With the cost of living across Canada increasing, many Albertans are concerned about paying bills and many are taking on more debt just to afford the basic necessities. So how can we manage our debt, and what can we do to dig ourselves out of it? In this episode, we speak with Sandy Lyons CPA, CIRP, CFE, a semi-retired CPA, Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Credit Counsellor residing in Lethbridge, Alberta. He is also a volunteer with the CPA Canada Financial Literacy program and he joins us to share his insights into how we, as consumers, can manage and solve our debt problems.

AI, blockchain, machine learning…these are all words we’ve heard before. But what are they and how can businesses use these tools to their advantage? In this episode, Cody Austin CPA, CMA of Digital Carbon Bank, joins our host to talk about how they are using AI and machine learning to help businesses accurately track and report on their carbon emissions as part of their environmental, social and governance reporting (ESG).

Do you have a side hussle? Are you running a home-based business or working an extra job to make more money? Then you’ll want to listen to this episode. Anna Lissa Jin CPA, CA shares her tips on how you can save money on your taxes – from income-splitting and write-offs, to keeping organized and knowing when to engage a CPA or tax professional.

The topic of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) has garnered much attention over the past few years. And while progress is being made, there is still much to be done. What needs to change in order for us to see results from all those commitments to prioritize DEIA initiatives? Rae Shungur, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Recruitment Partners, joins our host to discuss what DEIA progress can look like in the future.

Did you know that 50% of small businesses fail after five years? The reasons are varied: lack of cash flow, low demand, or unforeseen circumstances (e.g. a global pandemic). Josh Spurrell CPA, CA, and author of 100 Myths of Entrepreneurship VS. Chainsaw, and Founder of Spurrell & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants, shares common mistakes small business owners make and what they can do to maximize their chances of success.

Automation makes life and work easier. It allows us to forget about mundane tasks like paying bills and instead spend time on activities that add value to our lives. Rachel Lee CPA, CA, Manager, Consulting at PwC, joins our host for a look into the world of automation and digital transformation. They discuss the difference between automation and digital transformation, and the risks involved in implementing or not implementing automation initiatives.

Over the last few decades, investments in intangible assets have increased dramatically, with investments in Canada reaching more than $134 billion in 2016, and intangibles accounting for 40% of all investments in the US and 10 European economies. But what are they, really? In this episode, Mason Darabi, CPA and co-founder and Chief Commercialization Officer at Ovenue, discusses intangible assets, blockchain technology, and shares his thoughts on how technology will influence the role of CPAs.

What does it take to keep a family-run business going for more than 40 years? Can you avoid the drama of family dynamics? Video Tax News is a family business that was started over four decades ago by Tom and Linda Devaney, with the second generation taking the reins approximately 10 years ago. The next gen of VTN – siblings and co-owners Caitlin Butler CPA, CA, Joe Devaney CPA, CA, and Sheena Teshima – join us in the studio to talk about their experiences in taking over the family business and how they’ve managed to stay relevant and keep their clients and listeners engaged, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Signs of stress and distress are all around us – in our colleagues, our peers, our families, and even in the mirror. How can you provide support to your networks, either as an individual or as a corporation? Better yet, how can you help yourself? Lindsey Stephenson is a CPA, CGA, and Registered Provisional Psychologist who, after 15 years in accounting, switched careers to pursue his passion of helping people reach their full potential (https://stephensonpsychology.com/). He joins our podcast to share his thoughts on how we can learn to cope with mental health struggles, anxiety, and stress.

Desiree Bedard CPA, CGA, is Director of Finance at Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta, one of 26,000 non-profit organizations and charities currently operating in Alberta. In this episode, we chat about her pathway to working at a non-profit and the importance of finding a powerful purpose in your work-life.

Continuous learning is a key component for success, and a requirement of the CPA profession in Canada. Recently, the profession expanded its requirements to include learning activities in the area of professional ethics. In this episode, Arun Mathur FCPA, FCA, LPA, Director and Lead Instructor at UltimQuest Knowledge Inc., shares his thoughts on ethics and the importance of continuous learning.