The Financial Power Play

Brett Cranson
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The Financial Power Play with Brett Cranson helps Canadians think clearly when money is in motion. Hosted by Brett Cranson, founder of Uptown Wealth Management, this podcast explores the financial decisions that come with major life transitions — inheritance, job changes, pension decisions, divorce or separation, business sale proceeds, real estate moves, retirement, and loss in the family. With a hockey heartbeat and a practical planning lens, Brett shares conversations and insights to help you slow the play down, see the full ice, and make your next financial move with more clarity.

  1. Jul 14

    The Biggest Mistake People Make After Receiving an Inheritance

    In this episode of The Financial Power Play, Brett Cranson explores why an inheritance is rarely “just money” and why the biggest mistake people make is rushing into decisions before they’ve processed the emotional side of the event.Using the story of “Sarah,” a 49-year-old married mother of two who inherits approximately $875,000 after her father’s passing, Brett shows how grief, pressure, guilt, and uncertainty can all affect financial choices. Instead of starting with investments, he walks through a better approach: slow the process down, clarify the family’s goals, and assign every dollar a job. You’ll hear why the first questions after an inheritance should be about purpose, not products: What does this money need to accomplish?What would your loved one have wanted it to do?What outcome would create the most freedom for your family? Brett explains how Sarah and her family used the inheritance to strengthen their financial foundation through: emergency savingsmortgage planningretirement flexibilityeducation support for their childrentax-aware investinginsurance reviewlong-term legacy planning He also breaks down the most common inheritance mistakes, including: making quick decisions under pressuretreating an inheritance like a lottery winfocusing on one move instead of the full financial pictureignoring emotional and family dynamicshelping others before securing your own future The episode closes with a practical framework for any money-in-motion event: don’t rush, separate emotion from execution, define what the money is meant to do, and build a plan that supports your life—not just your account balance. Key TakeawaysAn inheritance often begins with loss, not excitement.The first decision should be to slow down, not to invest immediately.Confidence comes from having a clear plan, not from having more money.Every dollar should have a purpose tied to your goals.Protect your own financial foundation before helping others.Legacy is about more than money—it’s about opportunities, security, and values.Mentioned in This EpisodeInheritance and estate planningCash flow and emergency fundsMortgage payoff vs. flexibilityRetirement readinessEducation planningTax-efficient investingInsurance reviewLegacy and family decision-makingFinal ThoughtWhen money moves because life changes, the best financial decisions are rarely the fastest ones—they’re the ones made with purpose, patience, and a plan.Visit UptonWealthmanagement.com to learn more about navigating major financial transitions.

  2. Jun 2

    Navigating Money in Motion: How to Make Smarter Financial Decisions During Major Life Transitions

    When significant life events trigger financial changes, making thoughtful decisions is crucial. This episode explores what "money in motion" really means, why these moments are often stressful, and how to approach them with a clear, strategic game plan—reducing mistakes and safeguarding your future. Key Topics Covered What constitutes "money in motion" and real-life examples (inheritance, job change, divorce, business sale, retirement)Why emotions and pressure increase the risk of costly mistakesThe importance of purpose-driven money management over chasing returnsPractical steps: pause, organize, understand tax implications, protect liquidity, review your full plan, and make informed decisionsBreaking money into buckets: short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategiesHow a financial advisor adds value during significant transitionsRecognizing the emotional side of money decisions—grief, fear, excitement—and how to manage itCommon pitfalls to avoid when money moves Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Why Money in Motion Matters 02:26 - Defining Money in Motion and Examples 04:24 - Major Life Events Triggering Money Movement 06:33 - Why These Moments Are Tricky 07:01 - Emotional Challenges and Decision Paralysis 08:30 - The Importance of Slow, Purposeful Action 09:26 - Handling Divorce and Business Sale Decisions 11:25 - Transitioning to Retirement Planning 12:50 - The Biggest Mistake: Reacting Without Purpose 14:20 - Buckets Strategy: Safety, Growth, Income 16:05 - First Steps When Money Moves: Pause and Organize 17:32 - Understanding Tax and Protecting Liquidity 19:20 - How to Align Your Money with Your Goals 20:55 - Practical Examples of Money in Motion 22:09 - Emotional Impact and Managing Stress 23:37 - Role of a Financial Planner in These Moments 25:04 - What Not to Do During Money Transitions 26:34 - The Role of Advice and Coordination 28:03 - Connecting Money Moves to Hockey and Life Metaphors 29:25 - Key Questions to Ask Before Acting 30:27 - Normalizing Uncertainty and Asking for Help 31:22 - What a First Meeting with a Financial Planner Looks Like 32:51 - Important Documents to Gather 33:47 - Rising Complexity and the Need for Coordinated Planning 35:06 - Summary: Slow Play, Clear Purpose, Smart Moves

  3. Apr 28

    Behind the Scenes of Junior Hockey Ownership and Valuation with Cary Kaplan

    Explore the nuances of buying, selling, and valuing junior hockey teams through the insights of industry expert Cary Kaplan. Whether you're passionate about hockey or interested in sports investments, this episode uncovers what it truly means to own a sports team. In this episode:Cary Kaplan's background in sports marketing and team management since 1995The landscape of junior hockey in Canada and how it has evolvedHow teams are valued — beyond profits — driven by scarcity and passionCommon reasons owners sell their teams, including family and passion-driven decisionsThe typical costs and current market values for junior hockey teamsThe role of ownership passion versus financial motives in team transactionsHow teams continue to increase in value due to demand, not profitabilityThe process and discretion behind buying and selling teamsAdvice for prospective buyers: financial considerations and passion as primary driversThe broadening scope of sports organizations Cary works with, including non-traditional sportsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Cary Kaplan and his expertise in sports management 01:08 - Cary's journey from playing sports to sports marketing leadership 02:10 - How Cosmos Sports was founded and its role in Canadian sports 02:53 - The landscape of junior hockey and educational pathways for players 03:48 - The importance of education alongside sports ambitions 04:33 - The spectrum of junior hockey levels and leagues in Canada and the US 05:57 - Key services provided to hockey teams (fan experience, sponsorship, ownership transitions) 07:06 - Valuing sports teams: scarcity and passion outweigh profitability 07:53 - Ownership turnover and passion-driven reasons for selling teams 09:39 - The current market value range for junior hockey teams 10:47 - How to buy a team: discreet process and the role of brokers like Cosmos Sports 13:02 - Diversity of sports organizations Cary works with, from hockey to archery 14:39 - Financing and the importance of having sufficient funds before buying 15:22 - The misconception of teams as profit centers; passion and community are key 16:36 - The impact of demand on team valuation and future prospects 17:47 - The appeal of owning junior teams rooted in passion, community, and love for the sport 19:10 - Final advice for those interested in entering sports ownership

  4. Apr 14

    The Surprising Cost of Youth Hockey and What Every Parent Needs to Know, with Kaydee Duhamel

    Discover how Kaydee Duhamel managed her family's hockey journey while navigating the financial challenges that came with the sport. This episode shares personal insights on budgeting, balancing parenting and coaching, and long-term financial planning—all grounded in hockey’s realities. Main Topics Covered: Kaydee's journey from childhood hockey to coaching her kidsThe financial rollercoaster of youth hockey: budgeting, borrowing, and paying down debtEffective strategies for hockey-related expenses and long-term financial planningLessons learned about maximizing joy and reducing stress in youth sports In this episode: Kaydee shares her early start in figure skating and transition into competitive hockeyThe experience of playing in boys' hockey and later coaching her children's teamsHow she managed her household on a single income while supporting her kids’ hockey pursuitsPractical tips on budgeting for hockey, including spreadsheet use and expense managementHer strategy for paying down hockey-related debt and building a retirement nest eggCherished memories from her kids' championship gamesAdvice for parents new to youth hockey about planning and enjoying the ride Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Balancing hockey, family, and finances 00:31 - Kaydee's early hockey journey and transition from figure skating 01:33 - Competing at AAA and transitioning into coaching 02:17 - Continuing to play adult mixed and rec league hockey 03:11 - Coaching her kids and handling parent-player dynamics 03:52 - Her kids' experiences and their varied personalities 05:41 - Managing hockey costs on a single income house 08:56 - Navigating financial chaos and budgeting strategies 10:01 - The high costs of tournaments, travel, and equipment 11:01 - Living within limits and making sacrifices 12:20 - Creating and sticking to a budget with spreadsheets 13:02 - Managing credit card debt effectively 14:04 - The importance of frequent budget review 15:03 - Strategies for paying off high-interest debt 17:28 - How her financial outlook has improved post-hockey 18:33 - Future goals: retirement savings, coaching, and family plans 19:56 - Advice for parents: start budgeting early and seek resources 20:42 - Lessons from money mistakes, credit card reliance 23:13 - Cherish the journey and find joy in youth sports 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. 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

  5. Mar 24

    Why Buying a House Makes You Poor

    The podcast discusses the principles of building wealth and achieving financial freedom, emphasizing the importance of avoiding debt, living below one's means, and investing the surplus. It also explores the topics of crypto, buying a house, financial independence, and practical steps for financial security. Takeaways Avoid debt that traps youLive on less than you earnInvest in surplus and let time do its job Chapters 00:00 Building Wealth and Financial Freedom06:03 Debt Management and Investing Surplus13:27 Financial Independence and Compounding

  6. Mar 19

    The Hidden Power of Mental Resilience That Transformed a Rob Pallante’s Life

    Discover how former pro hockey player and performance coach Rob Pallante transformed adversity into a mission to empower athletes with mental resilience. Hear insights on the importance of mental skills in sports and life transitions. Rob Pallante’s hockey career and early influencesOvercoming injuries, setbacks, and adversity in sportsLessons learned from a near-death motorcycle accident in 2015Transition from professional sports to corporate and coaching rolesThe importance of mental performance for young athletes and prosBuilding mental resilience as a foundation for successHow parents and coaches can support young athletes’ mental developmentThe role of identity and purpose beyond hockeyAdopting a mental performance journal and mental skills trainingThe future of mental health support at various levels of sports 00:00 - Introduction to Rob Pallante: from professional hockey to mental performance coach 00:45 - Early hockey journey and influences from family and youth sports 01:30 - Facing injury, adversity, and the lessons learned from setbacks 02:40 - The pivotal motorcycle accident in 2015 and its impact on life perspective 03:50 - Transition from a sports career to corporate and coaching—lessons in identity and purpose 05:00 - The importance of separating the athlete from the person for mental well-being 06:15 - Developing mental resilience through coaching and self-awareness tools 07:30 - The power of mental skills in handling adversity and transitions 08:50 - How young athletes can start mental training early—building a mental "four-legged stool" 10:20 - Supporting athletes through the ladder of hockey, from minor leagues to pro 11:45 - The significance of mental health resources and outside support systems 13:00 - Rob’s coaching practice: working with NFL, NHL, and youth players 14:20 - The current landscape of mental health and the need for proactive training 15:40 - The role of parents, coaches, and organizations in nurturing mental skills 17:00 - Common pitfalls: pressure, identity issues, and unrealistic expectations 18:10 - Personal stories of struggling with identity after sports 19:00 - Rob’s reflective insights on his own growth as a parent and coach 20:10 - The value of mental performance journals—Rob’s guided prompts and resources 21:30 - How mental training complements physical skills and technical mastery 22:45 - Supporting a balanced approach to youth sports and holistic development 23:55 - Find Rob's mental performance journal and coaching services 24:45 - Final thoughts: empowering athletes for life beyond sports Resources & Links Mindset Body Bank – Rob’s coaching platform on Instagram 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!

  7. Feb 23

    Why Hockey Players Ignore Estate Planning—and How to Change That with Lindsey Louro

    In this episode, Brett chats with Lindsey Louro, an estate and trust lawyer and avid hockey player, about balancing passion for the game with smart financial and estate planning. Lindsey shares her unique journey from late-blooming goalie to legal professional, emphasizing the importance of preparing for life's uncertainties—both on and off the ice. Key Topics: Lindsey’s story of starting hockey later in life and her experiences as a goalieThe parallels between sports mindset and legal career resilienceWhy estate planning is crucial for athletes and hockey familiesThe impact of professional sports injuries and the need for protective legal documentsThe process and importance of creating wills and trusts proactivelyOvercoming hesitations and challenges in estate planning discussionsStrategies for hockey players to approach estate and legacy planningBuilding trust and connections within hockey communitiesPersonal superstitions and routines of an avid hockey goaliePractical advice for hockey parents and aspiring goalies on equipment and mindset :  00:00 - Introduction to Lindsey Louro and her unique hockey journey 01:07 - How Lindsey got into hockey and her experience as a goalie 03:20 - What drew Lindsey to the goalie position and her childhood stories 04:39 - Starting hockey later in life and balancing it with a legal career 05:39 - Transition from playing hockey to becoming a trust and estate lawyer 07:10 - The importance of estate planning for hockey families and athletes 08:11 - How legal planning offers peace of mind for the unpredictable risks of sports 09:06 - The process Lindsey follows when creating estate documents 09:35 - Challenges clients face in estate planning and overcoming procrastination 11:22 - Building trust within hockey communities to discuss financial and legal matters 12:52 - Talking with hockey players about legacy and estate planning opportunities 15:08 - Lindsey’s superstitions and routines as a goalie 16:41 - Advice for hockey parents and aspiring goalies on equipment and mindset 16:49 - Final thoughts on the importance of being prepared and organized 17:16 - Wrap-up and how to connect with Lindsey for estate planning services 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!

  8. Feb 11

    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

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About

The Financial Power Play with Brett Cranson helps Canadians think clearly when money is in motion. Hosted by Brett Cranson, founder of Uptown Wealth Management, this podcast explores the financial decisions that come with major life transitions — inheritance, job changes, pension decisions, divorce or separation, business sale proceeds, real estate moves, retirement, and loss in the family. With a hockey heartbeat and a practical planning lens, Brett shares conversations and insights to help you slow the play down, see the full ice, and make your next financial move with more clarity.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Cranson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Brett Cranson
  • Show Website
    The Financial Power Play