Ep.246: Canada's Economy Is Feeling the Pressure
March was a wild month – and in this April update, Darren and Christina break down what it all means for Canadians, investors, and business owners.
They cover the Bank of Canada rate hold, inflation risks, the falling Canadian dollar, stock market volatility, Bitcoin, pressure building in Canadian real estate, recession concerns, and why certainty matters more than ever in uncertain times.
They also unpack what's happening in the broader Canadian economy, why capital is leaving the country, and why more people are turning to safe, stable financial strategies.
Ep.245: Salary vs Dividends in Canada: What Business Owners Need to Know
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down one of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask — and explain why the answer is about much more than just taxes.
They cover the real differences between salary and dividends, how each one impacts your corporation, personal taxes, CPP, lending ability, cash flow, investing, retirement planning, and long-term wealth, and why sometimes the smartest move is to leave more money inside the corporate structure.
Ep.244: The TRUTH About Owning Multiple Infinite Banking Policies
Most people think you start a second policy when you have more money. While that may be the case sometimes, there's so many other reasons why you can start a second, third, and maybe even a fourth policy!
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down exactly when and why a second cash value life insurance policy makes sense. From max funding limits to corporate strategies, unexpected cash flow, and generational wealth planning, we walk through the real reasons people expand beyond their first policy.
Ep.243: Infinite Banking in Canada Explained: 1.0 vs 2.0 vs 3.0
What is Infinite Banking in Canada, and how do you know whether you're still at level 1.0 or ready for 2.0 and 3.0? On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down the real difference between using cash value life insurance in Canada for simple policy loans versus using it for wealth creation, retirement income, tax efficiency, and legacy planning.
They explain how Infinite Banking 1.0 is where most people start: borrowing against a properly structured policy for major purchases, liquidity, and better control over money. Then they move into Infinite Banking 2.0, where the strategy becomes a true wealth-building tool for Canadian business owners, real estate investors, and families who want to use policy liquidity to create assets, generate income, and multiply capital. Finally, they unpack Infinite Banking 3.0, where the conversation expands into tax-free retirement planning, estate planning, corporate planning, and leaving more to family instead of CRA.
Ep.242: Harleen Laroia on Leadership, Wellness, and Building with Purpose
Yesterday was International Women's Day, and today we're continuing that celebration by spotlighting an incredible woman who is building businesses, creating impact, and empowering communities. In this special Entrepreneur Spotlight episode of Control and Compound, Christina sits down with Harleen Laroia.
Harleen, a visionary CEO, spearheads a renowned childcare and Montessori brand with twelve facilities in Ontario. Driven by her children's needs, she transitioned from the corporate world to founding her own childcare brand with a unique offering of Montessori and play-based under one roof. SimplySmart Childcares provide employment for over 235 people in Ontario, with 99.9% being women.
Ep.241: Canada's Debt Problem Is Bigger Than You Think
Canada's economic future is becoming one of the most important conversations happening today. Rising government spending, persistent deficits, and growing debt are raising serious questions about long-term economic growth, investment, and tax policy.
On today's episode, Darren sits down with returning guest Jake Fuss, Director of Fiscal Studies at the Fraser Institute, to break down the big picture of Canada's economic trajectory. They discuss the real impact of affordability programs, government spending, deficits, and what Canada's rising debt could mean for businesses, investors, and everyday Canadians.
Ep.240: Volatility, Pressure & Big Decisions Ahead for Canadians
On the surface, things look stable. Inflation is near target. Rates are holding. The dollar isn't moving much. Markets aren't melting down.
But underneath? There are some real shifts happening.
On the March update, Darren and Christina talk about Canada's productivity problem, the growing imbalance between government and private sector jobs, real estate entering what we'd call a "pressure phase," and why Bitcoin's drop may not mean what people think it means.
They also dive into why Canada's market is outperforming the U.S. right now — and it has less to do with the economy than most people assume.
If you care about where the country is heading financially, this is an important one. Tune in now!
Ep.239: The Hidden Reason Entrepreneurs Burn Out
Most entrepreneurs believe working harder is the answer. More hours. More hustle. More grind. But what if the real breakthrough isn't doing more — it's doing less of the wrong things?
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell and explain how Canadian entrepreneurs can scale faster by delegating low-value tasks, focusing on $1,000–$10,000 activities, and building systems that create leverage. This one could change how you structure your entire week.
Ep.238: What Every Canadian Needs to Know About Passing Down Wealth
Canada doesn't have a formal death tax — but that doesn't mean death is simple or inexpensive. When someone passes away, taxes can be triggered immediately through deemed disposition, and on top of that, probate fees may apply depending on the province. Many Canadians confuse these two costs, and that confusion can lead to serious planning gaps.
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down what probate actually is, how probate fees vary across Canada, what assets flow through probate, and what strategies can reduce delays and unnecessary costs. More importantly, they explain why probate isn't just about fees — it's about timing, privacy, executor stress, and making life easier for your family when they're already dealing with loss.
Ep.237: Business Owners: This RRSP Mistake Could Costs You Millions
We're flipping the script for this month's entrepreneurial spotlight series and Darren is taking his turn in the hot seat!
Should incorporated Canadian business owners contribute to an RRSP — or is it quietly working against them?
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down what an RRSP actually is (a tax deferral, not a wealth strategy), why the "you'll be in a lower tax bracket in retirement" assumption often fails for successful business owners, and how forced RRIF withdrawals + OAS claw backs can create a much higher effective tax rate later.
Ep.236: 20 Years in Business: The Truth About Entrepreneurship No One Tells You
We're flipping the script for this month's entrepreneurial spotlight series and Darren is taking his turn in the hot seat!
Entrepreneurship isn't built on highlight reels — it's built on hard decisions, uncomfortable moments, and learning how to survive uncertainty.
From walking away from a secure corporate career, to $0 months, near-business-ending moments, and learning how to pivot under pressure — Darren shares the lessons most entrepreneurs only learn the hard way.
Ep.235: Markets Up, Economy Down?
Canada's economy feels uncertain heading into 2026 — but are the headlines telling the full story? On today's episode it's the February update and Darren and Christina break down what's really happening with the Bank of Canada, inflation, interest rates, real estate, stock markets, and Bitcoin.
They cover why markets can rise even when the economy feels weak, what Canadian investors should actually be paying attention to, and how smart investors are positioning themselves right now. If you're worried about inflation, housing affordability, or where to invest in 2026, this episode brings clarity without hype. Tune in now!
Ep.234: How to Choose the RIGHT Advisor for Infinite Banking
Choosing the right advisor is the most overlooked — and most important — part of implementing an Infinite Banking or high cash value life insurance strategy.
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down the 8 critical questions you must ask any advisor before committing to Infinite Banking, corporate-owned life insurance, or the Rockefeller Method.
They explain why infinite banking is a long-term strategy, not a product, how poor advisor selection leads to costly mistakes, and how the right advisor helps you use policies for business growth, real estate, retirement planning, and estate preservation.
Ep.233: The Biggest Retirement Lies in Canada (And How to Avoid Them)
Most Canadians think retirement is about hitting a number but on today's episode, Darren and Christina break down why that mindset can quietly destroy your plan. They expose the biggest retirement lies in Canada: "I'll be in a lower tax bracket," "CPP/OAS will cover me," "inflation won't be that bad," and why the 4% rule can lead to underspending (or worse). You'll learn the five retirement risks that can cut retirement income in half — and what a "volatility buffer" can do to protect your withdrawals in down markets.
Most retirement plans ignore the exact risks that show up when it matters most. If you want a plan that's built for real Canadian retirement math — start here.
Ep.232: The Question EVERY Wealthy Family Eventually Faces
Well we've officially made it to the end of our Rockefeller Method Series! This episode closes it all out by bringing everything together into one complete system.
The Rockefeller Method isn't a product you buy or a strategy you "try." It's a long-term framework built on certainty, structure, and intentional living. In this final chapter, Darren and Christina explain why wealth doesn't fail because of markets or bad investments — it fails when families don't pass down wisdom alongside money.
Ep.231: The Hidden Pattern Behind Every Entrepreneur Who Scales Impact ft. Giovanni Marsico
On today's episode, we're back with our entrepreneurial spotlight series and joining Darren is Giovanni Marsico, founder of Archangel and creator of Destiny Fest — one of the most ambitious community-driven entrepreneurial platforms in the world.
Ep.230: 2026 Market Predictions
What actually happened with our 2025 predictions — and what does 2026 really look like for Canadians?
In our annual predictions episode, Darren and Christina review last year's forecasts and hold themselves accountable for what they got right, what they missed, and what changed. From there, they break down what the data, policy decisions, and economic realities suggest for 2026.
Ep.229: How to Actually Hit Your Goals in 2026 (The EXACT System We Use)
Big goals don't create results — consistent execution does. In our annual goal setting episode, Darren and Christina share how they personally plan their year using a framework that blends EOS-style 90-day planning, daily habit systems, anti-goals, and weekly scorecards.
You'll learn why annual goals alone don't drive behavior, how to break big goals into manageable checkpoints, and how small daily actions compound into massive progress over time. The conversation also covers why perfection isn't required, how to recover quickly when you fall off track, and how to keep momentum going without burnout.
Ep.228: The Decision That Could Make or Break Your Infinite Banking Strategy!
Most people don't realize that choosing the wrong dividend option can completely undermine a whole life insurance strategy.
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down every dividend option available inside a participating whole life policy — and explain why Paid-Up Additions (PUAs) are not just the best option, but the only option that consistently delivers long-term wealth, liquidity, and control.
Ep.227: Stop Letting the CRA Eat Your Profits
You worked hard. You took the risk. You built the business. So why does it feel like the CRA is the biggest partner you never invited in?
On today's episode, Darren and Christina break down the most dangerous corporate cash traps business owners fall into — often without even realizing it. From passive income clawbacks to estate planning disasters, these mistakes quietly erode your profits and limit your future options.
This is required listening for Canadian business owners who want control, flexibility, and tax efficiency — not surprises from the CRA.