Unpacked & Empowered Podcast by Marianne Agudo

Marianne Agudo
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Welcome to Unpacked & Empowered + Finances, the podcast that helps you take control of your financial future and personal growth! Hosted by Marianne Agudo, a financial security advisor in New Brunswick and an advocate for self-improvement, this podcast is designed for newcomers in Canada, those who are striving for financial independence, and anyone looking to build confidence in their financial journey. Each episode unpacks real-life money strategies, personal development insights, and inspiring stories to help you feel empowered and in control. Whether you're navigating life as an immigrant, growing your career, or simply wanting to make smarter financial decisions, this podcast is for you. 🔹 Listen & Subscribe for actionable tips on financial security, mindset shifts, and success strategies. ✨ Website: www.marianneagudo.com & www.findingjoywithless.com ✨ LinkedIn: Marianne Agudo ✨ Instagram: @marianneagudo.podcast Let's unpack financial literacy and self-empowerment together—one episode at a time! 🎙️✨

  1. 4d ago

    Mid-Summer Money Reset: A No-Guilt Financial Check-In for Busy Moms

    Summer moves fast - swim lessons, beach trips, gas, and spontaneous ice cream stops! In this episode, we walk through a simple, no-guilt mid-year financial check-in: reviewing cash flow, auditing subscriptions, picking one priority for the second half of the year, and putting your savings on autopilot. We also tackle the "big decisions" that tend to get put off - insurance reviews, investment goals, and estate planning basics like wills and power of attorney. 🎉 JOIN US FOR A FREE LUNCH & LEARN WEBINAR! "Protecting What Matters: Estate Planning Lunch & Learn" Co-hosted by ClearEstate & Marianne Agudo (Wealth Plan Atlantic) 📅 Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Atlantic Time 👉 REGISTER HERE: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7a3e8ac6-c16d-42de-8279-114cfdf781ea@be8cb6fe-42eb-4039-96b9-57eb6cf300aa What we'll cover: • Why you need a will (even if you think you don't) • What actually happens to your kids if something happens to you • How to plan ahead for medical or financial incapacity -------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, insurance, legal, or estate planning advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation. Marianne Agudo is a Financial Security Advisor with Wealth Plan Atlantic, Marianne is a licensed life insurance agent (includes Accident & Sickness) and investment representative in New Brunswick.

  2. Jul 15

    4 REASONS YOU'RE DELAYING YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

    If you're planning a big financial goal but keep putting it off, this episode is for you. In this episode, I break down the 4 most common reasons why people delay important money decisions and how to move past them. Whether you're starting a side project, investing for the first time, or building financial security as a newcomer to Canada, this episode shows you that action beats perfection every time. IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general educational information about financial planning in Canada and is not personal financial advice. Your financial decisions should be based on your personal situation, goals, and risk tolerance. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment or insurance decisions. About Me: I'm Marianne Agudo, a Financial Security Advisor and Funds Investment Representative in New Brunswick. I help Canadians - especially newcomers and families - build financial security through life insurance, investments, and tax-efficient planning.

  3. Jun 19 ·  Video

    I Lost My Father at Five - Here's How It Shaped My Career in Financial Security | EP 26

    This episode is a little different. For once, I'm not the one asking the questions — my colleague and mentor Greg Keith, CFP, Senior Advisor at Wealth Plan Atlantic, is turning the mic on me. I talk about growing up in the Philippines, losing my father when I was five, and what that taught me about being prepared for life's "what ifs." I share what it was like immigrating to Canada with my husband, the misconceptions I think people have about immigrants, and how I went from being a self-described shopaholic to starting a blog about frugality that eventually became this podcast. If you've ever wondered what's behind the mission of Unpacked & Empowered Finances, or why I care so much about financial protection and family security, this episode is the answer. In this episode: Growing up in a tight-knit Filipino family and losing my father at age five What that loss taught me about financial preparedness and protection Immigrating to Canada and the realities newcomers face that often go unseen How a blog about getting out of debt turned into Unpacked & Empowered Finances What success actually means to me today Why education, not just products, is at the center of how I work with clients Marianne Agudo is a licensed Financial Security Advisor with Wealth Plan Atlantic Inc., licensed in New Brunswick (FCNB). This podcast is a gift to my community first. If something here resonates with you, I'd love to hear about it in the comments. This episode is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a licensed professional regarding your individual circumstances.

  4. Jun 5

    Understanding Financial Planning: Tax System, Accounts, and Insurance with 16-Year Advisor Jeff Scammell | EP 25

    Have you ever wondered how the Canadian tax system actually works? Why are two incomes sometimes complicated? What's the real difference between a TFSA and RRSP for YOUR situation? This episode provides educational information on these topics. Jeff Scammell, Co-Owner of Wealth Plan Atlantic and a financial advisor with 16 years of experience, joins to discuss how the Canadian financial system works and important planning considerations. We discuss (Educational Overview): How the progressive tax system works and why it matters for planning Understanding TFSA and RRSP accounts and how they might fit different situations What happens when you have multiple income sources Why life insurance is part of comprehensive financial planning Insurance "living benefits" (disability and critical illness coverage) How to automate your savings approach What to consider before your first meeting with a financial advisor Ideal for: People new to Canada, anyone earning multiple incomes, parents managing family finances, and people wanting to understand Canadian financial planning without jargon. This is educational content designed to increase financial awareness. For personalized financial, tax, or investment advice tailored to your specific situation, consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or accountant. DISCLAIMER: This podcast episode is for educational purposes and provides general information about Canadian financial topics. It does not constitute personalized financial, tax, investment, or insurance advice. All financial, tax, investment, and insurance products are subject to individual circumstances, eligibility, underwriting, and regulatory requirements. What works for one person may not apply to another. For advice tailored to YOUR specific situation, goals, and circumstances, please consult with a qualified professional: financial advisor, tax professional, accountant, or insurance specialist. Marianne Agudo is a Licensed Life Insurance Agent and registered mutual funds representative through Quadrus Investment Services Ltd. in New Brunswick only, and a Financial Security Advisor with Wealth Plan Atlantic Inc. FREE CHECKLIST: Don't have these 5 things in place? Grab our Family Protection Checklist—the essential roadmap for protecting your family before life surprises you. Reach out to Marianne and we'll send it to you.

  5. May 16

    5 Financial Foundations Rooted in Faith | EP 24

    Marianne shares 5 practical financial foundations rooted in biblical wisdom and real-life experience last Saturday in celebration of Mother's Day at Full Gospel Assembly, Topics discussed include: Tracking cash flow Saving with purpose Managing and reducing debt Protecting your family through planning Creating intentional financial goals This conversation is especially meaningful for women, mothers, newcomers, and families looking to build financial confidence while stewarding their finances wisely. Connect with Marianne: Instagram: @marianneagudo.podcast YouTube: Unpacked & Empowered Finances Disclaimer: This podcast/content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Individual situations vary. Please consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

  6. May 7

    What Happens If You Can't Work? The Truth About Disability Insurance in Canada

    In this episode of Unpacked and Empowered Finances, we break down one of the most overlooked areas of financial planning: disability insurance. Most families in New Brunswick and across Canada assume they are already covered through Employment Insurance, Workers Compensation, or an employer benefit plan. The reality is that each of these programs has significant limitations. We walk through each one clearly so you can understand exactly what you have, what you do not, and what that gap could cost your family. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: - Why the ability to earn an income is your most important financial asset - Why 68 percent of Canadians would face financial hardship within three months of a disability - The specific limitations of EI sickness benefits, WorkSafeNB, and CPP Disability - The two hidden risks in employer group disability plans (portability and taxes) - How a personal disability insurance policy provides tax-free, portable income protection - Key policy terms explained without jargon: waiting period, benefit period, and disability definitions - Four riders that can customize a policy to your stage of life This episode is educational in nature. No specific products are recommended. The goal is to give you the vocabulary and understanding to have an informed conversation with a licensed advisor. ABOUT YOUR HOST: Marianne Agudo is a licensed life insurance agent (including accident and sickness insurance) in New Brunswick. Insurance products are distributed through Financial Horizons Group. Marianne is also a mutual funds investments representative registered through Quadrus Investment Services Ltd.

  7. Apr 24

    Stop Comparing, Start Thriving: A Newcomer's Guide to Building a Life in Canada | EP 22

    What if starting over in Canada became the beginning of your strongest season yet? In this episode of Unpacked & Empowered Finances, Marianne Agudo speaks with Samantha Paz y Mino, an Ecuadorian educator and newcomer to Canada, about courage, confidence, community, and rebuilding life in a new country. Samantha shares her journey of leaving Ecuador, adjusting to life in Canada, preserving language and identity, and learning how proactive networking and personal growth helped her thrive. This conversation is especially meaningful for newcomers, immigrants, parents, and anyone navigating change. 🎥 Samantha's 2025 Disrupt HR video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/11765995?video=1095766076 🔗 Samantha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthapazymino/?locale=en  Hosted by Marianne Agudo, financial security advisor and creator of Unpacked & Empowered Finances. Follow her on Instagram @marianneagudo.podcast and visit https://marianneagudo.com

  8. Apr 17

    Insurance Insights: Understanding Critical Illness Coverage

    In this episode of Unpacked & Empowered Finances with Marianne Agudo, we break down critical illness insurance and how it can help protect your finances during a serious health diagnosis. Learn the basics of coverage, common conditions, how benefits may be used, and why planning ahead matters for you and your family. Follow Marianne on Instagram: @marianneagudo.podcast Disclaimer: This episode is for general information and educational purposes only and is not personalized financial, insurance, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coverage, benefits, exclusions, and policy terms vary by insurer and contract. Please consult a licensed insurance professional before making any decisions.

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Welcome to Unpacked & Empowered + Finances, the podcast that helps you take control of your financial future and personal growth! Hosted by Marianne Agudo, a financial security advisor in New Brunswick and an advocate for self-improvement, this podcast is designed for newcomers in Canada, those who are striving for financial independence, and anyone looking to build confidence in their financial journey. Each episode unpacks real-life money strategies, personal development insights, and inspiring stories to help you feel empowered and in control. Whether you're navigating life as an immigrant, growing your career, or simply wanting to make smarter financial decisions, this podcast is for you. 🔹 Listen & Subscribe for actionable tips on financial security, mindset shifts, and success strategies. ✨ Website: www.marianneagudo.com & www.findingjoywithless.com ✨ LinkedIn: Marianne Agudo ✨ Instagram: @marianneagudo.podcast Let's unpack financial literacy and self-empowerment together—one episode at a time! 🎙️✨

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