 From Player to Goalie: A Unique Transition 05:47 Navigating the Path to University Hockey 08:58 Overseas Adventures: The Transition to Professional Hockey 12:01 The Mental Game: Introduction to Mental Coaching 15:03 Deciding to Pivot: Transitioning from Player to Coach 17:50 Financial Hurdles: Starting a New Business 21:04 Understanding Mental Coaching 23:50 Long-Term Vision and Balancing Life 27:02 Evolving Financial Awareness 29:51 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    33 min
  4. 8 Financial Areas Every Hockey Family Needs to Focus On

    12/23/2025

    8 Financial Areas Every Hockey Family Needs to Focus On

    In this episode of the Financial Pod Play, Brett Cranson discusses the eight key financial areas that every hockey family needs to master to stay financially strong. He emphasizes the importance of smart financial planning, managing cash flow, saving on taxes, and risk management. Brett provides practical advice and strategies for hockey families to build wealth, reduce stress, and take control of their financial future. Takeaways Smart financial planning is essential for hockey families.Create a financial system to manage team fees and travel expenses.Automate savings by opening separate accounts for expenses and goals.Track cash flow for 60 days to identify spending leaks.Plan taxes proactively to maximize deductions and savings.Risk management protects income and assets from unforeseen events.Build an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses.Review insurance coverage regularly for life, disability, and critical illness.Use RRSP and TSA as tax tools, not just savings tools.Download the Financial Playbook for Hockey Families for detailed guidance. Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Financial Power Play. I'm excited to continue bringing you stories, insights, and strategies to help you build a financial future as strong as your passion for hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your hockey crew, and leave a review.Looking to build your own financial playbook? ⁠Book your consultation here⁠. Or visit⁠ UptownWealthManagement.com ⁠Connect with Brett:⁠LinkedIn⁠:   / brettcranson  ⁠Facebook⁠:   / uptownwealthmanagement  ⁠Instagram⁠:   / buildingwealthwithbrett  ⁠TikTok⁠:   / buildingwealthwithbrett  Until next time, stay focused, stay flexible, and keep playing your game!

    9 min
  5. Mental Performance and Financial Strategies for Hockey Excellence with Shannon Vit

    12/09/2025

    Mental Performance and Financial Strategies for Hockey Excellence with Shannon Vit

    In this episode of the Financial Power Play podcast, host Brett Cranson from Uptown Wealth Management interviews Shannon Vit, a mental performance coach for hockey players and a dedicated hockey mom. Shannon shares her journey from social work to coaching, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience in sports. She discusses common challenges faced by hockey players, from maintaining composure to building confidence, and offers strategies to overcome these hurdles. Shannon also explores the unique pressures faced by professional athletes and the importance of planning for life after sports. The episode delves into the role of parents in supporting young athletes and offers practical advice for managing the financial and emotional investments in hockey. Shannon concludes by discussing her book, 'The Mental Edge: Developing the Mindset of a Hockey Champion,' and her goals for expanding her coaching services.00:00 Introduction to Financial Power Play00:25 Meet Shannon Vit: Performance Coach and Hockey Mom00:56 Shannon's Journey into Mental Performance Coaching03:24 Common Challenges Faced by Hockey Players06:15 Working with Pro and Minor Hockey Players14:13 Advice for Hockey Parents20:54 Shannon's Personal Experience as a Goalie Mom25:11 Future Goals and Projects27:47 Quick Tips and Final ThoughtsThank you for joining us on this episode of The Financial Power Play. I'm excited to continue bringing you stories, insights, and strategies to help you build a financial future as strong as your passion for hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your hockey crew, and leave a review.Looking to build your own financial playbook? ⁠Book your consultation here⁠. Or visit⁠ UptownWealthManagement.com ⁠Connect with Brett:⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettcranson/⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/uptownwealthmanagement⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/buildingwealthwithbrett/⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingwealthwithbrettUntil next time, stay focused, stay flexible, and keep playing your game!

    31 min
  6. Navigating NCAA Hockey Recruitment with Sean Hogan from College Hockey Inc.

    11/11/2025

    Navigating NCAA Hockey Recruitment with Sean Hogan from College Hockey Inc.

    In this episode of the Financial Power Play, host Brett Cranson from Uptown Wealth Management is joined by Sean Hogan, the Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. They discuss the landscape of NCAA hockey recruitment, the role and mission of College Hockey Inc., and Sean's own journey in hockey. The conversation covers changes in NCAA eligibility rules, the impact of minor professional experiences, growth strategies for college hockey, and practical advice for families and players aspiring to play at the collegiate level. Financial implications, including scholarships and the potential financial opportunities through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), are also highlighted. 00:00 Introduction to Financial Power Play 00:25 Guest Introduction: Sean Hogan from College Hockey Inc. 00:54 Sean Hogan's Hockey Journey 03:15 Coaching Career and Breakthroughs 08:07 Role and Mission of College Hockey Inc. 11:32 NCAA Recruitment and Eligibility Changes 18:30 NCAA Hockey Commitments: Age and Decisions 19:23 The Future of Division III Hockey 21:45 Scouting and Recruiting in Division III 23:27 Long-Term Goals of College Hockey Inc. 25:05 Understanding College Hockey Scholarships 32:15 Financial Advice for Hockey Families 33:41 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Insights 34:33 Conclusion and Contact Information If you' d like to get in touch with Sean, or College Hocey Inc., visit collegehockeyinc.com Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Financial Power Play. I'm excited to continue bringing you stories, insights, and strategies to help you build a financial future as strong as your passion for hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your hockey crew, and leave a review. Looking to build your own financial playbook? ⁠Book your consultation at UptownWealthManagement.com ⁠Connect with Brett:⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettcranson/⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/uptownwealthmanagement⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/buildingwealthwithbrett/⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingwealthwithbrett Until next time, stay focused, stay flexible, and keep playing your game!

    36 min
  7. The Importance of Critical Illness and Disability Insurance

    10/28/2025

    The Importance of Critical Illness and Disability Insurance

    In this episode of The Financial Power Play, Brett Cranson from Uptown Wealth Management discusses the crucial yet often overlooked topic of critical illness and disability insurance for hockey families and professionals. Brett explains the importance of these insurance types as protective measures, akin to a strong defense in hockey, to safeguard against unexpected health issues that can impact financial stability. He addresses common questions, provides case studies, and offers practical advice on what to look for in policies, stressing that proper coverage helps maintain the family's lifestyle and financial health when facing serious illness or injury. 00:00 Introduction to Financial Power Play 00:30 The Importance of Critical Illness and Disability Insurance 01:37 Common Questions and Misconceptions 03:51 Understanding Disability Insurance 05:47 Critical Illness Insurance Explained 07:11 Combining Insurance Policies for Maximum Protection 07:34 Practical Steps to Get Started 09:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Financial Power Play. I'm excited to continue bringing you stories, insights, and strategies to help you build a financial future as strong as your passion for hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your hockey crew, and leave a review. Looking to build your own financial playbook? ⁠Visit⁠ UptownWealthManagement.com ⁠Connect with Brett:⁠LinkedIn⁠:   / brettcranson  ⁠Facebook⁠:   / uptownwealthmanagement  ⁠Instagram⁠:   / buildingwealthwithbrett  ⁠TikTok⁠:   / buildingwealthwithbrett  Until next time, stay focused, stay flexible, and keep playing your game!

    11 min
  8. From Goalie to Grad School: Life After Hockey with Rachel McQuigge

    10/14/2025

    From Goalie to Grad School: Life After Hockey with Rachel McQuigge

    In this episode of The Financial Power Play, Brett Cranson of Uptown Wealth Management interviews Rachel McQuigge, an ex-professional hockey player who is now transitioning to law school. Rachel shares her journey from falling in love with hockey to earning a D1 scholarship at Princeton, and discusses the recruiting process, her challenges in both professional hockey and academia, and the financial implications of pursuing athletic and academic goals concurrently. Rachel offers insights into balancing sports with academics, the importance of financial planning, and her experiences adjusting to life beyond professional sports. The episode provides valuable advice for young athletes and their families facing similar paths. 00:00 Introduction to The Financial Power Play 00:22 Meet Rachel: From Hockey to Law School 00:45 Rachel's Hockey Journey: From Public Skating to Princeton 01:44 Navigating NCAA Recruitment and College Life 10:43 Transitioning to Professional Hockey 13:24 From Professional Hockey to Law School 17:00 Financial Challenges and Family Support 21:03 Personal Financial Tips and Future Plans 29:16 Conclusion and Final Advice Thank you for joining us on this episode of The Financial Power Play. I'm excited to continue bringing you stories, insights, and strategies to help you build a financial future as strong as your passion for hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your hockey crew, and leave a review.Looking to build your own financial playbook? ⁠Book your consultation here⁠. Or visit⁠ UptownWealthManagement.com ⁠Connect with Brett:⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettcranson/⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/uptownwealthmanagement⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/buildingwealthwithbrett/⁠TikTok⁠: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingwealthwithbrettUntil next time, stay focused, stay flexible, and keep playing your game!

    33 min

About

Welcome to The Financial Power Play - the go-to podcast for hockey families, hockey professionals, and small business owners in the hockey world who want to take control of their finances. Hosted by Brett Cranson from Uptown Wealth Management, each episode dives into the real financial planning decisions faced by those in the hockey community - from managing tournament travel and equipment costs to building retirement plans, handling irregular income, and growing hockey-related businesses. You’ll hear from hockey parents, coaches, trainers, and other industry pros.