This Week's Show

The Simple Dollar

with Trent Hamm

The Simple Dollar

Trent Hamm transformed his life and began sharing the lessons he learned through his website, The Simple Dollar which has quickly grown into one of the nation’s most popular personal sites, attracting more than 600,000 visitors every month. He is the author of 365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money, and writes articles that are regularly syndicated to hundred of small newspapers and newsletters.

Audits and Assessments

with Cleo Hamel, Senior Tax Pro/National Spokesperson

H & R Block

As a Senior Tax Analyst, Cleo Hamel brings a wealth of financial and tax experience to the Tax Advisory at H&R Block. In her role, she is part of a team responsible for ensuring H&R Block tax associates are informed and trained on all tax laws as well as providing commentary on tax-related issues.

She is also the national spokesperson for the Tax Advisory at H&R Block and has been interviewed across the country. From explaining how the Federal Budget impacts Canadians to having fun with Gerry Dee on CBC’s The Hour, Cleo enjoys the opportunity to provide straightforward information about taxes.

Cleo joined H&R Block in January 2000 as a tax associate and was steadily promoted within the organization. She was a tax course instructor, an Assistant District Manager and District Manager before taking her current position in 2006.

Prior to joining H&R Block, Cleo was an independent financial advisor with a broker’s license in the Calgary area.

Drilling in the Cardium

with Frank Lowe, Chief Engineer and Scott Rohrer, Chief Invesment Officer

Foundation Resources Oil and Gas

Mr. Lowe graduated from the U. of A. in Mechanical Engineering in 1977 and has since held engineering and operations positions of increasing responsibility with Pacific Petroleums, Gulf Canada Resources, Canadian Hunter, Cabre Exploration (VP Production and Operations) and Delphi Energy (VP Operations). In addition, Mr. Lowe has provided oil and gas asset management services through his consulting practice to clients such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, MEC Operating Company and Delphi Energy, before joining Neo Exploration in 2006.
Mr. Lowe's industry experience is well suited to the junior oil and gas sector, and building asset value through well executed operations programs, prudent capital and operating expenditures and the exploitation and optimization of production and reserves.

Scott Rohrer, Foundation Capital Corporation’s Business and Market Analyst,  got his start in business working with Hewlett-Packard Co. in 1981.  His 20-year career with HP took on a decidedly international flavour with Scott being involved with HP Divisions all over the world, managing projects and teaching project management skills to engineers and managers on 4 continents. He was constantly focused on the breakthrough—cultural and communication breakthroughs, process breakthroughs, and product and market breakthroughs. After HP, Scott spent 5 years doing international mission and relief work. He was part of the team that took the first shipment of medical aid into Southern Iraq after the last Gulf War. And then, for the last 3 years, Scott has been involved with real estate development and oil and gas project management.
Through his personal friendship with Ron Aitkens, President of the Harvest Group of Companies, Scott got connected to Foundation Capital Corp.  Scott, with his wife and 2 youngest children, moved to Calgary from New Hampshire in February of 2009 to work on various Foundation Capital Projects, including their oil and gas project.
 

Rich is a State of Mind

with Robert Gignac

Taynac & Associates

Robert Gignac is the owner of Taynac & Associates, currently homeless (he promises to explain this...), focusing on personal and financial development. A sought after speaker at seminars across North America, Robert writes articles on personal and financial development issues and writes a bi-monthly column for Enterprise Magazine.

 His is also the author of the International best-seller “Rich is a State of Mind” a novel which examines personal finance as seen through the eyes of a Canadian family. Robert has been a student of the financial planning process for over 20 years and his personal mission is to encourage Canadians to take control of their personal finances in order to have a “Richly Imagined Future”. Robert has shared this message with thousands of financial advisors (and their clients...) across Canada from large industry conferences to smaller client receptions.

Robert’s previous radio and television appearances include “The Money Answers Show”, “Peace of Mind Radio”, “MoneyTalk”, “Money Maze”, “On the Money”, “Boomer Wealth Radio” and “It’s Your Money”.

 Robert’s recent clients include: Family Investment Planning, Investors Group, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, the Financial Planning Association of America, the Co-operators Insurance Group, Manulife Bank, MDRT, Freedom 55 Financial, London Life and the Independent Financial Brokers Association.

Getting the best possible mortgage product

with Christine Mandryk

Dominion Lending Centres Latitude Financial

Christine Mandryk  is licensed with the Real Estate Council of Alberta a member in good standing since April 2006 – as a Mortgage Professional (Broker) – the whirlwind of the 2006 Real Estate Market and “freestyle” mortgage lending of the time allowed Christine to experience all forms of Mortgage financing – Business for self – damaged credit-100% financing-stated income files – rental properties – conventional and insured high ratio files.  The US financial “crash” in 2008 – saw a hugh Real Estate market correction and mortgage lending rules changed.  The money lending institutes and insurers implemented a number of changes and tightening of lending procedures.  As a mortgage professional Christine’s key purpose is to review mortgage options with her customers to find the best possible mortgage product.  Working with over 30 Lending institutes including the banks, trust companies, credit unions – and mortgage investment corporations she quickly saw that not all mortgage products were the same with a variance in interest rates and qualifying criteria.  Christine also saw an opportunity to focus on Women who needed help understanding Real Estate financing and the many options open to them.

As a member of the Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association Christine also saw her role as a Mortgage Educator – advising her customers – first time home buyers-mortgage renewals-mortgage pre-approvals – pre-purchase planning.

With her soon to be release book “The Little Pink Book of Mortgages” she reviews the home buying process in a step by step manner that allows the reader to see beyond the functionality of their home to the endless financial options that are available when you own real estate. The Little Pink Book of Mortgages is targeted toward women and presented as an educational “tool”.

Born and raised in Alberta – Christine is a committed Mortgage Professional – committed to customer excellence and solid industry standards. 

Retire Happy

with Michael McCullough

Western Editor for Canadian Business Magazine

Michael McCullough is the Western Editor for Canadian Business magazine. He has been a journalist covering business in Western Canada for more than 20 years, including stints at BCBusiness magazine, CBC radio’s Edmonton AM and the Vancouver Sun. In 2008, he was named the inaugural Editor of the Year by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association for his work as Editor of Alberta Venture magazine. He lives in Vancouver with his wife, Karen, and two sons, and plans to continue snowboarding, mountain biking and playing Ultimate Frisbee as long as his body holds out

Credit Solutions

with Tom Reid Director of Consumer Solutions

TransUnion.ca

Tom Reid is the director of consumer solutions at TransUnion.ca. In this role, Tom’s primary responsibility is building and managing TransUnion's Direct to Consumer business to provide tools, resources and education to help individuals manage their credit health and achieve their financial goals

Prior to his work at TransUnion.ca, Tom has served in roles at Eaton Credit Corporation, GE Capital Card Services and PrimeStreet.

 As Director, Risk Management at Eaton Credit Corporation, Tom pioneered the introduction of behavioural scorecards and adaptive control software in Canada for authorization management, account management and collections.

In his role as Senior Risk Manager - GE Capital Card Services, in addition to his responsibilities for overall risk management throughout the entire credit life cycle, Tom drove the development and introduction of a dynamic process for account management.

At PrimeStreet, Tom was responsible for developing the business requirements and associated credit risk management strategies for Canada’s first on-line business-to-business lending platform.

Following The Goods

with Adam Goodman

Following The Goods

Adam Goodman is a published author and public speaker, and has worked with companies in Canada, China, The United States, and Germany. Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer and Information Systems from the University of Guelph and an MBA from The Schulich School of Business at York University.

Adam is currently a Program Manager with TELUS, where his current role is focused on driving improvement in business processes. Prior to joining TELUS, Adam was a consultant with Deloitte and helped several large corporations in the retail and financial industries, focusing on strategy and operation oriented projects.

Adam has significant international experience in China from a manufacturing and government standpoint. He has visited over 300 factories in over 50 different cities and villages in southern China, and is well versed in quality control and intellectual property rights violations within the country. Additionally, Adam has worked with the Canadian Consulate General Trade Commission in Guangzhou, China, providing business intelligence and advisory information to Canadian companies wishing to enter the Chinese market.

Before completing his MBA, Adam ran a successful computer consulting company, working for small and medium sized business in retail, manufacturing, finance, and professional services across Canada, the United States, The United Kingdom, as well as Germany. Adam also provided consulting services to the Ontario Government as well as Dare Foods and has worked with both IBM and AT&T.

In 2009 Adam published his first book entitled Following The Goods: Financial Management for the Young and Ambitious and has since gone on to do several speaking engagements on the importance of finance for young people with high schools across Toronto, York University, as well as Junior Achievements. Adam is a contributing editor to Canadian Money Saver magazine.

A Purse of Your Own

with Deborah Owens

Owens Media Group

DEBORAH OWENS is on a mission to engage, enlighten, and equip her audiences with knowledge on achieving financial goals through radio talk shows, TV appearances, speaking engagements, columns, and books.
Founder and CEO of Owens Media Group LLC, which creates financial literacy programs for companies and nonprofit organizations, Owens received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Business Women’s Network.
A popular radio and television personality, she is host and executive producer of “Wealthy Lifestyle Radio,” a personal finance talk show that airs on Baltimore’s NPR affiliate WEAA, and is the Wealth Coach on My Generation TV, which airs nationally on PBS.
Owens is a sought�]after motivational speaker who preaches financial readiness and encourages all kinds of people to build wealth. She has toured nationally at military bases for the Department of Defense and before stadiums filled with tens of thousands with Bishop T.D. Jakes and Magic Johnson on “God’s Leading Ladies.” She has also presented at Everywoman’s Money Conference, Working Mother Media events, and conferences sponsored by the NASD Office of Individual Investors, to name a few.
Owens writes the “Financial Fitness” column for Cents Magazine, and is author of two previous books on investing, Confident Investing: A Wealth Building Guide for Women and Nickel and Dime Your Way to Wealth.
Deborah Owens lives and works in Maryland with her husband and two children.
Women

Vehicle Leasing

with John Sternal

LeaseTrader.com

John Sternal has more than 15 years of experience providing Public Relations services for a number of companies and organizations in a variety of industries. Having served on both the client and agency sides, John has worked with large, Fortune-500 companies and smaller, start-up ventures alike.

John is currently the chief spokesman and VP of marketing communications for LeaseTrader.com, a company that matches a person wanting out of a car lease with someone looking to take over the remaining portion of the lease contract. John has worked with hundreds of media outlets across the country to do stories on LeaseTrader.com, including FOX News Channel, FOX Business, NBC’s TODAY Show, The Associated Press, Business Week and CNBC, in addition to newspapers and television stations throughout the country.

An advocate for the car leasing industry, John also works with leasing representatives on communications initiatives that position car leasing, and the larger automotive sector in a favorable light. He continuously works to find creative and compelling angles that would interest members of local and national media, as well as niche-focused publications.

Investing in Gold

with Scott Carter

Goldline International Inc.

Scott Carter is host of The American Advisor, a daily syndicated radio talk-show program that offers listeners unique news and insights on personal finance, the economy, and precious metals.
He has over 25 years of management experience within the financial services sector and has served on multiple insurance company boards within the P&C industry. Most recently, Mr. Carter was the President of Unitrin Direct Insurance, a property and casualty insurance company marketing products countrywide through multiple distribution channels. Unitrin Direct serves over 200,000 policyholders with approximately $500 million in revenues. Prior to this role, Mr. Carter held positions as President of American Horizon Holding Company and as a Director at Allstate Insurance Company.
A graduate of Valparaiso University, Mr. Carter holds his graduate degree from Lake Forest College and is a Regent for Trinity International University and a former board member of the Woodrow Wilson Council in Washington, D.C.

RRSP Secrets

with Greg Habstritt

SimpleWealth, Inc.

Greg has a unique skill set that not only allows him to be a successful full-time investor, but he also has the ability to teach others how to create wealth for themselves. He truly “walks the talk”, as he teaches principles and strategies that he personally has used to create a significant investment portfolio and net worth.
As the Founder of SimpleWealth, Greg brings almost 20 years successful entrepreneurial experience, in a number of industries ranging from telecommunications, information technology, event marketing, education and broadcasting.
Throughout his business career, Greg has founded, built and sold more than a dozen companies and received number of citations and awards for his entrepreneurial spirit and success, including Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Canada in 2000. In addition, he has been featured in several media including Inc. Magazine and the National Post (Canada’s National Newspaper).
As an award winning investor, speaker, trainer and author, Greg Habstritt has taught thousands of investors the fundamentals of investing psychology and wealth creation. Specifically, Greg provides insight into what truly creates financial success, and had a keen understanding of the keys to mastering money and financial intelligence.
One of Greg's central messages is that the financial industry is not your friend, and that if you're not educated on how to understand money and investing, you'll be taken advantage of by the financial marketing machine. To this end, Greg provides a range of programs and opportunities to increase your financial fluency, and your skill set to create, grow, manage and protect your wealth.
As the founder and President of the Real Equity Group of Companies (a private investment firm he founded in 2001), Greg oversees the ownership and management of a portfolio in excess of $100 Million dollars of real estate assets (both residential and commercial real estate).
Greg is the visionary behind Real Equity, and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. He is heavily involved in property acquisition, negotiations, financing, risk management and value amplification strategies for the group’s diverse portfolio of properties. He leverages his extensive experience in the investment world to bring real-life insight and solutions to his educational programs and training systems.
Greg resides in his hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his wife Raylene, and young son Cooper, as well as their 3 dogs.

A Secured Investment Product

with Ron Aitkens

Foundation Capital Corporation

Ron Aitkens, President of the Harvest Group of Companies, was raised in southern Alberta and currently lives in Lethbridge. He has long held a passion for helping others succeed. That, along with his entrepreneurial prowess, launched him into the financial world 15 years ago.
His beginnings as a Certified Financial Planner led him primarily to farmers' homes, where he quickly realized there was more he wanted to and could do to service their retirement needs. He began looking for alternatives to traditional investment forums and for ways to provide clients with increased retirement income. This venture ultimately led Ron to his current focus - using the power of syndication for individual investment success.
Hear what Ron Aitkens has to say regarding everyday Financial Issues.

Business Plans For Canadians For Dummies

with Nada Wagner

Next Wave Marketing Inc.

Nada is a results-orientated, strategic thinker and problem solver. She brings to her clients her abilities of seeing patterns in complexity, sorting through various scenarios, evaluating potential opportunities and helping her clients select the best strategic route. Once the route is determined, it's time to strike and navigate to success. Nada and the Next Wave Team assist clients with strategic positioning, goal setting, and implementation plans.

Nada's key areas of responsibility are strategy, business planning, signature promotions, marketing plans, sales, and research.

Nada has more than 25 years of senior management experience with local, national and multi- national firms. She has held positions such as Director of the profit centre - Centre of Entrepreneurship and Corporate Development - for Centennial College, Toronto; General Manager of a manufacturing firm in East York, Controller of one of 77 subsidiaries of a European multi-national manufacturer, as well as owning two businesses in the past. For the past 12 years, she has managed professional services firms providing award-winning consulting and training including an international award-winning entrepreneurship program in China.

She co-authored the book Business Plans for Canadians for Dummies – a Wiley publication – and teaches marketing-related courses at Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

Nada has a Masters of Business Administration degree from Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario. She volunteers as a member of Toronto Board of Trade's Program Advisory Group, as well the Board of Directors for the Strategic Leadership Forum (SLF) and is SLF’s VP, Marketing. She was past Co-Chair of the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Awards.

Rich by Forty

with Lesley Scorgie

Author

Lesley Scorgie is the bestselling author of Rich by Thirty: A Young Adult's Guide To Financial Success published in January 2007 and printed in English, French and Korean. Her latest book Rich by Forty, released in spring 2010, focuses on giving young couples the skills to build their net worth. Lesley owns and operates Rich By Inc., a financial consulting company dedicated to providing education, resources and tools for a variety of demographics. Lesley is passionate about encouraging financial literacy, a topic she has enthusiastically promoted through speaking and writing since 2001. In addition to this Lesley dedicates substantial time, energy and resources to non-profits within her community.
Lesley has made numerous television appearances including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Montel Williams, and MTV Live. Her financial articles have appeared in publications such as Men's Health magazine, the Globe and Mail, Unlimited magazine and the Calgary Herald. Lesley works and consults in the finance industry and has been a spokesperson for Government Bonds and BMO Bank of Montreal.
Her early years
Lesley began learning about financial literacy starting at age 10 when she made her first investment in a Canada Savings Bond. Since that time, she has developed an investment strategy that is unique, effective and suited to young people. In 2005, Lesley Scorgie graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in marketing and finance. Lesley believes strongly in making financial literacy simple so that more people can secure their financial future. Her view on wealth is that money gives people freedom to make choices and decisions that allow them to chase after their dreams.
Launch of Lesleyscorgie.com
Lesleyscorgie.com (formerly Richbythirty.com) was launched in 2004, three years prior to the release of her first book Rich By Thirty. The website became Lesley's hub for spreading the message of financial literacy to the world. Lesley has received hundreds of positive e-mails about Lesleyscorgie.com, her books and the impact of her speaking engagements
 

Taxpayers' Bill of Rights

with Mr. J. Paul Dubé

The Taxpayers' Ombudsman

Mr. J. Paul Dubé has been named by order-in-council as Taxpayers' Ombudsman for a three-year term. He is the first to hold this position. Before his appointment, Mr. Dubé, who resides in Ottawa, had been working since 2006 as legal counsel for the Ottawa Criminal Law Office, which is a public defender pilot project of Legal Aid Ontario.

During 15 years of law practice, initially in New Brunswick and later in Ontario, Mr. Dubé was involved in several high-profile homicide and narcotics cases as defense counsel. Mr. Dubé gained a reputation as an effective advocate for all people, especially the economically disadvantaged. Mr. Dubé has demonstrated a career-long commitment to procedural fairness and protection of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In fact, his specialty as a lawyer has been defending people's Charter rights.

Actively involved in the legal community, Mr. Dubé served as president of the Restigouche Barristers Society for 12 years and was a member of the New Brunswick Legal Aid Committee for 10 years. Mr. Dubé was also an instructor for New Brunswick's Bar Admission Course for several years.

From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Dubé served as alternate chairperson on the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board. He conducted hearings and issued decisions related to the Industrial Relations Act and the Employment Standards Act.

Mr. Dubé holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa, as well as law degrees from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Windsor. In 1991, Mr. Dubé was awarded the Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Centennial Prize in Lawyering Skills for his legal practice skills at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Law. Mr. Dubé was a co-recipient of the Canadian Bar Association's Pro-Bono Award in 2003.

A well-developed sense of fairness, strong investigative skills, and sound judgment are some of the qualities Mr. Dubé brings to the position of Taxpayers' Ombudsman. He looks forward to putting his advocacy and mediation skills to work for Canadian taxpayers.
 

Money Management for Young Adults

with Dory Devlin

Yahoo! Shine “Manage Your Life” Editor

Dory Devlin – Dory covers topics related to home, work, office etiquette, money, organization and more. Dory most recently wrote the “Mom” blog on Yahoo! Tech covering technology for kids and families. She was also a writer for Wall St. Journal’s Career Journal. She is based in NYC/ New Jersey
 

Foundation Resources OIl and Gas

with Scott Rohrer

Foundation Capital Corporation

Scott Rohrer, Foundation Capital Corporation’s Business and Market Analyst,  got his start in business working with Hewlett-Packard Co. in 1981.  His 20-year career with HP took on a decidedly international flavour with Scott being involved with HP Divisions all over the world, managing projects and teaching project management skills to engineers and managers on 4 continents. He was constantly focused on the breakthrough—cultural and communication breakthroughs, process breakthroughs, and product and market breakthroughs. After HP, Scott spent 5 years doing international mission and relief work. He was part of the team that took the first shipment of medical aid into Southern Iraq after the last Gulf War. And then, for the last 3 years, Scott has been involved with real estate development and oil and gas project management.
Through his personal friendship with Ron Aitkens, President of the Harvest Group of Companies, Scott got connected to Foundation Capital Corp.  Scott, with his wife and 2 youngest children, moved to Calgary from New Hampshire in February of 2009 to work on various Foundation Capital Projects, including their oil and gas project.

Living Financially Stress Free

with Michael Finkelstein, M.D.

SunRaven

MICHAEL FINKELSTEIN, M.D.
Founder, SunRaven
Former Chief of Integrative Medicine and Medical Director,
Northern Westchester Hospital, New York
An expert in holistic, skillful living, Michael Finkelstein, M.D., has gained acclaim for his pioneering approach to integrative medicine since beginning his private practice more than twenty years ago. Board-certified in both internal medicine and holistic medicine, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a graduate of the Associate Fellowship Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona School of Medicine, Dr. Finkelstein is a self-professed “Doctor of Common Sense.” He is a dedicated healer who views health and well-being as a wholly singular unit, one that must be taken seriously, and considered with compassion, intention and commitment. Dr. Finkelstein’s concept of “skillful living” applies this holistic approach to overall well-being – the business of living must be developed, like a skill, with mindful, dedicated attention.
Dr. Finkelstein’s approach to health is consultative and instructive, not prescriptive. While he believes you can transcend health issues with life change, there is no holistic “power combo” that works for everyone, and results are proportional to the work and mindfulness dedicated to the individual’s efforts. Dr. Finkelstein encourages his patients to examine their lives as a whole and to meet each obstacle – whether health-related, financial or relationship-based – as an opportunity for introspection, personal growth and improvement, emphasizing the significance of taking control of your own life. His deeply rooted belief that everyone has an inner potential for greater health is the foundation on which he now bases his practice.
Dr. Finkelstein is the founder and director of the holistic healing and living center.
SunRaven, a Westchester-county destination for anyone looking to take control of their own health and happiness. Through personal consultation, special programs and activities, like book readings and group juice fasts, SunRaven is a healing space that offers classes and workshops to provide individuals with the skills to make better choices and move toward a greater, more whole, state of health and well-being. Formerly serving as Chief of Integrative Medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., Dr. Finkelstein’s skillful living approach continues to help patients lead healthier, happier and more balanced lives.  
Dr. Finkelstein is frequently turned to by the media and health industry luminaries as a resource for information on alternative integrated medicine. He also lectures widely about holistic medicine and holds regular seminars throughout the tri-state New York area on stress management, sleep problems, healthy nutrition and dieting, meditation, supplements, holistic approaches to cancer prevention, and more.  In November of 2009, in partnership with Business TalkRadio Network and Lifestyle TalkRadio Network, Dr. Finkelstein launched The Skillful Living Room, a nationally syndicated healthy living discussion that features patient success stories, physical and mental health tips, nutrition, fitness and wellness advice, a call-in portion, and expert advice from Dr. Finkelstein, as well as commentary from colleagues and friends whom he has met in his own personal journey. 
Before becoming dedicated to holistic, skillful living and patient care, Dr. Finkelstein held various positions in the allopathic medicinal community, including Assistant Director of the Department of Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief of the Department of Medicine and Medical Director at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. Dr. Finkelstein has successfully maintained his affiliations with traditional western medicine while associating with and learning from a wide range of complimentary and alternative practitioners.
Dr. Finkelstein received his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts and Science, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He holds membership in several professional medical organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Internal Medicine, the American Holistic Medical Association, the American Board of Holistic Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine and the New York State Society of Internal Medicine. Dr. Finkelstein’s awards and honors include the Upjohn Achievement Award for Outstanding Medical Resident, the John O. Vietta M.D. Memorial Award for Academic Excellence and Personal Achievement and Lenox Hill Hospital’s “Attending of the Year.” Dr. Finkelstein currently resides in Westchester County, N.Y.
 

Teach Your Child About Money

with Nancy Phillips

Zela Wela Kids

Nancy Phillips was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the fifth largest city in North America. She has three older brothers and very loving parents who grew up during the depression.

Two specific incidents that occurred when Nancy was young significantly impacted her outlook on money management. One day when Nancy was nine years old, Barbara, one of her mother’s friends, came to the house crying. After she left, Nancy asked her mom why Barbara had been crying. Her mother told her that her friend had lost her husband several weeks earlier. Barbara’s husband had been the one responsible for paying the bills and investing for their retirement. Now that he was gone, Barbara was devastated and had no idea what to do. This experience had a major impact on young Nancy. She made a vow to never let this happen to her.

Then, when Nancy was twenty-one, she met a wonderful family. The eldest child, who was only a few years older than Nancy, had purchased a cute little house. When Nancy asked her how she could afford to buy such a great place at such a young age, she informed Nancy that she had saved the down payment by setting aside 30% of every paycheck she had received since becoming a real estate agent several years earlier. She said that she didn’t miss the extra money and was accustomed to living on 70% of her paycheck. This made a lot of sense to Nancy, so when she began her own career, she started depositing 30% of her paycheck into a separate account, giving 10% to charity, and living on the remaining 60%. By following this system, she, too, was able to buy her first home in her twenties.

Nancy has an Honors Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Queens University, Canada. From the age of eight, her goal was to improve the quality of life for people with injuries and disease. She has twenty years’ experience in medical sales, international marketing, and new product development. Nancy was a national award- winning sales representative for Bayer Pharmaceuticals in Canada and went on to successfully manage a $40 million international orthopedic product line while working in San Diego.
The birth of her first child in 2002 dramatically changed Nancy’s life and some of her primary goals. After becoming a mother of two, she had a new focus—teaching her children the skills they would need to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Just before her eldest turned five, she began searching for a book series that would teach her children important lessons about personal finance. Although many of the books she read had excellent information, it was generally directed towards adults not children. This led to the creation of The Zela Wela Kids.

Nancy’s mission is to help create a financially literate society by providing children and young adults with resources that encourage a basic understanding of personal finance and the process of goal achievement. She hopes that by talking about these important subjects, parents and children alike will be inspired to develop responsible financial habits that will increase their quality of life and enable them to achieve their true potential.

Financial and Tax Tips

with Don Campbell

Real Estate Investment Network

Don R. Campbell is a Canadian-based real estate investor, researcher, author and educator. He is president of the Real Estate Investment Network™, and Cutting Edge Research Inc. He and his experienced team are leaders in providing Canada’s most current real estate investment education programs and economic research materials.
 

Don made his first investment into residential real estate in BC’s Fraser Valley back in 1985 and hasn’t looked back since. While teaching and sharing his research with Canadians, Don continues to add to his personal real estate portfolio, and now has extensive holdings across the country. Many successful years later, Don is showing thousands of Canadians the exact steps he took.
 

Don is the author of the best-selling Canadian real estate book Real Estate Investing in Canada. Published in May 2005, with over41,000 copies sold, it is the all-time best-selling real estate book in Canadian history. Real Estate Investing in Canada 2.0 was released in 2009 with an update on current market conditions and includes a section on property management to help investors better manage their portfolios. Don’s second book, 97 Tips for Canadian Real Estate Investors was released in 2006 and became a #1 best-seller with over 20,000 copies sold. His third book, titled 51 Success Stories of Canadian Real Estate Investors, was released in December 2007 and chronicles real estate investors’ stories and follows with detailed analyses of their journeys so that all investors can mirror the successes and avoid the pitfalls. 81 Financial and Tax Tips for the Canadian Real Estate Investor, released in February 2010, is a practical, compact, and easy-to-understand guide to accounting and tax-saving strategies.
 

Don donates 100% of his author royalties from all three books directly to Habitat for Humanity and so far he and the members of REIN™ have raised over $500,000 to build homes for those in need of a hand-up.
 

Campbell’s comprehensive education programs, in combination with his extensive economic research, attract attention in Canadian business circles because of its effectiveness and down-to-earth practicality. As a result of his direct focus on the economics and fundamentals of real estate — not hype and emotions- Don is a go-to person for national and local TV, magazines, newspapers and radio whenever the discussion of real estate arises.
 

Don shares his strategies and economic research at monthly meetings, events, and on-line with the many members of the Real Estate Investment Network™.To date, REIN™ members have purchased well in excess of 26,800 properties valued at more than $3.0 billion, with close to 220 properties added each month. Today, REIN™ has more than 3,000 members who range in age from 16 to 70; many have been members for more than 100 months. REIN™ does not sell properties, but instead provides education and unbiased economic research and analysis.

Don’s entertaining and informative presentations have been attended by thousands of real estate investors across North America, Australia and Ireland. He can speak in detail on any market in the country and is not afraid to tell the truth about where the market is headed. His research and systems have been developed and refined yearly for the last 18 years and are based solely on proven Canadian strategies that work in today’s market environment.

Book: Stock Investing For Canadians for Dummies

with Andrew Dagys

Author

Andrew Dagys, CMA (Toronto, Ontario), is a professional accountant and a bestselling author who has written and co-authored several books, including The Internet For Canadians For Dummies Starter Kit (first and second editions), Investing Online For Canadians For Dummies (also first and second editions), The Internet for 50+, The Financial Planner for 50+, and The Ontario Retirement Handbook.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

with James Okano

DLC Persistent Mortgages

James Okano is a mortgage professional with Dominion Lending Centres Persistent Mortgages headquartered in Abbotsford BC. He is an expert at taking a complicated subject and explaining it in everyday language. Experienced in all facets of the business, James saves you time and money by providing professional mortgage advice at no cost to you. Persistent Mortgages provides residential and commercial financing nationally as an independent member of Dominion Lending Centres.

Tax Tips You Can Understand

with Cleo Hamel

H & R Block

As a Senior Tax Analyst, Cleo Hamel brings a wealth of financial and tax experience to the Tax Advisory at H&R Block. In her role, she is part of a team responsible for ensuring H&R Block tax associates are informed and trained on all tax laws as well as providing commentary on tax-related issues.

She is also the national spokesperson for the Tax Advisory at H&R Block and has been interviewed across the country. From explaining how the Federal Budget impacts Canadians to having fun with Gerry Dee on CBC’s The Hour, Cleo enjoys the opportunity to provide straightforward information about taxes.

Cleo joined H&R Block in January 2000 as a tax associate and was steadily promoted within the organization. She was a tax course instructor, an Assistant District Manager and District Manager before taking her current position in 2006.

Prior to joining H&R Block, Cleo was an independent financial advisor with a broker’s license in the Calgary area.

She attended the University of Calgary and studied French, Italian and Spanish with a minor in Business and is fluent in French and Italian. She continued her education with the university and completed her Management Certificate in 1994.

Cleo currently lives in Calgary with her husband of 16 years and their two daughters, aged 13 and 12. They also share their home with three year old Bear, a Husky Chow mix.

Investing in Private Companies

with Wayne Tinker

OKKO Communities Inc.

Wayne Tinker is lawyer by profession who spent a number of years as an advisor to public and private corporations, in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and the management of companies involved in capital generation and deployment.

SPINNAKER VENTURES Limited is a consulting business focusing on the challenges and requirements of investment companies, and in the interpretation of securities legislation and policy.

Wayne has been closely following recently announced changes in securities law and regulation affecting investment companies and their agent networks, involved in providing comment on draft legislative changes over the past several years.

SPINNAKER VENTURES Limited provides advisory services to Foundation Capital Corporation.

SPINNAKER VENTURES Limited is one of the founders and organizers of a series of seminars for Exempt Market Participants being delivered this spring to assist in understanding and passing the Exempt Market Products Course Exam required as sales agent proficiency.

Empowering Students For Their Careers

with Les Hewitt

The Power of Focus Inc.

“True success in life is based on results, not theories. Specific focused action is a lot more important than words."

Les Hewitt, Founder and President of The Power of Focus Inc., is one of the top performance coaches and business speakers in North America. His first book, The Power of Focus: How to hit your business, personal and financial targets with absolute certainty published in May 2000 - is an international bestseller, having sold more than half a million copies in North America to date. It has been translated into nineteen languages. His co-authors are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, the famous creators of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series .

The follow up titles in the series, The Power of Focus for Women: How to live the life you really want co-authored by his wife Fran – was released in October 2003. The Power of Faithful Focus: a practical Christian guide to spiritual and personal abundance, co-authored with Dr. Charlie Self, was published in September 2004, and the fourth title, was released in August 2005, The Power of Focus for College Students.

As an entrepreneur for more than 30 years, Les understands the real world of business and the struggle and challenges associated with staying focused. His passion is helping business people achieve exceptional profits and productivity while enjoying an excellent balance between work and family. In 1983, he established Achievers Canada, the forerunner to The Power of Focus Inc. and built it into one of the largest personal development organizations in Canada. Les has created and facilitated more than 700 workshops and training programs that have been successfully utilized by thousands of business executives from a broad cross-section of industry. He also created The Power of Focus Personal Coaching Program™ and The Power of Focus Corporate Coaching Program™

Les is in demand as a dynamic speaker and workshop leader at conventions, sales conferences and management retreats.

Originally from Northern Ireland, he now resides in Calgary with his wife, Fran Hewitt author of The Power of Focus for Women: How to Live the Life You Really Want and family.

Registered Education Savings Plan - RESP's

with Ken Holden

CST Consultants Inc.

Ken is the Branch Manager for CST Consultants Inc., Branch 700 in Calgary and Southern Alberta. He has specialized in helping parents save for their  child's post secondary education for 9 years. Prior to becoming a Branch Manager he was the top Canadian sales representative for CST Consultants.

Wills and Inheritances

with Les Kotzer

Wills and Estate Lawyer and Author

Les Kotzer, a Wills and Estates lawyer since 1989, focuses his practice on avoiding and resolving inheritance disputes. He graduated law school on the Dean's list. He is a member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners and is co-author of The Family Fight...Planning To Avoid It, and The Family War...Winning the Inheritance Battle.

Les is also a regular guest on radio and television shows across North America. He has appeared on CNN and Fox News. He has also been featured in publications across North America including Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, The National Post and The New York Times.

Les is also a professional songwriter. He has written the lyrics for the songs on the CD entitled, "A Family United, A Family Divided." Three of his songs, "These Are Our Heroes", "You Made A Difference", and "Photos In A Drawer" can be heard on various radio stations. He has a second website dedicated to his songs, www.songwritinglawyer.com.

Self Directed RRSP's

with Craig Skauge

Olympia Trust

Craig Skauge graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Management Degree in 2003. Prior thereto, Craig Skauge received a Diploma in Business Administration from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology ("S.A.I.T."). He has been the recipient of multiple academic scholarships, including the Alexander Rutherford Scholarship and S.A.I.T. entrance award. Since 2003, has acted as the Business Development Manager for Olympia Trust Company's registered plans division. Craig's position with Olympia Trust Company has involved networking with multiple mortgage brokers and real estate developers in an attempt to have them and their investors use Olympia Trust Company's registered plan services. Through this position, Craig has gained a vast knowledge about the relationship between registered plans and alternative exempt market investments.  In June of 2008, Craig Skauge was appointed to the board of directors of Olympia Trust Company's parent Company, Olympia Financial Group Inc. (TSXV: OLY). In addition, Craig is a Director and the President of the Target Capital Inc., an investment company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “TCI”. Craig has been an advisory board member with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada (Alberta/NWT Chapter) since 2008 and also volunteers with an animal rescue organization

Harbour View Landing, Comox, BC

with Alvin Fritz

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc.

Established in 1989, Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. has been active in the profession of 20 years, providing services in a variety of market sectors ranging from "state-of-the-art" medical laboratories and facilities to single-family residential designs. One of the firm's most prolific market niches has been in the area of residential condominium design and the firm has developed this building type from Manitoba to British Columbia.

The employees at Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. are the firm's greatest resource and asset. They share the vision of the firm and in turn, assume the vision of the clientele. Positive morale and mutual respect provide an excellent working environment conducive to creativity and prolific production. The staff at Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. includes exceptional Architects, excellent Computer Technologists, Project Managers and Administrative Project Assistants. The firm makes it a priority to invest in the staff by exposing them to the latest advances in building systems, computer technologies, and software applications. This creative team has over 150 years of combined experience.

RRSP vs. TFSA

with Ron Aitkens

Harvest Group of Companies

Ron Aitkens, President of the Harvest Group of Companies, was raised in southern Alberta and currently lives in Lethbridge. He has long held a passion for helping others succeed. That, along with his entrepreneurial prowess, launched him into the financial world 15 years ago.

His beginnings as a Certified Financial Planner led him primarily to farmers' homes, where he quickly realized there was more he wanted to and could do to service their retirement needs. He began looking for alternatives to traditional investment forums and for ways to provide clients with increased retirement income. This venture ultimately led Ron to his current focus - using the power of syndication for individual investment success.

Hear what Ron Aitkens has to say Regarding everyday Financial Issues.

Government Grants and Rebates

with Scott McGillivray

HGTV'S Income Property

Real estate and renovation expert Scott McGillivray is the host of HGTV’s Income Property, currently in production of its second season.  The 31 year-old real estate entrepreneur rescues first time homeowners from the harsh real-estate market by building income suites to offset their huge mortgages.  In the face of current property value declines, Scott evaluates, plans, and executes renovations that provide long-term solutions for property investors.

Growing up in East Toronto, Ontario, Scott bought his first income suite development property as a 23 year-old student.  With a natural skill for renovation, decoration and organization, he has since bought and converted dozens of income-generating homes and has overseen hundreds of renovation projects.  He quickly became a favourite as the resident carpenter on the hit series Debbie Travis’ Facelift and Debbie Travis’s project manager on Global’s From the Ground Up.  Scott most recently appeared on ABC’s Nightline special that focused on the new frugal trend of real estate and renovation.

Scott currently resides in Woodbridge, Ontario and enjoys a very healthy and active lifestyle that includes swimming, playing squash and surfing on holidays.

Every renovation can be attainable and fun with Scott on the job – especially when the result is an income suite with great earning potential delivered in record time.

Earn, Spend, Save,

with Kira Vermond

Author and Chatelaine Magazine's financial columnist

Kira holds an honours B.A. in Journalism from Carleton University, where she learned to write for print, television and radio. She acted as features editor at the university newspaper, produced and hosted the award-winning radio show “Write On” and won a Books in Canada award for short fiction. She was nominated for two KRW awards for excellence in business writing and a National Magazine Award for best “how-to” article. Her post-secondary education communications work has won trade awards.

Kira has been a weekly columnist and regular contributor to The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business, Careers, Real Estate and Travel sections, FORUM magazine and CMA Management magazine, concentrating on HR practices and trends. She is also a personal finance columnist for Chatelaine and a regular workplace commentator for CBC Radio.  Her work is featured in Today’s Parent, Canadian Family and other parenting magazines. For years, she wrote regularly about technology for the National Post’s IT Monthly, Passport, e-Xchange and other special report sections.

In previous years, Kira’s bylines have also appeared in the HR Professional, PROFIT, Hospital Perspectives, Financial Post, Canada’s SOHO Magazine, Airborne, The Road Explorer and even Canadian Machinery and Metalworking among many others. Her work is featured in Three Ring Circus (Seal Press, May 2004). She has also appeared on TVO’s Planet Parent and produced a segment for Studio 2.

You can find her new Chatelaine personal finance book, Earn, Spend, Save: The savvy guide to a richer, smarter, debt-free life, (Wiley, 2010) at major bookstores across Canada.

Recreational Properties

with Mark Taylor

Windmill Harbour

Since graduating from college in 1985, Mark has spent his career working in the Design, Marketing and Management fields of the Residential and Commercial Development in Alberta and BC.

After starting his career with UMA Engineering Ltd., Mark later founded in 1993 Caddies Design Group, which became a 24-man Design/Drafting and Marketing Production company with direct focus on the Architectural and Real Estate/Building Development Industry.  In 2000 Mark became the Senior Project Manager for Hawthorne Homes, a Division of Carma Developers Ltd, after which since 2004 he has created and managed a new division of the Linwood Group of Companies, Linwood Resort and Community Development and is a partner in Timber Ridge Homes an Alberta based recreational home building company and registered builder/dealer for the Linwood Homes product line.

Timber Ridge Homes as a Builder in numerous developments in the area, is especially proud of it position as registered builder in the Windmill Harbour Development at Lac Ste Anne Alberta.  In addition to his role as a Builder in the development, Mark has also taken on the responsibilities of Managing the Sale and Marketing program for the development.

Life Insurance

with Ray Zadrey

Total Financial Solutions

Since beginning his Financial Planning career in 2004, Ray Zadrey has been providing financial strategy advice to families and small business owners in the Edmonton, Alberta region.  Ray has a diverse clientele in the industry sector including retail, hospitality and service.  Through utilizing concepts such as leverage strategies, tax advantage strategies, risk transfer, unique investments opportunities and land & real estate development Ray continues to find solutions that meet each of his client’s specific needs. He strives to help his clients gain confidence in both their business and personal interactions and challenges them to step beyond the industry norm to become leaders today.

Ray’s career history includes keynote speaking at 40 Business Development Seminars and Production and Presentation of “Maximum Impact Leadership” international simulcasts.  He is an alumni member of a Marketplace Leadership Group and Co-chaired a corporate United Way Campaign in 2000.  Today Ray is the president of the largest minor hockey association in Edmonton, AB and a volunteer in the Junior Achievement program teaching grade 5 students about business.

Ray lives in Edmonton with his wife of 23 years, Wanda and their 2 young sons Ty and Logan.  When time allows, he can be found out golfing or coaching minor hockey.  Ray’s philosophy is to leave a positive legacy.  He is committed to building leadership skills and solid financial plans to enhance the prosperity of others.

Repeat Program on Oil and Gas

with Roger Baker

Neo Explorations Inc.

Mr. Baker is a development geologist with over eight years in the industry, having worked for companies such as BP Canada, Enterra Energy Trust, and Jed Oil Inc. Mr. Baker founded Neo Exploration Inc. in 2005 and has been President & CEO throughout that time.

Mr. Baker’s expertise lies in the development and optimization of oil and gas assets. He has developed major oil pools in the Doe Creek, Pekisko and Sunburst formations, as well as shallow gas programs in the Milk River, Medicine Hat and Second White Specks Formations. Mr. Baker graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with an Honours degree in geology in 2001.
 

Repeat Program on Income Properties

with Scott McGillivray

HGTV'S Income Property

Real estate and renovation expert Scott McGillivray is the host of HGTV's Income Property, currently in production of its second season. The 31 year-old real estate entrepreneur rescues first time homeowners from the harsh real-estate market by building income suites to offset their huge mortgages. In the face of current property value declines, Scott evaluates, plans, and executes renovations that provide long-term solutions for property investors.

Growing up in East Toronto, Ontario, Scott bought his first income suite development property as a 23 year-old student. With a natural skill for renovation, decoration and organization, he has since bought and converted dozens of income-generating homes and has overseen hundreds of renovation projects. He quickly became a favourite as the resident carpenter on the hit series Debbie Travis' Facelift and Debbie Travis's project manager on Global's From the Ground Up. Scott most recently appeared on ABC's Nightline special that focused on the new frugal trend of real estate and renovation.

Scott currently resides in Woodbridge, Ontario and enjoys a very healthy and active lifestyle that includes swimming, playing squash and surfing on holidays.

Every renovation can be attainable and fun with Scott on the job - especially when the result is an income suite with great earning potential delivered in record time.

Charitable Giving

with Colin Presizniuk

Colin Presizniuk & Associates

Colin Presizniuk and Associates is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Colin has a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified General Accountant (CGA). He’s also a Fellow of the Canadian Condominium Institute (FCCI) and a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP).
The company provides accounting services; personal and corporate tax services; estate services and financial planning services. They know the nuances for nonprofits, entertainers, and small to medium sized businesses and we are pleased to use our knowledge and experience for you. To them, you’re a part of the family.

Teaching Children About Money

with Anton Simunovic

Three Jars

Anton Simunovic - Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Anton is a big-picture guy with a knack for details - a combination that's
hard to beat. As a venture capitalist with a Harvard MBA, he vaulted more
than a dozen Internet and technology-based companies to success. Now
he's taken on a challenge that stumps millions of parents: how to raise
money-wise, caring kids. ThreeJars is Anton's thoughtfully crafted response.

Foundation Resources, the feature investment of the month

with Roger Baker

Neo Exploration Inc.

Mr. Baker is a development geologist with over eight years in the industry, having worked for companies such as BP Canada, Enterra Energy Trust, and Jed Oil Inc. Mr. Baker founded Neo Exploration Inc. in 2005 and has been President & CEO throughout that time.

Mr. Baker’s expertise lies in the development and optimization of oil and gas assets. He has developed major oil pools in the Doe Creek, Pekisko and Sunburst formations, as well as shallow gas programs in the Milk River, Medicine Hat and Second White Specks Formations. Mr. Baker graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with an Honours degree in geology in 2001.

Ethical Development

with Ralph Bennetsen

ISM Projects Ltd.

Ralph has over 25 years experience in Real Estate development with primary expertise in project, development, operations and facilities management. As leader of ISM, Ralph’s sphere of operations is diversified to include industrial, commercial and multi residential as well as ‘start to finish’ land development.  ISM has a strong portfolio of completed projects including the recently completed Commonwealth Centre in Calgary, a long list of hotels, resort and commercial projects throughout British Columbia as well as quality ‘green zone’ residential developments.  Ralph has a thorough grasp of both the complexity of sustainable development and the need to deliver a project on budget and on time. 

OKKO COMMUNTIES

with Noel Winter

OKKO Communities

Noel is the President of Okko Communities, a company specializing in higher end land development. The most notable of his recent project involvements is with the new mega mall North of Calgary called “Cross Iron Mills”. He’ll be talking about what to look for in your ‘dream property’; whether it is for vacations, a secondary home or for retirement. He’ll also talk about their new project in Kimberly, BC, called ‘Sullivan Landing’ and what an investor will find in that project.

Noel Winter Founding Partner and President
With a passion to protect and preserve our environment, Noel has 30 years development experience and is focusing on sustainable communities that are referenced as industry examples of just how efficient and cost effective "going green" can be. His land management and development background includes senior involvement with a $3.5 billion publicly traded Real Estate Development company

Flow Through and Super Flow Through

with Darvin Zurfluh

Alberta Financial Solutions

Darvin founded an investment brokerage that is now over 28 agents strong and was just recognized as the 9th fastest Emerging Growth Company in Canada by Profit Magazine. He has spent 12 years in the Financial Planning business. He started out working in the banking industry and then later gained experience and knowledge working for a large insurance organization where he was recognized as a Top Financial Producer in Canada.

Over the years, Darvin realized he could provide better service for clients working independently because no one company could provide all the products to fit their needs. He was always eager to research new investment opportunities. Many times he found great alternative investments that provided security and profitability that he invested in personally but couldn’t offer to his clients because either it didn’t make the company enough money or it was outside of their traditional line up. Because he saw the opportunity to create greater wealth for his clients with alternative investments, he decided to go independent in 2004. Soon afterwards former colleagues of his were looking to him to do the same thing and wanting to join him and in 2006 the Alberta Land & Investment Brokers was formed.

Darvin has attained the following designations:

• FSCI - It is recognized as the highest honor in the financial services industry. www.fcsi.ca
• FMA - The FMA educational program advances you beyond a study of complex financial planning and wealth management concepts, techniques and solutions.
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• CFP – CFP stands for Certified Financial Planner™. The CFP™ registered certification marks identify individuals who are dedicated to a high level of professionalism in providing financial planning advice. The CFP credentials assure you that those using them have agreed to adhere to the highest internationally recognized standards of competence and ethical practice as set out by Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC). www.cfp-ca.org/public/public_faq_cfpdesignation.asp

Oil And Gas Industry

with Roger J. Baker B. Sc. (Geol)

Neo Exploration Inc.

Mr. Baker is a development geologist with over eight years in the industry, having worked for companies such as BP Canada, Enterra Energy Trust, and Jed Oil Inc. Mr. Baker founded Neo Exploration Inc. in 2005 and has been President & CEO throughout that time.

Mr. Baker’s expertise lies in the development and optimization of oil and gas assets. He has developed major oil pools in the Doe Creek, Pekisko and Sunburst formations, as well as shallow gas programs in the Milk River, Medicine Hat and Second White Specks Formations. Mr. Baker graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with an Honours degree in geology in 2001.

The Difference

with Jean Chatzky

Jean Chatzky, award-winning journalist, best-selling author is the financial editor for NBC’s Today, a contributing editor for More Magazine, a columnist for The New York Daily News, and a contributor to The Oprah Winfrey Show. She blogs daily at JeanChatzky.com.

She is the author of six books, including her newest book The Difference: How Anyone Can Prosper in Even the Toughest Times (Crown Business) and best sellers Pay It Down: From Debt to Wealth on $10 A Day (New York Times and Business Week best seller) and Make Money, Not Excuses (Wall Street Journal and New York Times best seller).

Jean has been recognized as an exceptional journalist. In 2009, the Consumer Federation of America awarded Chatzky the Betty Furness Consumer Media Service Award for her nearly two decades of pioneering personal finance education. She also received the Clarion Award for magazine columns from the Association of Woman in Communications, a Gracie Award from American Women in Radio and Television, Inc. and she was named one of the country’s best magazine columnists by the Chicago Tribune.

In addition to her professional work, Jean is on the Literacy Partners board of directors, lends her support and expertise to women's services groups and is on the board of the Nora Magid Mentorship prize at the University of Pennsylvania, which helps journalism students get a head-start in the field. She is also a member of the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women for the University of Pennsylvania.

Jean lives with her family in Westchester, New York.

How The Top 5% Think

with Fred Sarkari

Fred Sarkari is the president of a unique sales and personal development company that seeks to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their visions, goals and dreams.

Fred empowers passionate people around the world to be more effective in their professional and personal lives by creating a deeper sense of awareness.

Fred is considered an expert in human behavior.  He coaches, teaches and provides management consulting services to a broad range of organizations from start ups to some of the world's largest organizations.

In addition being a Entrepreneur Coach, Fred has written a Best Seller Book on the topic of Leadership.  This book titled “How the Top 5% Think! - Principles of Great Leaders” has been a tremendous success and has received rave reviews.

Fred has facilitated numerous workshops for employees of various companies including: Microsoft, Wells Fargo, BMW, Scotia Bank, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, CIBC, Royal Bank, North West Mutual Funds, Ceridian, Promotional Products Association, BMO Bank of Montreal, Genworth Financial, Hilton Hotels, Midas, Four Seasons Hotels and many more.

HGTV's Income Property

with Scott McGillivray

Real estate and renovation expert Scott McGillivray is the host of HGTV's Income Property, currently in production of its second season. The 31 year-old real estate entrepreneur rescues first time homeowners from the harsh real-estate market by building income suites to offset their huge mortgages. In the face of current property value declines, Scott evaluates, plans, and executes renovations that provide long-term solutions for property investors.

Growing up in East Toronto, Ontario, Scott bought his first income suite development property as a 23 year-old student. With a natural skill for renovation, decoration and organization, he has since bought and converted dozens of income-generating homes and has overseen hundreds of renovation projects. He quickly became a favourite as the resident carpenter on the hit series Debbie Travis' Facelift and Debbie Travis's project manager on Global's From the Ground Up. Scott most recently appeared on ABC's Nightline special that focused on the new frugal trend of real estate and renovation.

Scott currently resides in Woodbridge, Ontario and enjoys a very healthy and active lifestyle that includes swimming, playing squash and surfing on holidays.

Every renovation can be attainable and fun with Scott on the job - especially when the result is an income suite with great earning potential delivered in record time.

FOUNDATION CAPITAL

with Scott Rohrer

Scott Rohrer, Foundation Capital Corporation's Business and Market Analyst, got his start in business working with Hewlett-Packard Co. in 1981. His 20-year career with HP took on a decidedly international flavour with Scott being involved with HP Divisions all over the world, managing projects and teaching project management skills to engineers and managers on 4 continents. He was constantly focused on the breakthrough—cultural and communication breakthroughs, process breakthroughs, and product and market breakthroughs. After HP, Scott spent 5 years doing international mission and relief work. He was part of the team that took the first shipment of medical aid into Southern Iraq after the last Gulf War. And then, for the last 3 years, Scott has been involved with real estate development and oil and gas project management.

Through his personal friendship with Ron Aitkens, President of the Harvest Group of Companies, Scott got connected to Foundation Capital Corp. Scott, with his wife and 2 youngest children, moved to Calgary from New Hampshire in February of 2009 to work on various Foundation Capital Projects, including their oil and gas project.

THE 3 BIG CONSTRAINTS THAT HOLD PEOPLE BACK

with Les Hewitt

The Power Of Focus Inc.

Founder and President of The Power of Focus Inc., is one of the top performance coaches and business speakers in North America. His first book, The Power of Focus: How to hit your business, personal and financial targets with absolute certainty published in May 2000 - is an international bestseller, having sold more than half a million copies in North America to date. It has been translated into nineteen languages. His co-authors are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, the famous creators of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series.

As an entrepreneur for more than 30 years, Les understands the real world of business and the struggle and challenges associated with staying focused. His passion is helping business people achieve exceptional profits and productivity while enjoying an excellent balance between work and family. In 1983, he established Achievers Canada, the forerunner to The Power of Focus Inc. and built it into one of the largest personal development organizations in Canada. Les has created and facilitated more than 700 workshops and training programs that have been successfully utilized by thousands of business executives from a broad cross-section of industry. He also created The Power of Focus Personal Coaching Program™ and The Power of Focus Corporate Coaching Program™

TAX FREE SAVINGS ACCOUNT

with A. Roy

Define Financials Limited

A.Roy has 32 years of corporate experience with companies like Unilever, Microsoft, Visa and Mastercard. He specializes in mergers and acquisition. He is currently practicing business succession and continuity, tax planning, including estate planning for high net worth business clients. He also has expertise in both onshore and offshore strategies. Roy has lived in 12 countries and is conversant with international tax and estate laws . He presently lives in Alberta. A.Roy's hobby is Life Coaching with the objective of making millionaires out of ordinary people through a process involving dramatic changes in mindsets.

HARBOUR VIEW LANDING

with Alvin Reinhard Fritz

Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc

Established in 1989, Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. has been active in the profession of 20 years, providing services in a variety of market sectors ranging from "state-of-the-art" medical laboratories and facilities to single-family residential designs. One of the firm's most prolific market niches has been in the area of residential condominium design and the firm has developed this building type from Manitoba to British Columbia.

The employees at Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. are the firm's greatest resource and asset. They share the vision of the firm and in turn, assume the vision of the clientele. Positive morale and mutual respect provide an excellent working environment conducive to creativity and prolific production. The staff at Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc. includes exceptional Architects, excellent Computer Technologists, Project Managers and Administrative Project Assistants. The firm makes it a priority to invest in the staff by exposing them to the latest advances in building systems, computer technologies, and software applications. This creative team has over 150 years of combined experience.

MORTGAGE PAYDOWN

with James Okano, BSc

Persistent Mortgages

James Okano is a mortgage professional with Dominion Lending Centres Persistent Mortgages headquartered in Abbotsford BC. He is an expert at taking a complicated subject and explaining it in everyday language. Experienced in all facets of the business, James saves you time and money by providing professional mortgage advice at no cost to you. Persistent Mortgages provides residential and commercial financing nationally as an independent member of Dominion Lending Centres.