Barenaked Money

Verecan Capital Management Inc.

Slip into something more comfortable and delve into personal finance with Josh Sheluk and Colin White, experienced portfolio managers at Verecan Capital Management. Each episode demystifies complex financial topics, stripping them to their bare essentials. From investment strategies and financial planning to economic headlines and philanthropic giving, delivered with a blend of insight, transparency, and a touch of humour. Perfect for anyone looking to understand and navigate their financial future with confidence. Subscribe now to stay informed, empowered, and entertained. Verecan Capital Management Inc. is registered as a Portfolio Manager in all provinces in Canada except Manitoba.

  1. FEB 17

    144: New Year, New Forecast: 2026 Financial Predictions in time for the Lunar New Year

    2026 "Predictions": AI Spend, Prediction Markets, Speculation, ETF Flood, Gold, Analysts, and the USD Josh Sheluk and Colin White (Verecan Capital Management) deliver a tongue-in-cheek style 2026 predictions episode, repeatedly stressing the forecasts are not investable. They expect more clarity on whether the hundreds of billions spent building AI infrastructure will pay off, with Colin suggesting over 50% of early AI investment may “disappear” within 18 months as hype fades. They predict prediction markets (Polymarket, Kalshi) will surge, debate whether regulation will quickly constrain them, and highlight how easily bets can be manipulated. They predict speculative assets - unprofitable/no-revenue companies, AI/quantum themes, crypto, meme/alt coins - will be punished as risk appetite shifts. Josh predicts 2026 will set a record for new ETF launches (citing 300+ launched in Canada in 2025) and criticizes the growth of low-quality and leveraged/inverse products. Over a 10-year horizon, Josh predicts infotech and the S&P 500 won’t be the top performers, citing infotech’s large S&P weight and the U.S.’s large share of global market cap. Josh says gold is essentially unpriceable and unpredictable; Colin predicts gold won’t match its 2025 performance. Josh predicts sell-side S&P 500 targets clustered around ~8–10% will be wrong again and argues herding explains the forecasts. They also discuss the U.S. dollar potentially staying weak amid uncertainty, mean reversion, and a likely 2026 debate over Federal Reserve independence and leadership changes. The episode closes with a call for audience predictions, a note on advisor compensation transparency, contact details, and standard disclaimers.Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 Introduction to Barenaked Money00:55 Predictions for 2026: AI Capital Expenditures05:40 The Rise of Prediction Markets13:20 Speculative Investments in 202616:58 The ETF Explosion20:02 Long-Term Predictions20:11 Sector Predictions for 202620:48 The Dominance of Infotech23:53 Rare Earths and Commodities24:37 Gold Predictions and Market Psychology28:00 Analysts' Predictions and Market Trends31:08 The Future of the US Dollar37:26 Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement37:57 Disclaimer and Closing Remarks

    40 min
  2. JAN 13

    141: Rob Carrick on Elevating Financial Advice Standards

    Challenging Financial Norms: A Conversation with Rob Carrick on the Future of Financial Advice In this episode of Barenaked Money, hosts engage with Rob Carrick, a seasoned finance columnist and personal finance expert, to discuss transformative changes in the financial advice industry. They explore Carrick's views on controversial topics such as housing markets, Canada’s household debt, and the need for a fiduciary standard in financial advising. They also delve into the democratization of investing, changes in personal finance trends, and the impact of societal pessimism on financial decision-making. The discussion highlights the evolution and challenges of financial advising, stressing the importance of personalized advice, financial planning, and client-centric fiduciary standards. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 🎬 Introduction: Fixing Financial Advice in Canada00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:17 👤 Meet Rob Carrick: Personal Finance Expert00:57 Rob's Polarizing Career00:57 📝 Rob's Career and Polarizing Opinions02:30 Controversial Topics: Housing Market02:49 🏡 Controversial Views on Housing06:20 Canada's Debt Crisis06:20 💸 Canada's Household Debt Crisis10:26 Trends in Personal Finance10:26 📈 Trends in Personal Finance and Investing16:07 Generational Pessimism and Economic Outlook16:38 😟 Pessimism and Economic Anxiety19:31 🧑‍💼 Gen Z's Financial Frustrations21:22 The Financial Impact of Gen Z's Attitude21:22 The Financial Impact of Gen Z's Attitude22:05 The Global Negative Sentiment22:05 The Global Negative Sentiment22:54 Inflation and Its Effects22:54 Inflation and Its Effects24:21 Employment and Economic Opportunities24:21 Employment and Economic Opportunities26:02 The Role of Media in Financial Education26:10 Challenges in Personal Finance Advice27:28 Personal Finance Challenges and Solutions32:43 The Importance of Financial Planning32:43 The Importance of Financial Planning36:00 The Fiduciary Standard in Financial Advice36:00 The Fiduciary Standard in Financial Advice39:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts39:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    41 min
  3. JAN 12

    140: Is AI Shaping a New Economic Era?

    Investing in AI: Separating Hype from Reality In this episode of Barenaked Money, the hosts dive deep into the investment landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). The discussion begins by highlighting Nvidia's unprecedented $5 trillion market cap, as well as the overall impact of AI on the stock market. Guests Matt and Maria from the Verecan team provide insights on how to separate AI technology from AI investments. They explore the challenges of ensuring profitability amid the fast-paced adoption of AI and discuss the potential returns versus the high expectations and valuations seen today. The discussion covers the spending habits of tech giants, the performance fluctuations of AI-related stocks, and anecdotes that illustrate the current complexities and future prospects of AI investments. The episode aims to provide a balanced view of AI's impact on both market valuations and broader economic growth, emphasizing careful and research-driven investment strategies in the AI domain. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 Nvidia's Market Cap Milestone00:23 Introduction to Barenaked Money Podcast01:06 AI: The Hottest Topic of the Year01:54 AI Technology vs. AI Investment04:24 The Financial Implications of AI07:06 Valuations and Market Expectations09:01 Is AI a Bubble?12:43 Caution in AI Investments16:36 The Capital Expenditure Shift18:20 Comparing AI to the Dotcom Bubble24:02 Market Cap Rollercoaster24:39 AI's Impact on Market Valuations25:42 Oracle's Unexpected Rise and Fall28:19 The Reality of AI Investments31:23 Optimism and Skepticism in AI36:24 Final Thoughts and Advice41:21 Podcast Conclusion and Disclaimers

    43 min
  4. 12/23/2025

    Powers of Attorney: Do's, Don'ts, and Opportunities for Disaster with Jonathan Hooper

    The Unseen Complexities of Powers of Attorney and Estate Planning In this episode of 'Barenaked Money,' returning guest Jonathan Hooper delves into the intricate world of powers of attorney, offering essential advice on appointing the right person for the role. The discussion covers the types of powers of attorney, including immediate and deferred, and their specific functions in managing your financial and property-related decisions. Jonathan also highlights the potential pitfalls and legal constraints that can arise, emphasizing the importance of trust and capability in chosen representatives. The podcast underscores the necessity of professional advice and transparent conversations within family dynamics to ensure a seamless transition and avoid costly legal disputes posthumously. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 Introduction: Choosing the Right Power of Attorney00:31 Welcome Back: Guest Introduction01:31 Understanding Powers of Attorney02:19 Types of Powers of Attorney05:02 Responsibilities and Limitations of a Power of Attorney05:49 Executor vs. Power of Attorney08:40 Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions11:26 Planning and Legal Considerations21:43 Avoiding Probate and Tax Implications25:54 Legal and Relational Risks in Estate Planning28:23 The Complexity of Provincial and Federal Regulations30:00 Choosing the Right Power of Attorney33:38 Professional Options for Power of Attorney36:53 The Emotional and Practical Challenges of Estate Planning42:56 The Importance of Professional Advice48:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    50 min
  5. 11/24/2025

    138: Deanne Gage | Connector of Financial Worlds - Insights from Both Sides of the Table

    Deanne Gage on Financial Journalism, Death Binders, and Evolving Trends In this episode of Barenaked Money, hosts Colin and Josh welcome Deanne Gage, a seasoned financial journalist from Globe Advisor at the Globe and Mail. Deanne discusses her accidental entry into financial journalism, her investment journey starting in her teenage years, and her unique perspective on the financial industry. The episode delves into her widely popular 'death binder' series, the evolving trends in financial planning, and the crucial role of family meetings in estate planning. Deanne also touches on her desire for a planning-based rather than sales-based advisory industry and the challenges of bringing more women into the profession. The conversation covers various financial topics including the impact of grief on estate planning, the balancing act of splurging on life experiences, and the importance of addressing loneliness in retirement.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 Introduction to the Death Binder Series00:22 Meet Deanne Gage: Financial Journalism Expert01:31 Deanne's Journey into Financial Journalism03:05 Early Investment Lessons from Deanne's Father04:24 Finding Stories in Everyday Life06:37 Changing Trends in Financial Decisions12:19 The Popularity of the Death Binder18:22 The Emotional Challenges of Estate Planning22:35 The Role of Financial Advisors in Family Meetings27:29 Encouraging Women in Financial Advisory Roles34:20 Balancing Financial Trade-offs38:57 Retirement Planning and Loneliness44:48 The Importance of Planning-Based Financial Advice51:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    54 min
  6. 11/04/2025

    137: April Fong | Navigating Media and Financial Reporting

    Navigating Media and Financial Reporting: Insights from April Fong In this episode of Barenaked Money, hosts are joined by April Fong, Deputy Editor for Personal Finance at the Globe and Mail, to discuss the current media landscape and its impact on business and finance reporting. The conversation explores themes of media consumption, the challenge of navigating misinformation, and the importance of accurate journalism. April shares her perspectives on the changes in financial reporting over the past decade, the role of influencers, and the need for nuanced coverage. The episode also touches on the implications of semi-annual versus quarterly reporting and offers advice on consuming media critically to avoid misinformation. 00:00 The Outrageous Race for Followers00:19 Introduction to Barenaked Money Podcast00:40 Meet April Fong: Deputy Editor at The Globe and Mail01:37 The Evolution of Media Reporting in Finance02:48 Popular Topics in Financial Media04:20 The Role of Media in Heightened Uncertainty05:42 Navigating the Information Overload07:55 The Influence of Social Media on Financial Advice09:05 The Importance of Nuanced Journalism10:48 The Challenge of Short Attention Spans12:26 Sources of Financial News and Information15:09 The Problem with Influencers and Financial Advice20:19 Combating Misinformation in Media23:13 Choosing Media Sources Wisely23:36 The Rise of Online Scams25:42 Behavioral Finance and Decision Making28:47 Housing and Affordability Issues30:34 Quarterly vs. Semi-Annual Reporting37:20 TSX and Market Milestones38:24 Dim Sum and Personal Recommendations39:36 Final Thoughts and Disclosures

    42 min

About

Slip into something more comfortable and delve into personal finance with Josh Sheluk and Colin White, experienced portfolio managers at Verecan Capital Management. Each episode demystifies complex financial topics, stripping them to their bare essentials. From investment strategies and financial planning to economic headlines and philanthropic giving, delivered with a blend of insight, transparency, and a touch of humour. Perfect for anyone looking to understand and navigate their financial future with confidence. Subscribe now to stay informed, empowered, and entertained. Verecan Capital Management Inc. is registered as a Portfolio Manager in all provinces in Canada except Manitoba.